Command Element

2d Marine division band command element

Band Officer

cwo2 Stephen Howell

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stephen Howell is a native of Hernando, Mississippi, and is married to his wife, Dorothy Howell. His daughters, Destiny and Cadence, were both born in Hawaii.

Prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps in 2003, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Howell taught band for 5 years at Hernando Middle School. He has also instructed young musicians of all abilities across the country and around the world.

In his 18th year of service as a musician in the United States Marine Corps, he is the current Officer in Charge of the Second Marine Division Band. Prior duty stations include: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band in Cherry Point, North Carolina; The Quantico Marine Band in Quantico, Virginia; Marine Forces Pacific Band in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, Louisiana; and the Third Expeditionary Force Band in Okinawa, Japan. Prior duties include: Acting Drum Major, Acting Enlisted Conductor, Acting Small Ensemble Leader, Music Library Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Platoon Sergeant, Percussion Section Leader, and Show Band Ensemble Leader.

He has performed in multiple ensembles for a wide variety of audiences including military dignitaries and world leaders. Some of his most notable performances include performances for former president George W. Bush, Super Bowls 41 & 47, the coronation ceremony for the King of Tonga, military tattoos at the Budokan in Tokyo, Japan, and memorial services at Belleau Wood, France.

Military Education includes: Corporal’s Course, Sergeant’s Course, Staff Academy, Warrant Officer Basic Course, and the Naval School of Music’s basic, unit leader, and senior musician, and audition trainer courses.

Civilian education includes: Associate of Arts from Northwest Mississippi Community College, a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Delta State University, and a Master of Education from American Intercontinental University.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Howell’s personal awards include: The Meritorious Service Medal, The Navy Commendation Medal (2nd Award), the Navy Achievement Medal (3rd Award), The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), The National Defense Medal and Global War on Terrorism Medal.

Bandmaster

Msgysgt William d. mike iii

Master Gunnery Sergeant William D. Mike, III, a native of Wilmington, North Carolina, enlisted in the Marine Corps in July, 1995. Upon completion of Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island he reported to his first duty station the 2d Marine Division Band as a French Horn Instrumentalist. He was then assigned to the Quantico Marine Corps Band, from 1999 to 2004 as a French Horn Instrumentalist and Assistant Drum Major.

He enrolled in the Naval School of Music in 2004 to attend the Unit Leader's Course. Upon graduation, he returned to the Quantico Marine Corps Band, as the Drum Major. He returned to the Naval School of Music in 2005 to serve as the Platoon Sergeant for the Marine Detachment. He then assumed the duties as Registrar and Drill Band Instructor educating Marines and Sailors who were attending the Basic Music Course and Unit Leader’s Course from 2007 to 2009. Master Sergeant Mike assumed his duties as the Drum Major for the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band from 2010 to 2013. Returning to the Continental United States in 2013, Master Gunnery Sergeant Mike was the Bandmaster for the Second Marine Aircraft Wing Band from 2014 to 2018. From August 2018 to March 2020, Master Gunnery Sergeant Mike served as the Bandmaster for the Parris Island Marine Band. In March 2020, Master Gunnery Sergeant Mike checked into the Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to serve as the current Bandmaster of the Second Marine Division Band.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Mike has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Horn Performance from Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has also studied at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.

Personal Decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd award), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (8th Award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4th Award).

Master Gunnery Sergeant Mike is married to the former Alisa Evans of Tarboro, North Carolina. They have two children, William and Evan.

enlisted Conductor

GySgt hector munoz

Gunnery Sergeant Hector Munoz Jr. enlisted in the Marine Corps in August, 2007 and attended recruit training at MCRD San Diego, CA. After completing entry-level training, Private First Class Munoz attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, CA and subsequently attended the Musicians Basic Course aboard the Naval School of Music, Little Creek, VA in January of 2008.

Lance Corporal Munoz’s first assignment was with the Quantico Marine Band in Quantico, VA where he served as the saxophone section leader, instrumentalist, and maintenance augment for Officer Candidates School in 2008.

In December of 2010, Sergeant Munoz was transferred to the Marine Forces Pacific Band aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii as a saxophone instrumentalist and served as Training NCOIC and Platoon Sergeant. In 2013, Sergeant Munoz volunteered for recruiting duty and attended Basic Recruiters Course, MCRD San Diego, where he graduated with honors.

In November of 2013, Sergeant Munoz was transferred to Recruiting Station Albuquerque, Recruiting Substation Albuquerque North, in Albuquerque, NM where he served as canvassing recruiter. On July 2015, Sergeant Munoz was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

In November, 2016, upon successful completion of his special duty assignment, Staff Sergeant Munoz was transferred to the 1st Marine Division Band, Camp Pendleton, CA. During his tour, Staff Sergeant Munoz served as the Enlisted Conductor, Training SNCOIC, Public Affairs Office SNCOIC, and saxophone instrumentalist.

In the Summer of 2019, Staff Sergeant Munoz reported to Marine Forces Pacific Band aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii as saxophone instrumentalist and as the unit’s Training NCOIC. In October 2020, he was promoted to his current rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Shortly after his promotion, Gunnery Sergeant Munoz was selected to attend the Unit Leader Course aboard Little Creek, VA in the summer of 2021.

Upon completion of the Unit Leader Course in May of 2022, Gunnery Sergeant Munoz was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division Band where he currently serves as the Enlisted Conductor.

His personal awards include: Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (fourth award).

drum major

Gysgt Robert Brooks

GySgt Brooks enlisted in the Marine Corps in July of 2002, and attended recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. After graduation in September of 2002, Private First Class Brooks attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and then reported to the Armed Forces School of Music as a student in the Music Basic Course.

Lance Corporal Brooks’ first assignment was with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, Okinawa, Japan, where he served as a Trumpet Instrumentalist and was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

In November of 2004 Corporal Brooks was transferred to Marine Corps Base Quantico Band where he served as Fire Team Leader, Squad Leader and Training Noncommissioned Offer in Charge. In November 2007 Sergeant Brooks was deployed to Camp Ashraf, Diyala, Iraq and then in February 2008 to Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he served as Fire Team Leader and Vehicle Commander for Task Force National Capitol Region. Upon returning in May 2008, Sergeant Brooks attended the Sergeants Course and served as Trumpet Section Leader and Platoon Guide.

In August 2009, Sergeant Brooks was transferred to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band, Twenty-Nine Palms, California where he served as the bands Assistant Drum Major, Administration Chief, Trumpet Section Leader and Brass Quintet Leader. In February 2010 Sergeant Brooks was promoted to Staff Sergeant and was assigned as Security Officer for the Emergency Operation Center aboard the Combat Center.

In January 2012, Staff Sergeant Brooks returned to the Armed Forces School of Music to attend the Unit Leaders Course. Upon graduating, Staff Sergeant Brooks reported to the II Marine Aircraft Wing Band, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Havelock, North Carolina, where he served as Training Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Brass Commander, Brass Quintet Leader and vocalist for the Show Band and Brass Band. In March 2014, Staff Sergeant Brooks attended the Career Course and upon returning to his unit served as the Assistant Drum Major.

In July 2016, Staff Sergeant Brooks was transferred to the 1st Marine Division Band, Camp Pendleton, California where he served as Operations Chief. In November 2016 Staff Sergeant Brooks was assigned as acting Drum Major. In January 2017 Staff Sergeant Brooks attended the Combat Marksmanship Course and upon his return to the band resumed his duties as acting Drum Major. In July 2017 Staff Sergeant Brooks was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and shortly after received the BMOS of 5521, Drum Major. In July 2019 Gunner Sergeant Brooks was transferred to Okinawa, Japan where he served as the Drum Major for III Marine Expeditionary Force Band.

In the spring of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 epidemic on Okinawa, Japan, Gunnery Sergeant Brooks volunteered for and reported to Task Force SAFEGUARD serving as the Future Operations Chief and Senior Enlisted Advisor for all sample testing and collection teams throughout the joint service community on island. He returned to his regular duties within the band in December 2020. During the period of January to April 2022, Gunnery Sergeant Brooks attended the Advanced Musician Course at the Armed Forces School of Music, and in August 2022 reported to his current duty station where he serves as Drum Major, 2d Marine Division Band.

Gunner Sergeant Brooks’ personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 2 Gold Stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Gunnery Sergeant Brooks is married to Kristen Brooks and has 2 children, Jordin and Kaleb.

Instrument Repair Technician

Gysgt james merville

Gunnery Sergeant James Merville enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in December 2002. He reported to Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California in January of 2003.

After successfully completing Recruit Training, and Marine Combat Training, Private First Class Merville was assigned to the Basic Musician Course at the Armed Forces School of Music at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia. While attending the School of Music, PFC Merville was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal.

Upon graduation from the Basic Musicians Course in December 2003, Lance Corporal Merville received orders to the Marine Forces Pacific Band in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii as a Trombone instrumentalist. During this assignment, LCpl Merville was promoted to both Corporal and Sergeant. He filled multiple billets including Combat Marksmanship Instructor, Section Leader, Squad Leader, Guide, Platoon Sergeant, Safety Officer, Supply Chief, and Acting Instrument Repair Technician.

In February 2010 Sgt Merville received orders to Marine Band San Diego aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. While stationed at MCRD San Diego, Sgt Merville was promoted to Staff Sergeant and selected for the billet of Instrument Repair Technician.

In July 2010, SSgt Merville moved to Red Wing, Minnesota for instruction in Band Instrument Repair at Minnesota State College. SSgt Merville graduated in May 2011 and assumed duties as the Instrument Repair Technician for Marine Corps Band New Orleans stationed with Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In April 2014 SSgt Merville was selected for duty as a recruiter and attended the Basic Recruiter Course in San Diego and was subsequently assigned to Recruiting Station Phoenix, Arizona in September of 2014 as a Canvassing Recruiter. While serving with RS Phoenix, he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and served as the Pool Program Specialist overseeing all potential Marine Corps recruits in the state of Arizona.

Upon completion of his tour of recruiting duty, in September 2017, GySgt Merville received orders to Marine Detachment, Little Creek aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, to serve as the Instrument Repair Technician for the Naval School of Music. In addition to being the Instrument Repair Technician GySgt Merville filled the following billets: Safety Officer, Inventory Control Officer, Supply, Fiscal and Purchasing Chief.

In August 2021, GySgt Merville executed orders to “The Division’s Own” 2d Marine Division Band Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to fill the billet of Instrument Repair Technician.

GySgt Merville earned an Associate Degree in Band Instrument Repair from Minnesota State College Southeast in December 2018. His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

Small ensemble leader

gysgt frederick kern

Gunnery Sergeant Frederick Kern enlisted in the Marine Corps in October of 2003. After completing entry-level training, he reported to Marine Corps Base Quantico as a guitar instrumentalist with Marine Corps Band Quantico. During his tour, he worked in the training and sound reinforcement sections.

In the fall of 2006, Sergeant Kern received orders to Task Force National Capital Region (TFNCR) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Kern served as the section leader of the 2nd Platoon, 2nd Section. TFNCR deployed to Iraq in October of 2007, conducting security operations out of Forward Operating Base Grizzly and Camp Ramadi.

In August 2008, Sergeant Kern reported to Marine Band San Diego as a guitar instrumentalist. After completing the Sound Reinforcement Course in Little Creek, Virginia he served as the assistant to the Small Ensemble Leader leading the rhythm section and sound reinforcement team. In March of 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

In August of 2011, Staff Sergeant Kern reported to the Quantico Marine Corps Band to serve as the platoon sergeant and assistant to the Small Ensemble Leader until April 2014 when he received orders for recruiting duty.

After completing the Basic Recruiters Course, MCRD San Diego, he reported to Recruiting Station Orlando, Substation Port Richey, FL. Staff Sergeant Kern served as a canvassing recruiter for Permanent Contact Station Brooksville. In October 2016, he completed the SNCOIC Course, Parris Island, SC, and was assigned to Recruiting Substation Clearwater, FL as the SNCOIC. In July 2017, he was promoted to his current rank of Gunnery Sergeant.

In October 2017, Gunnery Sergeant Kern reported to MCRD San Diego to serve as the Small Ensemble Leader with Marine Band San Diego. After completing the Unit Leader Course, Little Creek, VA, he was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division Band where he currently serves as the Small Ensemble Leader.

Gunnery Sergeant Kern's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal; Army Achievement medal; Armed Forces Medal and Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.