The Walking Dead

Lieutenant Colonel Tyler Zagurski

      Upon graduation from Arizona State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a period of enlistment in the Marine Corps Reserves, Tyler Zagurski was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. After completing The Basic School and Infantry Officers Course, he served as Platoon Commander, Weapons Platoon Commander, Heavy Machinegun Platoon Commander and Assistant Operations Officer for 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines in Hawaii. While with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines 1stLt Zagurski deployed twice to Okinawa and participated in multiple combined training operations with our Pacific partners.

     Capt Zagurski left the operating forces in 1996 and completed a Supplementary MOS tour as a financial management officer, serving as Budget Officer, and Assistant Disbursing Officer for Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. After completing his Supplementary MOS tour, he reported to Fort Benning Georgia where he was the Honor Graduate and Distinguished Graduate from the Airborne School and Advanced Infantry Officer's Course, respectively.  In 1999, Capt Zagurski returned to the operating forces and served as a Company Commander in 1st Battalion, 8th Marines. Deploying with BLT 1/8 as part of 22nd MEU, Capt Zagurski participated in multiple joint and combined training exercises throughout the Mediterranean and Balkans. Upon return from deployment Capt Zagurski was promoted to the rank of Major and served consecutively as Assistant Operations Officer, 2nd Marine Division G-3, Commanding Officer Small Craft Company, and Executive Officer Headquarters and Service Battalion.

     From 2003 to 2005, Maj Zagurski attended and graduated from the Naval Command and Staff College (Highest Distinction), and the School of Advanced Warfighting (SAW). He served his SAW payback tour as the Plans Officer for Marine Corps Forces Europe where he participated in the 2006 Non-Combatant

Evacuation (NEO) of American Citizens from Lebanon, and was involved in the planning and execution of capacity building programs in Africa.

       In January 2008, LtCol Zagurski reported to I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) for service as the Chief of Plans. While at I MEF LtCol Zagurski deployed for a year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as the Deputy Team Chief, Regional Border Team North. Upon return to I MEF, LtCol Zagurski served as the Staff Secretary for I MEF before reporting to 2d Marine Division in June 2010.

       His personal awards include the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with gold star, and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

       LtCol Zagurski holds a Masters Degree in National Security Studies from the Naval War College and a Masters Degree in Operational Studies from the Marine Corps University.  LtCol Zagurski hails from Mercer Island, Washington.

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Lieutenant Colonel Robert P. Salasko

A native of Princeton, New Jersey, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Salasko graduated from Hun High School in 1986.  He graduated from Randolph-Macon College and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in May of 1990.

As a company grade officer, Lieutenant Colonel Salasko commanded a rifle, weapons & 81mm mortar platoon and served as the assistant operations officer for 2^nd Battalion, 3^rd Marines.  During this period, he was trained & mentored by Colonel G.T. Habel & Sergeant Major J.M. Waldier.  He subsequently commanded Rifle Security Company Windward Ground Defense Security Force Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he was trained & mentored by Colonel John Himes & Master Gunnery Sergeant F.E. Coelho.  He completed his company grade tour as the Commanding Officer for India Company, 3^rd Battalion, 6^th Marines where he was trained and mentored by Brigadier General R.J. Johnson, Master Sergeants F.G. Schifelbein & J.R. O’Brien & Sergeant Major W.G. Post.

As a junior field grade officer, Lieutenant Colonel Salasko served as an engagement and war planner for Marine Forces Central Command and the assistant operations officer for the 15^th Marine Expeditionary Unit.  As a senior field grade officer he served as the Embedded Training Team Leader for the 1^st Battalion, 3^rd Brigade, 7^th Iraqi Division and the Camp Commander for Camp Mujuk, Marine Forces Korea.

He is a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School and the Marine Corps Command and Staff College.

LtCol Brett A. Bourne

Good luck in your new assignment and thank you for a job well done.