• First Sergeant Benjamin Sr. assumed his current post as the Marine Instructor (MI) at Mexico Academy and Central School District on August 24, 2015, after retiring from 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (4thLAR Bn) Syracuse, New York after 20 years of active service.

     A native of Sumter, South Carolina, he attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. in October 1995.

     He was meritoriously promoted to Corporal in 1996.

    Throughout his career, First Sergeant Benjamin has been assigned numerous duties to include: Administrative Clerk, Administrative Chief, Marine Security Guard, Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Company First Sergeant and Inspector-Instructor Staff First Sergeant, Company E, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion Syracuse, NY.

    He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Joint-Task Force (JTF) Paladin during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2007 and to Iraq In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009.

    First Sergeant Benjamin holds an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice Administration/Law Enforcement from Park University College. 

    First Sergeant Benjamin’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.