#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Michael J. Guillory

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Veteran Michael Guillory, who deployed for both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Michael Guillory was born Jan. 14, 1984, in Slidell, Louisiana. He graduated from Pearl River High School in 2002 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003. After completing boot camp, he trained as a Combat Engineer. He served with the 3rd Motor Transport Battalion as part of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group in Okinawa and the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, part of the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California.

In 2007, Guillory attended the Basic Reconnaissance Course and became a Reconnaissance Marine with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. In 2009, Michael attended Marine Special Operations training and graduated as a Special Operations Marine Raider. The Marine Corps assigned him to the 1st Marine Operations Battalion based in Camp Pendleton. During his career, he deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan.

While deployed to Afghanistan, Guillory was on a routine airdrop resupply mission and rolled over while on his all-terrain vehicle. Despite being evacuated to the nearest field hospital, he passed away due to his injuries.

Nearly 1,000 people attended his funeral.

Guillory’s personal decorations include a Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon and two Good Conduct Medals. He was a black belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and an expert swimmer.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Editor: Ashley Levi

Graphic artist: Austin Waters