STAFF SERGEANT DALE V. VINOPAL
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Vinopal enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2006 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Following recruit training Private First Class (PFC) Vinopal attended Marine Combat Training at School of Infantry, Camp Geiger, North Carolina. Upon completion, PFC Vinopal was assigned to the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he earned the MOS 0231 - Intelligence Specialist.
In April 2007, Lance Corporal (LCpl) Vinopal was assigned to Command Element 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU CE) Camp Pendleton, California to serve as intelligence specialist.
In May 2008, Corporal (Cpl) Vinopal deployed on board the USS Peleliu, with the 15th MEU CE, in support of WESTPAC 2008. During this deployment Cpl Vinopal participated in Exercise EAGER MACE in Kuwait and Exercise INFINITE MOONLIGHT in Jordan.
In May 2010, Sergeant (Sgt) Vinopal deployed on board the USS Dubuque, with the 15th MEU CE for WESTPAC 2009 in support of Anti-Piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. While on board, Sgt Vinopal was augmented to serve as intelligence analyst for the Maritime Raid Force (MRF) as well as Rigid-Haul Inflatable Boat (RHIB) Coxswain and Search and Rescue Swimmer. On September 9, 2010 Sgt Vinopal participated in the Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) mission on the M/V Magellan Star where nine pirates were captured and eleven crew members were rescued. Sgt Vinopal also trained and supervised the Saudi Arabian Special Forces, Maldives and Yemen's Coast Guard on Maritime Navigation and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure missions during exercises ROCK, COCONUT GROVE, and ECHO MOUNTAIN.
In July 2011, Sgt Vinopal was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 (VMM-165) at MCAS Miramar, California to serve as Intelligence Chief during the transition from CH-46 to V-22. During this time Sgt Vinopal prepared his unit for an Inspector General (IG) Inspection.
In July 2012, Sgt Vinopal was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group-16 (MAG-16) at MCAS Miramar, California where he performed his duties as Senior Intelligence Analyst. Sgt Vinopal was given Temporary Assignment Duty (TAD) orders to VMM-166 to act as the Intelligence Chief for the upcoming Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) and to get their security program in order for a pending IG Inspection. In October of 2012 Sgt Vinopal attended MAGTF Intelligence Chief Course (4208).
In June 2013, Sgt Vinopal was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 (HMLA-369) at MCAS Camp Pendleton, California to serve as Intelligence Chief. In July 2013, SSgt Vinopal was promoted to his current rank. In October 2013, SSgt Vinopal deployed with HMLA-369, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. SSgt Vinopal returned state side in May 2014.
SSgt Vinopal continued to serve his country until August 3, 2015 when he retired and returned to his hometown of Bradenton, FL.
SSgt Vinopal’s personal decorations include three Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals and a Certificate of Commendation.
