Oscar Samuel Luna

MGySgt Oscar "Moon Man" Luna enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1992, completing recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Over nearly three decades, he held key roles such as Fire Support Man, Observer Liaison Chief, Enlisted Forward Air Controller, Division Targeting NCO, MEU Operations Chief, and Division & MEF Fires & Effects Coordination Chief. His early career included deployments with the 31st MEU SOC, Battalion Landing Teams, and Division FSCC, supporting operations in USINDOPACOM and South Korea. From 2004 to 2007, Luna deployed with the 13th MEU SOC in support of OIF, conducting counterinsurgency operations across the Middle East and participating in combat missions such as LIBERTY EXPRESS and PHANTOM THUNDER. In 2009, he deployed for OEF to the Horn of Africa, playing a critical role in the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips during the MAERSK ALABAMA incident. From 2010 to 2011, he served in Afghanistan with RCT-2, earning the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” for valor during operations like SANGIN SUNRISE and TOR SHEZADA. From 2011 to 2015, Luna served as Operations Chief of 1st ANGLICO, strengthening joint fires coordination with coalition partners and contributing to exercises such as BURMESE CHASE and JOINT WARRIOR. As Chief Instructor for the 0861 Fire Support Marine Course (2016–2018), he modernized training programs. Later, as III MEF Fires & Effects Coordination Chief, he led staff sections, integrated fire control teams, and planned major exercises like VALIANT SHIELD and COBRA GOLD. In his final active-duty role (2019–2021), Luna spearheaded the transition of the Fire Support community to the 0871 Joint Fires and Effects Integrator MOS, shaping the future of Marine Corps Fire Support. Since retiring in 2021, he has continued serving the defense community as a Senior Consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton, providing expert guidance to the next generation of Fire Support professionals.