Official Biography
Drum Major
GySgt Benjamin J. Hallquist

Gunnery Sergeant Hallquist arrived at Marine Band San Diego in August of 2021 to assume the duties of Drum Major. A native of Tulsa Oklahoma, he attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA in July of 2007. Upon graduation of recruit training and Marine Combat training, he received orders to the Naval School of Music where he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. After graduation from the School of Music in June of 2008, he reported to Parris Island Marine Band where he served as a Percussion Instrumentalist, Section Leader, Fire Team Leader, and Squad Leader and was promoted to the ranks of Corporal in November of 2009 and Sergeant in April of 2010. 

In December of 2010, he received orders to 1st Marine Division Band where he served as Squad Leader, Section Leader, Group Leader, and Supply Non-Commissioned Officer in C before deploying in March of 2013. He deployed as an individual augment to Regimental Combat Team 7 and served in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Upon his return from Afghanistan, he continued to serve at 1st Marine Division as Platoon Sergeant, Enlisted Conductor, Small Ensemble Leader, and Instrument Repair Technician Apprentice. In October of 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

In January of 2018, he reported back to the School of Music for the Unit Leaders Course. From January 2018 to August 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Hallquist was an advanced course student at the School of Music. 

In August of 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Hallquist reported to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Band in Cherry Point, North Carolina where he assumed the duties of the Instrument Repair Technician. While serving at 2nd MAW, Gunnery Sergeant Hallquist also served in the roles of Drum Major and Enlisted Conductor before reporting to Marine Band San Diego. In October of 2020 Gunnery Sergeant Hallquist was promoted to his current rank.

Gunnery Sergeant Hallquist’s awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Overseas Deployment Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal.