Official Biography

Staff Sergeant Woolley enlisted in the Marine Corps out of Sterling, Virginia in March 2007. After completing recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC, and Marine Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, NC, he reported to the Armed Forces School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA for “A” school training as a student in the Basic Musician Course. In February 2008 he was the Honor Graduate and earned the Military Occupational Specialty of 5524 Musician.

Lance Corporal Woolley’s first assignment was as a Trombone Instrumentalist with Marine Band San Diego at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in October 2008 and then was promoted again to the rank of Sergeant in March 2010, serving as a Fire Team Leader, Safety NCO, and Supply Clerk.

In December 2010 Sergeant Woolley was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band in Twentynine Palms, CA where he served as Squad Leader, Trombone Section Leader, and Transportation Chief. As the band was decommissioned in early 2012, he also served as an Assistant Family Readiness Officer at the Headquarters Battalion Office.

In April 2012 Sergeant Woolley was transferred to the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing Band at Miramar, CA where he served as Platoon Sergeant, Brass Quintet Leader, Assistant Enlisted Conductor, and Supply Chief. In October 2015, Sergeant Woolley was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and served as the unit’s Low Brass Leader and Library Chief.

In September 2016 Staff Sergeant Woolley returned to Virginia Beach, VA to serve as a Basic Academics Instructor at the Naval School of Music. While there, he completed the Navy Instructor Training Course in November 2016 and earned the BMOS of 0951 Formal Schools Instructor. While on staff, Staff Sergeant Woolley also fulfilled the roles of Career Planner and the Public Affairs Chief for the Marine Detachment before attending the Unit Leader Course in September 2018.

In May 2019 Staff Sergeant Woolley graduated from the Unit Leader Course and reported back to the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing Band at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. There he served as Platoon Sergeant, Small Ensemble Leader, Staff Arranger, and Lighting Chief. In June 2021 he graduated from the Live Production Technician Course.

In November 2022 Staff Sergeant Woolley was once again transferred back to the Naval School of Music Marine Detachment where he currently serves as the Basic Academics Branch Head, aiding in the development of curriculum and instructing entry-level students in both music theory and ear training. Additionally, SSgt Woolley fulfills the role of Substance Assessment Coordination Officer and is also the unit’s representative for the Exceptional Family Member Program.

Staff Sergeant Woolley holds a bachelor’s degree in Trombone Performance from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Winchester, VA, and his personal military awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two golds stars in lieu of third award). In 2014 he was also a recipient of the Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Musician Award.