Sergeant Major Steven E. Buckom was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July 1st,
2002 and graduated recruit training at MCRD Parris Island on September 27th, 2002. Upon graduation, he attended Marine Combat
Training. After completion of Marine Combat Training he was given orders to Fort Lee, Virginia to become Basic Food Service
Specialist. Upon completion of training at Ft. Lee he received orders to 3rd FSSG Okinawa, Japan.
In April 2003, Lance Corporal Buckom was assigned to 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit where he assisted in humanitarian help for
Thailand, Philippines, and did field operations in Korea and Australia. In March 2004, Corporal Buckom was assigned to 2nd FSSG
Food Service Company, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In April 2004, Corporal Buckom was a part of the W.P.T Hill award which
his unit won for being the best Field Mess in the Marine Corps for two consecutive years. He deployed with 2nd FSSG Forward to
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In October 2006, Sergeant Buckom was assigned to 3rd Marine Logistics Group, Food Service Company. He was assigned as the
Chief Cook at Camp Hansen Mess Hall, Camp Courtney Mess hall, and Camp Kinser Field Mess Non-Commissioned Officer in
Charge. In December 2006, Sergeant Buckom was assigned to Headquarters Battalion to be a Corporal Course Instructor.
In April 2007, Sergeant Buckom deployed on Talisman Saber 2007 as the NCOIC of the Field Mess in Rockport, Australia. In August
2007, Sergeant Buckom was deployed to Camp Mujuk, South Korea to be the Field Mess NCOIC.
In January 2009, Sergeant Buckom reported to Drill Instructor School, Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion of Drill
Instructor School Sergeant Buckom was assigned to 3rd Recruit Training Battalion Parris Island, South Carolina for Drill Instructor
Duty. He completed seven successful cycles as Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor.
In December 2012, Staff Sergeant Buckom reported to Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Combat Logistics Regiment 17 as the Battalion
Mess Chief. In July of 2014, Staff Sergeant Buckom deployed with 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of West Pac 14-2 in
support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
In January 2016, SSgt Buckom reported to MCRD Parris Island for Drill Instructor School Course Challenger Course where he would
become a second tour Drill Instructor and be assigned to 3rd RTBN Kilo Company for duty. GySgt Buckom also served as Chief Drill
Instructor in 3rdRTBN Mike Company.
In April 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Buckom reported to 2nd MLG Headquarters Regiment Food Service Company and was appointed
Regimental Field Mess SNCOIC and Company Gunnery Sergeant for Service Company. In September 2018, Gunnery Sergeant
Buckom deployed to Trident Juncture 2018, where his unit competed for and won Best Field Mess for the East Coast. In January of
2019, Gunnery Sergeant Buckom reported to Special Marine Air Ground Task Force where he deployed to Moron, Spain. In April
2020, he was hand selected to ensure the pipeline of Marines continue to grow by being a part of COVID 19 Task Force at The Citadel,
South Carolina.
In November 2020, Gunnery Sergeant Buckom was selected for promotion to First Sergeant. In March 2021, he was frocked to the
rank of First Sergeant and served as the Inspector-Instructor First Sergeant for 2d Battalion, 14th Marines, Fox Battery.
In May 2023, First Sergeant Buckom was assigned to 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, South Carolina as Delta Company
Senior Enlisted Leader. In June 2024, he was reassigned to Weapons and Field Training Battalion, as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader.
In January 2025, Sergeant Major Buckom was assigned to All Weather Marine Attack Fighter Squadron 224, as the Command Senior
Enlisted Leader. In March 2026, Sergeant Major assumed his duties as Recruiting Station Charlotte, NC.
His personal awards are the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 4 gold stars, Navy/Marine Achievement Medal with two
gold stars, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal as well as various other unit and service awards.