Sergeant Major Russell A. Strack was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 17 June 1985 and reported to MCRD Parris Island, SC for training. Upon graduation from boot camp, Sergeant Major Strack attended Infantry Training School, Camp Geiger, NC, and subsequently receiving the PMOS of 0311, Marine Rifleman.
In 1986, Sergeant Major Strack reported to Marine Barracks Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, for Barracks Duty and was assigned to the 3rd Plt.
In 1988, Sergeant Major Strack reported to 3rd Bn 1st Mar (3/1), K Co, Camp Pendleton, CA where he was assigned as 3rd fire team Ldr, 3rd Sqd, 1st Plt. While stationed with 3/1 he participated in numerous training exercises and deployments to include, West- Pacs, PAC-EXs, Team Spirits and Jungle Environment Survival Training (JEST) in the Philippines.
In 1990, Sergeant Major Strack reported to 1st Bn 9th Mar (1/9), C Co, Camp Pendleton, CA where he was assigned as a 3rd Sqd Ldr, 2nd Plt. While there Sergeant Major Strack was Honorably Discharged in June of 1990.
In June 1990, Sergeant Major Strack joined and reported to 2nd Bn 25th Mar (2/25), E Co, Harrisburg PA, where he was assigned as 3rd Sqd Ldr, 1st Plt. While there Sergeant Major Strack was activated during Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm in September of 1990 and was sent to V MEF at Camp Pendleton, CA. In April of 1991 V MEF was deactivated and he was discharged from Active Duty and returned to Harrisburg PA.
In 1991 Sergeant Major Strack was then assigned as an EAD recruiter to RS Baltimore, MD as an 8411 Recruiter. While there he was augmented back to active duty in 1993.
In 1993 Sergeant Major Strack was transferred to RS Richmond, VA, as an 8411 Recruiter.
In 1994 Sergeant Major Strack reported to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (LAR), Bravo Company, Camp Pendleton CA as 2nd Section Leader, 1st Plt and company Master Gunner. After Sergeant Major Strack was promoted to SSgt, his billet was changed to 1st Plt, Plt Sgt. In 1998 Sergeant Major Strack was transferred to Weapons Company, as the TOW Plt Cmdr. While stationed with 1st LAR he participated in numerous training exercises and deployments to include, West- Pacs, Operation Sea Dragoon, and was assigned as the Marine Section Leader to a Canadian REECE Plt, for Lord Strat Conus, Royal Horse Canadian Regiment.
In 1999 Sergeant Major Strack reported to Inspector Instructor Staff, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (LAR), B Co, Fort Detrick, MD as the Operations/Training Chief.
In 2002 Sergeant Major Strack reported to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (LAR), WPNS Co, Camp Lejeune NC, as the mortar 81 mm Plt, Plt Cmdr. In November 2002 Sergeant Major Strack was sent to C Co, as the company “Gunny”. In December of 2002 C Co was detached from 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and was assigned to Task Force Tarawa, with Regimental Combat Team 2. While with Regimental Combat Team 2, Sergeant Major Strack participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and relief efforts in Liberia. In July 2003 Sergeant Major Strack returned from Iraq and was transferred to Headquarters and Service Company in January 2004 as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. Again in February 2005 he was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Do to operational needs in Iraq; Sergeant Major Strack was transferred to Charlie Company as a Platoon Commander for 3rd platoon, task force “Iron Horse”. Again due to operational needs Sergeant Major Strack was transferred to Echo Company, 2nd LAR, to perform the duties as the Company 1stSgt, in May of 2005. After the disbandment of Echo Company, in October 2005, Sergeant Major Strack again resumed his duties as H&S Company Gunnery Sergeant.
In February 2006, Sergeant Major Strack reported to Tango Battery, 5th Bn 10th Mar (5/10)to perform the duties of the Battery First Sergeant. While there Sergeant Major Strack was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with RCT 6.
In January 2008, Sergeant Major Strack reported to Inspector Instructor Staff, 4th AABN, B Co (-), Jacksonville Fl as the I&I 1stSgt.
In July 2010 Sergeant Major Strack was transferred to HMM 265 to perform the duties of the Squadron Sergeant Major. In September of 2012 HMM 265 was transitioned to VMM 265. Sergeant Major Strack became the last Sergeant Major for HMM 265 and the first Sergeant Major for VMM 265.
Sergeant Major Strack’s personal awards include: The Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal with silver and gold star in lieu of seventh award with 2 Combat “V” devices, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, and the Combat Action Ribbon.