Gunny Hal Foundation

Since September of 2021, the foundation aims to support and aid Marine Corps Combat Engineers and their families. The Gunny Hal Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations, and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of friends and volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection.

History

GySgt Blaine Miller Halvorson joined the United States Marine Corps in 2012. On September 8, 2021, there was a tragic accident involving a semi-truck that resulted in the loss of life. GySgt Halvorson was a devoted Marine with dreams of serving his 20 years to the Corps.

GySgt Halvorson served his time as a combat engineer. Combat engineers are known to build, repair, and maintain buildings, roads, and power supplies within the Marine Corps, frequently while under fire or in dangerous combat environments. These men and women are often on the front line of any offensive action against enemy troops.

The engineers' jobs typically involve using explosives for both construction and demolition projects. They also use heavy machinery like the Assault Breacher Vehicle to clear minefields. This is considered a primary military occupational specialty (PMOS) and is open to Marines and is categorized as MOS 1371. The Marine, after completing their specialty training, may be assigned to an engineer battalion, an engineer support battalion, or a Marine wing support squadron.

Combat engineers support ground forces by removing obstacles, building causeways, constructing bunkers, and other civil engineering roles. Learning to use explosives for the demolition of structures and to clear mines and minefields are also a major role of the combat engineer.

They also construct, alter, repair and maintain buildings and structures; lift and move heavy objects and equipment by setting up, bracing, and utilizing rigging devices and equipment.

Personnel assigned to be 1371s are taught carpentry and other construction skills as well as demolitions, specialized demolitions for urban breaching, and landmine warfare. These Marines are specially trained to do all of this work while potentially under enemy fire and on the frontlines.

Leadership

Led by CEO & President Ashley E. Halvorson, the Gunny Hal Foundation’s staff and dedicated volunteers operate to raise funds for U.S. Marine Corps Combat Engineers and their families. This team brings knowledge and expertise essential to the foundation’s ability to deliver high-quality programs and services to our men and women in uniform, wherever they serve as 1371s.

Ashley Halvorson- CEO, Director

Carina Stillwell- VP of Finance, Secretary

GySgt David Stillwell- Managing Director, Head of Volunteers

Cpt. Daniel Quan- VP of Public Relations, Managing Director