Kevin P. Kowalkowski joined a Facebook group that focuses on support for Beirut Veterans and family next-of-kin that lost loved ones in Beirut, Lebanon in 1982-1984. He claimed he was with 24th MEU (actually should be 24th MAU) as well as being a Recon Marine. He claimed to be a replacement that was sent over to Lebanon in Sept 1983 and left in Nov 1983. Since the Recon Marines were billeted at the BLT Marine Headquarters building that was bombed on 23 Oct 1983, that would also place him there in the building although he never claimed that upon being asked.
Kowalkowski also claims over eight (8) years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps which may include inactive reserve time, but does leave the the strong impression that all of it was active duty.
On LinkedIn he is a member of MARSOC and the Hog’s Den, although there is no record of Kowalkowski claiming to be a Scout Sniper.
FOIA RESULTS – PARTIAL
Since Kowalkowski entered the Marine Corps in July 1983, it did not leave enough time to complete boot camp, ITS, be qualified as a Recon Marine and make it onto the ship to go to Beirut in Sept 1983. He also did four (4) years active duty vs. the eight (8) claimed on LinkedIn although he may have been combining inactive duty.
FOIA RESULTS – COMPLETE
FOIA – Chronological Record – Pg3
FOIA – Chronological Record – Pg4
FOIA – Chronological Record – Pg5
FOIA – Combat History & Awards – Pg6
DETAILS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.kowalkowski.1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-kowalkowski/32/6b6/382
SUMMARY
Kowalkowski’s official military records do not support his claim of being a Recon Marine or service in Beirut, Lebanon in 1983 – let alone both. There was an effort to reach out to him to get his side of the story but he has not answered any questions on this matter.
This Ain’t Hell: http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=60327