Luncheon – September 21, 2023

Reservations Due by Tuesday 9/19/23.

You can pay-at-the-door or You can pay online. Either way, we need you to fill out the respective reservation form.

Cancellations due to Betty R. Manbeck, via email (houstonmilitaryaffairs@hotmail.com) by Wednesday 9/20/23.

Cost of Meal: $35.00 Per Person (RESERVATIONS required)

Date: September 21, 2023

Time: Check-in 11:00 a.m. – All will be Seated by 11:30 a.m.

Place: Westchase Marriott, 2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042

SPEAKER INFORMATION:

Lieutenant Colonel Russell L. Fluker

Inspector-Instructor

1st Battalion, 23d Marines

A native of Kirbyville, Texas, Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) Russell Fluker attended Texas A&M University and commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) program in May 2006.  

Following The Basic School and the Infantry Officer Course, LtCol Fluker was assigned to 2d Battalion, 8th Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in the summer of 2007 where he served as a rifle platoon commander in Company F, deploying to Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from October 2007 – May 2008.  As executive officer with Company F, LtCol Fluker deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in summer 2009 to the Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, participating in Operation Khanjari.  In January 2010, he was assigned as the assistant battalion operations officer.  

In May 2010, LtCol Fluker transferred to the School of Infantry West and was assigned as the company executive officer for Student Administration Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion.  Throughout this tour, he served as the company commander for Student Administration Company; company commander of Company C, Infantry Training Battalion; and operations officer for Infantry Training Battalion – and completed a Graduate Certificate in Advanced International Affairs from The George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.    

In May 2013, LtCol Fluker attended Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS), graduating with honors.  He then reported to 3d Battalion, 3d Marines at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and was assigned as the assistant battalion operations officer.  In September 2014, LtCol Fluker assumed command of Company K and led the company on deployment in support of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP).  In July 2015, he assumed command of Weapons Company, served as the battalion fire support coordinator, led the company on deployment in support of the UDP, and was recognized with the 2015 III MEF Outstanding Officer Leadership Award.  

In March 2017, LtCol Fluker reported to Marine Barracks Washington for duties as Headquarters and Service Company Commander, served as a 2018 parade commander, and completed a Master of International Service at American University’s School of International Service.   

In June 2019, LtCol Fluker attended the School of Advanced Warfighting, received a Master of Operational Studies, and executed orders for a follow-on assignment as the Northeast Asia Plans Officer in the G-5, III Marine Expeditionary Force.  

LtCol Fluker assumed command as Inspector-Instructor 1st Battalion, 23d Marines in Houston, Texas on 24 June 2022.  His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.  

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