Speakers | Notre Dame Naval ROTC

BGen Roger R. Machut, USMC (Ret.)

Former Commanding General, 4th Marine Logistics Group

Commissioned in 1982 out of Tulane University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, BGen Machut accumulated extensive logistics commands across active duty and reserve branches. He commanded the 6th Engineer Support Battalion throughout operations in Iraq during the 2003 campaign to Baghdad, handling bulk fuel distributions for combat columns. His career culminated as Commanding General of the Marine Corps Mobilization Command and subsequent leadership of the 4th Marine Logistics Group. He holds personal decorations including the Bronze Star and is a registered Professional Engineer in Illinois.

Col Brietta L. Larmon, USMC

Lead Culture Workshop Facilitator & Aviation Executive

Entering military aviation commands following an initial Navy commissioning via Officer Candidate School, Col Larmon executed an inter-service transfer to Marine tactical aviation elements. She commanded Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 (HMH-772) through combat deployments in Afghanistan and distinct humanitarian missions in Haiti. A command pilot with more than 6,000 recorded flight hours across CH-53E, S-92A, and tactical platforms, she serves as an executive flight commander alongside leadership roles inside the Commandant of the Marine Corps Safety Division.

CAPT Kelly J. Mahaffey, USN

Commander, Naval Beach Group ONE (NBG-1)

A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, CAPT Mahaffey holds dynamic sea warfare commands spanning cruiser and amphibious warfare strike groups. She completed combat platform cycles within the Arabian Gulf aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and USS Port Royal (CG 73). Her ashore career encompasses central command policy development as Levant and Egypt Branch Chief under the J-5 Joint Staff, alongside operational commands directing Beachmaster Unit ONE (BMU-1).

CAPT Michael Jelinek, USN

Director of Forward Operations, Security Assistance Group – Ukraine

Originally commissioned from the NROTC program at the University of Illinois in 1998, CAPT Jelinek completed initial surface warfare tracks as Main Propulsion Assistant aboard the USS Hopper (DDG-70) before transitioning to Reserve Components. He directed joint fleet coordination modules for Expeditionary Strike Group Five during operations in Africa and Europe. He recently concluded deployments executing critical tactical training assistance matrices as Forward Operations Director within the Security Assistance Group in Ukraine.

SgtMaj Ernest R. Twigg, USMC (Ret.)

Former Battalion Sergeant Major & Leadership Author

Enlisting in 1996, SgtMaj Twigg directed combat infantry squads across multiple combat tours, serving as a Scout Sniper Team Leader within the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines during operations in Iraq. He managed foundational drill instruction programs as an instructor at Parris Island before deploying as Battalion Sergeant Major for the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines. Following 24 years of active field service, he transitioned to corporate development consulting and authored the globally translated training text, A Leader Provides.

CMC Jonathan Reicks, USN

Command Master Chief, Theater Undersea Surveillance Command Pacific

Master Chief Reicks entered basic undersea warfare pipelines in 2002. He executed extensive subsurface operational tours aboard the ballistic missile submarine USS Nevada (SSBN 733) and fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22). He qualified as Diving Officer of the Watch while managing logistics as Senior Enlisted Advisor on the USS Louisiana, later serving as Chief of the Boat (COB) for the USS Kentucky and USS Alabama. He handles regional subsurface surveillance arrays within his current Command Master Chief assignment.

1st Sgt Randall Parkes, USMC (Ret.)

Founding Marine Raider & Defense Technology Manager

With over 20 years of continuous specialized field leadership experience, 1st Sgt Parkes completed four distinct combat tours downrange supporting counterterrorism initiatives across Iraq and Afghanistan. He served as an early founding element within the 1st Marine Raider Battalion under MARSOC and was selected as Support Marine of the Year. Following tours as a Drill Instructor and First Sergeant of India Company at MCRD San Diego, he earned a USC Marshall Executive Business degree and coordinates project programs inside Anduril Industries.