Colonel Stephen A. Wenrich graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics from The Citadel in 1987 and attended Officer Candidates Class. He received his commission as a Second Lieutenant and was assigned to the Basic School. Upon completion of the Basic School in October 1988, Second Lieutenant Wenrich reported to Flight School at NAS Pensacola and was designated as a Naval Aviator in June 1990.
After receiving his wings, First Lieutenant Wenrich reported to HMT-303 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA for initial training in the AH-1J. In November 1990, First Lieutenant Wenrich reported to HMA-773 and deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. From March to June 1991, First Lieutenant Wenrich served as the MAG-50 Assistant Operations Officer.
After returning to CONUS in July 1991, First Lieutenant Wenrich transferred to HMLA-169 and transitioned to the AH-1W. Promoted to Captain in Aug 1992, Captain Wenrich deployed on two Unit Deployment Programs to Okinawa from 1993 to April 1996. Captain Wenrich served as the Legal Officer, Ground Safety Officer, Aviation Safety Officer, Assistant Airframes Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Assistant Operations Officer and Squadron AH-1W Weapons and Tactics Instructor.
In April 1996, Captain Wenrich reported to the Army Aviation Officer Advance Course at Fort Rucker Alabama. After graduating as an Honor graduate in Oct 1996, Captain Wenrich reported to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, CA and was assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division as a Forward Air Controller and Air Officer.
Promoted to Major in Oct 1997, Major Wenrich reported back to Camp Pendleton, CA and was assigned to HMT-303 as an AH-1W Flight Instructor. While Major Wenrich was at HMT-303 he was the Aviation Ground Training Officer and Contracting Officer Representative overseeing the contracts on the AH-1W and UH-1N simulators.
In April 1999, Major Wenrich rejoined HMLA-169 as the Director of Safety and Standardization and deployed to Okinawa in June 1999. Upon return to CONUS Major Wenrich was reassigned as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer and deployed again to Okinawa in July 2001.
Upon return to CONUS in January 2002, Major Wenrich received orders to the United States Strategic Command and reported for duty in April 2002. Major Wenrich served as a Logistics Plans Officer and Battle Staff member on board the USSTRATCOM Airborne Command Post “Looking Glass.” Major Wenrich was promoted to LtCol in Oct 2003. After his promotion, LtCol Wenrich became the Deputy Chief, Airborne Operations Branch.
In June 2005, LtCol Wenrich returned to MAG-39 and served as the Director of Safety and Standardization. In Dec 2005, LtCol Wenrich reported to HMLA-169 and deployed with the Vipers to Al Taqaddum in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07.
On 17 Nov 2006, LtCol Wenrich assumed command of HMLA-169. In Oct 2007 he deployed with the Vipers in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. The squadron was named the MCAA 2007 HMLA of the year. On 19 June 2008, LtCol Wenrich relinquished command of the squadron and reported to Washington, D.C. for duty. LtCol Wenrich served as a CMC Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council of the United States and was promoted to Colonel during his tour. In June 2009, Col Wenrich assumed command of MAG-29 and served as Commanding Officer until Aug 2011.
Colonel Wenrich served as the Chief of Staff for the Marine Corps University/Education Command before becoming the Chief of Staff for Marine Forces Reserve.
Colonel Wenrich’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Air Medal w/combat distinguishing device, Air Medal Strike/Flight with numeral 8, Aerial Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Air Force Combat Readiness Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.