Gene Overstreet

Sergeant Major Harold G. Overstreet, known as “Gene,” was born in December 1944 in Houston, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June 1966, beginning a distinguished 29-year career that would see him rise to the pinnacle of enlisted leadership as the 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SMMC). Overstreet held this esteemed position from June 28, 1991, to his retirement in 1995.

As Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Overstreet was entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the welfare, readiness, and morale of over 190,000 enlisted Marines. In this role, he served as the principal enlisted advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, providing vital counsel on issues ranging from leadership development to discipline and overall force readiness. His leadership shaped policy decisions and initiatives that affected the entire enlisted corps, from new recruits to senior non-commissioned officers.

Overstreet’s career was marked by his commitment to fostering a high standard of professionalism and ensuring that the voice of the enlisted Marine was always heard. He had an exceptional ability to represent the concerns of the enlisted force at the highest levels of military leadership, offering advice on everything from training and career progression to improving the overall quality of life for Marines and their families. His tenure as SMMC was defined by his dedication to leadership development, mentorship, and maintaining the Corps’ ethos of excellence.

Throughout his career, Overstreet held a variety of significant assignments, including combat service in Vietnam, drill instructor duties, and leadership positions in various Marine Corps commands. He served in key roles such as First Sergeant of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, and as Inspector Sergeant Major at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms. His extensive experience in training and leadership was instrumental in shaping his approach as the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

After retiring from active duty in 1995, Sergeant Major Overstreet continued his dedication to veterans’ causes. He became president of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), where he testified regularly before the U.S. Congress on issues impacting veterans, including benefits, education, housing, and other entitlements. Overstreet has remained deeply involved in numerous military and veteran-focused organizations, serving on the boards of the Military Ministries, Young Marines, the Secretary of the Navy’s Retiree Council, and many others.

In 2007, Overstreet co-founded Veterans Direct in Plano, Texas, a company dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. He went on to co-found Veteran Forces in 2012 and the Red Star Foundation in 2024, continuing his work to improve the lives of military veterans. His advocacy and leadership extend across a wide range of boards and organizations, including the U.S. Naval Home, Texas Veterans Coalition, and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

Overstreet’s personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Superior Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Through his decades of service, both as a Marine and as a leader in the veterans’ community, Sergeant Major Gene Overstreet has made an enduring impact on the lives of enlisted Marines and veterans across the nation. His legacy is one of unyielding service, tireless advocacy, and an unrelenting commitment to those who have served.