United States Marine Corps Veteran Raphael Grollmus was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2012 and attended boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. After completing Basic Military Police training in 2013, Raphael received orders to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and he was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron.
In 2015 Raphael was assigned to the 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California. Just twelve months later, he was attached to the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 16.2 where he deployed to the Middle East to assist in combat operations as a Forensic Analyst. During this deployment, Raphael spent time in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq.
In 2017, Raphael reenlisted to complete Marine Security Guard training in Quantico, Virginia. While as a Marine Security Guard, Raphael was stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali, and the U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. His duties included the protection of U.S. personnel, property, and classified material.
Raphael separated from the Marine Corps in 2021, after nine years of service. His awards and decorations include the Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, two Good Conduct Medals, and the Department of State Meritorious Honor Award.
Raphael is a junior pursuing a dual bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science and Psychology at the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University. He also works with the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs as its Disability Services Liaison.