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Guest of Honor
Joshua Mooi
Josh is a Conservation Police Captain with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement. In addition to his Command duties, Josh serves his agency as a lead trainer for their officer survival program, including water survival, firearms, defensive tactics, and active threat training. Prior to
his employment with the Department of Natural Resources, Josh served as a police officer and trainer with the Naperville Park District Police.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology, law, and justice; a Master of Science in Public Safety and Homeland Security Administration; and has Certified Anti-terrorism Specialist (CAS) Designation from the Anti-terrorism Accreditation Board. He continues to focus on terrorism, specifically in the maritime domain. Josh served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Rifleman. While assigned to 2 nd Bn 1 st Marines, Fox Company, he spent time as a grenadier and a team leader during combat operations in
Iraq. He also served as a squad leader during a WestPac deployment to the South Pacific. Josh served as an assistant company training NCO, and instructed courses in combat operations, small boat operations,
water survival, and small unit raids.
Josh’s military awards include the Navy Cross, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Iraqi Campaign Medal (2 nd ), the Korean Defense Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the NationalDefense Medal and the Sea Servic Deployment ribbon.
Joining us this yearis The Romeoville Marines CorpsJROTC Program​The Romeoville Marine Corps JROTC program is the oldest and first MCJROTC program established in the state of Illinois. This program is a four year in-a-row Distinguished Naval Honor School Unit that ranks them in the top 20% of all JROTC programs in the Nation. Romeoville is extremely competitive in Color Guards, Drill Team, Physical Fitness Team and has produced National qualifying teams. This program is heavily involved in community service and Veterans organizations. The Romeoville MCJROTC program is run by two Marine Retirees; MGySgt Jonathan Couturier and 1st Sgt Efren Casas. ​​
Over 40 years ago, several Naperville Marines met in the home of the late Drew Mathews, Lt.Col. USMC (retired) to celebrate the United States Marine Corps Birthday. From that small gathering the tradition of the ‘Marine Ball” here in Naperville has grown to 400-500 guests that gather every year to “Honor and Celebrate” our beloved United States Marine Corps on November 10th. We Naperville Marines are proud and committed to carry on this tradition.
It is also that time of the year again when everyone around the world pays homage to all our United States Marines that have served and continue to serve our great country in harms’ way all over the World. ALL Marines, on November 10th of every year, stop and honor this special day.
History of the Naperville
Marines
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