Nominated For:

• State Secretary

Bio:

Captain Hernel A. Aitken
Badge # 29-008
Company Commander
Arizona Rangers – Yuma Company
I have lived in Yuma, Arizona since August of 1995 when the Marine Corps brought me here for duty.
I retired in 2002 and became a Police Officer with the Yuma Police Department because I loved the city
of Yuma and wanted to help protect it for my still young and growing family. I performed law enforcement
duties for twelve years between Yuma PD and Yuma Proving Ground PD, as a civilian Police Officer.
Leadership: Possesses strong interpersonal skills including a successful track record of motivating and
empowering people, working across all levels to influence key stakeholders.
Management: Over 10 years of experience in personnel management, administrative, criminal law, and security
compliance with demonstrated ability to meet accountability and performance goals.
Analysis: Strong investigations and problem-solving skills with the ability to draw reasonable conclusions and
develop alternative solutions, creating simple examples for complex issues.
Logistics: Keen understanding of Organizational Behavior, Organizational Design, Leadership Concepts, Total
Quality Management (TQM), Effective Communication and Incident Management/Incident Control Systems
(NIMS/ICS).
Computer Skills: Proficient in MS Office programs such as Word and Power Point, MS Outlook and MS Excel.
Oct 2023 to Present- F-35 Security Operations Manager, Level 4, F-35 Simulator Facility, Lockheed Martin Corp.
Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, AZ Yuma, AZ 85369
Dec 2019 to Oct 2023- Security Rep. Sr. Level 3, F-35 Simulator Facility and Marine Aviation Weapons and
Tactics Squadron (MAWTS) One, Lockheed Martin Corp. Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, AZ 85369
40 Hours per Week
May 2013 to Dec 2019– Administrative Assistant/Human Resources Specialist, GS-0201-09/03
Directorate of Human Resources, Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, AZ
§ Civilian Sponsorship and Awards Program-Coordinate with Directors on awards program, research awards
criteria to ensure proper Army protocol are followed. Assist the Director with sponsorship programs for
Civilian employees, ensuring program follows Army’s protocol and monitor programs effectiveness. Printed
all awards and had them signed by Garrison Manager or Base Commanding Officer (depending on who was
receiving it). Set up, and performed awards ceremonies as the MC, and had awards and pins for
Commanding Officer to present to recipients.
§ Conducts and or participates in HR training such as EEO/Affirmative Action, Workplace Harassment and
Discrimination, and Organizational Staffing.
§ Voting Assistance Program-As the Installation Voting Assistance Officer, I am responsible to the
Commander for providing up to date information on voter registration, absentee ballot request, voting
procedures and materials pertaining to scheduled State, and Local elections for all Active-Duty Military
members and their qualified dependents. Responsible for the training of Unit Voting Assistance Officer
(UVAO) to assist in promoting this program.
§ Compiled statistical and research information for Director.
Brief Personal Bio
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
§ Responded to department inquiries related to HR and all administrative matters. Responsible for the
implementation and training of the Army Records Information Management System (ARIMS) to all Garrison
employees responsible for establishing and maintaining records and files, as well as to all installation and
tenant organizations.
AVIATION EXPERIENCE
Jan 1981 to Feb 2002 – Search and Rescue (SAR) Maintenance Administration/
Maintenance Control Supervisor & Senior Enlisted Advisor
United States Marine Corps, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, AZ
§ Supervised 100 Marines and 25 civilian personnel, including scheduling, task assignments, monitoring
performance and productivity, and providing timely, effective instruction and feedback as needed. Tracked
training and appropriate certifications to ensure up-to-date performance and high-quality standards.
§ As the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander, I was responsible for coordinating with the Marine Corps
Substance Abuse Counselors (SACO/ASAP) and assist in emphasizing alcohol and other drug abuse
deterrence, prevention, education and rehabilitation programs. Provided counternarcotics prevention to
Marines, Family members and Civilians.
§ As Maintenance Control Supervisor managed a $2.5 million budget for the procurement of aircraft parts,
accessories, and components, and for personnel support such as training and travel expenditures.
§ During tenure at the Maintenance Control Work Center for SAR, achieved above 95% readiness and the
squadron was awarded USN SAR Squadron of the Year, 2001. Spearheaded implementation of automated
recordkeeping system for SAR, the Naval Aviation Logistics Command Operating Maintenance Information
System (NALCOMIS).
§ Scheduled and arranged NALCOMIS intermediate training at NAS North Island, ensuring appropriate staff
received administrator-level training to maintain efficient squadron operations.
§ Supervised the Administration Work Center for the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1) in Quantico,
VA
in support of transportation for the President of the United States and his Cabinet. During this tenure,
implemented the NALCOMIS for HMX-1.
MARINE SECURITY GUARD DETACHMENT COMMANDER
October 1991 to September 1994 – U.S. Embassy London, United Kingdom & Bamako, Mali, West
Africa. United States Marine Corps/Department of State Diplomatic Security Division
§ Served in the U.K. and West Africa as Marine Security Guard Detachment Commander, coordinated,
administered, and monitored all aspects of the Detachments Personnel Administration for 20 Marines in
London and five Marines in Mali. Responsible for the security of all classified materials in the Embassy,
performed daily security sweeps for unsecured classified materials and wrote citations when found to
Embassy personnel. Responsible for the physical security of the Embassy, the Ambassador and the Deputy
Chief of Missions.
§ Conducted periodic physical security assessment surveys to assess vulnerabilities and risks.
§ Ensured the proper functioning of intrusion detection systems (IDS) and closed-circuit video systems (CCV).
§ Controlled facility access via access control systems (ex. proximity card systems, magnetometers, x-ray
machines and handheld wands).
§ Gathered and shared intelligence with other agencies and organizations, to include but not limited to
classified information.
§ Provided security related training to federal tenant agencies.
§ Managed and provided oversight of Marine Security Guards, contract protective security officers, wrote
post
orders, and performed site visits and inspections.
§ Worked with COMSEC and other classified materials.
HONORS AND ACTIVITIES:
§ Member of the University of Phoenix Lambda Sigma Chapter of the International Business Honor Society
Delta Mu Delta (DMD).
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS
§ Department of Defense Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
§ Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certificate- July 2018
§ Master’s Certificate in Project Management - University of Phoenix - July 2018
§ Master of Business Administration– University of Phoenix May 2012
§ FEMA, IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System, 2007
§ FEMA, IS-200 Incident Command System, Initial Incident, 2007
§ FEMA, IS-700 National Incident Management System, 2008
§ FEMA, IS-800 National Response Framework, An Introduction, 2008
§ FEMA, IS-775 EOC Management and Operations, 2014
Arizona Rangers Credentials and Leadership

2017 - Voted in as Probationary Ranger into Yuma Company and attended ARTA
2017 - Sworn in as Full Ranger
2020 - Elected as Executive Officer Yuma Company /1st Lieutenant
2023 - Sworn in as Interim Company Commander after position was vacated
2024 - Elected as Captain Yuma Company
2023 to 2024 as the Company Commander I have helped grow the company from its days as a six to seven
member Company to currently 12 members with the recent retirement of Lt. Ennenga. We have seen our
duties grow from Champion Church to now including the Yuma Territorial Prison and working on extending to
other organizations within the city in 2025. As our membership grown and our reach extends into the
community I expect to grow the Company to 20 members before the end of 2025. We are still working on
breaking into the local PD and Sheriff’s Department to be able to provide them assistance.
As for the position of State Secretary, I have done similar jobs while a Detachment Commander of Marine
Security Guards overseas serving at Embassies around the world. Most recently I performed these same
duties as the Awards Civilian Awards Personnel at Yuma Roving Ground. We held award ceremonies
quarterly and gave out awards to Military members, civilian workers and Civilian Contractors. These included
Length of Service Awards for Civilians working 5, 10, 15, 20, 25- to 45 years for the U.S Government as well
as Military members receiving their God Conduct awards for every four years of faithful and clean service. I
kept minutes for the American Federation of Government Workers (AFGE) Union, where I served as the Vice
President of the union. Also keeping quarterly meetings along with special meetings with the Commanding
Officer of Yuma Proving Ground as we discussed civilian work standards and addressed discipline criteria.
I have lead Marines and Civilians during my 22 years as a Marine Gunnery Sergeant, as a Police Officer, and
now as a Ranger. I lead as the Operations Manager for Lockheed Martin ensuring work is being performed
as required by the customer, the United States Marine Corps. I have served my country for 32 Years a
government employee and continue to serve my community as a Ranger. I am not known by very many of
you, however, I am known by those who know me as a get things accomplished kind of person. I will attack
this position of State Secretary with the very same vigor, and enthusiasm I have attacked all my previous
jobs with. I ask for your vote to continue to serve this outstanding organization of ours and help to continue
its legacy as State Secretary.