BANGOR – Capt. Marcel D. Fortier, formerly of Lewiston and an incoming commander, enlisted in the Air Force in 1986 as a telecommunications systems technician, where he served tours of duty in England, Japan, Panama and Texas.

In 1992, he enlisted in the Army as a field artillery meteorologist. He earned the rank of staff sergeant prior to attending OCS and was commissioned in 1996 as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps.

He served additional tours of duty at Fort Bragg, N.C., Fort Stewart, Ga., Fort Polk, La., and Korea.

A graduate of St. Leo University with a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, Fortier took command of HHC 327th Signal Battalion (Airborne) in May 2002. While in command, Fortier also served as a task force commander during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

He is currently assigned as the Army commander of the Bangor Recruiting Co. He is responsible for covering most of the state, more than 28,000 square miles, including recruiting stations for active and reserve component forces in Augusta, Waterville, Farmington, Dover-Foxcroft, Bangor, Ellsworth, Machias and Presque Isle.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with the numeral 2, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with the numeral 2, Air Force NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Training Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Ribbon (long tour), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Army Parachutist Badge and German Parachutist Badge.

Fortier graduated from Lewiston High School in 1986. Fortier and his wife, Diane, have four daughters, Meghan, Alicia, Emily and Sarah.