LtCol Zainea enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2002 as an infantryman. He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom – 2003 for the initial Iraq invasion and 2006 to Fallujah.
In 2008, Zainea graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Exercise Physiology and coaching and subsequently commissioned a second lieutenant.
His Operating Forces assignments include: Motor Transport Officer, Maintenance Management Officer, and S-4A with 2d Battalion 9th Marines, 2nd Marine Division; Southeast Asia and Oceania Plans Officer, 3d Marine Logistics Group; Staff Secretary, 3d Marine Logistics Group; Operations Officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 4; and Logistics Plans Officer, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. He currently serves as Director of Logistics for Naval Amphibious Force Task Force 51, 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
His supporting establishment assignments include: Series Commander, Company Commander, and Operations Officer, 3d Recruit Training Battalion MCRD San Diego; and Operations Officer, Wargaming Division Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.
He has deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003 and 2006); and twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2010 and 2011).
LtCol Zainea has a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree from Marshall University. He’s also a graduate of The Basic School, Logistics Officers Course, U.S. Army Combined Logistics Captains Career Course (resident) and USMC Command and Staff (non-resident), as well as numerous MOS enhancing schools, and civilian accreditations/certifications.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal x2, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal x3, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/combat distinguishing device x3, and Combat Action Ribbon.
LtCol Zainea is married to the former Lacy Renae Slee of Portage Michigan, and they have two children- Allison (11), and Gabriel (7). They all reside in the Kingdom of Bahrain.