Lieutenant Colonel Kaster is a native of Bridgewater, NJ. He graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a B.S. in International Maritime Business and was commissioned in June 2005. He was designated an Infantry Officer following the Infantry Officers Course in July of 2006.
Lieutenant Colonel Kaster has served in several Infantry Battalions through (2) combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to include: 3rd Bn, 6th Marines for OIF 06-08 and 07-09 and a Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with Battalion Landing Team 3/2 as part of the 26 MEU. Additionally He served as Rifle Company Commander in the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force (GCE-ITF) following his initial fleet Company Command tour.
Lieutenant Colonel Kaster’s staff billets include service as the II Marine Expeditionary Force Expeditionary Operations Training Group Operations Officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Assistant and Operations Officer where he deployed and supported Operation Allies Refuge, II Marine Expeditionary Force G-35 Naval Integration Planner, Weapons and Field Training Battalion MCRD PI Assistant Operations Officer, and Marine Corps Water Survival School Operations Officer.
Lieutenant Colonel Kaster is a graduate of Expeditionary Warfare School DEP, USA Maneuver Captains Career Course, and Marine Corps Command and Staff College (Non-Res). He holds a Master of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Lieutenant Colonel Kaster’s personal decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal w / 3 Gold Stars, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ Gold Star, and the Combat Action Ribbon.