Wounded Warrior Commanding Officer fired, “Loss of Confidence”

Marine Corps officials confirmed that the commanding officer of the Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiment was moved from his post on Friday.

Col. T. Shane “Rhino” Tomko was relieved February 12, who had only been in that position for approximately six months. He was relieved by Marine and Family Programs Director Brig. Gen. Russell Sanborn “due to a loss of confidence in his leadership,” in a statement released by Maj. Rob Dolan, a spokesman for Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

There is currently a pending investigation so Dolan could not comment on any additional details.

Tomko is temporarily assigned to M&RA staff at Quantico and the Executive Officer from the Wounded Warrior Regiment’s office, Lt. Col. Eric O’Harra has been appointed interim commander, stated Dolan.

Tomko had come to the regiment after a year-long tour as the 2nd Marine Division’s operations officer out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He enlisted in 1983 and has experience as an infantryman and special operations officer according to reports.

Tomko came to the regiment July 10 following a year-long tour as operations officer for 2nd Marine Division out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He enlisted in 1983, according to reports, and has a background as an infantry and special operations officer. Many have heard Tomko sing at various military and civilian functions, and was featured as the National Anthem singer for a USO event.

The Wounded Warrior Regiment’s mission is to “provide leadership and enable non-medical care to combat and non-combat Wounded, Ill, and Injured (WII) Marines, sailors attached to Marine units, and their family members in order to maximize their recovery as they return to duty or transition to civilian life.”