Master Gunnery Sgt. Artie Allen at home with his military memorabilia. (Photo by Katja Zimmer)
What began as a childhood fascination with the U.S. Marine Corps grew into a nearly 31-year career for Master Gunnery Sergeant Arthur “Artie” Allen III. He has carried that dedication into retirement, helping veterans and military families in Menifee and the surrounding area.
“When I was a little kid growing up, the commercials got me for the Marines,” he said. “I wanted to serve, but I was very specific. I wanted to go to the Marines.”
A proud three-war combat veteran, Allen served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, deploying to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait; Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as operations chief; and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, serving as key advisor on communications operations. Allen spent much of his career working in Communications and Information Technology. He also served as a drill instructor early in his career.
Reflecting on his service, Allen describes his experiences as challenging but formative. Deployments meant long periods away from home and family, but they also exposed him to cultures and communities far different from his own.
“No matter where you go in any part of the world, generally people want the same thing,” Allen said. “They just want an opportunity to work enough to support their families and have good times and memories.”
As a senior communications leader, Allen emphasized the importance of meeting with community leaders and civilians in conflict zones to instill confidence in their mission. Respecting local customs, traditions, and environments, he said, was essential to building trust.
Allen’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
(Photo by Katja Zimmer)
Despite the recognition and many accolades not listed in this article, Allen remains humble.
“I don’t do what I do and I haven’t done what I’ve done seeking recognition,” he said.
Since retiring from active duty, Allen has remained deeply involved in military and veteran support, volunteering at more than 250 events, totaling more than 1,000 hours, and speaking at schools, universities, and public forums.
Volunteerism has been a constant in Allen’s life, starting early in his military career. One of his first efforts involved monthly trips to orphanages in Mexico. He and other service members spent entire days interacting with children, repairing facilities, and hosting cookouts.
“One thing led to another,” Allen said. “All it would take was looking at a flyer on a billboard or around the base.”
Locally, Allen has served as post adjutant at VFW Post 1956 Menifee, participated in numerous cleanup and beautification projects with the City of Menifee and Habitat for Humanity, and served as vice chairman of the Veterans’ Advisory Committee of the Riverside Board of Supervisors.
He has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the bronze and silver level for having served the qualified number of volunteer hours. In December 2024, Allen received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award signed by President Joe Biden, an honor he said came as a complete surprise.
“That was a well-kept surprise,” he said. “I had no heads-up for that.”
Allen has also emceed and spoken at many local events, including the City of Menifee Remembrance Ceremony, the Veterans Day Ceremony, and the new Veterans Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. In 2025, he was honored by the City of Menifee as a “Hometown Hero.” Allen actively volunteers at major events for the City of Menifee Department of Community Services.
“Artie is a one-of-a-kind role model,” said Acting Mayor Bob Karwin, who has served with Allen at many events in Menifee. “From his exemplary military service to his service in our community, he embodies everything Menifee is about.”
Allen has visited area schools, including Paloma Valley High School, Freedom Crest Elementary School, and Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, sharing his experiences with students and offering insight into military life.
He said when speaking to students interested in joining the military, he encourages them to see what each branch has to offer, something that he didn’t do.
A 10-year Menifee resident and father of two, Allen calls the city his forever home. When he and his wife, Sabrina, were looking for a place to settle after completing active duty, they knew Southern California was where they wanted to be.
Menifee proved the perfect fit, offering a community where Allen could continue serving. From mentoring local students to supporting veterans’ programs and leading community improvement projects, he has made giving back an extension of the service he began when he enlisted in 1986.
(Photo by Katja Zimmer)
(Photo by Katja Zimmer)
