Bonnie Swanson is a native of Ellington, CT and a graduate of Ellington High School. After her freshman year at the University of Connecticut, she enlisted in the USMCR. Upon completing recruit training at Parris Island, SC, Bonnie returned to UCONN to continue her studies and reserve service with 6th Motor Transport Battalion, Providence, RI. In 1988 she graduated from UCONN with a Liberal Arts degree (Sociological and Educational Behavior Development) and accepted her commission in the USMC. After completion of The Basic School in 1989 and her assignment as a Military Police Officer, Bonnie reported to MCAS Cherry Point, NC for duty as a Platoon Commander and Services Officer.
In 1992, Bonnie was assigned as the Operations Officer for Recruiting Station, Baltimore, MD. Serving as an OpsO for 3 years, Bonnie was selected as the 4th Marine Corps District Contact Team Officer, Harrisburg, PA. Leading a team of three Master Gunnery Sergeants, the Contact Team trained over 350 recruiters and command group members within a 7 state area.
In 1997 Bonnie received orders to MCB, Camp Lejeune, NC as the Operations Officer, Provost Marshal’s Office. She simultaneously served as the Commanding Officer, Military Police Company (330+ Marines) during this tour.
In January of 2001, Bonnie was hired by the National Defense University as the Executive Officer of Capstone. Over the years her position has evolved into the Deputy Director of Pinnacle (3 star course), Capstone, and Keystone (Command Senior Enlisted course).
Bonnie has numerous military decorations and has attended many military schools, including the Basic Law Enforcement Academy at Lackland AFB, TX and the Advanced Military Police Academy at Fort McClellan, AL. She is still a record holder at UCONN for many soccer goalkeeping statistics, including the most shutouts in a career (41.5).
In 2005 Bonnie completed a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.