LtCol Vance L. Cryer graduated from the University of Texas, Arlington, Texas 1991 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on 11 May 1991. After completing the Basic School, he reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida to the Naval Air Training Command and was designated a Naval Aviator on 20 May 1994 in Kingsville, Texas.

Following flight school, First Lieutenant Cryer reported to VMAT-203, MCAS Cherry Point North Carolina for initial training in the AV-8B. Upon Graduation in September 1995 he was assigned to VMA-211 where he served as the Natops Officer, Ground Safety Officer and Squadron Historian. In the Spring of 1996 He set sail with HMM-166, 11th MEU, USS Essex for RIMPAC and WESTPAC float to the Persian Gulf to participate in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Upon Returning he served VMA-211 as the Responsible Officer, Embarkation Officer and Supply Officer until December 1997.

In December 1997 Captain Cryer reported to 3rd Bn 5th Marines, Camp Pendleton, California as the Forward Air Controller for the Mechanized Company and the Small Boat Company. Captain Cryer deployed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa with 3rd Bn 5th Marines before returning to MCAS, Yuma.

In November 1998 Captain Cryer reported aboard VMA-214, MCAS Yuma, Arizona and served as the Schedule’s Officer. In April 1999 after attending the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course at MAWTS-1, Captain Cryer was assigned as the Assistant Operations Officer, Pilot Training Officer and Squadron Weapons and Tactics Officer.

Newly promoted in 2001 Major Cryer reported to RAF Coningsby, England then to RAF Leuchars, Fife, Scotland to 111(F) Squadron as Marine Tornado F-3 exchange pilot to the Royal Air Force. He participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in 2002 and 2003. He participated in OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003, all with 111(F) from Prince Sultan Airbase, Saudi Arabia

March 2004, Major Cryer reported back to VMA-214, MCAS Yuma, Arizona. Major Cryer embarked VMA-214 squadron minus to Al Asad airbase, Iraq for participation in OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM – II. During OIF-II Major Cryer took the reins of the Maintenance department for the Blacksheep until Jan of 2005.

In 2005 Major Cryer reported to VMA-211 as the Executive Officer and detachment Officer In Charge for the AV-8B Det for HMM-163 and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Upon returning to Yuma Major Cryer served as the Executive Officer for VMA-214 and in May of 2006 he reported to MAG-13 HQ as the Operations Officer. LtCol was promoted to his current rank on 1 January 2007. In the summer of 2007 LtCol Cryer executed orders to HQMC, Washington D.C to the Department of Aviation, APP-35 where he served as the Current Operations and Plans Officer from June 2007 through June 2008. LtCol Cryer then transferred to the MAG-13 staff for duty as the Executive Officer until .

LtCol Cryer’s personal awards include: 4 Air medals “Strike Flight”, 2 Meritorious Service medals, Navy Commendation, and 2 Navy Achievement medals.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. His Professional Military Education includes Warfighting Skills course, Amphibious Warfare School course, Command and Staff College course, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course.