Lieutenant Colonel Gourgoumis was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He graduated from Officer Candidates School in July 2000. He was commissioned in May 2001 through the NROTC program after graduating from the George Washington University with a B.A. in Middle East Studies from the Elliott School of International Affairs.
After completing the Basic Officer, Infantry Officer, and Light Armored Reconnaissance Leaders courses, he reported to 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in April 2002. In January 2003, he deployed to Kuwait and subsequently participated in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I as a platoon commander. In July 2004, he returned to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II-2, as a company executive officer, and participated in combat operations across al-Anbar Province including Operation AL-FAJR (PHANTOM FURY) and Operation RIVER BLITZ.
From August 2005 to July 2008, Captain Gourgoumis served as the Training Officer and Assistant Operations Officer for Combat Service Support Group 3 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. During this tour, he participated in exercises across the Pacific including Hawaii Combined Arms Exercises, Exercise Rim of the Pacific, Cobra Gold in Thailand, and Okinawa-based exercises. Additionally in 2008, he graduated from the Naval War College’s Fleet Seminar Command and Staff Program.
In July 2008, Captain Gourgoumis reported to the Expeditionary Warfare School, graduating with distinction in May 2009. He then reported to Officer Candidates School where he served as an instructor and platoon commander until August.
From September 2009 to June 2010, Captain Gourgoumis served as the commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment and deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM to Nawa District in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. In July 2010, he assumed command of Weapons Company and deployed to Garmsir District in Afghanistan from April to November 2011.
From May 2012 to July 2015, Major Gourgoumis served as the commanding officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Portsmouth in 1st Marine Corps District. In July 2015, he reported to the Command and Staff College at Marine Corps University, earning a Master of Military Studies degree and graduating with distinction in June 2016. From July 2016 to August 2017, Major Gourgoumis served as the Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and deployed as the Black Sea Rotational Force.
In September 2017, Lieutenant Colonel Gourgoumis reported to 4th Marine Corps District and served as the executive officer until May 2019. In July 2019, Lieutenant Colonel Gourgoumis assumed command of 1st Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment, deploying to Okinawa and the Western Pacific from June to December 2020. In January 2021, he relinquished command and reported to the Director of Future Plans and Assessments at U.S. Pacific Fleet for service as the Future Plans Chief. In July 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Gourgoumis reported to Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs to serve as the Marine Corps International Security Studies Fellow.
Lieutenant Colonel Gourgoumis’ personal awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with four gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device and two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action
Ribbon.