John L. Estrada

John L. Estrada is a sergeant major in the U.S. Marine Corps and was on 26 June 2003 to April 2007, the 15th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. He was succeeded by on April 25, Carlton W. Kent.

Military career

Sergeant Major Estrada appeared on September 5, 1973 in the service of the U.S. Marine Corps and was initially trained as an aircraft mechanic. From August 1982 Staff Sergeant Estrada was used as a drill instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. In 1984 he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. From December 1990 to 1995 First Sergeant Estrada served with the 3rd Surveillance Reconnaissance and Intelligence Group at Camp Hansen on Okinawa, Japan. From December 2001 to May 2003 Sergeant Major Estrada served in the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. During this time he also served in operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom.

Awards

Selection of decorations, sorted on the basis of the Order of Precedence of Military Awards:

• Navy Distinguished Service Medal
• Bronze Star
• Meritorious Service Medal (4 × )
• Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
• Joint Service Achievement Medal
• Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal
• Navy Unit Commendation
• National Defense Service Medal (3 × )
• Southwest Asia Service Medal (2 × )

Others

Since his retirement Estrada works for Lockheed Martin and the organization Operation Homefront and the American Battle Monuments Commission.