Sergeant Major Vizcarrondo

Sergeant Major, 1st Marine Logistics Group

Sergeant Major Vizcarrondo completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, and was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class in 1982. After completing the Assault Amphibian Basic Crewman Course, he was assigned to Company C, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

During this tour he served as an Instructor aboard Landing Force Training Command, Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Norfolk, VA and deployed as an AAV crew chief with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Bn, 8th Marines and participated in security operations in support of the American Embassy Beirut, Lebanon. Upon returning to CONUS he was combat meritoriously promoted to Corporal and finished his first enlistment as a Sergeant of Marines in early 1986.

Returning to active duty in late 1986, Sgt Vizcarrondo reported to 3rd Assault Amphibian Bn, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. In February 1988 he deployed with BLT, 2nd Bn 1st Marines aboard ship to the Western Pacific, and again in April 1989 with BLT, 1st Bn, 9th Marines. In August 1990 he deployed to Kuwait and participated in Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm with both Task Forces Ripper and Papa Bear. Upon return to CONUS he earned the designation as a Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival.

In 1992 Staff Sergeant Vizcarrondo received orders to Drill Instructor School, MCRD San Diego, California. Upon graduation from DI School, he served with "M" Co, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and the 3rd Bn Drill Master.

In 1995 he returned to 3rd AAV Bn again. During this tour he deployed to Okinawa, Japan and was selected for accelerated promotion to Gunnery Sergeant. During a second UDP to Okinawa, Japan he served as the AAV Platoon Sergeant aboard ship as part of BLT 1st Bn, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable).

In 1997, he returned to MCRD San Diego CA. During his second tour in the Recruit Training Regiment he served as a Chief Drill Instructor, "A" Co, 1st Recruit Training Bn, Company First Sergeant, Special Training Co, Support Bn and as the Regimental Operations Chief.

In 2000, he was selected to the rank of First Sergeant and assigned to 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, CA. During this tour he served as a 1stSgt in H&S, Co, 1st Supply Bn and as 1stSgt in Communications Co, H&S Bn, and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon return to CONUS he was assigned as a 1stSgt in Maintenance Co, Transportation Support Bn.

In 2003 he was selected to the rank of Sergeant Major and assigned as the SgtMaj for HMM(T)-164, MAG 39, 3rd MAW, MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA and subsequently as SgtMaj for VMFA(AW)-121, MAG 11, Miramar CA. He deployed to both the Western Pacific and to Iraq, OIF 06-08 with the Green Knights of VMFA(AW)-121. In 2007 Sergeant Major Vizcarrondo was selected and posted as the Sergeant Major for the Recruit Training Regiment, Parris Island, South Carolina.

In January 2010 Sergeant Major Vizcarrondo was posted as the First Marine Logistics Group Sgtmaj in preparation for the unit’s deployment to Afghanistan.

Sergeant Major Vizcarrondo has completed the Keystone Course for Senior Enlisted Leaders at the National Defense University, Washington, D.C. He also has earned an Associates degree in General Studies Degree from San Diego City College.

SgtMaj Vizcarrondo's decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps achievement Medal with Gold Star in lieu of second award, Combat Action Ribbon with Gold star in lieu of second award, Sea Service deployment ribbon with one Silver star and four bronze stars in lieu of tenth award and the Drill instructor ribbon with 2 bronze stars in lieu of third award.