Sergeant Major Hidalgo was born and raised in San Diego, CA. In 1984 He enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, CA. Upon completion of recruit training he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. He then reported to the Armor School Fort Knox, KY for the Basic Tank Crewman Course. Upon completion he was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal.

Sergeant Major Hidalgo then reported to Recruiting Station San Diego, CA as a Recruiter’s Aide. Upon completion of this tour he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal. In 1985 he reported to 1st Tank Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA. During this tour Sergeant Major Hidalgo served as a Gunner, Tank Commander, and Section Leader. In 1988 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

In October 1989 Sergeant Major Hidalgo received orders to MCRD San Diego, CA. He was assigned to Alpha Company First Recruit Training Battalion. While at MCRD, he served in Alpha Company and Receiving Barracks as both a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor.

In January 1992 Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to Company C, 3rd Tank Battalion, Twentynine Palms, CA. During this tour he served as a Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Commander, Tank Leader and was selected and promoted to Staff Sergeant.

In February 1995 Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to Marine Detachment Fort Knox, KY as a primary MOS instructor. During this tour he served as a Tank Commander, Section Leader, Tank Leader, and Special Projects Staff Non Commissioned Officer.

In August 1998 Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to Company B, 1st Tank Battalion, Twentynine Palms, CA. At this time he served as a Platoon Sergeant, and Company Master Gunner. In 1999 he was selected and promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He then served as company GySgt/1st Sgt H&S Company. In December of 2002 Sergeant Major Hidalgo was assigned to Company A. In January 2003 he deployed in support of OIF.

After returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom Sergeant Major Hidalgo was assigned to Combat Service Support Battalion-10, 1st FSSG, Twentynine Palms, CA as the Support Company First Sergeant. In Sept 2004 he returned from OIF 2 to serve as the Battalion Sergeant Major of Combat Service Support Battalion-10.

In July of 2005 Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to MCRD San Diego, CA. He was assigned to Company F, Second Recruit Training Battalion. While at MCRD, he served as the Company First Sergeant, Company F.

In January 2007 Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Camp Pendleton, CA. During this tour he deployed in support of OIF 06-08.

In August 2008 Sergeant Major Hidalgo reported to 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1ST Marine Division, FMF.

In March 2010 Sergeant Major Hidalgo assumed his current duties as Sergeant Major 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, IMEF.

Sergeant Major Hidalgo’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal two gold stars lieu of third award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal three gold stars lieu of fourth award with Combat “V”, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, Army Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.