Sergeant Major Jerry Garza II enlisted on October 2003 and went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA. in November of 2003. He graduated from recruit training in February 2004 as a Private.
Private Garza reported to Camp Pendleton, California in March 2004 for three weeks of Marine Combat Training. Upon graduation on March 2004, Private Garza reported to Small Arms Repair School Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. After graduation, he received the MOS of 2111 Small Arms Repair Technician and reported to his first duty station at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ in May of 2004.
In July of 2004, Private Garza was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal. In November 2004, Lance Corporal Garza was attached to VMA 311 and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Squadrons Armory Chief.
Lance Corporal Garza was promoted to the rank of Corporal in October of 2005 and filled the billet of Marine Aircraft Group 13 Armory SNCOIC. In November 2005 Corporal Garza attended Martial Arts Instructor Course at MCAS Yuma, AZ attaining the MOS 0916. Corporal Garza was then meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant in August of 2006. Sergeant Garza filled the billet of Color Sergeant for MAG-13.
Sergeant Garza received orders to MCRD Parris Island in November of 2007 and reported to Drill Instructor School in January of 2008. Upon graduation he reported to India Company, Third Recruit Training Battalion.
After leaving MCRD Parris Island Sergeant Garza received orders to 3d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment in July of 2010. During his tour with 3d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, Sergeant Garza deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Battalion Armory Chief. While deployed Sergeant Garza was promoted to Staff Sergeant and assumed the duties and Headquarters and Service Company, Company Gunnery Sergeant.
Staff Sergeant Garza was assigned to 2d Combat Engineer Battalion as the Battalion Armory Chief on June of 2010.
Staff Sergeant Garza was then assigned to 3d Maintenance Battalion, Camp Hansen, Okinawa in August of 2013. Staff Sergeant Garza filled the billets as the Infantry Weapons SNCOIC within Ordnance Maintenance Company as well as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. Staff Sergeant Garza was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in July of 2017.
Gunnery Sergeant Garza reported to Marine Corps Systems Command, Albany Georgia in September of 2017 as an Equipment Specialist for Infantry Weapons.
Gunnery Sergeant Garza reported to 2d Maintenance Battalion where he served as the Maintenance Chief for Infantry Repair Platoon in August of 2021.
On January 2022, Gunnery Sergeant Garza was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant and reported to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines as the Bravo Company Unit Senior Enlisted Leader. In July of 2023 through March of 2024, First Sergeant Garza deployed with Battalion Landing Team 1/6 on the 26th MEU as the Senior Enlisted Advisor aboard the USS Carter Hall in support of Operation Unified Takedown.
In May 2024, First Sergeant Garza reported to Marine Raider Regiment as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader for Headquarters and Service Company. In April 2025, Sergeant Major Garza was frocked to his present rank. In June 2025, Sergeant Major Garza reported to Recruiting Station Indianapolis, where he currently serves as the Recruiting Station, Sergeant Major.
His personal awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in lieu of fifth award, Combat Action Ribbon and holds an Associates Degree in General Studies from University of Maryland Global Campus.