Joe Roy is a native of Marquette, MI and Gladstone MI. He completed Recruit Training at 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California in April, 2003. Following recruit training, Private First Class Roy attended the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, California. Upon completion of Infantry training, Private First Class Roy was then assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, Echo Company, 2nd Platoon in Kaneohe Bay, HI.
Private First Class Roy then deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, where he held the billet of Rifleman. Private First Class Roy was promoted to Lance Corporal in December of 2003.
Lance Corporal Roy then executed a Battalion Special Order to Scout Sniper Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines after successfully passing a selection and assessment period. Lance Corporal Roy then broke and still holds the record for the known distance qualification range aboard Camp Schwab, Okinawa in March of 2004 shooting a 63 out of a possible 65.
Lance Corporal Roy was then promoted to Corporal in November of 2004. In June of 2005, Corporal Roy deployed to Kunar Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he held the billet of Scout Sniper. Corporal Roy participated in numerous operations to include Operation Whalers, Red Wings and Valdez. These operations along with Corporal Roy's actions are documented in several books.
In January 2006, Corporal Roy redeployed to Kaneohe Bay, HI and assumed the billet of Chief Scout Sniper, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines. Corporal Roy was then promoted to Sergeant in August of 2006 and assumed the additional billet of Platoon Sergeant, Scout Sniper Platoon, 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines. In September, 2006 Sergeant Roy deployed to Haditha, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom until April of 2007. In May of 2007, Sergeant Roy reported to Scout Sniper Instructor School, Quantico, VA where he was an instructor for basic, advanced, and platoon commander Scout Sniper courses.
In February, 2010, Sergeant Roy lateral moved to a Counterintelligence / Human Intelligence Specialist. Upon successful completion of the Marine Air Ground Task Force Counterintelligence / Human Intelligence Basic School in Dam Neck, Virginia, Sergeant Roy reported to 1st Intelligence Battalion, Counter Intelligence / Human Intelligence Company, Camp Pendleton, California. Sergeant Roy was then promoted to Staff Sergeant in December, 2010.
Staff Sergeant Roy deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in December, 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and held the billet of Counterintelligence / Human Intelligence Collector. In October, 2012, Staff Sergeant Roy redeployed to Camp Pendleton, California. Staff Sergeant Roy was then assigned to Joint Special Operation Command (JSOC), and deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan from August, 2013 to February, 2014. Staff Sergeant Roy held the billet of Human Intelligence Collector and Assistant Team Leader.
In January 2015, Staff Sergeant Roy separated from active duty and directly affiliated with the Select Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR), after 12 years of active duty. Staff Sergeant Roy reported to Intelligence Support Battalion, Alpha Company, Detachment 1, Phoenix, AZ where he held numerous Counterintelligence / Human Intelligence billets until July of 2018.
In September 2017, Staff Sergeant Roy was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. In July 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Roy was assigned to an Independent Mobilization Augmentation (IMA) at Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC), as the Joint Special Operations Command Liaison Chief until July, 2020.
In July 2020, Gunnery Sergeant Roy was appointed the Company First Sergeant billet at Intelligence Support Battalion, Direct Support Company, Aurora, CO.
In May, 2021, First Sergeant Roy reported to 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, Fox Company. First Sergeant Roy mobilized in November, 2021 in support of Operation Allies Welcome at Fort Pickett, VA.
In January, 2023, First Sergeant Roy reported to 2nd Battalion, 23d Marines, Echo Company. In January 2025, First Sergeant Roy assumed Company First Sergeant duties at 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Alpha Company.
First Sergeant Roy's personal awards include: The Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy Commendation Award with one gold star in lieu of second award, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star in lieu of second award and various other campaign and service medals.