CWO4 Manuel De La Rosa is a native of Santurce and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 24 June 1999 and reported to MCRD Paris Island, SC on 28 Dec 1999. Upon graduation, CWO4 De La Rosa was assigned to Camp Geiger, Camp Lejeune for Marine Combat Training. Upon Graduation, he reported to Quarter Master School, Fort Lee, VA for Food Service Specialist training on 15 May 2000. After ending the Course CWO4 De La Rosa was assigned to 1st Bn, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, aboard Camp Lejeune, NC.
On 17 September 2000, CWO4 De La Rosa attended Mountain Warfare Training Center at Bridgeport, CA. On his return CWO4 De La Rosa was assigned to the Company Field Mess. From March 2001 to October 2001 he executed Jungle Warfare Training in Okinawa and Mount Fuji, Japan.
From January 2003 to May 2003, CWO4 De La Rosa was attached to motor transport platoon, Headquarter and Service Company, 1st Battalion 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and then Operation Iraqi Freedom. In May 2003, CWO4 De La Rosa participated on the mobile load wash down point, Task Force Tarawa supporting the U.S. Department Agriculture and U.S. Customs.
In October 2003, CWO4 De La Rosa completed is Active Duty enlistment and transferred to the Selected Marine Corps Reserve on April 2007 with 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, Tampa FL. He participated in multiple annual training events including Talisman Sabre in Rockhampton, Shoalwater Bay and Yepoon in Queensland, Australia.
In November 2007, CWO4 De La Rosa mobilized in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom with Alpha Company, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion. While deployed to Iraq, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant on 1 May 2008. While assigned to Alpha Company, CWO4 De La Rosa held multiple billets such as Company Logistic Chief, Company Gunnery Sergeant, Head Quarters Platoon Commander. On 1 March 2012 he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and assumed the duties as the acting Company First Sergeant for Head Quarters Company.
In September of 2016, CWO4 De La Rosa selected to attend the Warrant Officer Academy in Quantico, VA. He accepted his commission as a Warrant Officer in February 2017. Upon completion training, he was assigned as the Executive officer for Food Service Company, Combat Logistic Regiment 45, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Smyrna GA. On May 2023 CWO4 De La Rosa assumed his current position as Company Commander for Food Service Company. He was promoted to his current rank of CWO4 on 1 August 2025.
CWO4 De La Rosa's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and numerous other service and campaign awards.