Sergeant Major Alva is a native of Fountain Valley. In August 2002, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended recruit training at MCRD San Diego. Following recruit training, Private Alva proceeded to Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-West, Camp Pendleton, CA. While at SOI he was promoted to Private First Class and earned the primary MOS of 0311.

In March 2003, Private First Class Alva transferred to Security Forces Training Company, Basic Security Guard School, Chesapeake, VA where he earned the secondary MOS of 8152. In May 2003, Private First Class Alva was assigned to Marine Corps Security Forces Company, Kings Bay, GA. During this time, he served as a Guard Forces Marine until he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in November 2003. Lance Corporal Alva was screened and selected to attend Close Quarters Battle School in Chesapeake, VA, where he later served as a CQB Team Leader. In October 2004, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

In June 2005, Corporal Alva transfered to 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Camp Pendleton, CA and was assigned to Bravo Company 3rd Platoon. Here he served as a Squad Leader and completed deployment training for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

In February 2006, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Upon return from deployment, Sergeant Alva served as Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Commander for 3rd Platoon.

In February 2007, Sergeant Alva attended Recruiting School, MCRD, San Diego. Upon completion of school, he was assigned to Recruiting Station Orange County where he served as a Canvassing Recruiter and RSS SNCOIC. In January 2009, Sergeant Alva was
meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In January 2010, Staff Sergeant Alva attended SNCO Career Course at Camp Pendleton, CA.

In April 2010, Staff Sergeant Alva received orders to 1st Intelligence Battalion, Headquarters Company, Camp Pendleton, CA. In May 2010, Staff Sergeant Alva attended Sensor Surveillance Operators Course in Dam Neck, VA. Upon return, Staff Sergeant Alva served as a Section Leader for Ground Sensor Platoon. In August 2010, Staff Sergeant Alva deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 10-2 serving as Platoon Chief. Between May 2011 and February 2012, Staff Sergeant Alva conducted two 30-day counter narcotic missions in Nogales, AZ, supporting Joint Task Force North and Border Patrol. In June 2012, Staff Sergeant Alva deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 12-2 where he served as Ground Sensor Platoon Commander. Upon return from deployment, Staff Sergeant Alva served as 1st Intelligence Battalion, Headquarters Company Gunnery Sergeant.

In July 2013, Staff Sergeant Alva transferred to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment Camp Pendleton, CA and was assigned to a Combined Anti-Armor Team. In September 2013, Staff Sergeant Alva deployed to Okinawa in support of Unit Deployment Program West where he served as a Section Leader and Platoon Sergeant. Upon his return, Staff Sergeant Alva was selected to serve as the Scout Sniper Platoon Sergeant for an upcoming deployment with the 15th MEU. In August 2015, Staff Sergeant Alva was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Upon return from deployment, Gunnery Sergeant Alva served as the 3/1 Weapons Company Operations
Chief and attended SNCO Advanced Course at Camp Pendleton, CA.

In June of 2016, Gunnery Sergeant Alva trensfered to the 15th MEU Command Element. In July of 2016, he attended the Civil Military Operations NCO and Planners Courses in Quantico, VA. In July of 2017, he deployed with the 15th MEU Command Element, serving
as the Assistant Operations Chief and Civil Affairs Chief. 

In August of 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Alva reported to 1st Tank battalion in Twentynine Palms, CA where he served as Company C First Sergeant. In January of 2019, he was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant and completed his tour with 1st Tank Battalion as the
Battalion Sergeant Major.

In June of 2021, First Sergeant Alva received orders to 1st LAR Battalion Camp Pendleton, CA and was assigned to serve as Arthur Company First Sergeant. In November 2022, he deployed with Arthur Company attached to BLT 2/4 in support of the 13th MEU.

In May of 2023, First Sergeant Alva was frocked to the rank of Sergeant Major and assumed the duties of his current billet, Inspector-Instructor Sergeant Major for 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

Sergeant Major Alva's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two silver stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, and Combat Action Ribbon.