Sergeant Major Peterson is a native of Sanford, Florida. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2004 and attended recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, SC. Upon earning the title Marine, he attended the School of Infantry, Infantry Training Battalion, Camp Geiger, NC. Upon graduation he earned the MOS of 0311, Infantry Rifleman and was meritoriously promoted to the ranks of Private First Class and Lance Corporal.
Upon completion of MOS school in June 2004, Sergeant Major Peterson reported was assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines in Camp Lejeune, NC. He served in the billets of Rifleman, Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and Platoon Commander deploying three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In August 2006, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and then meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant in September 2007.
Sergeant Major Peterson attended Drill Instructor School at MCRD Parris Island, SC in October 2007 and earned the MOS 0911. Upon completion, he was assigned to Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion where he served as Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. In July 2010, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He also served as the Crucible Chief and Rapple Tower Master.
In January 2012, Sergeant Major Peterson reported to Company F,2nd Battalion, 7th Marines in 29 Palms, CA. He served in the billets of Platoon Sergeant and Scout Sniper Platoon Unit Leader, deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon his return, he was transferred to serve as Mortar Section Leader for Company D, 3D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, where he deployed to Okinawa, Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program in 2015.
In August 2016, Sergeant Major Peterson was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and selected to be the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor for the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. During this time, he served a summer augmentee Sergeant Instructor at Officer Candidate School and supported CORTRAMID-West.
In August 2020, Sergeant Major Peterson was frocked to First Sergeant and executed orders to Company C, ITB, SOI-E, Camp Geiger,NC. In April 2022, he was selected as the Director for Combat Instructor School.
In January 2024, Sergeant Major Peterson was frocked to his present rank and reported to 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion in Tampa, FL. He currently serves as the Instructor-Inspector Command Senior Enlisted Leader.
Sergeant Major Peterson’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat V device, four gold stars in lieu of 5th award, Combat Action Ribbon, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.