1stSgt David Stracener Jr was born in Hollywood, Florida in 1978.  After receiving an Associate’s Degree in Machine Technology, 1stSgt Stracener enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. 1stSgt Stracener completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC in February 2002.  1stSgt Stracener then reported to Infantry Training Battalion (ITB), School of Infantry-East, Camp Geiger, NC.

1stSgt Stracener completed the School of Infantry in April 2002 as an infantry assault-man (0351).  From April 2002 to October 2005 1stSgt Stracener was assigned to 1st Battalion 2nd Marines, Bravo Company, Camp Lejeune, NC where he was promoted to the ranks of Private First Class, Lance Corporal, Corporal (Meritorious) and Sergeant.  He also held the billets of Assistant Gunner, Gunner, Team Leader, and Squad Leader. During this tour he deployed to Iraq January 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I, II, and then again in June 2004 for Operation Iraqi Freedom III. 

In October 2005, 1stSgt Stracener requested orders to the School of Infantry-East, Camp Geiger, North Carolina to work as a Combat Instructor.  Upon graduation of the Marine Combat Instructors Course, 1stSgt Stracener was assigned to Alpha Company, Weapons Platoon as the primary 0351 Military Occupational Specialty Instructor.  In April 2007 1stSgt Stracener was selected to serve as an Assault Section Instructor for the Weapons Instructor Group (WIG), Infantry Training Battalion as a primary 0351 instructor for the battalion.  During his time in the WIG he rewrote the Period of Instruction (POI) for the 0351 MOS, which enhanced the training and knowledge base of the entry level 0351’s that where graduating and being sent to the fleet.  While serving as a 0351 Combat Instructor, he was meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant and became the Chief Instructor for the Assault Section in the WIG.     

In October 2008 1stSgt Stracener requested orders to 2nd Battalion 8th Marines.  Upon his arrival he was assigned to Weapons Company, where he served as the Section Leader and the Platoon Sergeant for CAAT 2.  During his tour he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

In June 2010 1stSgt Stracener was ordered to Inspector-Instructor Staff, Dover, New Jersey, where he assumed the billet of Training Chief for 2nd Battalion 25th Marines, Golf Company.  Within the first few months 1stSgt Stracener impacted the unit by assisting in the preparation of the Commanding Generals Inspection (CGI), which ultimately resulted in the unit receiving a passing score of 94%.  While with 2nd Battalion 25th Marines he ensured that the unit maintained a high state of readiness by scheduling training sites away from the Home Training Center (HTC), requesting the adequate amount of ammunition to support such training events and ensured that both the I&I Staff and SMCR Marines conducted their annual training requirements.  During this tour, he deployed to Morocco, Africa in support of the African Lion 13 mission.  Also while on this tour he had several collateral duties, which were; Toys for Tots Coordinator, SNCOIC for all Military Funeral Honors, Substance Abuse Control Officer, and the units Uniformed Victim Advocate.   

In August 2013, 1stSgt Stracener requested orders to 2nd Battalion 7th Marines and upon his arrival he was place in Golf Company as the Platoon Sergeant for 2nd Platoon.  In January 2014 Golf Company deployed to Jordan in support of conducting bilateral training for the Jordanian forces to better prepare them for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of OEF.  August 2014, 1stSgt Stracener was promoted to his current rank and was moved to Weapons Platoon to serve as the Platoon Sergeant during the Battalion’s deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). While on deployment he was sent to the Baghdad Embassy to serve as the Liaison Officer for Task Force Al Asad from SPMAGTF-CR-CC 15.1 to CJFLCC-I. 

In September 2015, 1stSgt Stracener received orders to Marine Barracks Washington 8th & I were he served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Guard Company.  In February 2016 1stSgt Stracener was sent to Camp David to serve as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Marine Security Company, Camp David.

In June 2018, 1stSgt Stracener transferred to Battery K, 2d Battalion, 14th Marines, where he assumed his current duties as Inspector-Instructor 1stSgt.

1stSgt Stracener’s personal awards are the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (“3 Gold Stars” in lieu of 4th award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (“CV” with “Gold Star” in lieu of 2nd award), Combat Action Ribbon (2nd award), as well as various other unit and service awards.