First Sergeant Jesse Martinez is a native of Dallas, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on March 5, 2005, and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, for recruit training. Upon graduation, he completed Marine Combat Training (MCT) at Camp Pendleton, California. He then attended the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) in Twentynine Palms, California, where he earned the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 0621, Field Radio Operator.
In September 2005, First Sergeant Martinez reported to Headquarters Battery, 2d Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, in Grand Prairie, Texas. Shortly after, in January 2006, he was mobilized and attached to 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, Fox Company, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon returning from Iraq in May 2007, he resumed his duties with Headquarters Battery, 2/14.
In October 2008, First Sergeant Martinez was transferred to Battery D, 14th Marine Regiment, in El Paso, Texas. He deployed once again, this time in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, returning in November 2009. He was subsequently reassigned to Headquarters Battery, 2/14.
In February 2010, First Sergeant Martinez joined the NAS JRB Joint Funeral Honors Team, serving as an instructor for all ceremonial honors conducted at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Upon completion of this assignment in February 2011, he returned to his MOS duties as a Field Radio Operator and assumed additional billets as the Embarkation Representative and Platoon Sergeant. During this period, he was promoted to the rank of StaƯ Sergeant and transferred to Headquarters Battery, 14th Marine Regiment, at Fort Worth, Texas.
In September 2017, First Sergeant Martinez played a key role in the Marine Corps’ support eƯorts during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, one of the most devastating natural disasters to impact the state of Texas. He rapidly mobilized with elements of the 14th Marine Regiment to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the greater Houston area. He coordinated the movement of critical supplies, helped establish temporary shelters, and worked closely with local authorities to aid displaced residents. His actions directly contributed to restoring stability in multiple neighborhoods and exemplified the Marine Corps’ commitment to serving the American people both in and out of uniform.
In March 2018, he was selected for deployment with Security Cooperation Team Jordan 18.2, where he served as a Foreign Security Forces Advisor to the Jordanian Special Forces and as the team’s Communications Chief. He returned to the United States in February 2019 and resumed his role with Headquarters Battery, 14th Marine Regiment. During his five-year tenure with the 14th Marines Communications Platoon, First Sergeant Martinez held a variety of leadership roles, including Transmissions Chief, Operations Chief, and ultimately Communications Chief.
On November 1, 2024, he was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and assigned the MOS 8999. He currently serves as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader (USEL) for Headquarters Battery, 2d Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, where he is responsible for the morale, welfare, and discipline of all enlisted personnel.
Personal Decorations: First Sergeant Martinez’s personal awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th Award) and the Combat Action Ribbon.