Sergeant Major Don J. Hernandez is a native of Lubbock, Texas enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 1998 and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Ca. Upon completion of Recruit Training, Pvt Hernandez transferred to the School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, Ca
In March of 1999, PFC Hernandez reported to 4th Marine Regiment, Camp Schwab Okinawa, Japan. In March of 2000 he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal and requested orders to Marine Security Guard Battalion in Quantico, Virginia. Cpl Hernandez graduated Marines Security Guard School in July of 2000. He was assigned to US Embassy Bangkok, Thailand and US Embassy Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In November of 2003, Sergeant Hernandez reported to 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, Company A, Weapons Platoon. He served as the Assault Section leader, Machine Section Leader, Mortar Section Leader and Platoon Sergeant. During his tour he was promoted to Staff Sergeant, and supported two combat deployments to Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
In June of 2006 SSgt Hernandez received orders to 1st Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company, Marine Security Forces, during this time he served as a Platoon Sergeant and Company Gunnery Sergeant. In 2007 he deployed to U.S. Seventh Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan and embarked on the USS Blue Ridge for a sixth month deployment and in 2008 deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 2008 SSgt Hernandez completed SERE school and Infantry Unit Leaders Course. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in April 2009.
In June 2009, GySgt Hernandez received orders to 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, Company A. During this tour, GySgt Hernandez deployed on the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit that supported various exercises in 5th Fifth Fleet. GySgt Hernandez served in the billets of Weapons Platoon Sergeant, Company Gunnery Sergeant, and Company First Sergeant.
In July of 2012 GySgt Hernandez received orders to 8th and I, Marine Barracks Company A, Washington D.C. During this tour he served as Platoon Sergeant, Company Gunnery Sergeant and First Sergeant. He participated in three parade seasons and the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade. In April of 2015 was promoted to First Sergeant and received orders to Bravo Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company, Marine Security Forces Regiment and served as the Company First Sergeant. In April of 2018, 1stSgt Hernandez received orders to Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division.
In December 2018 Sergeant Major Hernandez was selected to his current rank and reported to II MEF Support Battalion. In May 2021 SgtMaj Hernandez reported to R.S. Dallas.
Sergeant Major Hernandez’s personal decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon.
SgtMaj Hernandez is married to the former Rebekah Mills from London, England and they have two children, Lilliana and Jonathan.