Sergeant Major Cruz was born in San Jose, California and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1998 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps recruit Depot San Diego, California, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion from December 1998 to March 1999. After Marine Combat Training in Camp Pendleton, California, Private Cruz reported to Administrative Clerks Course in Camp Johnson, North Carolina. Upon completion of MOS School in May 1999, Private Cruz received orders to report to 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, aboard Camp Pendleton California in 1999. During his time there he deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Determined Response, Operation Iron Magic and a Humanitarian mission in East Timor.
Sergeant Cruz was then transferred to Marine Aircraft Group 41, Fort Worth, Texas in June 2003. While assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 41 he served as the NCOIC in the Adjutant section. In January of 2005 Sergeant Cruz executed orders to Drill Instructor school. During his tour of duty as a Drill Instructor, he served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor with Company A, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California.
After a successful tour of Drill Instructor duty, Staff Sergeant Cruz was stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii with Marine Aircraft Group 24. While serving as Administrative Chief and Company Gunnery Sergeant, Gunnery Sergeant Cruz deployed in support of Exercise Balikatan 2010 and Lava Viper 2011 and Cobra Gold. Following his tour with MAG-24, Gunnery Sergeant Cruz was assigned to the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned in Quantico, Virginia as the Administrative Chief. In August 2013 Gunnery Sergeant Cruz was transferred to the MAGTF Staff Training Program, Training and Education Command Quantico, Virginia as the Administrative Chief.
In May of 2015 Gunnery Sergeant Cruz executed orders to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39. While assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39, he served as the Adjutant and Administrative Chief. In March 2016, Gunnery Sergeant Cruz was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant and was assigned to 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion, Camp Pendleton California and served as the Company First Sergeant for Communication Company and Logistics Company.
In November 2017, First Sergeant Cruz reported to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company, Central Command (FASTCENT), Bahrain and served as the FASTCENT Company First Sergeant. Following his tour with FASTCENT, First Sergeant Cruz reported to 7th Engineer Support Battalion and was assigned as the Company First Sergeant for Engineer Support Company. In February 2020, Sergeant Major Cruz was promoted to his current rank and reported to Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Combat Logistic Regiment 17, Camp Pendleton California. During his time there he deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In May 2022, Sergeant Major Cruz reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, where he served as the Sergeant Major for 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.
In April of 2023 Sergeant Major Cruz assumed duties as the Sergeant Major of Recruiting Station Fort Worth.
Sergeant Major Cruz’s personal decoration include: Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in lieu of Seventh Award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in lieu of Fourth Award, Combat Action Ribbon and Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.