Sergeant Major Cervantes was born in Chihuahua, Mexico and enlisted in the Marine Corps in June of 1999. She went to Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Paris Island, SC on 21 August 2000. Upon completion, she attended Marine Combat Training, Camp Lejeune, NC. Subsequent, First Sergeant Cervantes attended Communications School in 29 Palms, CA.
Following Communications School she received orders to III MEF, 7th Communications Battalion, Communications Company, Radio Platoon, Okinawa. She deployed in support of Operation Tandem Thrust, Rock Hampton, Australia and was promoted to the rank of Lance
Corporal.
On 1 January 2002, LCpl Cervantes received orders to 1st Marine Division, Headquarters Battalion, Communications Company, Radio Platoon. She was then promoted to the rank of Corporal. In February of 2003, she deployed to Iraq for Operation Enduring Freedom.
Corporal Cervantes returned back from Iraq in September of 2003. While there she served as the Platoon Sergeant for Radio platoon. On March 1, 2004 Cpl Cervantes was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In February 2005, Sgt Cervantes was assigned to I Marine Expeditionary Unit, G-6. There she served as the Colonel’s aid and Terminal Area Security Officer. As the TASO Sergeant Cervantes created and maintained all 3270 accounts for the MEF.
In November 2006, Sgt Cervantes received orders to Marine Corps Recruiting Station, San Diego CA. On February 1, 2008 she was promoted to Staff Sergeant. As a canvassing recruiter SSgt Cervantes was Recruiter of the Month and recruiter of the quarter. SSgt Cervantes was selected to work as the program specialist for her last six months on recruiting duty.
Upon a successful tour on recruiting duty SSgt Cervantes received orders to III MAW, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38 (MWCS-38), where she served as the Alpha Company Radio Chief. During this period, the Detachment deployed in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom 10.1. SSgt Cervantes served as the Transmissions Platoon SNCOIC, Uniformed Victim Advocate, and EKMS manager. During this time, SSgt Cervantes successfully completed the online SEJPME Course as well as Career Course. In 2011, SSgt Cervantes was appointed to
serve as the MWCS-38 Safety Manger and completed the Safety Managers Course and Hazardous Waste Course.
Staff Sergeant Cervantes received orders and reported to 3D MLG, CLR-37, Communications Company, Camp Kinser, Okinawa in January 2012. While there she served as the Transmissions chief, company UVA, attended Advanced course, was selected to GySgt and selected for the Staff Degree Completion Program.
In December of 2012 GySgt Cervantes reported to 4th Tank Battalion, I&I Station as a student while on the Staff Degree Completion Program. While attached to 4th Tank Battalion, GySgt Cervantes served as the UVA and completed her Bachelors in Psychology.
Upon graduation GySgt Sergeant Cervantes reported to MCI-West, Base Safety Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for her pay back tour. At Safety, GySgt Cervantes became the Ground Safety for Marines lead instructor and finished her Masters in Performance Psychology. In December of 2015, GySgt was selected for First Sergeant.
In May 2016, she received orders to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton, as the Company First Sergeant for Bridge Company. In January 2018, 1stSgt Cervantes took over as the Bulk Fuel Company First Sergeant.
In September of 2018, 1stSgt Cervantes reported to Lejeune Leadership Institute to serve as the Senior Enlisted Advisor. 1stSgt attended the First Sergeant Seminar, E8 Seminar and SEPME. In November 2020, 1stSgt Cervantes was selected for Sergeant Major.
SgtMaj Cervantes attended Cornerstone and reported to RS San Antonio in July of 2021.
SgtMaj Cervantes’ personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal with one gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, and Good Conduct Medal with one Silver Star.