Medaled Sgt. Major retires his post of command

CAMP PENDLETON — Sgt. Maj. Michael E. Gonzales relinquished command of his post as the 11th Marine Regiment Sergeant Major to Sgt. Maj. Terry L. Jones at a Relief and Appointment/Retirement Ceremony on the 11th Marine Regiment’s Parade Deck June 10.
Sgt. Maj. Gonzales assumed his duties as 11th Marines’ Regimental Sergeant Major in November, 2009. His personal decoration includes the Bronze Star with Combat “V” device, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in Lieu of Third award, Good Conduct Medal in Lieu of 9th award and Combat Action Ribbon.
Sgt. Maj. Jones enlisted in the service in 1981 while still in high school. He went to Army Boot Camp in Alabama. He remained in the reserves until enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1984. His personal decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal in Lieu of 2nd award, Navy Commendation Medal in Lieu of 3rd award with combat “V,” Navy Achievement Medal in Lieu of Third award and the Combat Action Ribbon.