Sergeant Major Gonzalez enlisted in the Marine Corps on March 1, 1994, and completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego California, graduating from Company M, Third Recruit Training Battalion. After completing Marine Combat Training, he was transferred to Camp Johnson, North Carolina where he attended the Basic Food Service Military Occupational School where he earned the Military Occupation Skill (MOS) of Food Service Specialist.
Upon completion of MOS training, he received orders to Okinawa, Japan, and was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as a cook on watch. During this time he participated in multiple field operations in the Republic of South Korea.
In January of 1996, Lance Corporal Gonzalez reported to the School Of Infantry, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California. During this time he was promoted to the ranks of Corporal and Sergeant, and was a member of the Honored Color Guard and Funeral Rifle Detail.
In November 1998, Sergeant Gonzalez received orders to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan.
In November 1999, he requested and received orders to Drill Instructor School Class 3-00 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Upon completion of Drill Instructor School, he was assigned to Third Recruit Training Battalion. He served as a Drill Instructor with Company M and was promoted to Staff Sergeant in November 2001. He continued to serve as an Experienced Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor with Company M.
In December 2003, he was assigned to the School of Infantry West, Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as the Assistant Logistic Chief and the 52 Area Mess Hall Liaison.
In March of 2005, he received orders to 3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division where he completed several combat deployments in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. In August 2007 he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
In January 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Gonzalez was assigned to Officer Candidates School (OCS) Quantico, Virginia, where he served with Companies A, B, C, D and K as a Sergeant Instructor, Platoon Sergeant and Company Gunnery Sergeant.
In January 2011, Gunnery Sergeant Gonzalez was assigned to Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California, Headquarters Battalion, Bravo Company, Logistic Division. In late 2011, Gunnery Sergeant Gonzalez augmented and deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit as the 11th MEU Headquarters Commandant.
In January 2013, Gunnery Sergeant Gonzalez was promoted to First Sergeant and received orders to Marine Combat Logistics Battalion 5, and served as the Company First Sergeant for Support Company and Motor Transportation Company.
In August 2014, First Sergeant Gonzalez received orders to Officer Candidates School (OCS), Quantico Virginia, as the Company First Sergeant, Headquarters and Service Company and later assigned to a candidate training company, company D.
In August 2016, First Sergeant Gonzalez received orders to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 11th Marines Regiment, 1st Marine Division and served as the Headquarters Battery First Sergeant.
In February 2017, Sergeant Major Gonzalez was frocked and assumed the post of Squadron Sergeant Major for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 (HMH-466). He deployed as part of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) 18.1, participate in exercise Cobra Gold 18-1, the Korean Military Exchange Program, SSang Yong and served aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard, LHD-6 with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SP-MAGTF) 4, as the ACE Sergeant Major.
In November 2018, Sergeant Major Gonzalez served as the SP-MAGTF 7, Task Force 51 ACE Sergeant Major.
In January 2019, Sergeant Major Gonzalez assumed the post of Battalion Sergeant Major, Third Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina.
In April 2020 he assumed his current position as the Sergeant Major of Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina.
Sergeant Major Gonzalez’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (with two gold stars), Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with one gold star), and the Combat Action Ribbon.