From Easley, South Carolina, SgtMaj Preston enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina.  Upon completion of School of Infantry, and the Basic Security Guard School, PFC Preston reported to the newly formed 2d Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company based out of Yorktown, Virginia. 

In April 2001, Sgt Preston reported for duty as the Training Chief, Headquarters Company, Marine Forces Atlantic, Norfolk, VA.  Sgt Preston was meritoriously promoted to the rank of SSgt while serving in this billet. 

SSgt Preston reported to 1st Bn, 8th Marines in January 2004, where he was assigned as the Alpha Company, Weapons Platoon Sergeant.  His next duty assignment was with 2d Bn, 2nd Marines where he deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was combat meritoriously promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. 

In July 2006, GySgt Preston reported to the School of Infantry – East, Camp Geiger, North Carolina for Special Duty Assignment as a Combat Instructor and Company Gunnery Sergeant with Alpha Company, Infantry Training Battalion.  He later served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Advanced Infantry Training Company, and then the S-4 SNCOIC during the activation for Advanced Infantry Training Battalion and 1stSgt for Instructor Training Company. 

1stSgt Preston reported to 1st Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company, Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, Norfolk, Virginia in April 2010.  1stSgt Preston was selected to attend the US Army’s Sergeant Major Academy, Fort Bliss, Texas.

In August 2014, 1stSgt Preston reported to Headquarters Company, Headquarters Regiment, 3d MLG, Camp Kinser, Okinawa for duties as the Company 1stSgt.  He reported to 3d Transportation Support Battalion in December 2015 and served as the Battalion Sergeant Major until June 2017, when he reported for duty as the Squadron Sergeant Major with VMFAT-501, MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. 

SgtMaj Preston reported for duty as the Regimental Sergeant Major for Combat Logistics Regiment 35, Camp Kinser, Okinawa in May 2019 until their disestablishment.  His next tour was with Marine Aircraft Group 36, MCAS Futenma, Okinawa until July 2021 where he served as the Group Sergeant Major.  His current assignment is with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. 

SgtMaj Preston’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (one Gold Star), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two Gold Stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Combat “V” and two Gold Stars) Combat Action Ribbon and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.