Sergeant Major Joey Cruz was born in Queens, NY in September 1984. He graduated from Central Islip High School in Central Islip, NY in 2003. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to MCRD Parris Island, SC in May 2004 for recruit training. Upon his graduation in July 2004, he reported to Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger and then attended the Administrative Basic MOS school in Camp Johnson, NC.
In November of 2004, Private First Class Cruz reported for duty to the School of Infantry (West) in Camp Pendleton, CA, where he served as an Administrative Clerk.
In December 2007, Corporal Cruz reported to Plainville, Connecticut, to serve on Inspector Instructor Duty with Company C, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines. During his tour, he held various billets including Administrative NCOIC, Color Sergeant, and Funeral Team NCOIC.
In March 2011, Sergeant Cruz reported to Headquarters and Service Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as the Classified Material Control Chief. During this period, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 12.1 and Operation Enduring Freedom 12.2.
In February 2013, Staff Sergeant Cruz reported to IMEF Headquarters Group, G7, Special Operations Training Group, Camp Pendleton, California, where he assumed the duties of Administrative Chief.
In August 2015, Staff Sergeant Cruz reported to Security Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California, again serving as Administrative Chief.
In September 2016, Staff Sergeant Cruz attended Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Upon graduation, he reported to Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, where he held billets as Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Chief Drill Instructor, Battalion Drill Master, and Regimental Drill Master.
In July 2020, Gunnery Sergeant Cruz reported to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Camp Pendleton, California, assuming the duties of Administrative Chief. In March 2021, he was frocked to the rank of 1stSgt.
In March 2021, First Sergeant Cruz reported to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, Camp Pendleton, California, serving as the Company First Sergeant for Company F. During this period, he completed one deployment in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS New Orleans.
In April 2023, First Sergeant Cruz reported to Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, MCRD, San Diego, California, where he served as the Company First Sergeant for Company G. In May 2024, First Sergeant Cruz was selected to serve as the Senior Enlisted Leader at Drill Instructor School until his promotion to Sergeant Major in August 2024. He currently serves as the 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines Battalion Sergeant Major.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (w/ three gold star), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (w/ two gold star), and the Drill Instructor Ribbon.
Sergeant Major Cruz is married to the former Cristal Avila. Together they have two daughters, Aniece and Jasmine.