Enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1999 and completed recruit training at MCRD San Diego in November of that same year. Upon completion of Marine Combat Training in Camp Pendleton, CA; Private Avelar reported to Camp Johnson, NC for Personnel Administration Course where he obtained the MOS of 0151.
After completing MOS school in February 2000, Private First Class Avelar received orders to Support Battalion, MCRD Parris Island where he was assigned to Recruit Admin Center and served as an admin clerk.
In February 2002, Corporal Avelar received orders to Marine Barracks 8th & I, Washington, DC. During this tour, Corporal Avelar served as the admin NCOIC covering multiple companies within the DC Metro area and the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. In addition to his billet as an administrator, Sergeant Avelar served as security detail for VIP’s for Evening Parades at Marine Barracks 8th & I and the Sunset Parades located at the Marine Corps War Memorial; these events are the highlights of the post.
In April 2004, Sergeant Avelar was sent to the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. During this tour, he served for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Working with all branches of service within the Department of defense, he was on call to assist the Secretary’s office with public relations on matters dealing with all Service Chiefs, Other U.S. Government Agencies, and Foreign Dignitaries.
In February 2007, Staff Sergeant Avelar reported to Support Battalion, MCRD Parris Island. During this tour he served as the battalion admin chief as well as the SNCOIC of Recruit Admin Center.
In April 2009, Staff Sergeant Avelar reported to Drill Instructor School, MCRD San Diego, CA class 3-09. Upon graduation from DI school he was assigned to, the Company D, First Recruit Training Battalion where he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Chief Drill Instructor, and Company 1stSgt.
Upon completion of his successful tour of Drill Instructor Duty in June 2012, Gunnery Sergeant Avelar transferred to VMM-162 in MCAS New River, NC in July 2012 where the unit trained in the last Enhanced Mojave Viper exercise. Gunnery Sergeant Avelar was assigned as an Individual Augment to II MEF (FWD) in October 2012 and remained with II MEF (FWD) until their deactivation in March of 2014. He then returned to VMM-162 in April 2014, and re-joined the unit which was deployed in support of SPMAGTF-CR-AF.
In July 2014, VMM-162 returned from deployment and within a month began the work-ups for the upcoming 26th MEU deployment. Gunnery Sergeant Avelar was selected to First Sergeant in December 2014.
In May 2015, First Sergeant Avelar reported to 2d Battalion 2d Marines where he served as the First Sergeant for Company F until September 2016.
In October 2016, First Sergeant Avelar reported to 1st Battalion 7th Marines to serve as the First Sergeant for Company A. In January 2018, he attended the U. S. Air Force SNCO Academy at Maxwell AFB, AL. In March 2018 he was reassigned to H&S Company until his departure in January 2019.
In February 2019, First Sergeant Avelar transferred to 1st Tank Battalion and assigned to Company B. In June 2019 he was reassigned to H&S Company until his selection to his current rank.
In June 2020, he assumed his current post as Battalion Sergeant Major for 2d Battalion 10th Marines.
Sergeant Major Avelar’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal w/One Gold Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/Gold Star, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/three Gold Stars.