Staff Sergeant Michael J. GonzalesU.S. Army 2-2 SCR. HHC. Mortar Platoon

Michael J. Gonzales was born in Sacramento California, and entered into the US Army Delayed Entry Program on the 20th of July 2005. After graduating from Horizons Home School program, Staff Sergeant Gonzales arrived on October 7th 2005 to Infantry One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. On February 26th 2006, he left Fort Benning as an 11C Indirect fire Infantryman. After leaving Fort Benning, Georgia, Staff Sergeant Gonzales reported to 1st of the 25th 3/21 infantry battalion and served for a short time as an assistant gunner in A CO. On June 1, 2006 at the Ft Lewis parade field, Staff Sergeant Gonzales became a Dragoon as the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry colors where cased and the unit was reflagged to the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. Staff Sergeant Gonzales continued to work as an assistant gunner and help with the move to Vilseck, Germany. In July of 2006 Staff Sergeant Gonzales arrived in Vilseck Germany as a member of Dog Company 2nd Squadron, 2nd Striker Cavalry Regiment. Upon arriving to Germany he had the honor of participating in the parade through the city of Vilseck. It was the first time US troops had done this in 20 years. While in Dog Co., Staff Sergeant Gonzales participated in two MORTEPS and field exercises in Hoensfeld Training Area, and proved to be an outstanding Mortar man. All the training prepared Staff Sergeant Gonzales for his first deployment. On the 6th of August 2007 Staff Sergeant Gonzales deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After Staff Sergeant Gonzales earned his promotable status, he was selected above his peers to take on a squad leader position in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, and then joined the Core of the Noncommissioned officers on May 1st 2008 when he was promoted to Sergeant. Staff Sergeant Gonzales and his squad redeployed to Germany in October of 2008. While in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Gonzales volunteered to attend the warrior’s leader’s course during the block leave time frame and graduated in the top 20 percent of his class, than shortly after attended Infantry Mortar Leader Course and Advanced Leaders Course. In the spring of 2009, Staff Sergeant Gonzales earned his Expert Infantry Badge and mentored Sergeant Wickline to earn his. He was one of the 3 in the company that earned the right to wear the coveted badge. During this time he continued to mentor his men and achieved a 287 squad PT average. Staff Sergeant Gonzales also mentored PFC McGee to pass Infantry Mortar Leader Course which has one of the highest attrition rates in the army. Staff Sergeant Gonzales continued to train and mentor his men for the upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, and also developed an effective mortar live fire range at JTF-E Novo Selo, Bulgaria, which was the first of its kind and received accolades from the Regimental Commander. On June 26th Staff Sergeant Gonzales Deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sergeant Gonzales’ awards and decorations include the Expert Infantry Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (three oak leaf clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service ribbon, and the NATO Medal. Staff Sergeant Gonzales has set many goals for himself to develop his military proficiency. His short term goals include staying with the Dragoon team and applying himself as a Section Sergeant to assist in the unit’s future missions, attend and successfully complete Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer Course, and compete for selection into the prestigious Sergeant Morales Club. His long term goals include Attending and successfully completing Ranger School, earning a bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Business, and to becoming a Platoon Sergeant.