III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Sergeant Major Hayes is a native of Harrison, Arkansas. He enlisted into the Marine Corps and attended recruit training at MCRD San Diego in August 2003. 
 
Sergeant Major Hayes has been assigned numerous duties throughout his career, to include: towed artillery systems technician, artillery maintenance chief, small arms repairer, primary marksmanship instructor, armory chief, formal school instructor, acting company first sergeant, curriculum developer, unit senior enlisted leader, and command senior enlisted leader.
 
Sergeant Major Hayes has been assigned to the following units: 1st Battalion, 10th Marines; 8th Marine Regiment/Regimental Combat Team 8; Weapons & Field Training Battalion, Parris Island; 2d Tank Battalion; 2d Battalion, 8th Marines; Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Lee; Marine Raider Regiment; II MEF Support Battalion; College of Enlisted Military Education, Marine Corps University; Marine Barracks Washington (8th & I); Site Support Company E, 2d Battalion, 25th Marines; Site Support 4th Combat Engineer Battalion; and currently 3d Intelligence Battalion.
 
Sergeant Major Hayes deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2005 to February 2006. He also deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from January 2011 to July 2011 and again from April 2013 to September 2013. 
 
Sergeant Major Hayes has a Bachelor's Degree in Security Management and a Master's Degree in National Security Studies. 
 
Sergeant Major Hayes’ personal decorations include a Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars in lieu of fourth award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one silver star in lieu of sixth award, and a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.