Marines


Combat Center News
Twentynine Palms Logo
Twentynine Palms, California
Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
Photo Information

Sgt. Maj. Michael E. Cedeno, off going sergeant major, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., waits to be awarded the meritorious service medal for his outstanding service for 1/7 during the post and relief ceremony at the commanding general’s lawn aboard the Combat Center Jan. 11, 2018. During the ceremony Cedeno relinquished his post as sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Brian E. Anderson, incoming sergeant major, 1/7, MCAGCC . (Official Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Margaret Gale)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Margaret Gale

'1st Team' welcomes new battalion sergeant major

16 Jan 2018 | Lance Cpl. Margaret Gale Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

Sgt. Maj. Michael E. Cedeno, off going sergeant major, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., relinquished his post as battalion sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Brian E. Anderson, incoming sergeant major, 1/7, MCAGCC, at the commanding general’s lawn during a post and relief ceremony aboard the Combat Center, Jan. 11, 2018.

Cedeno was born in Victoria, Tx, and started his Marine Corps career on April 24, 1995. He enlisted as a basic radio operator and reported to 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N. C. Throughout his career in the Corps, Cedeno has called many duty stations home and participated in multiple deployments across the world.

In May 2002, he attended the drill instructor course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. After completion of the course, he served six cycles as a drill instructor and two cycles as a senior drill instructor. In January of 2015, Cedeno assumed the post as battalion sergeant major for 1/7.

Throughout his career, Cedeno received many personal awards, including, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four gold stars and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star. Cedeno is married and has two sons with his wife, Amanda Hoelter, and looks forward to starting a new life.
“I want to welcome Sgt. Maj. Anderson and Christina to the team,” Cedeno said. “You’re a part of something special over here. I am excited to see what you bring to the table.”

Anderson was born and raised in Pheonix, Ariz., and started his career as a United States Marine in January, 1999. He was meritoriously promoted to private first class upon graduation of recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Training San Diego, Calif., and then reported to the School of Infantry West, Calif., to become a rifleman for the Corps.

In June of 1999, Anderson reported for duty with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and from there started a streak of meritorious promotions throughout his career, as well as his numerous deployments and duty stations. Anderson deployed to Iraq in support of Iraqi Freedom twice with both 3/1 and 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Anderson trained to become a combat instructor in January of 2010 and served as the company gunnery sergeant of the infantry training battalion. In January of 2018 he received the orders to serve as the battalion sergeant major for 1/7.

Personal awards Anderson has received throughout his Marine Corps career are the, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon with gold star in lieu of second award and a meritorious service medal, which he received during the ceremony. Anderson has two children with his wife, Christina.

“Marines and sailors of 1/7, I am truly excited and blessed to serve as your battalion sergeant major,” Anderson said. “I promise to give you everything I have. I only ask that you do the same thing for the Marines and sailors next to you.”

More Media

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms