Sergeant Major Gwaltney was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 3, 1976. In November of 1996 he reported to Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Upon graduation, he reported to the School Of Infantry at Camp Pendleton California where he attended the Light Armored Vehicle Crewman Course (0313). In May of 1997, Private First Class Gwaltney received orders to 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 29 Palms, California.
While assigned to 3rd Light armored Reconnaissance Battalion, he filled positions of Mortar Men, Driver, Gunner, and Vehicle Commander. In 1999, while assigned to 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion he deployed to Okinawa, Japan as part of the unit Deployment Program where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Meritoriously.
In a subsequent deployment (2001) to Okinawa Japan, Sergeant Gwaltney attended the Sergeants course. In 2002 Sergeant Gwaltney attended the Army Bradley Fighting Vehicle Master Gunner Course, and was assigned the Billet of Company Master Gunner. In January of 2003 Sergeant Gwaltney Deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraq Freedom. Upon the completion of the deployment Sergeant Gwaltney was promoted to the Rank of Staff Sergeant.
In December of 2003, Staff Sergeant Gwaltney was ordered to Recruiter School in San Diego, Ca. Upon graduation, he reported to Recruiting Station Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While assigned as a Canvassing recruiter and NCOIC for Recruiting Sub Station Janesville, Wisconsin, Staff Sergeant Gwaltney was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
In January of 2007, Gunnery Sergeant Gwaltney received orders to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as a Company Gunnery Sergeant. In March of 2007 he deployed ISO Operation Iraqi Freedom 6-8. In February of 2010 Gunnery Sergeant Gwaltney was selected to the rank of First Sergeant.
In March of 2010, First Sergeant Gwaltney received orders to Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3d Marine Logistics Group, Okinawa Japan, where he was assigned as the Company First Sergeant for Landing Support Company. In June 2011, First Sergeant Gwaltney was assigned as the Company First Sergeant for Food Service Company.
In June 2012, First Sergeant Gwaltney received orders to 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, 3D MEF Headquarters Group and was assigned to Military Police Company B.
In January 2013, First Sergeant Gwaltney received orders to Inspector Instructor duty, Echo Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Joliet Illinois.
In April of 2015, First Sergeant Gwaltney was promoted to the Rank of Sergeant Major and was directed to report to his current duty station, 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton California.
Sergeant Major Gwaltney has been married to his wife, Mary for 8 years. They have two sons, Logan and Brody.
Sergeant Major Gwaltney personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (4th award).