Sergeant Major Ronda Kirkby reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina in October 1995 for recruit training. Upon graduation, she reported to Disbursing School, Camp Johnson, North Carolina in 1996. Later she was assigned to 1st Marine Logistic Group in Camp Pendleton, CA. She worked as a Pay and Separations clerk where she was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal.
In May of 1999 she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and soon after reported to Drill Instructor school. After graduation she was assigned to Oscar Company, 4th Battalion. Her billets included Drill Instructor, Experienced Drill Instructor, and Series Gunnery Sergeant. During this tour she was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In May of 2004, Sergeant Major Kirkby was then assigned to 2nd Marine Logistics Group as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Headquarters Company. She deployed in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to Al Taqaddum, Iraq in February 2005 through February 2006.
In April 2006, Sergeant Major Kirkby received orders to Quantico, VA, as the Travel SNCOIC. Soon after checking into Disbursing, she went to serve as an augment at Officer Candidate School. After the summer cycle was complete, she was then reassigned as permanent personnel.
She was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant in 2010.
In January 2011 Sergeant Major Kirkby was assigned to Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment-17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton, CA. Approximately a year later she was assigned to Headquarter Company, Combat Logistics Battalion-1, 1st Marine Logistics Group where she deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan. Upon return she was assigned to Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion-1.
In February 2013 Sergeant Major Kirkby was assigned to Instructional Training Company, Support Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment MCRD, San Diego for duty as the Company First Sergeant. In September of 2015 she was promoted to her current rank of Sergeant Major and assumed the billet of Support Battalion Sergeant Major.
In January 2016 was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM-161), MAG-16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing as the Squadron Sergeant Major. While there she deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit as the ACE Sergeant Major. In November 2018 she was assigned as the Regimental Sergeant Major for Combat Logistics Regiment-17, 1st Marine Logistics Group Camp Pendleton, CA. In June 2021, Sergeant Major Kirkby was assigned as the Manpower Management Sergeant Major. In May 2023, she assumed the billet as the 1st Marine Logistics Sergeant Major where she is currently assigned.
SgtMaj Kirkby holds a Master’s in Human Relations from The University of Oklahoma and a Doctorate in Social Work from University of Southern California.
Sergeant Major Kirkby’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (three gold stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (one gold star), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.