Sgt. Eddie Garcia enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in May of 2005 and graduated from Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on Aug. 12, 2005. Following Recruit Training, Pfc. Garcia reported to the School of Infantry West aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., for Marine Corps Combat Training in August of 2005. Then Pfc. Garcia reported to Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., in September of 2005 where he graduated the 9-week course in December of 2005.

After completing his entry-level training, Pfc. Garcia reported to his first duty station at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in December 2005 and was assigned to the Provost Marshal’s Office.

Soon after, he was selected for the Military Police Special Reaction Team and completed the course at Fort Leonard Wood.

In September of 2006, Lance Cpl. Garcia was selected to become a military working dog handler and sent to the Marine Corps Military Police Detachment at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for the Military Working Dog Handler Course where he was awarded a Meritorious Mast for outstanding performance.

Upon promotion to the rank of corporal in November of 2006, Garcia attended the Corporal’s Course at MCAS Iwakuni where he was he was recognized as the “Iron Man.”

From November 2007 through June 2008, Garcia deployed as an individual augment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Garcia’s past assignments include MCAS Iwakuni, I and II Marine Expeditionary Force and Task Force Military Police Iraq. His past billet assignments include gate sentry, explosive team leader, explosive driver, armed escort, military police desk sergeant, patrol supervisor, military working dog handler, military working dog chief trainer, and Special Reaction Team member and assistant team leader.

Garcia’s professional military education includes the Military Police Course, Special Reaction Team Course, Corporal’s Course, where he was recognized as the Iron Man, and the Military Working Dog Handler Course.

Garcia’s awards include the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon second award.