John L. Estrada facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Estrada
Estrada in 2022
United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago
In office April 19, 2016 – January 20, 2017
President	Barack Obama
Preceded by	Margaret Diop (acting)
Succeeded by	Joseph Mondello
15th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
In office June 26, 2003 – April 25, 2007
President	George W. Bush
Preceded by	Alford L. McMichael
Succeeded by	Carlton Kent
Personal details
Born	(1955-09-27) September 27, 1955 (age 70) Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago
Spouse	Elizabeth Cote
Occupation	Marine, ambassador
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1973–2007
Rank	Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
Battles/wars	Gulf War Operation Southern Watch Iraq War
Awards	Navy Distinguished Service Medal Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal (4) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Joint Service Achievement Medal Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

John Learie Estrada (born September 27, 1955) is a well-known American leader. He served as the United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago and was also the 15th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. This is a very important role in the United States Marine Corps. After more than 33 years of service, Estrada retired from the military in June 2007. He has also worked as a senior manager for a company called Lockheed Martin Training Solutions.

In July 2013, John Estrada was chosen to be the United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. He was approved for this important job on February 12, 2016, and officially became the ambassador on March 17, 2016.

Early Life and Education

John Estrada was born in Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago, on September 27, 1955. When he was a teenager, he moved to the United States. He became a citizen of the U.S. in 1988.

Military Career Highlights

John Estrada joined the United States Marine Corps on September 19, 1973. He went through basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina. After learning how to maintain F-4 aircraft, he was assigned to his first unit in March 1974.

Estrada as the Sergeant Major of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Estrada speaking to U.S. Marines in Fallujah in 2005.

Becoming a Drill Instructor

Estrada quickly moved up in rank. In August 1982, he became a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Drill instructors are Marines who train new recruits. He was promoted to gunnery sergeant in January 1984. He later returned to drill instructor duty at Parris Island in October 1987. He helped train many new Marines.

Key Leadership Roles

From December 1990 to March 1995, Estrada served as a first sergeant in various units. These included an Intelligence Company in Japan and a Marine Security Force Company in Virginia. He also worked with maintenance and reconnaissance battalions.

From March 1995 to May 1998, he served as a sergeant major for the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. During this time, he deployed with special Marine units to the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf.

Before becoming the top enlisted Marine, Estrada was the sergeant major for the Marine Recruit Training Regiment at Parris Island. He also served as the sergeant major for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. In this role, he took part in important operations like Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

On June 26, 2003, John Estrada became the 15th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. This is the highest enlisted rank in the Marine Corps. He served in this role until April 25, 2007, when he passed the position to Carlton Kent. For his excellent service, Estrada received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. He retired from the Marine Corps in June 2007. In 2010, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management.

Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago

In July 2013, President Barack Obama chose John Estrada to be the next United States Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. This was a special nomination because Trinidad and Tobago is the country where Estrada was born. The United States Senate approved his nomination on February 12, 2016. He officially started his role as ambassador on March 17, 2016.

Life After Public Service

In November 2020, John Estrada was part of the team that helped President Joe Biden prepare to take office. He supported efforts related to the United States Department of Defense.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

John Estrada has been active in supporting political figures and community organizations. In 2008, he publicly supported U.S. Senator Barack Obama for President. He spoke at the Democratic National Convention in August 2008, explaining his support for Obama.

In July 2010, President Barack Obama nominated Estrada to be a commissioner for the American Battle Monuments Commission. This agency takes care of U.S. Armed Forces cemeteries and memorials overseas. Estrada has also served on other important committees and boards. These include the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services and the Board of Directors for Operation Homefront. He was also on the executive committee for the United Service Organizations.

In the 2024 United States presidential election, Estrada supported Kamala Harris.

Awards and Honors

John Estrada has received many awards for his service. Some of his personal awards include: