Gunnery Sergeant Jeremy Matt is a native of Denham Springs, Louisiana. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 2006 and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion of Recruit Training, he attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, and subsequently reported to the Armed Forces School of Music for training as a Marine Musician. Upon graduation and earning the title of Marine Musician, he was assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina where he served as a Trombone instrumentalist with the Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Brass Quintet, Popular Music Group, and Party Band, as well as in a myriad of ancillary billets to include: Fire Team Leader, Section Leader, Administrative Clerk, Travel Clerk and Sound Team member and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC). During his tour, he graduated from the Corporals Leadership Course, the Live Sound Production Course, and the Marine Corps Coach Bus Course.
Following his tour of duty, Sergeant Matt was transferred to the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band where he served as a Trombone Instrumentalist, Trombone Section Leader, Supply Chief, Assistant and Acting Instrument Repair Technician, Sound NCOIC, and performed with groups such as the Brass Band, the Concert Band, the ceremonial band, and the Brass Quintet. During his tour, he traveled extensively throughout eastern Asia to include, China, Mongolia, Cambodia, America Samoa, Tonga, and New Zealand.
In June 2013, Sergeant Matt received orders and transferred to the 2d Marine Division Band (The Division’s Own) where he would go on to serve as a Trombone Instrumentalist, Trombone Section Leader, Assistant Enlisted Conductor, Travel Chief and Information Systems Coordinator. During his tour, he performed in various ensembles to include the Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Party Band, Rock Band, and Brass Quintet. Some notable performances include the Transfer of Authority Ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan, the Battle of Belleau Wood Ceremony in Belleau Wood, France, and the 350th Annual Horseguards Parade in London, UK.
In September 2016, Staff Sergeant Matt was screened and selected for Marine Corps Recruiting Duty. Upon graduation of Recruiters School, he reported to Marine Corps Recruiting Station San Diego for duty as a Marine Corps Recruiter.
Upon a successful tour, Staff Sergeant Matt transferred to the 1st Marine Division Band aboard Camp Pendleton, California. During his time with the “Blue Diamond Band,” he served as a Trombone Instrumentalist, Trombone Section Leader, Acting Enlisted Conductor, Sound Chief, and leader of the Bands Octet, “The Ocho.”
Gunnery Sergeant Matt received orders and transferred to the Naval School of Music to attend the Unit Leader Course.
Upon completion of the Unit Leader Course, Gunnery Sergeant Matt reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina in September 2021 for duty as the band’s Enlisted Conductor. During his tenure, Gunnery Sergeant Matt was the primary conductor for the Ceremonial Band for the Commanding General’s Morning Colors Ceremony, the weekly Recruit Graduation Ceremonies, and the Educators Workshop series. During his time there, the band was highly successful, achieving widespread recognition from members of Congress with a Congressional Record and the Mayor of Beaufort with a city resolution. Additionally, the band would win the Colonel Howard Citation of Musical Excellence, become Finalists in the American Prize Arts competition, and become Emmy nominated for their recording of “You Were There”, written by Dr. Onsby Rose. He also performed frequently with the “Dirty Boots Brass Band,” the Jazz Big Band, and the band’s Brass Quintet.
In July 2023, Gunnery Sergeant Matt received orders and reported to the 2d Marine Division Band where he currently serves at the Enlisted Conductor. He has since graduated the Advanced Musicians Course in December 2023.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon. He currently resides in Havelock, North Carolina with his wife, Lindsay, Children, Shelby and Ryan, and his dog, Maka.