SSgt Murray is a native of Smithfield, North Carolina. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 2011 and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Marine Combat Training, then the Basic Musician’s Course at the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
In February of 2012, LCpl Murray was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division Band, Camp Lejeune, NC. In March of 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and in January of 2014 to the rank of Sergeant. While stationed with the 2nd Marine Division Band, Sgt Murray served as French Horn Instrumentalist, Section Leader, Assistant IRT, Supply and Fiscal Chief. During his time at 2nd Marine Division, Sgt Murray also attended the Combat Marksmanship Course and Combat Marksmanship Instructors Course where he served as a coach and instructor with Weapons Training Battalion training Marines in rifle and pistol marksmanship.
In June 2017, Sgt Murray reported to the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band in Okinawa, Japan as a French Horn Instrumentalist. While stationed in Okinawa, Sgt Murray deployed to Djibouti, Africa in June 2018 serving as the Range Coordination Officer, Exercise Planner and Joint Operations Center Supervisor with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.
Upon his return to Okinawa, SSgt Murray resumed his role as a French Horn Instrumentalist, also serving as the Assistant and Acting Repair Technician. In January 2022, SSgt Murray deployed to South Korea with the MEF Support Battalion for Combined Command Post Training 22.1. He served as the Live-Fire Training Action Officer, Range Safety Officer and Acting Battalion Adjutant.
In May 2023, SSgt Murray attended Minnesota State College Southeast, earning an Associates of Applied Science in Band Instrument Repair with High Honors. SSgt Murray is also a graduate of Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Occupational Safety Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. SSgt Murray assumed his current billet with the Parris Island Marine Band in June 2024.
SSgt Murray’s personal awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (6th Award).