Staff Sergeant Eric J. Potter is a native of Abingdon, Maryland. In 2011, he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Towson University. After graduating, he attended the University of New Mexico for his master's degree in clarinet performance. While there, Eric Potter enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and attended basic training in San Diego, California. He graduated boot camp in September 2012, and then attended Marine Combat training in November of 2012. Upon graduating from MCT, PFC Potter began MOS training at the Naval School of Music as a clarinet instrumentalist in the Basic Musician's Course. After graduating MOS school in April of 2013, Lance Corporal Potter was assigned as a Clarinet Instrumentalist at the Quantico Marine Corps Band in Quantico, Virginia. Lance Corporal Potter was augmented to Security Battalion in December 2013 and served as a Military Policeman for seven months. In June 2014, Corporal Potter returned to the band and resumed his primary duties. While at the Quantico Marine Corps Band, Cpl Potter participated in two International Tattoos hosted in Virginia and the other in the Netherlands. In 2016, Sergeant Potter was assigned to the Marine Forces Pacific Band, where he served as the Assistant Enlisted Conductor, Library Chief, and Clarinet Instrumentalist. SSgt Potter participated in the Nanchang International Tattoo in China as well as the Flag Day Ceremony in American Samoa. In August 2019, Sergeant Potter was selected to attend the Music Unit Leaders Course in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at the Naval School of Music. In May of 2020, Staff Sergeant Potter graduated and was selected to be the Clarinet Instructor and Information Technology Specialist at the Naval School of Music. In May of 2023, Staff Sergeant Potter returned to the Quantico Marine Band for his second tour. While there, he was selected to attend the Advanced Musician's Course at the Naval School of Music, where he was the honor graduate. In December of 2023, Staff Sergeant Potter graduated at the top of his class and continued his tour with the Quantico Marine Band. He currently serves as the Enlisted Conductor and Clarinet Instrumentalist. SSgt Potter's personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.