Gunnery Sergeant Palmer arrived at 1st Marine Division Band in November of 2024 to assume the duties of Drum Major.
A native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, he attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC in June of 2009. Upon graduation of recruit training and Marine Combat Training, he received orders to the Naval School of Music where he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. After graduation from the School of Music in April of 2010, he reported to Parris Island Marine Band where he served as a Saxophone Instrumentalist, Fire Team Leader, and Administrative Chief and was promoted to the rank of Corporal in October of 2010.
In December of 2012, he received orders to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band in San Diego, CA where he served as a Saxophone Instrumentalist, Fire Team Leader, Section Leader, SharePoint Site Manager, and Administrative Chief. In January of 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In January of 2015, he reported to the Basic Recruiters Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Upon graduation, he received orders to Recruiting Station Louisville, Recruiting Sub-station Fairfield, OH where he served as a canvassing recruiter. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in October of 2017. In January 2018 he assumed the duties as the Staff Non-commissioned Officer in Charge or Recruiting Sub-station Fairfield, OH.
In April of 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Palmer received orders to 2nd Marine Division Band in Jacksonville, NC where he assumed the duties of Saxophone Instrumentalist, Operations Chief, and Security Forces Officer in Charge.
In January of 2021, he reported back to the School of Music for the Unit Leaders Course. From January 2021 to August 2021, he was an advanced course student at the School of Music.
Gunnery Sergeant Palmer arrived at Marine Band San Diego in September of 2021 to assume the duties of Saxophone Instrumentalist, Section Leader, Woodwind Group Leader, Assistant Drum Major, and Information Systems Coordinator. In June of 2022, he assumed the duties of Drum Major. In August of 2023, Gunnery Sergeant Palmer reported to the Naval School of Music for the Advanced Musicians Course and graduated in December of 2023. From there, he returned to Marine Band San Diego to complete his tour.
Gunnery Sergeant Palmer’s awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th Award), Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon.