Gunnery Sergeant Hayes enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 2012 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Upon completion of recruit training, Marine Combat Training, and the Naval School of Music, he reported to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point to serve as a Trombone Instrumentalist with the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing Band. During his tour, he served as the trombone section leader, the unit’s administration NCO, and was selected as the Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron NCO of the Quarter.
Following his tour in Cherry Point, Gunnery Sergeant Hayes reported to the 1st Marine Division Band in April of 2016. While at Camp Pendleton, he served as a trombone instrumentalist and as the Acting Enlisted Conductor for the unit. Gunnery Sergeant Hayes’ collateral duties included Martial Arts Instructor and Library NCOIC.
In January of 2019, Gunnery Sergeant Hayes reported to Drill Instructor School aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. After graduating Drill Instructor School, he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Chief Drill Instructor with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment from March 2019 to September of 2021. After completing his cycles as a Drill Instructor, he was selected as the 1st Battalion Drill Master, where he served until September of 2022.
In October of the same year, Gunnery Sergeant Hayes reported to the 1st Marine Division Band again, where he served as a Trombone Instrumentalist and the Acting Enlisted Conductor. His collateral duties included Headquarters Battalion Security Platoon SNCOIC and the unit’s Training SNCOIC.
In September of 2023, Gunnery Sergeant Hayes attended the Unit Leader Course aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. Gunnery Sergeant Hayes was promoted to his current grade in May 2024 and reported to Marine Band San Diego in June 2024 where he serves as the Drum Major.
Gunnery Sergeant Hayes’ personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation (two gold stars in lieu of third award), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct medal (three bronze stars in lieu of fourth award).