Official Biography

Gunnery Sergeant Filkins was born on November 20, 1991, in Cadillac, MI. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in October 2009. After completing recruit training at MCRD San Diego, CA, and Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, CA, he reported to the Naval School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA for “A” school training as a Basic Musician, earning the Military Occupational Specialty of 5524 Musician.

In August 2010, upon graduating from the Basic Music Course, Lance Corporal Filkins was assigned to the Quantico Marine Corps Band in Quantico, VA, where he served as a Percussion Instrumentalist. During this assignment, he performed with the Band’s Ceremonial Band, Concert Band, Jazz Combo, Brass Band, and Big Band, performing for audiences across the Northeast. In March 2011, he was promoted to Corporal, and in July 2013, he earned the rank of Sergeant. Additionally, Sergeant Filkins served in the billets of Sergeant of the Guard, Transportation NCOIC, and sound technician in support of unit operations.

In July 2013, Sergeant Filkins received orders to the 2d Marine Division Band in Jacksonville, NC. Throughout this tour, he performed with the Band’s Ceremonial Band, Concert Band, Jazz Combo, Brass Band, and Big Band at high-profile events across the globe, including the Belleau Wood Memorial at the Aisne-Marne cemetery, the Beating Retreat Ceremony in London, and the Military Leaders Across Countries conference in Cartagena, Colombia. He also served in leadership roles, including Sergeant of the Guard, Rhythm Section Commander, Platoon Sergeant, and Small Ensemble Leader.

In August 2017, Sergeant Filkins was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, Louisiana. During this tour, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant in October 2017. He performed with the Ceremonial Band, Concert Band, Rock Band, and Brass Band in support of operations throughout the southeastern United States. Additionally, he took on responsibilities as the Uniformed Victim Advocate, Platoon Sergeant, and Small Ensemble Leader.

In August 2019, Staff Sergeant Filkins received orders to the Naval School of Music to attend the Unit Leader Course. After successfully completing the course, he remained on staff and was assigned as the Basic Academics Branch Head, providing music theory and ear training for “A” school students. Over the course of his tenure, he became certified in various instructional and leadership roles, including Course Supervisor Evaluator, Content Planning Module Administrator, Curriculum Developer, Curriculum Designer, Formal Schools Manager, Master Instructional Specialist, Master Training Specialist, and Live Production Technician Course Instructor. In April 2025, Staff Sergeant Filkins was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, and he currently serves as the Formal Schools Manager, Operations Chief, and Live Production Technician Course Instructor.

Gunnery Sergeant Filkins' personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars.