Official Biography

Staff Sergeant Russell enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 2007 and attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. After completing Recruit Training, he reported to Marine Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, NC, in March 2008. In April 2008, he reported to the Armed Forces School of Music in Virginia Beach, VA as a student in the Basic Musician Course and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in July 2008. In October 2008 he Graduated from the Armed Forces School of Music and earned the Military Occupational Specialty of 5524 Musician.

Lance Corporal Russell’s first assignment was as a Trumpet Instrumentalist with Marine Forces Reserve Band, New Orleans, Louisiana. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in February 2010 and then was promoted again to the rank of Sergeant in September 2011, serving as a Fire Team Leader, Supply Clerk, and MWR Coordinator.

In June 2012, Sergeant Russell reported to the Parris Island Marine Band, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, where he served as a Trumpet Instrumentalist, Supply Clerk, Transportation Chief, Fire Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Guide, and Platoon Sergeant. Sergeant Russell was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in October 2016.

In July 2017 Staff Sergeant Russell reported to the 2nd Marine Division Band, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he served as a Trumpet Instrumentalist, Supply Chief, Training Chief, Brass Quintet Leader, Trumpet Section Leader, Assistant Small Ensemble Leader, and Small Ensemble Leader until being selected to attend the Musician Unit Leader Course at the Naval School of Music, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia in January 2020.

After graduating in August 2020, Staff Sergeant Russell reported to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he served as a Trumpet Instrumentalist, Trumpet Section Leader, Brass Quintet Leader, Assistant Small Ensemble Leader, and Drum Major until being selected for the Staff Degree Completion Program in August 2022. He graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelor’s degree in music performance in December 2023.

In January 2024 Staff Sergeant Russell reported to the Marine Detachment, Naval School of Music, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia Beach, Virginia where he currently serves as a Formal Schools Instructor for Basic Academics instructing entry-level students in both music theory and ear training. While there, Staff Sergeant Russell has also fulfilled the roles of Marines Awaiting Training Program Coordinator, Mentor, and Platoon Sergeant.

Staff Sergeant Russell personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana.