Frankie Segarra


Frankie Segarra, is the first Hispanic to reach the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant in his Military Occupational Specialty, 0451 air delivery specialist.

Early years

Segarra's parents moved from Puerto Rico and settled in New York City where Segarra was born and raised. After graduating from high school he joined the Marine Corps and received his basic training in Parris Island, South Carolina, and became the Platoon Honor Man.

Master Gunnery Sergeant

MGySgt Segarra, a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, is the first Hispanic and for that matter the first Puerto Rican Master Gunnery Sergeant acting as paraloft chief, Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group in Camp Smedley D. Butler located in Okinawa, Japan.
Master Gunnery Sergeant and the rank of Sergeant Major are the highest enlisted ranks in the Marine Corps; however, there are far fewer Master Gunnery Sergeants than Sergeants Major.
Other notable Hispanics with the pay grade of E-9 include:
During the observance of "Hispanic Heritage Month" at Camp Foster in Okinawa, Japan, MGySgt Segarra was quoted as saying "My role as the first Hispanic Marine to achieve the rank of master gunnery sergeant in my military occupational specialty shows that Hispanic Marines can achieve anything".

Awards and decorations