Sergeant Major Denham enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1992, and completed recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, South
Carolina. After completion of recruit training, he attended The School of Infantry, where he was assigned the 0352 MOS.
In January 1993, he reported to 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During this tour, he filled a
multitude of billets and deployed three times. He completed a UDP to Okinawa, SPMAGTF to Haiti in support of Operation
Support/Uphold Democracy and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea with the 22d MEU supporting Operation Joint Endeavor, Assured
Response, and Quick Response.
In October 1996, he was transferred to the School of Infantry East, Infantry Training Battalion for duty as an instructor. He was
assigned to Alpha Company where he instructed the 0352, 0351, and 0311 MOS courses. He was then transferred to Weapons
Company to serve as a 0352 instructor.
In November 1999, he left the Marine Corps upon completion of his tour at SOI. Later in November 1999, he returned to the Marine
Corps for duty with Lima Company, 3d Battalion, 23d Marines as part of the SMCR. During this assignment he held the billets of
Assault Section Leader, Mortar Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Commander, and Company Gunnery Sergeant. He also
deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom twice.
In July 2008, he returned to active duty and reported to 3d Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii for duty as the
Kilo and India Company Gunnery Sergeant. During this tour he deployed once more to Iraq and once to Afghanistan in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom. During the Iraq deployment, he took part in the personnel recovery of Captain Michael S. Speicher USN
who was shot down during the Gulf War.
In August 2011, he reported to MCRD Parris Island for duty with Weapons and Field Training Battalion where he initially fulfilled the
duties of Operations Chief and Platoon Sergeant. In May of 2012, he was promoted to First Sergeant and was assigned as the Unit
Senior Enlisted Leader for Field Training Company.
In June of 2014 he reported to 2d Law Enforcement Battalion at Camp Lejeune, N.C. where he served as the Unit Senior Enlisted
Leader for Charlie Company and Headquarters and Support Company. In April 2017 he was assigned as the Command Senior Enlisted
Leader for 3d Battalion 1st Marines. He served as the Battalion Landing Team Command Senior Enlisted Leader with the 13th Marine
Expeditionary Unit and during the Battalion's deployment to the Southwest Border as part of the SPMAGTF- CBP.
In June of 2020 he was assigned as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Marine Air Control Group-28 where he deployed in
support of the II MEF Exercise Cold Response 22 and subsequently to Lithuania in support of Task Force Baltic Watch Tower. In May
of 2023 he was assigned as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit and deployed to Naples, Italy
in support of Task Force 61/2 and deployed to the 4th Fleet AOR with the IWO-JIMA ARG/MEU.
Sergeant Major Denham's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps
Commendation Medal with two gold stars and combat distinguishing device, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three
gold stars, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star.