SOCRS130- Marvin "Gonzo" Gonzales- "Immigrant's Son: Family is Everything"

Marvin Gonzalez  “Gonzo”   Born and raised in Long Island, NY. Family came from El Salvador escaping the civil war. Graduated from West Hempstead High School and following the attacks on the WTC 9/11. Enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  October 27, 2004 attended Navy Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois.  Graduated Gunners Mate “A” School in June 2005 and assigned to amphibious assault ship USS OGDEN LPD-5 from March 2005 to March 2007. During this timeframe deployed to the Arabian Gulf with Navy’s Fifth Fleet and Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. After a successful WESPAC deployment and decommissioning of USS OGDEN LPD-5. Transferred to Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training Class 265 Coronado, California, from March 2007 to October 2007.  Successfully completed training and moved on to SEAL Qualification Training (SQT). Graduated SQT Class 270.Upon completion of SEAL Qualification Training, transferred to SEAL Team EIGHT in April 2009.  Completed 1 deployment to Yemen (Mar-Sept 2010), as well as 1 JCET deployment to Colombia (Nov 2010), and 1 deployment to Africa (Feb – July 2011). On June 15, 2012, was Honorably Discharged from active duty service. Worked in Private Sector for various security projects and conducted underwater construction projects in NY Tri-state area.  In Nov 2018, hired by the Department of State as a Method of Entry MOE Instructor. Charged with providing training to foreign law enforcement agents in the Middle East and Africa. Currently President and owner of OP5 Tactical.  Personal awards include Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Battle E Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, , Expert Rifle Marksmanship Medal, Expert Pistol Marksmanship Medal, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Device, Military Freefall Parachutist     Currently holds a Commercial Deep Sea Diver Diploma, and is working towards completing a bachelor’s degree in Security Management through Bellevue University.  He is currently married to Joanna and has 3 children:  Gabriella (4), Joseph (2), Jeremy (4 months)