Sergeant Major Troy E. Black to Headline 2026 Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Los Angeles West Valley Detachment 1490 Announces Sergeant Major Troy E. Black as Guest of Honor and Speaker for 2026 Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Former Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman to Headline Annual Celebration
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Marine Corps League, Los Angeles West Valley Detachment 1490, is proud to announce that Sergeant Major Troy E. Black, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired, the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and former Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will serve as Guest of Honor and featured speaker for the Detachment’s 2026 Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
For Marines, veterans, families, and supporters of the Marine Corps, Sergeant Major Black’s appearance will provide a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most distinguished enlisted leaders of his generation and a Marine whose career spans nearly four decades of service, leadership, and operational experience.
Sergeant Major Black began his Marine Corps career in 1988 as an infantry Marine and machine gunner. Over the course of his career, he rose through the enlisted ranks to serve in two of the most senior enlisted leadership positions in the United States Armed Forces.
From 2019 to 2023, he served as the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, advising the Commandant of the Marine Corps and representing the interests, readiness, professional development, and welfare of enlisted Marines throughout the force. In November 2023, he became the 5th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, serving as the principal enlisted advisor to the Chairman and representing enlisted service members across the Joint Force until June 2025.
His extensive career included assignments ranging from drill instructor and infantry leadership positions to senior enlisted roles with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps, and ultimately the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Sergeant Major Black also served during numerous operations and deployments throughout his career, including those associated with Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, as well as other missions around the world.
His personal decorations reflect an extraordinary record of service and include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, multiple awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, multiple Meritorious Service Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Among the moments that exemplify his leadership under the most demanding circumstances was an incident in Afghanistan in which Sergeant Major Black crossed uncleared terrain to reach a Marine who had been struck by an improvised explosive device. His actions were recognized with the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V.”
From the infantry ranks of the Marine Corps to the highest levels of enlisted military leadership, Sergeant Major Black’s career represents a lifetime of service to Marines and to the Nation.
His participation as Guest of Honor and speaker will make the 2026 Los Angeles West Valley Detachment 1490 Marine Corps Birthday Ball an especially meaningful celebration of the traditions, heritage, and enduring bonds that unite generations of Marines.
“We are honored to welcome Sergeant Major Black to our annual celebration,” said Los Angeles West Valley Detachment 1490 leadership. “His career embodies the leadership, service, sacrifice, and commitment to Marines that our organization strives to preserve and honor. We look forward to providing our members, guests, veterans, and community supporters the opportunity to hear from him personally.”
The Detachment invites Marines, veterans, families, community partners, and supporters of the Marine Corps to join us as we commemorate the birthday of the United States Marine Corps, honor more than two and a half centuries of Marine Corps tradition, and welcome one of the most accomplished enlisted leaders in the Corps’ modern history.
2026 MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL
Guest of Honor and Speaker:
Sergeant Major Troy E. Black, USMC (Ret.)
19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
5th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Presented by:
Marine Corps League
Los Angeles West Valley Detachment 1490
Reserve your seats for the 2026 Los Angeles West Valley Detachment 1490 Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
About Los Angeles West Valley Detachment 1490
The Marine Corps League Los Angeles West Valley Detachment 1490 brings together Marines, Marine veterans, families, and supporters dedicated to preserving the traditions and camaraderie of the United States Marine Corps, supporting Marines and veterans, and serving the communities of the Los Angeles West Valley.
