Sergeant Major Tirado Garay is a native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He graduates from Technological College of San Juan in June 1999 and enlisted into the Marine Corps as an infantryman in May 2003. In August 2003, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay graduated from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island South Carolina. Upon Completion of recruit training, he received orders to the School of Infantry - East (SOI-E), Camp Geiger, North Carolina.
In October 2003, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay was assigned to 2nd Battalion 8th Marines, Camp Lejeune. In November 2003, he deployed to Afghanistan as an Infantryman in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After returning from deployment in May 2004, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay advanced to the billet of Infantryman Team Leader. He deployed once again, in support of Operation Iraq Freedom, this time with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion 8th Marines, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the deployment, he participated in exercise Eager Lion in Jordan and Joint exercises Caya Green in Israel. In September 2005, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay returned from deployment and advanced to the billet of Infantryman Squad Leader. In June 2006, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as an Infantry Squad Leader.
In July 2007, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay was assigned to Marine Combat Instructor School class 4-07 at SOI-East Camp Geiger. Upon completion of school, he was assigned to Company I, Marine Combat Training Battalion SOI-East, where he served as a Combat Instructor, Police Sergeant and Platoon Commander.
In August 2011, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay received orders to Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Camp Lejeune, where he served as the 2nd Platoon Sergeant. In January 2012, he deployed with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion 2nd Marines, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the deployment, he participated in Joint exercise African Lion and Eager Lion.
In May 2013, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay received orders to 3rd Marine Regiment aboard Marine Corp Base, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. During his time with 3rd Marine Regiment, he served as the Training Chief, Assistant Training Chief, Assistant Operations Chief, and Senior Watch Officer. During this time, he completed the Unit Readiness Planning, Tactical Common Operating Picture Server, Watch Officer / Watch Chief Course and Senior Enlisted Joint PME.
In September 2014, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay received orders to Company L, 3d Battalion 3d Marines aboard Marine Corp Base, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. where he served as the Weapons Platoon Sergeant. From November 2014 to June 2015, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP).
In October 2015, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay was assigned to Marine Corps Embassy School Detachment Commander Course class 1-16. He received the Leadership award for class 1-16. Upon completion he was assigned to Region 7, American Embassy Security Cotonou, Benin. In May 2017, he was later assigned to Region 4, American Embassy Santiago, Chile. In March 2018, he was awarded the Region 4 Detachment Commander of the Year 2018. Upon completion of his tour at the American Embassy Santiago, Chile, in November 2018, he received orders to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Camp Lejeune. He was assigned to Company C, as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. In January 2020, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the UDP as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. In October 2020, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay transferred to Headquarters and Service Company until 30 July 2021.
In August 2021, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay received orders to Air Support Company A, Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Okinawa, Japan, where he served as the Air Support Company A, Unit Senior Enlisted Leaders. In August 2023, Sergeant Major was assigned to Headquarter and Services Company to serve as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leaders.
In August 2024, Sergeant Major Tirado Garay was assigned to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion where he is currently serving as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader.
Sergeant Major Tirado Garay's civilian education includes an Associates Degree in Computer Science and a Bachelor Degree in Criminal justice from American Military University.
Sergeant Major Tirado Garay's personal awards include a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of 3rd award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars in lieu of 4th award, The Combat Action Ribbon with one gold starts in lieu of 2nd award, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.