In August 2024, Sergeant Major Mota received orders to 1st Intelligence Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California where he serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Advisor. Sergeant Major Valdo Mota was born on August 7, 1986, in San Diego, California. He joined the Marine Corps in August 2004 and graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in November 2004.
In November 2004, Private Mota reported to Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, California. Upon completion, he attended his Military Occupational Specialty School in Twenty-nine Palms, California, where he earned the primary MOS of 0621, Field Radio Operator. Upon graduation from school, Lance Corporal Mota reported to 7th Communications Battalion. During his tour at 7th Communications Bn he deployed to Korea.
In April 2007, Corporal Mota reported to 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Regiment. During his tour at the 1st Marine Regiment, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of the Personal Security Detachment for the Commanding Officer for a duration of 14 months.
In January 2009, Sergeant Mota volunteered for Drill Instructor duty at Parris Island, South Carolina. After graduating from Drill Instructor School, Sergeant Mota served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Chief Drill Instructor for 2nd Battalion, Hotel Company. During this time Sergeant Mota was meritorious promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In November 2012, Staff Sergeant Mota received orders to 1st Marine Division, Headquarters Battalion, Communications Company. Staff Sergeant Mota participated in Desert Semitar, Steel Knight, and MEF-EX during his tour at Headquarters Battalion. Staff Sergeant Mota served as Radio Platoon Chief and Company Gunnery Sergeant.
In November 2016, Staff Sergeant Mota received orders to Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company, Europe, Rota, Spain. During his tour at FAST Company Europe, Staff Sergeant Mota participated in Embassy Engagements, and exercises throughout Europe and African regions with partner nations. Staff Sergeant Mota served as the Communications Chief and Company Gunnery Sergeant.
In March 2019, Gunnery Sergeant Mota received orders to Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, San Diego. He served as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor and was the AMOI of the year for the Southwest Region. He also supported Officer Candidate School as a Sergeant Instructor during the summers of 2019 and 2020.
In April 2021, First Sergeant Mota received orders to 1st Battalion, 3d Marines at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. He served as the Company First Sergeant for Company A. He deployed to Okinawa and Fuji, Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program. First Sergeant Mota is a plank hold for the 3d Littoral Combat Team.
In December 2022, First Sergeant Mota received orders to 3d Radio Battalion at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Where he served as the Company First Sergeant for Company B.
In August 2024, SgtMaj Mota was assigned to 1st Intelligence Battalion to assume the duties and responsibilities as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader.
Sergeant Major Mota's personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 5th Award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 3rd Award, and Combat Action Ribbon.
Sergeant Major Mota holds an Associate of Science in Fire Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Management, and a Master of Arts in Management.
Sergeant Major Mota's mother and father, Socorro and Felipe Mota, reside in Aguascalientes, Mexico. He has one brother, Carlos Mota (44). Sergeant Major Mota is married to Sasha Mota, they have four children, Xiomara (15), Cataleya (13), Abram (11), and Maite (9).