Sergeant Major Justin L. Stokes was born in Mason City, Iowa.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in October 1994.  Upon completion of recruit training at MCRD San Diego, California in December 1994, he attended Motor Transport Operator’s School aboard Camp Johnson, North Carolina.

In April 1995, Private First Class Stokes began his first duty assignment as a Motor Transport Operator with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, Camp Pendleton, California.  In October of 1995, Lance Corporal Stokes deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Battalion Landing Team 1/1.  In May of 1998 Corporal Stokes again deployed, this time with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Battalion Landing Team 3/1. 

In March 1999, Sergeant Stokes attended Marine Security Guard School at Quantico, Virginia, and was assigned to American Embassy Abidjan Cote d’ Ivoire, Africa.  In September of 2000, Sergeant  Stokes was reassigned to American Consulate Frankfurt, Germany.  In December of 2001, Sergeant  Stokes was again reassigned, this time to American Embassy Vienna, Austria and in January 2002 was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. 

In April 2003, Staff Sergeant Stokes was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California.  While assigned to 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, Staff Sergeant  Stokes deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Upon completion of his third Iraq deployment, Staff Sergeant Stokes reported to Motor Vehicle Operator’s Course, Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in August 2006 and was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in November of the same year.  During this tour, Gunnery Sergeant Stokes served as an instructor and as the Academics Chief.  

Upon being frocked to First Sergeant in May 2010, he was assigned to Combat Engineer Company, Combat Assault Battalion, 3D Marine Division.  In August of 2010 First Sergeant Stokes deployed to Helmond Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  In December of 2012 First Sergeant Stokes was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, Combat Assault Battalion.  

First Sergeant Stokes reported to I&I, Rock Island, Illinois, Combat Logistics Battalion 451, Combat Logistics Regiment 45, 4th Marine Logistics Group for duty in March 2013 as the Inspector-Instructor First Sergeant.

Sergeant Major Stokes reported to Combat Logistics Battalion 11 in August 2015.  During this tour, Sergeant Major Stokes participated in West PAC 16-2, in support of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.  

Sergeant Major Stokes assumed the post of 5th Battalion, 11th Marines Sergeant Major on December 12, 2017.

Sergeant Major Stokes’ personal awards include: Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars, Navy Achievement Medal with one gold star and combat “V”, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star.