Sergeant Major Pinkerton is a native of Western New York. He graduated from St. Francis of DeSales in 1992 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in November of the same year. He completed recruit training at Parris Island in February of 1993 and was assigned Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of Motor Transport Operator.
After finishing MOS training, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was assigned to Truck Company Headquarters Battalion 1st Marine Division Camp Pendleton California.
In 1995, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was assigned to Truck Company Headquarters Battalion 3rd Marine Division Camp Hansen Okinawa, Japan.
In 1997, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was assigned to Marine Wing Service Support Squadron 372 Camp Pendleton California, where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In 1999, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was assigned to Recruiter School Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. Upon completion of the school, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was assigned to Recruiting Station Orange; Sub Station Redondo Beach, California. During that time, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In 2002, after a successful recruiting tour, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was re-assigned to Truck Company Headquarters Battalion 1st Marine Division Camp Pendleton California, where he participated in Operation Iraq Freedom I, II, and III.
In the winter of 2005, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was assigned to Logistics Operations School Montford Point North Carolina. He served as an instructor at the Advanced Ground Transportation Operations School. In 2006, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was named the “Instructor of the Year” and was appointed as the SNCOIC of the school house. Shortly after becoming the SNCOIC, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
In 2008, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was assigned to 1st Battalion 12th Marines on Marine Corps Base Hawaii where he was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant. He was assigned to India Company 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines. While assigned to India Company Sergeant Major Pinkerton participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and deployed to Trek Nawa, Afghanistan.
In 2009, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was assigned to Weapons Company 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines. While assigned to Weapons Company, Sergeant Major Pinkerton participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and deployed to Garmsir, Afghanistan.
In 2010, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was assigned to Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion 12th Marines Hawaii. In 2011, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was assigned to Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion 12th Marines. In 2014, Sergeant Major Pinkerton was assigned to MCBH HQBN Service Company.
Sergeant Major Pinkerton ‘s personal awards include: Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device, Meritorious Service medal, Navy Commendation medal; two gold stars and combat distinguishing device, Navy Achievement Medal one gold star, Combat Action Ribbon one gold star.