Michael Patrick Woods is a native of Kansas City, Missouri. In October 1992, he graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. He completed Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, California in November 1992. In March 1993, Private First Class Woods was assigned the military occupational specialty of 1812 at the Basic M1A1 Tank Crewman’s Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky. From March 1993 to June 1994, he served as a tank driver and loader with Company B, 2d Tank Battalion, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
In October 1994, Lance Corporal Woods graduated from Marine Security Guard School and was transferred to the American Embassy in Rangoon Burma. Upon completion of his tour, Corporal Woods was transferred to Company B, 2d Tank Battalion, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and meritoriously promoted to Sergeant.
In May 1996, Sergeant Woods deployed as a tank gunner with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). During this deployment he participated in Operations DECISIVE ENDEVOUR, SILVER WAKE, and GUARDIAN RETRIVAL.
In 1997, Sergeant Woods deployed as a tank commander with BLT 3d Battalion, 6th Marines, 24th MEU. During this deployment he participated in Operations JOINT GUARD, SOUTHERN WATCH and DESERT THUNDER.
In 1998 and 1999, Sergeant Woods served as a M1A1 Tank Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Commander in Company C, 2d Tank Battalion.
In January 2000, Staff Sergeant Woods reported for duty with Company B, First Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Parris Island, South Carolina. He served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Water Survival Section.
In January 2003, Staff Sergeant Woods participated in the invasion of Iraq as an M1A1 Tank Platoon Sergeant with Company A, 2d Tank Battalion, Regimental Combat Team (RCT) 5, 1st Marine Division during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I. Gunnery Sergeant Woods then served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant, and acting First Sergeant of Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Tank Battalion.
In September of 2005, Gunnery Sergeant Woods deployed with Company D, 2d Tank Battalion to Iraq, serving with RCT’s 8 and 5 in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM 4-6 and 5-7.
First Sergeant Woods served as Company D, 2d Tank Battalion First Sergeant from May 2006 until August 2006.
First Sergeant Woods served at Marine Barracks Washington D.C. in Company B from August of 2006 until April 2009.
First Sergeant Woods deployed to Afghanistan with 3d Battalion, 7th Marines in Headquarters and Service Company and Company K, RCT 2 during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 10-01.
From December of 2010-December 2011, Sergeant Major Woods served as BLT 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines Sergeant Major for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. In 2012 he deployed with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines to Afghanistan, serving with RCT’s 6 and 7 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 12-2.
Sergeant Major Woods served in 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion from August of 2013 until June of 2014.
His personal decorations include; Bronze Star Medal with “V” and one gold star; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with “V” and one gold star; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with “V” and two gold stars; and the Combat Action Ribbon with one gold star.