Sergeant Major Juan J. Borunda Jr. was born in Roswell, New Mexico. He reported to recruit training at MCRD San Diego in July 1995.
After completion of recruit training he received orders to School Of Infantry, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton California for MOS training as an 0311, Infantry Rifleman. Upon graduation he reported to 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, Fox Company, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twenty-nine Palms California for duty.
Upon arrival to 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, Fox Company, Private First Class Borunda received sustainment training as a 0311, Rifleman. During this tour of duty he served as a Rifleman, Team Leader deploying with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Unit Deployment Program) and as Squad Leader deploying with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (BLT 2/7, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit). During these two deployments he conducted operations in Korea, Hokkaido and mainland Japan. Before completion of his tour he was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
In May of 1999, Corporal Borunda received orders to report to Weapons Field Training Battalion, Edson Range, Range Company, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, MCB Camp Pendleton, California where he served as a Marksmanship Coach and was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant in April of 2000. He then served as a Range Block NCO and later selected to teach as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor for Edson Range Marksmanship Training Unit.
In January of 2002, Sergeant Borunda reported to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, Alpha Company, 1st Marine Division, MCAGCC Twenty-nine Palms California. During this tour of duty he served as a Squad Leader deploying with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Unit Deployment Program) conducting bilateral training with Thailand Marines and the Japanese self-defense force. He deployed as a Platoon Sergeant with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines from January 2003 - October 2003 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Later he deployed as a Platoon Sergeant with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines from August 2004- March 2005 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II. Before completing his five-year tour he was promoted to Staff Sergeant.
In January of 2006, Staff Sergeant Borunda reported to Basic Recruiter's Course and was later assigned to Recruiting Station Albuquerque, New Mexico for duty as a Recruiter at Recruiting Sub-Station Odessa, Texas. During his time on recruiting he received numerous awards ranging from RSS of the Year, RSS Heavy Hitters and Fall Offensive recognition as a canvasing recruiter. Before completing his three-year tour he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in November 2008.
In December 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Borunda reported to 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, Golf Company, 1st Marine Division, MCB Camp Pendleton California. During this tour of duty he served as a C-IED Team Leader deploying with Task Force Paladin, Marine Central Command (Individual Augmentation) from July 2009 - January 2010 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. From March 2010- June 2010 Gunnery Sergeant Borunda deployed as a Company Gunnery Sergeant to Afghanistan in support of NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, Combined Training Advisory Group, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Later he deployed from January 2011- May 2011 with the Battalion in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), BLT 2/5 as the Helo Company Gunnery Sergeant. During the 31st MEU deployment, he participated in relief efforts in support of Operation TOMADACHI, Oshima Island, Japan and bilateral training in Thailand and Cambodia.
In December 2011, Gunnery Sergeant Borunda reported to Marine Corps Security Force Company (MCSFCO), Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. During this tour of duty he served as the Guard Chief and Operations Chief for MCSFCO. As the Company Commanders translator he participated in several political sensitive meetings and was in charge of Cuban Asylum Seeker operations. The over-seas tour was in support of the continuous security mission along the Cuban fence line from December 2011- June 2013. He was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant in June 2013 and executed orders to his next duty station.
In June 2013, First Sergeant Borunda reported to Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), U. S. Marine Corps Forces Command, Indian Head, Maryland. During this tour he served as the Company First Sergeant for Reaction Force Company. During his time at CBIRF he has supported numerous National Special Security Events and has participated on an alert response force that supported the National Capital region in case of any mass casualty, crisis situation.
In July 2016, First Sergeant Borunda reported to 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, MCB Camp Pendleton, California. He is served as the Company First Sergeant for Headquarters and Support Company. In June 2017 he was promoted to his current rank of Sergeant Major.
In June 2017, Sergeant Major Borunda reported to 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. During his tour he deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the 31st MEU as the Ground Combat Element (GCE) from May 2018- November 2018. Later he deployed to Central Command area of responsibility as the GCE for the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF), in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from May 2020- October 2020.
In September 2021, Sergeant Major Borunda reported to MCI Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea. He is currently serving as the Sergeant Major for Camp Mujuk.
Sergeant Major Borunda's personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal W/ Combat Distinguishing Device in lieu of 5th award, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal in lieu of 2nd award and Combat Action Ribbon in lieu of 2nd award.