Sergeant Major Sparkman reported for recruit training at MCRD, Parris Island, South Carolina 15 March, 1993 and graduated from India Company in June 1993. Upon completion of recruit training, he completed Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina and Aviation Operations School Meridian, Mississippi. Upon completion of MOS school he was designated a 7041 Aviation Operations Specialist.
In October 1993 LCpl Sparkman was ordered to Marine Aircraft Group 12 Iwakuni, Japan where he served as an assistant training and operations NCO. During this tour Lance Corporal Sparkman and supported exercises throughout the Pacific. During this tour LCpl Sparkman was promoted to Corporal.
In October 1995, Corporal Sparkman received orders to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 at Marine Corps Air Station, New River North Carolina. During this tour Corporal Sparkman completed aircrew training on the CH-46E Sea Knight and deployed with the USS Kearsarge and USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group in support of Landing Force Sixth Fleet operations. During this tour Corporal Sparkman was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant
In February 1999 Sergeant Sparkman completed Weapons Tactics and Instruction training (WTI) Yuma, Arizona. Upon return from deployment in March 2000, Sergeant Sparkman received orders to Drill Instructor School, Parris Island, South Carolina.
In July of 2000 Sergeant Sparkman reported for to Drill Instructor School Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion of Drill Instructor School he was assigned to 2nd Recruit Training Battalion Company “F”.
In October 2003 Staff Sergeant Sparkman received orders to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, Hawaii. SSgt Sparkman deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Unit Deployment Program (UDP). During his tour with HMH-463 Staff Sergeant Sparkman was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.
In October 2006 Gunnery Sergeant Sparkman received orders to the Staff Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy, Camp Geiger, North Carolina for duty as an instructor. Gunnery Sergeant Sparkman reported to the Staff Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy, Camp Geiger, North Carolina, where he served as an Instructor/Advisor. During his tour at the Staff Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy Gunnery Sergeant Sparkman was selected for First Sergeant and assigned to 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
In April 2008 1stSgt Sparkman reported to Company “D” 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The company deployed and conducted combat operations in Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon returning from this deployment First Sergeant Sparkman received orders to Force Reconnaissance Company, II MEF.
December 2009 First Sergeant Sparkman reported for duty to Force Reconnaissance Company, II MEF. During this tour 1stSgt Sparkman was selected for SgtMaj and received orders to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. During this period SgtMaj Sparkman deployed in support of the Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa Japan.
Sergeant Major Sparkman has a Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education/Program Development from the University of West Florida. His personal awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with strike flight numeral 3, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Combat Aircrew designation with three stars.