Sergeant Major Harrell was born in Downey, CA and raised in San Jose, Ca. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 1991. He reported to MCRD San Diego, CA on July 1991 for training with 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. After completing recruit training and Marine Combat Training (MCT) at the School of Infantry Camp Pendleton, CA, he attended the Law Enforcement Academy Lackland AFB, TX where he obtained the MOS of 5811, Military Policeman.
In June 1992, Lance Corporal Harrell reported to Provost Marshal’s Office, Cherry Point, NC. He served as a gate sentry and patrolman until May 1994 when he received orders to MCB Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan. While stationed on Camp Butler, Corporal Harrell served as a Patrolman and Patrol Supervisor for Camp Foster.
Corporal Harrell was ordered to report to HQ Battalion, 1st Marine Division in August of 1995. He served as fire team leader, squad leader, and platoon guide through nine Combine Arms Exercises and three Steel knights at 29 Palms and a Joint Task Force – Six mission in Del Rio, TX and was promoted to Sergeant in March 1996.
In October 1997, Sergeant Harrell attended Non-lethal Individual Weapons Instructor’s Course and was assigned as an instructor to the first cadre for 1st Marine Division Schools, Non-lethal Individual Weapons Course. In May 1998, he deploy to Kuwait as the MP Detachment Chief for security during Native Fury 98. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant in June 1999 and requested orders for Drill Instructor Duty.
In August 1999, Staff Sergeant Harrell graduated Drill Instructor School and was assigned to Echo Company, Recruit Training Regiment, San Diego, CA. There he served as Drill Instructor for 5 platoons and Senior Drill Instructor for 2 platoons. He also served as a swim instructor with Instructional Training Company.
In December 2001, he was assigned to Security Battalion, MCB Camp Pendleton. There he was assigned as the Platoon Sergeant for 3rd Platoon, Military Police Company. In August 2002, he assumed the responsibilities as the Special Reaction Team Commander for Camp Pendleton where he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
Gunnery Sergeant Harrell Transferred to Military Police Company, 1st MLG in June 2005 and was assigned as the Company Gunnery Sergeant. In December 2005, he was assigned as the Detachment OIC for Military Police Detachment MLG FWD during OIF5-7. Upon completion of the deployment he was assigned as the Company First Sergeant for Military Police Company, 1st MLG. He was selected for First Sergeant in Dec 2007 and was tasked as the MP Company First Sergeant, 1st Supply Bn(-)(REIN), 1st MLG FWD in October 2007 and deployed in support of OIF 8.1.
First Sergeant Harrell reported on 24 November 2008 to Third Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD San Diego as the Company First Sergeant for Company M. During his tour, he completed eight training cycles with Company M.
First Sergeant Harrell assumed duties as the First Sergeant, Engineer Maintenance Company, Combat Logistics Regiment-35, 3d MLG on 14 October 2011 until 6 May 2012. He was transferred to Food Service Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37 where he served as Company First Sergeant until March 2013. He was selected for Sergeant Major and received orders to Marine Air Control Squadron 4.
He assumed the billet of Sergeant Major, Marine Air Control Squadron 4 in March 2013. While there the unit participated in 8 exercises across 3 countries.
Sergeant Major Harrell was assigned as the Inspector-Instructor Sergeant Major for Combat Logistics Battalion 25 ensuring the execution of training exercises Heavy Metal 14 and 15 and ITX 4-16 from July 2014 to March 2017.
On 24 March 2017, he assumed his current billet as Sergeant Major of Officer Candidate School, Quantico, VA.
His personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, and Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.