Teresa Sagredo Arroyo

Teresa Sagredo Arroyo

Teresa Sagredo grew up in Freeport. She was one of those kids that rushed home from school and then rushed off to an after school job to help her family with living expenses. Teresa respected her parents and always did what she could to help them. 

Now, this didn’t mean that Teresa did not participate in school activities, she did. She found the time to do it all. She was an active member of the National Honor Society and the Physics Club where they did some awesome projects with then Coach Ken Schulte. She was also in electrical trades her junior and senior years with Mr. Chambers, where the highlight of her training was assisting with the wiring of two Habitat for Humanity Homes. Serving and giving back to her community was important to Teresa, something that she would continue to do throughout her life.

In her junior year of high school, Teresa knew that she wanted to serve, and she decided on what she thought was a perfect choice for her… Teresa Sagredo enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps’ delayed entry program.

Upon graduating from Brazosport High School, Sagredo reported to the Marine Corps recruit depot in Parris Island, South Carolina, for training in June 1992.  She graduated in August 1992 as a Private First Class. And this was the beginning of her very successful career in the Marine Corps.

As private first class, Teresa reported for duty at the financial management school at Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina.

After a few months, Teresa married her high school sweetheart, Private Juan Manuel Arroyo, during their Christmas leave and they began their military marriage and family, navigating the moves, the shifts and the assignments that would take them all over the world.  

Now, Private First Class Sagredo became Private First Class Arroyo and received orders to Henderson Hall, in Arlington, Virginia. 

Upon reporting, Private First Class Arroyo was assigned as a travel clerk and was soon promoted to Lance Corporal.  

At this time Lance Corporal Arroyo and her husband Manuel Arroyo had their first child, Vanessa, growing their military family.  Arroyo and her husband, Manuel, had enlisted together, unfortunately, Manuel was injured overseas and was medically discharged, but Teresa continued her military career. 

Arroyo was meritoriously promoted to Corporal and then to Sergeant.  

During her next tour she was promoted to Staff Sergeant. At this time the Arroyo family had their second child, Carmina – now growing their military family to four.

Arroyo was then assigned to the U.S.  Marine Corps recruiting station in Houston, close to home, and close to her parents.

After a successful recruiting tour, Arroyo received orders to combat service.  During this time she was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.  

Arroyo deployed to Iraq with combat logistics, serving 10 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon returning, Arroyo received orders to the 3rd marine logistics group, in Japan.

During this tour Arroyo deployed to numerous joint exercises to the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Thailand. Teresa was transferred to combat logistics. While there, Arroyo was promoted to Master Sergeant.

Master sergeant Arroyo received new orders to go to Camp Pendleton, where she served as the operations chief until she was deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.  

Upon returning back to the states from Afghanistan, Master Sergeant Arroyo reported to San Diego. At this time, Teresa was promoted to the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. This is the highest ranking level of an enlisted man or woman in the Marine Corps. Can achieve! Arroyo was the sixth person on active duty, the fifth female overall and the very first Hispanic to ever to hold the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant - a credit to her work ethic and determination!

Master Gunnery Sergeant Arroyo executed her final military change of station and retired from active duty in June of 2018. 

While in the marines, Arroyo earned numerous awards and decorations 

Amongst them:

A MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 

The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for Meritorious Achievement

The Good Conduct Medal for 8 Years of Exemplary Behavior, Efficiency, and Fidelity in Active Military Service.

The Korean Defense Service Medal

The NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal – Afghanistan

National Defense Service Medal Awarded for Service During

Specified Periods of Armed Conflict and National Emergency 

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with One Bronze 

Star)

The Iraq Campaign Medal (with One Bronze Star) 

and The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal


After retirement, Teresa and her husband relocated back home to Freeport. Since moving back, Teresa has dedicated a large amount of her time to taking care of her parents.  

Arroyo also volunteers at Actions, INC. of Brazoria County to help serve the unmet needs of Brazoria County senior citizens, calling homebound senior citizens. Arroyo dearly loves volunteering with Actions, INC. and is passionate about helping so many in our area. Arroyo also volunteers at her church, St. Mary's Star of the Sea.  

Teresa Sagredo Arroyo, nominated for this award by her friends and family, lives a life of – service above self.

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