Sergeant Major Zaratecortina, a proud native of Gonzales, California, answered the call to serve and enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 2004. His journey began at MCRD, San Diego, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication, earning a meritorious promotion to Private First Class. Upon completion, he received training at Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, CA and then to Camp Johnson, NC for Personnel Administration School where he received the MOS 0151 Administrative Clerk.
In April 2005, he reported to Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group at Camp Pendleton, California, he served as an Administrative Clerk for the 14 Area Group Personnel Administration Center (GPAC).
In January 2008, Corporal Zaratecortina deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, assuming the role of Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge for the Personnel Administration Center, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) from January 2008 to February 2009.
In February 2009, Sergeant Zaratecortina was assigned to G-1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, at Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) from February 2009 to November 2009.
In November 2009, Sergeant Zaratecortina received orders to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Louisville, Kentucky, where he served as the Processing Lead, Human Resources supervisor, and Training Chief.
In November 2012, Staff Sergeant Zaratecortina received orders to Headquarters and Support Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California, serving as the Separations Section Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (SNCOIC).
In March 2016, Gunnery Sergeant Zaratecortina received orders to Recruiting Station Orange, California, where he initially served as a Canvassing Recruiter, and later as the Station Commander for Recruiting Sub-Station Fullerton.
In April 2019, Gunnery Sergeant Zaratecortina reported to The Basic School where he served as the Regimental Admin Chief and acting Headquarters Company First Sergeant. Following his promotion to First Sergeant, he served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to Charlie Company, Basic Officer Course 3-21, and the Warrant Officer Basic Course 1-23.
In August 2022, First Sergeant Zaratecortina reported to 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, and served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for Weapons Company, from August 2022 to January 2023. He was then selected to fill an operational gap within Company F, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines from January 2023 to January 2024. During his assignment with Company F, he deployed in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from April 2023 to November 2023.
In January 2024, First Sergeant Zaratecortina reported to 2d Battalion, 5th Marines and served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for Weapons Company. During his assignment with Weapons Company he deployed to Marine Rotational Forces Darwin from April 2024 to November 2024.
In his most recent assignment, Sergeant Major Zaratecortina reported to Recruiting Station Seattle on July 2025 where he is currently serving as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader.
Sergeant Major Zaratecortina's notable personal decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Gold star in lieu of 5 award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.