Our city is honored to have as our 2025 Grand Marshal of the Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon,5K and 10K race, a decorated Marine Corps veteran who continues to dedicate himself to service. We had the pleasure of speaking with Sgt. Kraft and share below some of what he told us. Come meet Sgt. Kraft!
A MAN OF HONOR
When asked what inspired him to enlist in the Marines, he says, ““One of my goals as a kid was to be a US Marine and serve in the infantry. This was due to many members of my family being service members across all branches, including my parents. I used to watch Heartbreak Ridge, Platoon, and Full Metal Jacket on repeat growing up. My other goal was to have a career in law enforcement, which I’m currently fulfilling.”
Sgt. Jarrett Kraft enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2000. His primary MOS was 0341 (infantry mortar man), with a secondary MOS of Marine Corps Security Forces. The September 11th attack on the World Trade Center occurred during his recruit training at MCRD San Diego, and soon it became clear his missions would be in combat zones.
A MAN OF ACTION
In April 2004, Sgt Kraft checked into the (Darkhorse) 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Weapons Company; 4 months later 3/5 was deployed to Iraq in combat operations known as Operation Phantom Fury.
While deployed to Iraq, Sgt. Kraft was awarded his second Navy Achievement Medal with a combat Valor device attached for actions performed while under enemy fire. These operations were part of Operation Phantom Fury.
In December 2004, Sgt. Kraft and his Marines were engaged in a two-hour-long firefight inside a residence during Operation Task Force Bruno. Three of his Marines were killed in action, and several others were severely wounded, including himself.
Several books have been published, and documentaries have been aired on the Military Channel, depicting and illustrating the actions performed by Darkhorse Marines while serving during the Iraq war.
Sgt. Kraft received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps and soon after began working with the Fresno Police Department.
In October 2005, Lt. Gen. Richard Natonski contacted him and told him he was being awarded the Navy Cross for actions performed in December 2004. The Navy Cross is the highest valor award in the Marine Corps, second only to the military Medal of Honor.
He was awarded the Navy Cross at the PELCO Corporation in Clovis, California.
A MAN OF COURAGE
He began work as a sworn Fresno Police Officer in 2006 until the present day. He has held many assignments, including patrol officer, tactical officer assigned to various teams, motorcycle officer, detective assigned to the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium, otherwise known as M.A.G.E.C., rangemaster, and instructor assigned to the Fresno Police Dept. Regional Training Center. He is a member of the Fresno Police Honor Guard and Color Guard. He also holds certifications as an FBI-certified Hazardous Devices Technician, explosive breacher, and Tactical Bomb Technician assigned as a team leader with the Bomb Squad/EOD unit. He was promoted to Police Sergeant in December 2022 and is currently assigned as a supervisor of a tactical response team.
Sgt. Kraft has attended several Marine Corps Birthday Balls, Veteran Day parades, and functions hosted by the Fresno Police Department and the Legion of Valor. As a guest speaker, he shares with as many Americans as he can, the heroism displayed by U.S. Marines and service members from all military branches perform while deployed on foreign soil.
WHAT THOUGHTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH US ON MEMORIAL DAY?
“Something I would like to share about this special day is how inspirational it is, as well as the bravery, selflessness, and strength of the brotherhood and sisterhood of our armed forces service members.
What I experienced while serving in 3/5 with my Marines during that combat deployment is something I have never experienced again, nor will I ever. It’s incredible how Marines adapt to circumstances no matter how bad the situation is and still joke, laugh, and emphasize positivity. I learned many life lessons from those guys, lessons I use during my day-to-day, lessons I share with law enforcement officers. I’ve realized that no matter how overwhelmed, stressed, or bad something may seem, “It could always be worse.”
I want to thank every service member, every Darkhorse Marine, for your selfless service to our country and for being my brother and sister. I want to thank our fallen veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, for each one of us.
Darkhorse Marines such as Corporal Raleigh Smith, Lance Corporal James Phillips, and Lance Corporal Eric Hillenburg of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Till Valhalla, my brothers, rest in peace, warriors.”