Sergeant Major Daniel Sotonieves is a native of Hatillo, Puerto Rico. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 2008 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduation, he reported to Marine Combat Training and was assigned the military occupational specialty of Landing Support Specialist.
In June 2008, Sergeant Major Sotonieves reported to Combat Logistics Regiment 27, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During this assignment, he deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where he served as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the External Landing Site in support of logistics operations. In 2009, Sergeant Major Sotonieves was selected to represent the United States Marine Corps All-Marine Wrestling Team at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He represented both the United States Marine Corps Wrestling Team and the United States Armed Forces National Team in national and international competitions, earning silver medals at the 2010 and 2011 Armed Forces Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships.
In 2012, Sergeant Major Sotonieves reported to Combat Logistics Regiment 37, Okinawa, Japan, where he served as the Landing Support Platoon Sergeant. He was later assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 31, where he served as the Landing Support Chief, attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, while supporting logistics operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region. In 2015, Sergeant Major Sotonieves reported to Marine Corps Recruiting School in San Diego, California. Upon graduation, he reported to Recruiting Station Fort Lauderdale, Recruiting Substation Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he served as a canvassing recruiter. During this tour, he was recognized as the Sixth Marine Corps District Recruiter of the Year in both 2016 and 2017 and earned the title of Centurion for recruiting more than 100 Marines.
In 2018, Sergeant Major Sotonieves reported to HMH-465, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, where he served as the Squadron Logistics Chief. During this assignment, he coordinated logistics requirements through two Unit Deployment Programs and also served as the Squadron Gunnery Sergeant. In September 2021, Sergeant Major Sotonieves reported to 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, where he served as the Logistics Chief and supported multiple training exercises. In January 2022, he assumed duties as the Battery First Sergeant for Alpha Battery and later deployed with Battalion Landing Team 2/4 in support of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
In August 2023, Sergeant Major Sotonieves reported to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, Okinawa, Japan, where he served as the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader for both Bravo Company and Engineer Support Company. In July 2025, Sergeant Major Sotonieves was selected to attend the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas. He graduated in June 2026. Upon graduation, Sergeant Major Sotonieves was assigned as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Recruiting Station Tampa, Florida, where he currently serves.
Sergeant Major Sotonieves' personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with five gold stars and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education from the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo and a Master of Science degree in Sports Management, with a concentration in Sports Business Leadership, from American Military University.