Sergeant Major Lee R. Ancona was born in Reno, Nevada. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 3 January 2006, graduating from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA, in March of that year. Upon completing Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, CA, he attended the Marine Corps Communications Electronics School-Radio Operator's Course in Twentynine Palms, CA, where he graduated top of his class and was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class.
In April 2006, Private First Class Ancona reported to 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, serving as a Radio Operator for Kilo Battery and the Fire Support Coordination Center (FSCC). In June 2007, following his promotion to Lance Corporal on 1 February 2007, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in a provisional infantry role until April 2008. During this deployment, he was promoted to Corporal on 1 October 2007. He later deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from May 2009 to October 2009, serving as the FSCC Radio Chief.
In December 2009, Corporal Ancona reported to the Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group (MCTOG) in Twentynine Palms, CA, where he served as the Radio and Maintenance Chief for the Communications Section. During this tour, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on 1 January 2010.
In November 2011, Sergeant Ancona reported to 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Twentynine Palms, CA, where he served as the Assistant Radio Chief. In this role, he coordinated and implemented satellite radio equipment during pre-deployment training for operations in Afghanistan.
In April 2013, Sergeant Ancona reported to Combat Logistics Regiment 15 at Camp Pendleton, CA, serving as the Assistant Radio Chief and Electronic Key Management System (EKMS) Alternate Custodian. He subsequently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from April 2014 to October 2014.
In January 2015, Sergeant Ancona reported to the Basic Recruiter Course at MCRD San Diego, leading to his assignment at Recruiting Station San Francisco, Recruiting Sub-Station Pearl City, Hawaii. Following his promotion to Staff Sergeant on 1 October 2015, he was selected to PCS and serve as the Recruiting Sub-Station Brentwood, Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. He was meritoriously promoted to Gunnery Sergeant on 2 July 2017 and successfully completed recruiting duty in April 2018.
In April 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Ancona reported to Combat Logistics Regiment 35 in Okinawa, Japan, serving as the Battalion Radio Chief and Communications Chief for 3d Supply Battalion. During this assignment, he played an instrumental role as Company Gunnery Sergeant while implementing the Deployed and Uniformed Readiness Coordination program, supporting over 1,000 Marines, Sailors, and family members.
In April 2021, Gunnery Sergeant Ancona was selected and promoted to the rank of First Sergeant, subsequently reporting for Inspector-Instructor duty with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Detachment 2, Maintenance Company in Wichita, Kansas.
In February 2024, First Sergeant Ancona was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major and reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
In June 2026, Sergeant Major Ancona assumed his current post as Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Sergeant Major at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
Parallel to his operational service, Sergeant Major Ancona earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the University of Redlands. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal gold star in lieu of second award and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.