Joseph Dunford is a retired United States Marine Corps general who served as the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2015 to 2019. He played a significant role in military operations and strategy during his career, including leadership positions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Dunford was born on December 8, 1955, in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Saint Michael's College and later earned a master's degree from Georgetown University. Throughout his service, he received numerous awards and decorations, reflecting his commitment to the U.S. military and national security.