Upon completion of recruit training in November 2003, Private Vargo attended Marine Combat Training and subsequently reported to Fort Lee, Virginia, for Military Occupational Specialty training as a 1391 Bulk Fuel Specialist. In March 2004, Private First Class Vargo reported to the Green Bay Reserve Unit, Bulk Fuel Detachment, Bravo Company, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group.
Private First Class Vargo was promoted to Lance Corporal in October 2004, meritoriously promoted to Corporal in October 2005, and meritoriously promoted to Sergeant in June 2007. While assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Sergeant Vargo served in various leadership billets before volunteering for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 2007, Sergeant Vargo augmented to Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group. During this deployment, he served as the Fuels Noncommissioned Officer in Charge and operated in Fallujah, Habbaniyah, and Ramadi, Iraq. He returned from deployment in September 2008 and subsequently volunteered for deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
For this deployment, Sergeant Vargo augmented to Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group. He was assigned to a provisional security platoon conducting wrecker recovery missions and serving as a quick reaction force throughout southern Helmand Province, primarily in Dwyer and Marjah, Afghanistan. Following his return in October 2010, Sergeant Vargo served with the Inspector and Instructor staff in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Sergeant Vargo was promoted to Staff Sergeant in January 2011. While assigned to the Inspector and Instructor staff, Staff Sergeant Vargo served as the lead coordinator for funeral honors and Toys for Tots operations.
In December 2011, Staff Sergeant Vargo volunteered for recruiting duty and was assigned to Recruiting Station Milwaukee, where he served as a Canvassing Recruiter, Station Commander, Military Entrance Processing Station Liaison, and Assistant Recruiting Instructor throughout his tenure. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in November 2015 and laterally moved to the 8412 Career Recruiter Military Occupational Specialty in February 2016. He was recognized as the Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the Year in Fiscal Years 2015 and 2019.
Promoted to First Sergeant in August 2020, First Sergeant Vargo served with 3d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, deploying in support of Unit Deployment Program 21.1. In March 2022, he transferred to 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, where he served as the Company First Sergeant for Weapons Company and deployed in support of Unit Deployment Program 23.2, including participation in the Korean Marine Exchange Program.
Sergeant Major Vargo was promoted to his current rank in February 2024 and transferred to Recruiting Station Richmond, Virginia to serve as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader from April 2024 to April 2026 . In April 2026 Sergeant Major Vargo transferred to and currently serves as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina.
Sergeant Major Vargo earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (in lieu of fifth award), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (in lieu of fifth award), and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.