Raised in Arden, North Carolina, Chief Flores joined the Navy in June 1991. Upon completion of Recruit Training in Orlando, Florida, he attended the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia where he completed the Basic Course of Instruction. In March 1992, he reported to his first assignment with Navy Band Newport, Rhode Island, as a saxophone instrumentalist, audio engineer, and Leading Petty Officer of the contemporary music ensemble "Rhode Island Sound". In June 1995, he reported to Sixth Fleet Band, Naples Italy, where he served as saxophone instrumentalist and audio engineer. His next assignment in 1997 was with Navy Band New Orleans where he served as Unit Leader of the contemporary ensemble "Big Easy". Following this assignment in 2001, he served as saxophone instrumentalist with Navy Band Northwest were he was promoted to Musician First Class and became the command Leading Petty Officer. In March of 2006, he attend the Unit Leader Course at the Navy School of Music, Norfolk, Virginia. Upon graduation he returned to Navy Band New Orleans were he served as Unit Leader of the contemporary music ensemble "Express", Show Band, and Brass Band. In 2009 he returned to Navy Band Northwest where he was promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and served as Unit Leader of the Ceremonial Band. In July 2011, he assumed his current assignment as Leading Chief Petty Officer of Pacific Ambassadors and Operations Coordinator for SEVENTH Fleet Band forward deployed onboard USS BLUE RIDGE LCC-19. His personal awards include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (6 awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Expert Pistol Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Deployment Ribbon (3 awards), and Marksman Rifle Ribbon. He is designated as a Surface Warfare Specialist and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Thomas Edison State College.