Photo By Staff Sgt. Servante Coba | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jennifer J. Black, a supply specialist with Marine Wing...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jennifer Black was born in a small town called Centerville in Texas. She earned good grades in school and worked at a local business. She spent her free time outdoors, doing activities like camping and archery with her friends and family.
Black never thought about serving in the military until her friends in high school started talking about their futures. After listening to their conversations, she started to think about her future after high school. Black decided to visit her local Marine Corps recruiting office to seek an opportunity to serve in the Marine Corps and travel the world.
“College wasn't for me, so I decided on the Marine Corps,” said Black.
Her family was nervous once she broke the news to them that she was joining the Marine Corps. They suggested a different branch or that she look at schools. Over time, her family grew to support her decision to become a Marine. Black believes her parents knew that her life was going to change for the better.
In January 2019, Black attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduation, Black received orders to attend Marine Combat Training (MCT) at the School of Infantry West at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Black had some fears of the hills and how her body would be affected when she found out the location of MCT.
“I was scared at first, because I spent the last three months hiking on flat land versus hiking in the mountains,” said Black.
Upon her arrival at Camp Pendleton, her heart rate shot up as she laid her eyes on the hills around the School of Infantry West. Black’s fear was not being properly prepared to take on the hills and getting injured during training. However, as the training progressed, she completed every training task.
“I overcame the hills of Camp Pendleton,” said Black.
Black attended her military occupational specialty school for ground supply at Camp Johnson, North Carolina, after completing MCT. After, she received orders to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, to serve as a 3043, supply-administration and operations specialist, for Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (MWHS) 2. Her day-to-day task is ensuring paperwork is properly filled out for her unit to purchase mission-essential supplies.
As Black reflects on her time in the Marine Corps, her biggest accomplishment was taking care of her Marines and having her first child. She had numerous Marines come to her for life advice. Black has always been there as a mentor for her Marines.
“I am staying in the Marine Corps to help improve the lives of my Marines and my family,” said Black.
During her first enlistment, she learned that you must push forward. "Push or get pushed" became her motto. Her motto came from her husband, who was also a Marine. Black pushes her Marines to improve their proficiency and complete tasks they are assigned.
"Whether it’s work or personal, there is room to grow as a person and Marine," said Black.
Black received news from her unit that she was approved to serve four more years in the Marine Corps. She received orders to serve as a supply Marine at an Inspector and Instructor Duty in Arizona. Black's goal for her second enlistment is to become a more well-rounded Marine leader, supply Marine, mother and continue her education. She would like to become a commissioned officer to make a bigger impact on the supply community in the future.
“I am excited for the next challenge that the Marine Corps will give me,” said Black.
| Date Taken: | 04.14.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2023 12:34 |
| Story ID: | 442638 |
| Location: | HAVELOCK, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | CENTERVILLE, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 93 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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