U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Axel Cuencareyes, left, and Lance Cpl. Levi Evans, riflemen with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to launch an RQ-20B Puma during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on Oct. 6, 2024. MCCRE involves a range of scenarios and challenges that test the unit's ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex missions, including offensive and defensive operations, logistics, and communications. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nathan Mitchell)
Olivia Dols with WITN conducts a media visit during 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment's Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on Oct. 7, 2024. Regular media visits by various broadcast networks ensure that the public remains informed on Marine Corps activities. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by 1st Lt. Luke Weida)
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — On September 27, 2024, Hospital Corpsman First Class Jennifer A. McKenna, a corpsman with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, became a Chief Petty Officer during a ceremony held at the Base Theater on Camp Lejeune. The distinguished anchors were pinned on her collar by her two children, and she received the combination cover by her sponsor, Senior Chief Petty Officer Ace Tran.
McKenna reflected on the journey to this point, now the senior enlisted member in charge of her young Sailors. While it may have seemed as though her military successes came easily, there was a time when she was uncertain about her career path.
“I was 21 years old, I felt lost; I needed a change...
09.30.2024 | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Story by Cpl. Alexis Sanchez
