Jonathan Spencer

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Bio

Jon Spencer was born in Rocky Mount, Virginia on 8 January 1983. He graduated from Franklin County High School in Rocky Mount, Virginia, 2001.
Jon Spencer enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2005 and attended recruit training at Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Upon completion of recruit training in October of 2001, Private Spencer attended Hotel Company, Marine Combat Training, School of Infantry at Camp Geiger. He was assigned the military occupational specialty 4641, Combat Photographer.
Private Spencer reported to the Defense Information School (DINFOS), Marine Detachment Ft. Meade, MD in November of 2001. While attending DINFOS, Private Spencer was promoted to the rank of private first class and graduated in the class top three.
In May of 2002 PFC Spencer, reported for duty to Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC. Upon checking into MWSS 273, PFC Spencer was transferred to the Joint Public Affairs Office, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. PFC Spencer was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in September of 2002.
In February 2003 Lance Corporal Spencer was transferred back to Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 and then deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Lance Corporal Spencer returned back to the United States six months later. Six months after his return, Lance Corporal Spencer was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in February 2004. Upon returning from a second combat deployment, Lance Corporal Spencer was promoted to the rank of corporal in December of 2004. In January of 2005, Corporal Spencer received Permanent Change of Assignment orders to serve as the NCOIC of the Combat Camera photo department aboard MCAS Beaufort.
In January 2006, Corporal Spencer was transferred to Officers Candidate School (OCS) Quantico, Va. to serve as the Web Master, Data Specialist Technician and Physical Training Instructor. In March of 2006, Corporal Spencer reported back to DINFOS where he attended the Digital Multi Media Course (DMC) and Graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate. Corporal Spencer was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February of 2007.
Sergeant Spencer executed PCA orders from OCS to Headquarters & Service Battalion Quantico, Va. where he served as the Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge of the Combat Camera photo department until 2009.
Sergeant Spencer then transferred to Joint Public Affairs Office, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron MCAS New River to serve as the Combat Camera, Staff Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge and was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant in February 2011. Staff Sergeant Spencer reported for duty as a student in the Career Course at the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy in April of 2013.
Upon completion of Career Course, Staff Sergeant Spencer was transferred to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. in Aug. 2013, to serve as the Photography Chief for 1st Marine Division Combat Camera. Four months after arriving, Staff Sergeant Spencer was reassigned as to I Marine Expeditionary Force, to serve as the Combat Camera Chief.
In Jan. 2014, Staff Sergeant Spencer deployed with I Marine Expeditionary Force to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. In Aug. 2015, Staff Sergeant Spencer redeployed back to 1st Marine Division Combat Camera. Upon his return, Staff Sergeant Spencer’s billet assignment was elevated at the Imagery Coordination Representative and Video Chief. While serving in a dual capacity, Staff Sergeant Spencer was by name requested to serve aboard the USS. Kidd during a Multi-national Naval Tomahawk launching exercise. Upon returning from ship, Staff Sergeant Spencer was selected to attend the Intermediate Information Operations Practitioner’s Course.
In Jun. 2015, Staff Sergeant Spencer was selected to attend the Military Photojournalism Couse of S I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University.
Staff Sergeant Spencer personal awards include the Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Good Conduct Medal with three bronze stars in lieu of fourth award.
Staff Sergeant Spencer is married to the former Jennifer Stegall and they have one son Gaven.

Stories by Jonathan: