Photo Information

Pfc. Jeffrey D. Wann, a supply clerk assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, organizes a records cabinet at the MEU command post during the work day at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 19, 2014. Wann, a Lancaster, Penn., native, is one of the newest additions to the 26th MEU team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua W. Brown/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua W. Brown

Marine has supplies for his future with Marine corps as his support

30 May 2014 | Lance Cpl. Joshua Brown 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

The prospect of financial coverage of one’s education is one of many benefits that inspire the hearts and minds of young men and women that enlist in the United States Marine Corps.

Pfc. Jeffrey D. Wann is one of those young men.

The Lancaster, Penn. native said, “I enlisted to do something meaningful with my life, to be a better person, and to serve my country.”

As a supply clerk assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Wann’s responsibilities include completing order requests from different sections in the MEU, processing the requests, and completing them in a timely manner.

“It can get difficult at times,” said Wann. “But I’ve grown more comfortable with what I do, and I really enjoy working at the MEU.”

Wann had originally enlisted with the desire to be a personnel management officer, but after discovering he was colorblind, he opted to work in supply instead.

“It wasn’t what I had planned for, but I knew I could still be a Marine, and that is what I wanted,” said Wann.

He said his aspirations are not limited to being a Marine. His long term desire is to apply for the Marine Enlisted College Entrance Program and become a commissioned officer.

“I decided I want to go to school through the military, so I don’t accrue college debt,” said Wann.

College wasn’t the only driving factor in Wann’s decision to join the military. With other family in the military, including his grandfather and uncle, Wann shares a connection of service to country with his family.

Wann expressed a fondness and excitement for his service to his country. He said his family is proud and supportive of his decision.

Cpl. Marque L. Avery, a supply clerk assigned to the 26th MEU and a noncommissioned officer in charge of Wann, said, “Wann shows enthusiasm and initiative to learn about his job.”

Enthusiasm is one of the Marine leadership traits that are stressed throughout boot camp and initial training.

Despite Wann’s enthusiasm and his family’s military background, he said his family endured some difficulty when he decided he wanted to be a Marine.

“My dad wasn’t happy at first. He was reluctant to let me, his first born, go,” said Wann.

Wann said his father was more receptive once boot camp was completed, and his father is proud.

The best part for Wann is the respect and pride his family has in him, according to Wann.

“I try to emulate my leaders, be professional, respectful, trustworthy and understanding,” said Wann.

He is a new member in the 26th MEU family. His responsibilities and tasks as a supply clerk are different at the MEU than they were at his previous assignment.

“He’ll succeed if he continues to learn what he can and learn the proper procedures,” said Avery, Wann’s mentor and direct advisor. “The best advice I give him is to be the one that stands out amongst his peers, and be the best Marine he can.”