CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – The Marine Corps is a melting pot of individuals who come from all different lifestyles, cultures, and corners of the globe. Marines come together around shared values of honor, courage, and commitment. Cpl. Ju’Ron B. Smith Jr., a Data Administrator assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, brought to his Marine Corps a desire to lead and a passion for service.
During his sophomore year of high school, Smith became interested in military service and eventually connected with a Marine Corps recruiter. He was enticed by the challenge the Marine Corps offered and the promises of pride of belonging, travel and adventure, and self-discipline.
“When I returned home from boot camp, I felt like all eyes were on me. I was the first in my family to join the Marines and I proved to many people that I could make it. I came home with the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and showed my family and friends that I was ‘that’ guy.”
Throughout his adolescence, Smith grew up as the father figure for his younger brother and helped support his family.
“I overworked to make myself feel like I was doing a good thing and providing for my family,” he said.
Now, Cpl. Smith channels his work ethic into a passion for leading his Marines, perfecting his craft, and supporting his unit.
As a data administrator, Smith makes and manages web sites that Marines and Sailors use to support daily tasks, protect vital information, functionality, and enable ongoing unit operations. For the 24th MEU specifically, Smith works the S-6 helpdesk to solve immediate network issues.
“I enjoy learning the basics of information technology, coding languages, operating systems, and software types. “This helps me to be ready to correct issues in our systems, speak intelligently and confidently with leadership, and take care of my team by covering down on my responsibilities and sharing knowledge.”
Smith intends to combine passion for excellence and commitment to leading people equally on his journey to making the Marine Corps a lifelong career.
“Marines want to make a difference in the Corps. What makes me want to make this a career is knowing that there are people that will go to bat for you when times are tough,” said Smith.
“…There are a million leadership styles out there. I see everyone as an equal and I treat everyone with respect regardless of rank or background. I want to be the leader that treats their Marines like their own brother or sister and connects with the person behind the uniform,” he said.
The 24th MEU takes pride in Marines like Cpl. Smith that foster excellence in their military occupational specialty, hold themselves and others to high moral and professional standards, and lead with equality and respect. Through our individual Marines and Sailors, the MEU continues to accomplish its mission of being the nation’s crisis response force and protecting U.S. national interests and security across the globe.