First Sergeant Jerome C. Ward is a native of Jamaica Queens, New York. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 2001.

Upon Completion of recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, S.C. in November 2001, Private First Class Ward reported to Camp Geiger, N.C. for  Marine Combat Training and was awarded a Meritorious Mast for graduating in the top 5 in his class. Upon Completion of Marine Combat Training, Private First Class Ward reported to the Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School, at Marine Air Ground Training Command Center Twenty-nine Palms, CA. Upon graduation from the Basic Radio Operators Course, he was assigned his first duty station at 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twenty-Nine Palms, CA.

While assigned to 3rd Battalion 7th Marines, Corporal Ward Deployed to Iraq in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in January 2003 as a Company Radio Operator for Kilo Company. Upon return from deployment, Lance Corporal Ward attended the Tactical Air Controllers Course at 1st Marine Division School before redeploying to Operation Iraqi Freedom II in February 2004 where he served as a Tactical Air Controller and Company Radio Operator for Kilo Company. Promoted to Corporal in September  2004 after returning from Iraq for the second time. In December 2004, Corporal Ward attended Mountain Warfare Training and Assault Climber’s Course in Bridgeport, California.

In July 2005, Corporal Ward attended Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructors Course, before he reported to Weapons Field Training Battalion West, Camp Pendleton, CA where he served as a range coach and Primary Marksmanship Instructor for the recruits and drill instructors of MCRD San Diego, CA.

In December 2006, Corporal Ward reported to First Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Pendleton CA where he served as the Ground Radio Chief. Promoted to Sergeant in January 2007, Sergeant Ward deployed to Kuwait as the NCOIC and Senior Enlisted of a Port Security and Tactical Escort before rejoining his unit in Iraq in May of 2007.

In June 2008, Sergeant Ward attended the Basic Recruiters Course at MCRD San Diego, CA before being assigned to 4th Marine Corps District, Recruiting Detroit, MI, Recruiting Sub-Station Warren, MI where he served as a Canvasing Recruiter, Assistant Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. Meritoriously Promoted to Staff Sergeant in January 2011, he then served as Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. Upon completion of a successful tour, Staff Sergeant Ward reported to 9th Communication Battalion, I MHG, I MEF, Camp Pendleton, CA. He served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company and the Battalion Limited Duty Coordinator.

Upon transferring to the SMCR in May 2016, Staff Sergeant Ward reported to 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and served as the Battalion Communications Chief. Promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in May of 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Ward transferred to an IMA Det at HQMC, Marine and Family Programs where he served as the Marine for Life Representative for Riverside County, CA.

In August 2019, Gunnery Sergeant Ward was mobilized in support of Task Force South West 20.1, serving as the Communication Chief. Upon demobilization, Gunnery Sergeant Ward was assigned to Company D, 4th Tank Battalion, Twenty-Nine Palms, CA. where he served as the Communication Chief. In August 2020, Gunnery Sergeant Ward was mobilized in support of Task Force Commitment, MCRD Parris Island, S.C., and served as the Acting First Sergeant for Task Force Commitment Detachment, Headquarters Battalion. MCRD Parris Island, S.C. Upon demobilization in June 2021, Gunnery Sergeant returned to 4th Tank Battalion to assist with the battalion’s divestment. In September 2021, Gunnery Sergeant Ward was assigned to the Extended Active Duty Recruiting program and was transferred to 4th Marine Corps District, Recruiting Station Louisville, KY, Recruiting Sub-Station Elizabethtown, KY serving as the Station Commander and Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge.

In May of 2022, Gunnery Sergeant Ward was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and is now serving as the Company First Sergeant for Military Police Company Alpha, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Lexington, KY., Force Headquarters