Biography

First Sergeant Jeremy A. Bland is a native of Medina, Ohio. He graduated from Buckeye Senior High School Medina, Ohio on 3 June, 2001. First Sergeant Bland enlisted on 18 December 2003, and underwent recruit training at 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Alpha Company, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina.
 
Following recruit training Private First Class Bland reported for Marine Combat Training, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Next he reported for instruction at the Aviation Supply Course, Meridian, Mississippi. Upon graduation he was assigned the Primary Occupational Specialty of 6672, Aviation Supply Specialist. In August 2003, Private First Class Bland reported to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron One, 1st Marine Aircraft Group, Okinawa, Japan.  
 
In January 2005, Corporal Bland reported to Marine Transport Squadron One, 2D Marine Aircraft Group, Cherry Point, North Carolina.

In January 2006, Corporal Bland reported to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Okinawa, Japan. From January 2007 to August 2007, Sergeant Bland was deployed to Al Asad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In January 2008, Sergeant Bland reported to Parris Island, South Carolina for Drill Instructor duty where he served in the billets of Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Marine Corps Instructor Trainer of Water Survival from 2008-2011.

In November 2011, Staff Sergeant Bland reported to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Beaufort, SC where he served as the SNCOIC in the Supply Response Division (SRD) and the Supply Accounting Division (SAD). Staff Sergeant Bland deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan from June 2013 to August 2013. In September 2013, Staff Sergeant Bland resumed duties as the SRD SNCOIC and SAD SNCOIC before taking on the billet of Squadron Gunnery Sergeant.

In April 2015 Staff Sergeant Bland reported to Officer Candidates School, Quantico, Virginia, where he served as a Sergeant Instructor, in Company A, 5th platoon.  In September 2015, SSgt Bland moved to Company C, 2D platoon to be a Sergeant Instructor.  In January 2016, Gunnery Sergeant Bland became a Platoon Sergeant with Company C, 2D platoon. In June 2016, Gunnery Sergeant Bland was selected to serve as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Company D. In November 2016, GySgt Bland was selected to serve as the Battalion Drill Master. In June 2018, Gunnery Sergeant Bland took over as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company.   

First Sergeant Bland’s personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in lieu of second award, Drill Instructor ribbon in lieu of second award, and Navy Commendation Medal in lieu of second award.