CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Shepard, a Brentwood, Tennessee, native and rifleman with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment reenlistments on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Shepard was recruited out of Nashville where his current battalion commander Lt Col. Jonathan W. Landers served as commanding officer for his recruiting station.
Shepard’s first assignment was to 2d Battalion, 8th Marines where he completed two deployments. Shepard completed his first tour of duty in Aug. 2022. Within a week of his end of active service, Shepard contacted his unit requesting to be considered for reenlistment. “Home is not home, this is home,” said Shepard.
After learning of Shepard’s desire to return to duty, Landers contacted the Marines who worked closely with Shepard, including his recruiter. “I will do the best I can to ensure good Marines are retained,” said Landers.
Shepard enlisted in the Marine Corps for the challenge, but instead found family with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines.