Sergeant Major Jason Perry

Jason served for 27 years in the United States Marine Corps, reaching the ceiling rank for enlisted personnel of Sergeant Major.

During Jason’s 27 years of service, he would be posted to several units within the Marine Corps, including:

Marine Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231) “The Ace of Spades”

Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA-542) “Tigers”

Fox Company, The Second Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (2nd Bn, Fox Company, MCRD) – Drill Instructor

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 (HMLA-367) “Scarface”

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169) “Vipers”

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) “SAVAGE”

Combat Logistics Regiment 3 (CLR-3) “Workhorse of the Pacific”

Combat Logistics Battalion 3 (CLB-3) “Longboard”

Sergeant Major 1st Recruit Training Battalion (MCRDSD) “Big Red One”

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1) “Watchdogs”

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3) “Phantoms”

Jason has been deployed five times to Iraq, with his first deployment being the Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm; he deployed again on Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003, 2004, 2005/06 and 2009.

Jason has received the following honours and awards for his service:

Meritorious Service Medal x 3,

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal x 3,

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal x 3,

Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation,

Presidential Unit Citation,

Iraq Campaign Medal,

National Defense Service Medal,

Southwest Asia Service Medal,

Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon w/1 star (2 Tours),

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (Iraq),

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,

Korean Defense Service Medal,

Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia),

Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait),

Marine Corps Martial Arts Program Black Belt 1st Degree,

Martial Arts Instructor Trainer,

Helicopter Rope Suspension Training (Masters Course),

Expert Rifle Qualification Badge x 8, and

Expert Pistol Qualification Badge x 6.

I think Port Kembla has run out of metal after making that rack!

I was introduced to Jason through one of my tutors at the college where I am studying. I am incredibly grateful for having the opportunity in meeting Jason; he is a very kind and humble man. I have had the pleasure of showing Jason some of the country (Australia) when I shot a documentary on Corey in a series called Life After. When I asked Jason to be a part of this project, he did not hesitate to participate. As someone with his experience and knowledge, I am incredibly grateful to show others that expressing your emotions through art is incredibly valuable.