Capturing the Bonds of Brotherhood: How a Camera from the MCX Preserved My Marine Corps Memories
When I first joined the Marine Corps back in 2005 at the age of 18, it wasn't the promise of large paychecks that drew me in. No, what compelled me to take that oath and earn the coveted Eagle, Globe, and Anchor was a deep, unwavering love for my country, and a desire to be part of something greater than myself.
As I prepared to deploy to Iraq in 2006, I wanted to make sure I had a way to capture the moments that would undoubtedly be memorable. That's why, before shipping out, I made my way to the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) on Lejeune to purchase a digital camera. For the young Marines out there with 4k camera phones in your pocket, you may not understand how big a deal it was to own a digital camera as an PFC in the Corps. Luckily, the MCX offered great prices and no taxes!
That camera allowed me to freeze in time the camaraderie, the intensity, and the sheer grit of my fellow Marines as we faced the rigors of combat. Whether it was sharing a tuna packet with Marco in a during hole outside of Fallujah on the 2006 Marine Corps Birthday, or aftermath of an IED that took out our truck, that camera captured it all.
To this day, whenever I look back on those photographs, I'm transported back to the unbreakable bonds we forged in the crucible of war. That camera, purchased at the MCX, didn't just preserve my memories - it immortalized the unwavering spirit that has defined the Marine Corps for 250 years. And for that, I will be forever grateful.
Semper Fidelis.
Jeffrey Cleland
Cpl., USMC (ret)
About the Author
Jeff Cleland is a Senior Manager of Transportation Public Policy at Amazon where he leads state-level policy advocacy for surface transportation, drone delivery, and infrastructure. He joined Amazon in 2019 where he led engagement for the Northeast states during a time of immense growth for the company.
Prior to joining Amazon, Cleland served as the Chief of Staff at the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration, and agency that manages and maintains the state’s highway and bridge network. Before entering public service, Cleland worked in the military/veteran policy space as the Manager of Research and Policy at the George W. Bush Institutes Military Service Initiative and Director of Innovation and Operations at Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families.
Cleland enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2005 directly out of high school. He served as an 0331 infantry machine gunner in 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, F Company and deployed to Iraq’s Anbar Province in 2006-2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received a Combat Action Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and a Certificate of Commendation.
Cleland holds an A.A. from Onondaga Community College, a B.A. from Syracuse University, and an MPA from The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He resides in Maryland with his wife Kimberly and three children; Colton, Charlotte, and Vivian.
