Jason Jones leaves no doubt how he feels about the United States.

“I love serving my country,” he said. “That’s the best part about this job. I get to continue serving my country.”

The 1993 Coeur d’Alene High School graduate has served in the Marine Corps 27 years. Along the way, he has earned his share of awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars and the Combat Action Ribbon.

While he is proud of each, a recent promotion might mean the most of all. Last week, Jones assumed his post as Sergeant Major of 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

“To me, it’s the most coveted job,” the 46-year-old said. “It’s the pinnacle of my career.”

The 1st Marine Division is one of the most historic, tradition-filled units in the Marine Corps.

“That’s the dream job for an infantry guy,” Jones said during a phone interview with The Press.

In his new role, he is the senior enlisted adviser to Major General Roger Turner Jr., commanding general of the 1st Division, which has about 25,000 troops.

"I help recommend and advise the commanding general on a lot of military and enlisted matters,” he said.

It is a role that comes with the responsibility to influence thousands and he is looking forward to being part of the command team and serving the 1st Marine Division.

“Marines don’t work for us,” he said. “We work for them. That’s what we do.”

Jones enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 1994 after seeing how it changed his brother, Ryan, now a police officer in Boise.

“The big thing was I saw the difference in him when he came home from Marine Corps boot camp, and I liked it,” Jones said.

The structure, the discipline, appealed to him. And joining the military gave him a chance to represent the Gem State.

“I am the biggest advocate of Idaho. I love my state. I love my city that I came from," he said.

His military career has taken him around the world, earning new titles on the journey.

He went from Private First Class to Lance Corporal to Sergeant to Staff Sergeant to Gunnery Sergeant to First Sergeant to Sergeant Major.

He served in combat operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom and was Chief Drill Instructor and the last class Drill Instructor in Pensacola. He served with 5th Battalion, 10th Marines; 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines; and Security Cooperation Task Force 12.

In January 2018, he was deployed as the Task Force Southwest Sergeant Major in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel executing NATO’s Resolute Support Mission.

Being in the military doesn’t come without sacrifice. The toughest part is saying goodbye and being away from family.

“You’re gone a lot,” Jones said. “That’s difficult."

He loves molding and mentoring recruits.

“There’s nothing better,” Jones said.

At 5 feet, 11 inches tall, Jones is a rock-solid 180 pounds and more than holds his own with younger men on runs and hikes.

“Sometimes, you have to show the 18 year olds the gray beards still got it,” he said, laughing.

Pushing himself is part of being a leader.

“How can I expect somebody to do something if I can’t do it myself?" he said.

Jones wants people to know there are Idahoans serving in the military, “being patriots, getting out there and doing the things you’re supposed to do."

His father, Keith Jones, was a principal for many years in the area, serving at Hayden Lake, Hayden Meadows and Borah Elementary.

“What a great state to represent,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud that I come from Idaho.
"

His military career has been a rewarding adventure, Jones said.

“When I first started, I never thought I would make it to the point I am today,” he said.