Standing on the Shoulders of The Historic Montford Point Marines

by CRSMULTIMEDIA · Published February 15, 2025 · Updated February 20, 2025

Master Gunnery Sergeant Tyrone Jackson is a Retired US Marine that gazes at the iconic Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina each day from his window. Master Gunny grew up during severe segregation and racism in Alabama and tells of the first day he ever faced actual racism and opposition during his high school years as he aspired to play Quarterback at George Washington Carver. Finally, after serving 29 honorable years in the United States Marine Corps, he is making his own Black History. Master Gunnery Sergeant Retired Jackson is also known as “Jack” and is endeared by many Marines he served with and by his greatest mentors. He is dedicated to his comrades by ensuring all ages and eras of war heroes receive honor in the community and that through his philanthropy, the civilian public will understand the importance of the shoulders of the Montford Point Marines; especially the service contribution of every Black Marine in uniform (both male and female).

Master Gunnery Sergeant Tyrone Jackson served most of his career in the Marine Corps Law Enforcement occupational specialty but also excelled as a Drill Instructor and held other roles. His unwavering leadership and tenacity led to accomplishing many of his goals despite the hurdles he overcame and he had the honor of serving aboard Parris Island, South Carolina’s Marine Corps Recruit Depot. He received many awards for his valiant service efforts and gives back to educate the world about The Montford Point Marines to encourage the newest retirees and veterans to join the organization for a cause larger than themselves. Equality, Unity, Commitment, and Loyalty to the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is the greatest mission once we all separate from the Corps. Faith and Family, God, Country, and Corps is what matters most to “Jack”. So tune in to be empowered through his interview on The Christina Silva Show, February 19, 2025 and to learn about the legacy of The Montford Point Marines. Master Gunnery Sergeant Tyrone Jackson will share life experiences proving that “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” motto.

Outstanding Service and Esprit De Corps is what every Marine is taught to exude in boot camp. Yet in the 1940’s, above and beyond performance for Black Marines in uniform was mandatory. Enlistment meant sacrificing the unthinkable and enduring the unimaginable. Just to be given the opportunity to enlist in the Marine Corps as a colored man or woman was unfair and grueling coupled with a plight to hold the lowest billets. Until one day, The Montford Marines made a phenomenal breakthrough at war and are responsible for the unforgettable evidence of their combat which still affords Our Nation the Freedom we enjoy today. By their lives lost and genius techniques in battle, we are free. Those past and those still living as The Original Montford Point Marines will forever be revered and celebrated.

Today, due to new legislative executive orders, we may be threatened by the loss of the ability to teach fellow Young Marines and the world about the diversity, inclusion, and equity history that exists about the Montford Point Marines. They will miss the infusion of rich history The Montford Point Marines accomplished during their training and tours of duty in the 21st Century. “Jack” is proud to serve as the The Montford Point Marine Association President of Chapter 9 in Beaufort, South Carolina. The most notable receipt of thanks occurred in 2012 for the organization as a whole when the Montford Point Marines were awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for their service (60 plus years post combat).

Please tune in to learn more via the video link below from the official Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island South Carolina official Facebook Page. https://fb.watch/xMKRmiEXZU

Therefore, The Montford Point Marines Association mission is critical:

The National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc., is a nonprofit Veterans Service Organization initially established in 1965. Our mission is to perpetuate the legacy of the first African Americans who entered the United States Marine Corps from the period of 1942 to 1949, and trained at the segregated training facility, Montford Point Camp, New River, North Carolina.

The Association works to improve the social conditions of veterans and their families by implementing programs to provide youth mentoring, educational scholarships, and assistance within the growing population of senior citizens.

On February 29, 2024, the National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc., was recognized by the United States Veterans Administration and approved as a Veterans Service Organization for the purpose of preparing, presenting, and prosecuting claims under the laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Marines of all war times must share their perspectives and stories of service by Educating Our Veterans to perpetuate Our Nation’s Democracy and the cost paid, for “In God We Trust”. Our homage shall never die. Marines are the most fierce war fighters committed to their courage to Fight in the Air, on Land, and by Sea and our Joint Task Force as a Department of the Navy, collaborating with our Space Force, Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard indicates we are the greatest military force on the planet. We must remember.