NAVY
2003-2009

Jennifer Peterson was born in Long Beach, California. Growing up, her grandpa was a huge influence in her life. She looked up to him for his 13 years of service in the U.S. Navy. She was so appreciative of his multiple tours in Vietnam that eventually led to Jenn’s grandma and dad coming to the United States. In August 2003, Jenn followed in her grandpa’s footsteps and enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. Jenn’s first duty station was Okinawa, Japan. In 2005, Jenn and her unit deployed from Japan to Pakistan and Indonesia in order to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the 7.6 magnitude earthquake. Jenn is very proud of the help her and her fellow Hospital Corpsman were able to provide to those suffering from the natural disaster. After Okinawa, Japan, Jenn was stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego, California. While stationed at MCRD San Diego, Jenn’s responsibilities were to provide medical assistance to Marine recruits undergoing recruit training. In 2009, Jenn transitioned from active duty to civilian life after six years of honorable and faithful service. In 2011, Jenn and her husband Dustin, were joined in marriage. With Dustin still an active-duty Marine, they began their adventure of going where the Marine Corps sent them. In 2013, while stationed at Quantico, VA, Jenn and Dustin welcomed their first child. In 2015, while stationed at Kaneohe, HI, Jenn and Dustin welcomed their second child. In 2017, while stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, Jenn and Dustin welcomed their third and final child. Jenn and her family would continue to go where the Marine Corps sent them until Dustin’s retirement in 2022. In July 2022, the family relocated to Cedar Rapids, IA following Dustin’s retirement.

Honored by: Her husband Dustin Peterson