Marcus Jermaine Harvey, Sr.
U.S. Marine Corps 1995 – 2003 / TN Air National Guard 2005 – 2010
Marcus Jermaine Harvey, Sr., was born June 28, 1977, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Charles Harvey, Sr., and Carolyn Bonds. He attended Tipton County Schools, graduating from Covington High School in May 1995.
After his plans to attend college fell through, he felt the need to better his life and to explore the world, so he joined the Marine Corps. His active-duty career began on September 18, 1995, at Marine Corp Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. After completing bootcamp and MOS (military occupation specialty) training as an armorer (small arms repairer/technician) with Weapons Training Battalion, Camp Lejeune, Harvey was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa. He deployed to Norway as a member of Strong Resolve 98, a quadrennial NATO live training exercise, involving more than 35,000 servicemembers from 15 NATO member nations and 10 Partnership for Peace nations. He also served with Headquarters Battery 13th Marine Regiment where he reached the rank of Corporal before leaving active duty in September 1999. He served in the Marine Corps Reserve until 2003.
As a civilian, he worked as a computer technician and earned his license as a massage therapist. He missed the camaraderie of the military and felt the pull of service to his country calling him again. This time, he chose the Air Force as the beneficiary of his dedication and patriotism.
Harvey joined the TN Air National Guard (TNANG) in August 2005 at the rank of Airman First Class (A1C). He was assigned as an Aerospace Ground Technician to the 164th Airlift Wing in Memphis, TN. He was later transferred to the 433rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Lackland AFB, Lackland, Texas. He served in the TNANG for two years before transferring to the Air Force Reserve in 2007 as a Senior Airman. His final discharge from service was in 2010.
For his service to his country, he was awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Artic Service Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Marksman Badge, as well as the Tennessee National Guard War Service Ribbon.
He is employed with the Tennessee Department of Transportation as a construction inspector. A proud Mason, he and his wife are members of St. Stephen Baptist Church in Memphis, where his brother, Charles Harvey, Jr. is pastor.
The Brighton resident is the immensely proud father of four children – daughters Keyonna Harvey, Yasmine Ransom, and Markia Winters and son, Marcus Harvey, Jr. He is the proud grandfather of one-year old Ryder Lightbody. He and his lovely bride Marenda recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Marcus was nominated for Veteran of the Month by his wife, Marenda Harvey.