Lt Col (Ret) James C. “JC” Rose

Lt Col (Ret) James C. “JC” Rose was born and raised in Fitzgerald, Georgia. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program in July 1988, and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island November 8, 1988. During boot camp he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. Following Recruit Training and MOS training as an Aviation Ordnance Munitions Technician at Naval Air Station Millington, Tennessee and NAS Cecil Field, PFC Rose was assigned to VMFA-333, the Fighting Shamrocks MCAS Beaufort SC. During this tour, he deployed to Desert Shield Desert Storm. Being a solid ordnance technician he was certified and qualified as a Team Leader. While deployed he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal in March of 1991.

Upon VMFA-333 return and disbandment, Cpl Rose was transferred to VMFA-251, the Thunderbolts. His in-depth knowledge proved his worth to be qualified as a Quality Assurance Safety Observer. During his tour he deployed to Okinawa Japan and was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant Feb 1993. There he applied for and was accepted to attend Drill Instructor School.

Sgt Rose reported to Drill Instructor School January 1994. Upon graduation he was assigned to 2nd Battalion Echo Company where he served as a drill instructor, training a total of 5 platoons to become a part of the World’s best fighting force. He also served as a Drill Instructor while at Medical Rehabilitation Platoon (MRP) Headquarters and Service Battalion.

In May 1996, after the completion of a successful tour as a Drill Instructor, Sgt Rose reported to 1st MAW. There he served as an administrative clerk within Aviation Logistics Division (ALD). In Feb 1997, Sgt Rose received orders to MCLB Albany Ga. Assigned to Schools Platoon and Corporals course as a Chief instructor, his outstanding leadership and mentorship benefited Schools Company, reducing NJP’s and misconduct incidents from an average of 8 per month to zero. Sgt Rose was promoted to SSgt during this one year tour Apr 1997.

In July of 1998 SSgt Rose reported to VMAQ-3 the Moon Dogs, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point NC. During his tour he deployed to Okinawa, Iwakuni, and Korea. While deployed he applied for and was selected to the Warrant Officer Program. He reported to Warrant Officer Basic Course Feb 2000. Upon graduation he reported to VMA-311 the Tomcats MCAS Yuma Arizona. WO Rose then deployed to Okinawa. During this deployment, the unfortunate event that rocked our Nation to its Core occurred September 11, 2011. WO Rose was appointed to CWO2 on Aug 2001. January 2003, the Tomcats deployed aboard ship (Bonhomme Richard) “Operation Iraqi Freedom” 1-1. CWO2 Rose went ashore to the Forward Operating Base for the Harrier reload Detachment aboard Al Jabber Kuwait.

After deployment CWO2 received orders to report to 1st MAW H&HS Squadron where he served as the Marine Liaison Station Weapons Ordnance Officer Kadena. In August 2004 he was appointed to CWO3. Continuing on a successful career path, CWO3 Rose applied for and was selected for the Limited Duty Officer Program (LDO). He was promoted to LDO Captain June 2005 and he reported to Marine Logistics Squadron (MALS) 36 Blade Runners. Captain Rose served as the ordnance officer, supervising all ordnance evolutions within the AOR of the western pacific.

In 2008, Capt Rose received orders to MALS 26 Patriots. There he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom 9.1-9.2 for 13 months. April 2011 he was promoted to Major. From June 2011 to March 2016 Major Rose served as the Marine Forces Reserve, 4th MAW ALD, Ordnance Officer. He reported to Marine Forces Pacific ALD, Camp H. M. Smith in April 2016 to serve as the MARFORPAC Ordnance Officer. He was promoted to his current rank LtCol in June 2016. LtCol Rose prides himself on his patriotic and rewarding career setting a positive example for all to emulate, instilling moral character and personal fortitude (which could not have been achieved without the outstanding and dedicated work efforts of the Marines he has served, thanks to the unselfish support of his family). His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4th Award), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th Award) and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award).

After a short retirement JC, attended Prime Inc CDL school. After successfully completing school and being certified as a professional driver, he excelled being mission oriented and focused driven and was nominated for the Veterans Transition To Trucking Driving For Excellence Award where he was one of three finalists. Once again JC’s superior performance was recognized as he was nominated for the Keys To Progress Veterans Commercial Truck Award, and was blessed to be selected as the 2022 recipient. JC has been an active ambassador for Veterans In Trucking and the St Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. He has volunteered and participated in the transportation of the Vietnam Wall That Heals and with Wreaths Across America. JC is active in his community and mentors the youth and assists the elderly. JC contributes to various charities and lives by his motto: “In Order To Stay In The Fight…You First Have To Be In It.” Be a part of something bigger than yourself.

Just like being a drill instructor, he enjoys being a trainer; training, guiding and mentoring new CDL holders to become professional drivers. He truly demonstrates by example – when you go through the door of success, don’t slam it shut, take someone with you.

He and Melissa have been married for 33 years. They have four children – three sons in the Navy (Operations Specialist, Corpsman and Information Technician), and a daughter who is an Occupational Therapist.