Murphy – Master Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan D. White grew up in western North Carolina.
He enlisted in U.S. Marine Corps’ delayed entry program in June 1992 upon graduation from Murphy High School. And 30 years later, he has retired.
White graduated recruit training in Parris Island, S.C., in May 1993 and was meritoriously promoted to private first class. After completing recruit training, he attended and graduated Marine Combat Training aboard Camp Geiger.
Following training, he graduated the Aviation Electrician’s Mate Course in Millington, Tenn. White later was promoted to lance corporal.
In May 1994, White reported to Beaufort, S.C., for duty. During this assignment, now Cpl. White deployed to the Mediterranean aboard the aircraft carrier USS America.
Upon returning from deployment, he was promoted to sergeant and served as non-commissioned officer in charge and work center supervisor. In January 1998, White was voluntarily discharged from the Marines at his end of active service.
In August, White returned to active duty and again reported to Beaufort. In November 2000, he was promoted to staff sergeant, and in June 2001 he was transferred to Cherry Point.
In January 2002, White deployed to lwakuni, Japan. Upon return from deployment, White returned to work. In January 2003, he was deployed aboard the USS Bataan in support of Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom.
In July 2003, White served as a configuration management technician with the Sea Knight platform. In January 2005, he attended the staff non-commissioned officer Academy Career Course, again becoming a distinguished graduate. He was promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant in November 2005.
In January 2006, White reported to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Aviation Logistics Division, for duty as facility program coordinator. In August 2009, he transferred to lwakuni for a three-year tour with his son.
In January 2012, White was promoted to master sergeant and transferred to New River. In June, he reported to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, and in November 2016 he was promoted to master gunnery sergeant.
In June 2017, he reported to Marine Corps Base Hawaii for duty. In July 2020, he reported to his present-duty station aboard New River, where he serves as the avionics chief.
His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (one gold star), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two gold stars), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two gold stars).
White is married to the former Paula Stalcup, formerly of Murphy, and has a son, Paden Lee. His parents are Douglas White of Marble, and Owen and Fran Howell of Charleston, Tenn. His brother is Justin White of Murphy.