
WILLIAMSBURG — Brandon Jefferson had been accepted into his dream school and started attending the University of Alabama two years ago, however, due to the price of tuition, he decided to leave the university and pursue the military to earn his GI Bill.
After graduating from U.S. Marine Corps boot camp on Parris Island in May 2023, Jefferson attended Infantry Training Battalion School (ITB), where he was first exposed to the honor guard unit.
The honor guard unit of the Marine Corps provides funeral services and honors for fallen Marines. The team conducts flag-folding ceremonies and escorts caskets.
“The unit really spoke to me. It’s like a dream job. You perform very honorable ceremonies for fallen Marines and their loved ones. It’s one of the most honorable jobs you can have in the Marine Corps and being able to deliver these Marines to their final resting place is so moving,” Jefferson said.
That exposure led him to make a slight change in his career path within the Marines and he started the process of becoming an Armor Bearer. The honor guard unit is held to a high physical standard and Jefferson spent hours in the gym to gain strength. There was also a rigorous application process.
He was selected for the prestigious unit in September 2023.
Jefferson had only participated in one funeral before learning that he would be escorting former President Jimmy Carter to his final resting place.
“With my second funeral ever being the former President, it was beyond anything I expected. My emotions were through the roof. It was so fulfilling and it gave my life so much purpose,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson, who was part of Joint Team 1, helped with the departure and arrival of Carter’s casket in Georgia. Joint Team 1 also conducted funeral honors for Carter when he was laid to rest next to his wife Roslyn.
“At the funeral, hearing Carter’s family and friends speak about him was phenomenal. Even if you didn’t know the guy, he was a phenomenal human being and a great family man and exceptional leader. Everyone just poured their hearts out to him,” Jefferson said of the services.
Jefferson takes a lot of pride in his young military career.
“The military was not my first choice, but it has changed my life for the better. It is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. You meet so many people, and at the same time, you’re doing an act of service for your nation. I come from a very patriotic family and this has been a true honor,” Jefferson said.
While he’s just arrived back on base from Carter’s services, Jefferson has been busy preparing for his next assignment: marching in the Inauguration Day Parade.