Marine Corps League Detachment 735 Elected Officers

Jarrod Beachum enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 2004. After basic training at Parris Island, and Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, he reported to the Armed Forces School of Music for training as a 5546, Marine Musician, Trombone. Over his 9 year career, he was stationed at Marine Corps Logistics Command Albany, GA, Marine Corps Combat Development Command Quantico, VA, and MCRD San Diego, CA, earning the rank of Sergeant, and completing the additional MOS of 8012, Ground Safety Specialist, and serving as a coach bus driver.  

Jarrod joined the Captain Jack Holland Detachment in April 2017. He was soon appointed as the Sergeant at Arms, serving in that role until 2025, when he was elected as the Junior Vice Commandant. In November 2022, he founded the Honor Guard for our detachment, with the mission to ensure every Marine veteran in our area has military honors to the best of our ability. He has trained and led them in the annual Veterans Day parade, civic ceremonies, and military funeral honors. In August 2023 he was inducted into the Military Order of the Devil Dogs, serving as Watch Dog until being elected as the Senior Vice Pound Keeper in 2025. He advanced to the degree of Devil Dog in 2025. Also in 2025, he founded the detachment’s chartered Scouting America unit, Venturing Crew 735, and serves as their Crew Advisor. He and his wife, Associate member DeAnna Beachum, took the crew on their first high adventure trip in October 2025 at Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, MN.  

Jarrod was selected as the detachment’s 2025 Marine of the year. Other MCL awards include the Distinguished Citizen Award (Bronze), Detachment Staff Elected Medal, Detachment Staff Appointed Medal, Community Service Award, Department Meritorious Commendation Ribbon, Individual Meritorious Commendation Ribbon (x2), Ceremonial Guard Ribbon, MCL Membership Medal (x2), and MCL 100 Year Anniversary Ribbon. 

Outside of MCL activities, Eagle Scout Jarrod is highly involved Scouting, serving in various direct roles such as Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, and Crew Advisor. He also serves at the district level as Order of the Arrow Chapter Advisor and at district events. At the council level, he is the International Representative, STEM Committee Chair, and on the Enterprise Risk Management Committee. He is a BSA Lifeguard, Wilderness First Aid Instructor, and Merit Badge Counselor. He has served as a volunteer medical professional at the 2019 World Scout Jamboree, 2023 National Scout Jamboree, and will serve again this year at the 2026 National Scout Jamboree. Scouting awards include District Award of Merit (2024), Scoutmaster of the Year (2025), Cubmaster of the Year (2022), Assistant Cubmaster of the Year (2019), and various training awards. His son Carter is a Life scout in Troop 205B, and his daughter Chloe is a Star scout in Troop 205G, led by Scoutmaster DeAnna Beachum. 

Josh enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in January 2010. After Recruit training and completion of MCT, he completed his MOS school of 0627 Satellite Communications Operator and Maintainer school in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Josh was sent to 1st MARDIV HQBN COMM CO on Camp Pendleton, CA for his first duty station. Josh deployed to Southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan with 5th MAR REG HQCO COMM PLT in August 2011 – August 2012, where he served as a 0621 (Radio Operator), 0622 (Digital (Multichannel) Wideband Transmission Equipment Operator) and his primary MOS. After service, Josh began helping and assisting veterans through transitioning from the military into civilian life. Josh has and currently assists various non-profit organization in veteran engagement. Josh joined the MCL in 2025 and was appointed Web Sergeant.

Thom joined the Marine Corps initially as a Reservist through the delayed entry program in September 1985 and headed to Parris Island after high school graduation the following June. Graduating boot camp in August 1986, he then attended MOS training (0231) at Intelligence Analyst School in Damn Neck (Norfolk), VA. Assigned as an Intel Analyst for VMA-124 attached to Marine Air Group 42 (4th Marine Aircraft Wing), Thom’s role was briefing and debriefing A-4 pilots on enemy locations, weapon systems, and targets. Thom’s first attempt at attending college as a Reservist didn’t fair very well. After a couple of semesters, Thom requested and was assigned orders for temporary active duty.  During this time, Thom participated on a Classified Material Control Center audit team, tasked with ensuring the CMCC’s (now called SCIF’s) at various Marine squadrons were properly maintained and secured, and the Marines assigned to them were mission ready.  Returning to VMA-124 as a Corporal, Thom began his law enforcement career in 1990. In January 1991, Thom was ordered again to active duty, and assigned to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (3rdMarine Aircraft Wing) in support of Operation Desert Storm. Thom finished out his enlistment as a Sergeant. In his career at the Jackson Police Department, Thom has had many assignments and leadership roles, and became Chief of Police in January 2022. Thom has a Bachelor’s Degree in Management, a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree, and is a licensed attorney and member of the Tennessee Bar. Thom joined the Marine Corps League in March of 2011 and served as Sergeant at Arms for a period of time before being elected as Judge Advocate for the Captain Jack Holland Detachment. Thom, and his lovely bride Jamie (a MCL Associate member) have been married over 35 years, have 2 adult children and 2 grandchildren.

Biography Coming Soon