| George Cleveland's distinguished career of service to this country spans over four decades and three continents. As a United States Marine, Cleveland served in various Countries. He was with the Marines when they landed in Dominican Republic in 1965, earning the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and from there went to Parris Island to become a Drill Instructor where he molded young men into Marines. Cleveland served in Vietnam earning the Combat Action Ribbon after which he was posted to the Marine Security Guard Program. He served as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Security Guard Detachment at the American Embassy in Mexico City. Cleveland was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his service at the Embassy. Cleveland retired from the Marine Corps after 25 years of service and completed his Bachelors of Science Degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. He taught High School mathematics in the Montgomery County Maryland public school system for four years until his wife was posted to the American Embassy in Italy. He accompanied by her to Rome where he was hired to teach mathematics at the NotreDame International School. He was also hired as a part-time Assistant Security Officer in the Embassy. Upon departure from Rome, George was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of State's Diplomatic Security Branch for his service at the Embassy. Upon returning to the United States the Clevelands chose Jacksonville, North Carolina as their retirement venue. He revived his AMSOIL synthetic lubricants business and joined the Jacksonville/Onslow Chamber of Commerce where he has been a member for nearly 16 years. Cleveland also became active in his community as the Election Volunteer Coordinator for the National Rifle Association in the 3rd Congressional District. He became a Life Member in 1970 and is presently a Benefactor Member of the Association. George is a member of the NC Rifle and Pistol Association, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, and Am Vets. George is also a life member and the Vice President of Branch 208 of the Fleet Reserve Association. George Cleveland has also been highly active with the Onslow County Republican party for over twenty years. Within the county party he has served as the Brynn Marr Precinct Chair, Party Treasurer, First Vice Chairman and Chairman. At the district level he has served as the second Vice-Chairman and the first Vice-Chairman of the Third Congressional District. In 1996 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in San Diego, and again in 2000 he was an alternate delegate to the National Convention in Philadelphia. He is a member of the NC GOP's Executive Committee. George was elected to the 14th District seat in 2004. For eight years, he's defended the values and paychecks of the 14th District by fighting the tax and spend special interests in Raleigh. |