2nd Battalion, 4th Marines Association Instagram Account

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My name is Jeff Dancker and I am active member of the 2/4 Association. I served from 2004-2008 and am currently a Police Sergeant in California. My “generation” of Marines were afforded the opportunity to participate in social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) from its’ inception; as social media was initially geared towards college or younger-type crowds. I saw this as a fast and easy way to stay in touch with several of your friends, see what/how they’re doing, and everything that surrounds everyday life. I currently only use Instagram and have noticed countless former and active duty Marines using the social media platform.

For those of you that don’t know, Instagram is free social media platform that emphasizes photo and video sharing via its mobile app. You can take, edit, share, and publish visual content for your followers to interact with you. You can comment, “like”, and share pretty much any photo or video on the app. There are currently over 1 billion people using Instagram on a monthly basis.

As a Police Sergeant, I created an Instagram account for our Police Department’s K9 Association, which has over 9,000 followers. These followers regularly donate money, food, ballistic vests, crates/beds and toys for our K9s. It is a great way to spread the word of upcoming events/fundraisers, share photos or videos, and interact with your followers. I have recently passed that torch onto another Officer, as I was promoted and put in charge of a different unit.

On my personal Instagram account, I’m “following” (or friends with) my current coworkers, Marines I served with, and several other Veteran pages. A few months ago, I started noticing there are several infantry battalions with Instagram accounts. I reached out to a few of these accounts and they are all being operated by Veterans of that specific battalion.

On 12/8/2020, I decided to create a 2^nd Battalion 4^th Marines Instagram page (account name is @2ndbattalion4thmarineshistory). The account already has over 220 followers, most of which are former or active duty 2/4 Marines, or family members. Currently, the account is averaging 10-20 new followers per day.

I wanted to be able to share our history, photographs, videos, and stories on Instagram. I know that the website you all have tirelessly created contains all that. However, I know a lot of Marines that don’t regularly visit websites, haven’t signed up for the newsletter, or sometimes life just gets in the way. A lot of these Marines from my generation or more current are active Instagram users. I can say that it’s almost second nature to wake up and check Instagram, or browse Instagram while waiting at the DMV, etc. This platform is an easy and free way to bring more of the newer generation of Marines to not only learn and appreciate 2/4’s history, but also to direct these Marines to the 2/4 Association website.

I don’t want to detract from the website. That is not my intention by any means. My intention is to provide an alternate platform that 2/4 Marines can use which can bridge the gap and bring more 2/4 members together.

I’m willing to run this Instagram page and post anything 2/4 Association related or just anything about 2/4 in general. Currently, I have posted 22 pictures ranging from 2/4 MOH recipients, history, and follower-submitted photos. I would say the most photos I’m receiving are from Marines who served from 2004-present. With Instagram, you can also add a website to your account, so I added the 2/4 Association website as a link for our followers to click on. We do not post anything that could compromise operational security.

Follow 2/4 on Instagram –  @2ndbattalion4thmarineshistory

If there are any questions or concerns, please let me know. My email address is jdancker@gmail.com. I’m currently working nights so if I don’t get back to you right away, I will as soon as I get the email or message.

Thank you for your time and Semper Fi,

Jeff

NOTE:  All Marines who have served in 2/4 in an assigned or attached capacity, are eligible to be members of our Association.  At the present time, membership is free (including life memberships).  It is encouraged that members understand that they may present information and pictures for inclusion on our web site and in our quarterly newsletter when/if desired.  Newsletters are posted on the web site as well, thus having an Instagram site is “icing on the cake” for those who prefer that medium platform.  If you are not a member of the Association, just click “Join Us” on the home page, and fill out the membership application on line and submit it.  Our Secretary / Membership Chairman will take it from there.  We hope that all not presently members will take advantage of this great opportunity.