Why I Believe Fireside

Please join us for a night of testimony. Preston and Lara Jones met in Annapolis in 1989 and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Washington DC Temple in 1991. Lara grew up in Annapolis and met Preston while he was midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. Preston grew up in Harrisonburg, Virginia, entered USNA in 1985 and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 1987-1989. Upon completion of his mission, he was re-admitted to the Naval Academy, met Lara, took her on their first date to the Washington DC Temple Visitor’s Center, graduated in 1991, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, married the love of his life, and together, Preston and Lara began a 30 year adventure around the world with the Marines. For the next 30 years, they moved 19 times, living in Virginia, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, Okinawa, Alabama, Arizona, Rhode Island, North Carolina, California, and Maryland. As a Marine aviator, Preston flew CH-46Es, served multiple times as an operations officer, commanding officer, and filled numerous other billets while deploying many times around the world leaving Lara and their son Max to take care of their home and hundreds of Marine Corps families for months at a time. While the Marine Corps may have thought they were in charge, it has been a remarkable journey as the Lord guided every step—which became vividly clear on numerous occasions. During their travels, Preston and Lara served in every church calling and organization, many multiple times. Their favorite calling has been the opportunity to serve together twice as Nursery leaders. Preston is currently serving as the Annapolis Stake President and Lara was just released as the Fort Meade Primary President. They are thoroughly enjoying the next adventure of being grandparents.