Today is the 232nd anniversary of the birth/founding of the United States Marine Corps, an organization which I have been a part of actively for the past 16 1/2 years. Unlike the other military services, the Marine Corps makes a big deal about this day because we as Marines look back on our history as much as we focus on present battles and future plans. No matter where in the world a Marine is, hopefully with at least one other Marine close at hand, he or she will celebrate this day in some fashion. It might be a gala, formal birthday ball in a fancy hotel, wearing dress uniform or it might be sharing an MRE dessert with a fire team member before, during or after a combat patrol in some God-forsaken place on Earth. I enjoy this day not only because I am proud of being a Marine and proud of what the Marine Corps stands for but also because it gives me a day to reflect on how the Marines have impacted my life and changed it for the better. There is an old saying, and I remember specifically hearing my grandmother say this once, that 'you join the Marines a boy and come out a man.' This is very true. I had no idea what a Marine was or what the Marines did until I arrived at college, with the dream of being a Navy pilot (yes, I was a 'Top Gun' recruit, I can admit it). I wish I could claim some life-long desire to be a Marine but truth is I cannot. I was very intimidated by the Marines whom I met during my NROTC orientation before my freshman year of college. I did not know what to make of these men who seemed to revel in misery and hardship and who were most happy being dirty and sweaty and tired. I had never really experienced that before. Some of these men were active duty Marines, NROTC instructors, and some were older midshipmen who were formerly active duty enlisted Marines or were going to be commissioned in less than one year, having already been through Officer Candidates School. Beyond the intimidation though, these men were also friendly and helpful to those who sought their counsel. I sensed a great camaraderie between them, a tight bond that didn't seem to exist between the Navy people. I was drawn to that, and I was drawn to the known hardships and struggles that I would face if I chose to be a Marine, or attempted to become a Marine. I made the final decision that I would try after a spring break trip to Camp Lejeune, NC my freshman year. I wanted to become a Marine. I started to train myself physically and mentally, learning from the other Marine midshipmen and instructors. Without going into a full biography, I made it through OCS and was commissioned. That was 16 1/2 years ago and I have learned more about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, in the Marine Corps than most people learn in a lifetime. The Marine Corps does not care about individuals beyond what they can contribute to the mission. The Marine Corps does not allow you to hide fears or be someone you are not; you either adapt and learn to lead or you fall by the wayside. There is no greater introspective mirror than having the responsibility for the lives of others. So, Happy Birthday to the Corps and to all Marines wherever they may be. Semper Fidelis!
10 November 2007
232 Years of Defeating Our Enemies!
Today is the 232nd anniversary of the birth/founding of the United States Marine Corps, an organization which I have been a part of actively for the past 16 1/2 years. Unlike the other military services, the Marine Corps makes a big deal about this day because we as Marines look back on our history as much as we focus on present battles and future plans. No matter where in the world a Marine is, hopefully with at least one other Marine close at hand, he or she will celebrate this day in some fashion. It might be a gala, formal birthday ball in a fancy hotel, wearing dress uniform or it might be sharing an MRE dessert with a fire team member before, during or after a combat patrol in some God-forsaken place on Earth. I enjoy this day not only because I am proud of being a Marine and proud of what the Marine Corps stands for but also because it gives me a day to reflect on how the Marines have impacted my life and changed it for the better. There is an old saying, and I remember specifically hearing my grandmother say this once, that 'you join the Marines a boy and come out a man.' This is very true. I had no idea what a Marine was or what the Marines did until I arrived at college, with the dream of being a Navy pilot (yes, I was a 'Top Gun' recruit, I can admit it). I wish I could claim some life-long desire to be a Marine but truth is I cannot. I was very intimidated by the Marines whom I met during my NROTC orientation before my freshman year of college. I did not know what to make of these men who seemed to revel in misery and hardship and who were most happy being dirty and sweaty and tired. I had never really experienced that before. Some of these men were active duty Marines, NROTC instructors, and some were older midshipmen who were formerly active duty enlisted Marines or were going to be commissioned in less than one year, having already been through Officer Candidates School. Beyond the intimidation though, these men were also friendly and helpful to those who sought their counsel. I sensed a great camaraderie between them, a tight bond that didn't seem to exist between the Navy people. I was drawn to that, and I was drawn to the known hardships and struggles that I would face if I chose to be a Marine, or attempted to become a Marine. I made the final decision that I would try after a spring break trip to Camp Lejeune, NC my freshman year. I wanted to become a Marine. I started to train myself physically and mentally, learning from the other Marine midshipmen and instructors. Without going into a full biography, I made it through OCS and was commissioned. That was 16 1/2 years ago and I have learned more about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, in the Marine Corps than most people learn in a lifetime. The Marine Corps does not care about individuals beyond what they can contribute to the mission. The Marine Corps does not allow you to hide fears or be someone you are not; you either adapt and learn to lead or you fall by the wayside. There is no greater introspective mirror than having the responsibility for the lives of others. So, Happy Birthday to the Corps and to all Marines wherever they may be. Semper Fidelis!
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