10 November 1775

Today is the 238th birthday of the United States Marine Corps..

I am proud to have joined and served as a Marine both in peacetime and in war.  

Growing up I never could get excited about professional sports like other kids my age. My idols were the grunts, the pilots, the sailors who did incredible things for their country and for their fellow men. I wanted to be in an organization that attracted those people.

I chose the Marines in 1994 because to me they took combat more serious than the other services. "Every Marine a rifleman". That means every Marine shoots, regularly. Doesn't matter if you are a cook, pilot, or clerk - you will learn how to use a rifle and be able to conduct basic combat tasks like navigate in unfamiliar terrain and plan patrols. Because the front line may be right where you are.

Historically, Marines can be sent somewhere quickly compared to the other services. That's part of the mentality of being "first to fight".  I saw that in 1997 when my ship went from making a port call to extracting Americans from an embassy in a country in full meltdown in less than 72 hours.

I saw how quickly my Corps geared up after 9/11 and took the war to the enemy. And I had the honor to know some great men and women. I also could claim some small part of some things like the first true election in Iraq's 2,500 year history in 2005. 

And I also experienced the costs, for me with a retinal tear and knee pain, to friends who paid the greatest price.

Looking back, I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Because of all the great Marines who called me one of their own, and because I never could live with myself if I never joined.

Unlike all those guys I meet who spontaneously tell me how they almost joined but school, a relationship, or something kept them! 

So Happy Birthday Marines, wherever you are!

Semper Fidelis!