Today is the United States Marine Corps’ 250th birthday. I enlisted on the first Monday after my 18th birthday in 1990; after a few months in the DEP program, I shipped in early January 1991. I was 5’2” 112 pounds. The +50-pound ALICE pack hit differently when it was 45% of body weight. 3 months later, I weighed 125 pounds and graduated as the first squad leader. My first Marine Corps birthday was one I will never forget – the Corps was “only” 216 then. Being from the San Francisco Bay Area, I was not nearly as familiar with country music as I am now. I will never forget when the first few bars of Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks filled the gym where the birthday bash was held. Hundreds of Marines in dress blues started singing in unison, “…I’ve got friends in low places…” beers in hand. The pic below is of our Sergeant Major who may have been tipsy – but definitely tickled at my stature. It was a good time and great memory. There are so many great things about the Marine Corps, but one of them is its consistency. Marine legend, Lt. General “Chesty” Puller said, “Old breed? New breed? There's not a damn bit of difference as long as it's the Marine breed." More recently, Sergeant Maj. Black who held billets as the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps as well as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before Congress in 2023 about standards and said, “…in the Marine Corps, we have not lowered a single standard. We will not lower a single standard, as it should be. Whoever meets the requirements to become a United States Marine will be a Marine, as patriots protecting the Constitution as we swear to." President Reagan said, "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.” I know firsthand the Marine Corps made a difference in my life. I have been blessed to learn from many individuals and organizations in my career, but none have had an impact on my life like the Marine Corps. We Marines were born in a bar, and that is where I will be tonight – raising a glass. I’ll close with the final stanza of the Marines’ Hymn: Here’s health to you and to our Corps Which we are proud to serve; In many a strife we’ve fought for life And never lost our nerve; If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven’s scenes; They will find the streets are guarded By United States Marines." Semper Fi!
Thought Leadership
Semper Fi: Reflections on the Marine Corps at 250
On the Corps' 250th birthday, a Marine reflects on boot camp, unwavering standards, and the institution that shaped him.