What the Corps has done for me: Happy 240th Birthday Marines

My Mama can’t you see

What this Corps has done for me

 Put me in a barber chair

Snip, snap, and I had no hair

 And if I die in a combat zone

Box me up and ship me home

 Put me in a set of dress blues

Comb my hair and shine my shoes

 Pin my medals upon my chest

Tell my Momma I did my best

 But my Mama don’t you cry

Marine Corps motto is do or die

Above is my all-time favorite Marine Corps cadence. This cadence speaks to the ultimate warrior spirit that Marines live by on a daily basis. The cadence also speaks to the fact the Marines put nothing in front of the Corps, especially when combat is in process. But the first verse of the cadence is why I hold these lyrics so dear to my heart, specifically the line that reads, “what this Corps has done for me.”

The third greatest achievement in my life wasn’t when I graduated college, or when I received my Masters degree. It wasn’t making some varsity high school team, or even buying my first home. Second only to  marrying my best friend and becoming a father twice, my third greatest achievement in life was walking across the parade deck at Parris Island, South Carolina and becoming a United States Marine.

Although I have left the Corps, and the Corps has continued kicking ass, the Corps will always live in me. I still find myself holding all my belongings in my left hand when walking through a parking lot in case I need to salute an officer with my right hand. I still arrive to work 15 minutes early, because if I didn’t, I would be late. The nuances I inherited through the Corps will last a lifetime.

I owe everything to the Corps. The Corps helped me further my education. The Corps helped me buy a home. The Corps helped me in the progression of my career. But the most important things the Corps gave me are the things that cannot be measured.

The Corps has taught me so much. It taught me that friendship isn’t built upon secular affiliations but  through twelve hours of companionship on a jailhouse floor. The Corps taught me that achieving goals isn’t about politicking or heedless dreaming, but hard, focused work. The Corps taught me that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to stand by and do nothing. The Corps taught me that no matter how bad the situation there will always be a posse of old-fashioned outlaws ready to accompany me on the ride.

I often get asked why I joined the Marine Corps. The answer is simple. I wanted to be a part of the best damn gun club the world has ever seen. I don’t say that the Corps is the best to be arrogant, nor do I need to justify the greatness of the Corps. The history of the Corps and the accomplishments that accompany the institution are without reproach. Chris Kyle, the late great Navy SEAL sniper, once said, “in my experience Marines are gung-ho no matter what. They will all fight to the death. Everyone of them just wants to get out there and kill. They are bad-ass, hard charging mothers.” This statement embodies the spirit of every Marine. The Corps taught every Marine first and foremost that the Corps always comes first. Marines don’t fight for the flag, they don’t fight for the liberal Cal Berkeley kid protesting the war. Marines fight for one another. Marines don’t just fight in combat, they fight for each other back here in the states. Marines fight for every veteran that has come home. Marines fight for every veteran that never made it back. Marines fight for those who can’t. Marines fight for Marines. They’ve been doing it for 240 years and they’ll continue on for 1,000 more!

I owe everything to the Corps. I will never re-pay my debt. All I can do on this day is say Happy Birthday Marines, and Happy Birthday to the Corps. And Goodnight Chesty, wherever you are!

Semper Fidelis