Growing up, Sgt. Brian McPherson remembers he was driven to be able to do things himself and to make his parents proud. In 2008 he was hit by a suicide bomber in Iraq. This is his story (Multimedia production by Cpl. Daniel Wetzel) 

Growing up, Sgt. Brian McPherson remembers he was driven to be able to do things himself and to make his parents proud. Beyond that, his memory doesn’t go much further.

He was focused and enjoyed working hard to get what he wanted. When he decided to join the military, he said he wanted to be the best. The Marine Corps was his only option.

“My desire to achieve and to please my parents took everything the Marine Corps stands for to the next level,”

Sgt. Brian McPherson rests after winning the 100 meter open May 14 at the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo.

McPherson said. “The Corps is about being motivated, dedicated and always doing what’s right.”

McPherson’s decision to join the Corps and fight for his country would forever change his life.

In January 2008, a suicide bomber, disguised as an Iraqi police officer, walked into his unit, blasting McPherson back into his HMMWV, rendering him unconscious.

“That’s affected my ability to remember things short-term,” McPherson said. “That’s a challenge I have to overcome everyday.”

But for McPherson, overcoming the challenges is the least he can do to honor those who didn’t make it home from his deployment.

|More: Memory of Fallen Lives on Through Wounded Marines|

“He lost a platoon leader over there,” Betsy said. “Brian said he’s running for [his fallen leader] because he’s not here to do it now.”

Though McPherson is wounded, his wounds are invisible to those who don’t know him. But his invisible wounds don’t keep him from striving to do his best and to help those in need.

“People don’t always see what’s missing,” McPherson said. “A lot of guys from Vietnam are in my same shoes and those invisible wounds are never seen, never heard of. I feel that today, we are showing that to America.”

Sgt. Brian McPherson crosses the finish line during preliminary events for the track and field portion of the 2013 Warrior Games May 14 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Warrior Games is an opportunity for veterans to show America they won’t let what has happened slow them down, McPherson said.

“No matter what happens to disabled veterans like me, we will continue our lives without a leg, arm, cognitive ability, or any other injury sustained during our fight in the war on terror,” McPherson said. “No matter what happens to us, it will never slow us down. You may put a bump in our road but that is just an obstacle for us to overcome.”

Although McPherson didn’t play sports in high school, he said one thing that’s helped him most in his recovery has been training for the Warrior Games and training to be a triathlete.

“I couldn’t remember riding a bicycle as a child,” McPherson said. “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get on one and know what to do. I thought I would need training wheels.”

It turned out that McPherson was able to do more than he originally thought. Little by little, he progressed until he eventually won the gold medal in the 30k open cycling competition and the 1500 meter run at the 2013 Warrior Games.

“It’s given me the drive to take everything to the next level,” McPherson said.

Sgt. Brian McPherson rides behind the lead cyclist during the 30k upright cycling competition at the Air Force Academy May 12 during the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo. McPherson went on to win the gold medal after passing the leader in the final stretch.

He takes life one day at a time, using what he calls the “three P’s” to help with recovery: passion, patience and persistence. He encourages anyone who may not feel comfortable leaving the house to take those baby steps and start participating in the community to start healing.

“Be passionate about something,” McPherson said. “Whether that’s playing video games or walking a 5k, set time aside during your day for that. That passion is going to take away the down-in-the-dump feeling.”

McPherson has learned, though, that patience is the most important thing.

“It’s not going to happen tomorrow, it may not happen next month,” McPherson said. “It may even take a couple of years. But if you’re patient, greatness will come to you.”

Gunnery Sgt. Chris Taylor witnessed the reality of war while serving in Husaybah, Iraq in 2004. Today, Taylor remembers the lessons he learned as a young Marine and teaches them to his Marines at 2nd Radio Battalion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough)

The violence in Iraq was reaching its pinnacle in 2004 when Chris Taylor received his deployment orders to Al-Anbar province. Marines had just bloodied their way through the first Battle of Fallujah and insurgency within the country was beginning to expand as sectarian clashes divided the nation.

| More: Marine experiences first enemy contact in Afghanistan |

At the time, Taylor was newly married and just learning how to balance his life with his wife Angela. He had recently graduated the Defense Language Institute as an Arabic linguist and was just getting settled into their new home in Jacksonville, N.C., when he found out his unit, 2nd Radio Battalion, was to deploy.

Angela was speechless. Taylor comforted his wife the best he could, but anticipation, fear, and excitement gripped his own thoughts. As a corporal, Taylor had never deployed before and didn’t know what to expect. But as a young noncommissioned officer, he knew he needed to be in Iraq.

Since 2001, Taylor felt an overwhelming need to help people, so he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Now, he recognized Iraq would help him discover purpose in his life and provide him the opportunity to ultimately serve others.

Cpl. Martin Kim provides over watch as the Afghan Uniform Police and the Kajaki Police Advisor Team patrol through the local bazaar near Outpost Mamuriyet April 1. The past decade of war has shaped who Marine Corps leaders are and what future leaders will be like. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough)

The Marine Corps had been at war in Iraq for 13 months when Taylor and his unit landed in Al-Qa’im in August 2004. It didn’t take long for the reality of war to sink in.

Taylor unloaded his bags off the plane and into a 7-ton truck bound for Husaybah, a small, violent town on the border of Syria. As he sat in the passenger seat of the truck, he gazed through a fractured windshield damaged by a single bullet.

“The driver looked over at me and said that bullet was for the last Marine who sat there,” Taylor said. “In that moment, it all kind of clicked for me. I realized war was real and I knew we were going to be truly involved in it. ”

The war was real and Husaybah was an epicenter for insurgency; the local government had imploded, thieves had uprooted the city streets, and Islamist insurgents flowed across the Syrian border smuggling weapons and personnel. Marines controlled only a few blocks in the war-torn city and worked desperately to curtail the insurgency and the violence.

“Husaybah was the ‘Wild West’,” Taylor said. “There was a fight for complete control of the city. It was a bloody time for Marines, as they were engaging in direct firefights or being constantly fired upon with indirect fire.”

Taylor said during the first few weeks in Iraq, his emotional strength was tested. He was fighting two battles—one as a Marine, the other as a soon-to-be father. After landing in Iraq, Taylor called his wife and found out she was one month pregnant.

“The pregnancy added a lot of stress to me and my wife,” Taylor said. “I was scheduled to be deployed for 13 months, so I knew she would have to go through the pregnancy by herself. I really had to balance the emotions of the family I left behind while dealing with my own problems that came with being deployed.”

Taylor said as time went by, the fear and anxiety waned. He psychologically separated himself from the uncertainties of combat and, much like other Marines, he simply focused on what he could control.

For the remainder of the deployment, Taylor concentrated solely on his job of supporting infantry battalions with signals intelligence.

Cpl. Martin Kim and Lance Cpl. James Brockwell take a rest at Afghan Uniform Police Outpost Mamuriyet April 1. Many Marines numb themselves to the reality of war, which helps them cope with the stress and danger of combat. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough)

As a new signals intelligence operator, Taylor had a massive learning curve but he worked hard to understand his role. Taylor admitted combat matured him quickly, which he attributes to the decisions he and fellow Marines faced daily.

“War forces many Marines to come face-to-face with their own morality,” he said. “In combat, you have to make decisions immediately, and right or wrong, you have to live with those consequences.”

Taylor said his time in Iraq changed him. After returning home, he prioritized his life. The ideas of what he thought were important faded and he focused more on spending time with his family.

“A Marine’s time in combat makes them reflect on what is important in their life,” he said. “For me, it was family. I wanted to show them how much I appreciated them for the support they had given me.”

Taylor also learned a lot about himself. He admitted he numbed himself to the realities of war, which helped him cope with the truth, proving to himself he was mentally capable of handling more than he thought.

Because of his experiences and unit leadership in Iraq, Taylor vowed as long as he served in the Marine Corps he would be a supportive leader and enable his Marines so they could do their job effectively.

It has been nearly ten years since Taylor served in Iraq. Now as a gunnery sergeant and serving in Afghanistan with 2nd Radio Battalion, he continues to rely on and apply the lessons he learned as a young Marine.

Taylor said he teaches his junior Marines everything he knows because he believes, in terms of leadership, the Marine Corps is cyclical— a recurring phase of learning and teaching. Taylor knows eventually his time in the Marine Corps will come to an end, but he is confident in the future leaders of the Corps.

“In my opinion, the Marine Corps has the strongest leaders it has had in decades,” Taylor said. “Marines of this generation have been engaged for the longest time in the history of our nation. We have fought these long engagements and have succeeded. I believe the Marine Corps is in very good hands moving forward.”

Lance Cpl. Tyler Slim, a rifleman and radio operator with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, calls in a radio check, at Robertson Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, May 8. Slim’s grandfather, or Cheii, Navajo for grandfather, served as a code talker in the Marine Corps. The Navajo Code Talkers were a group of Native-American Marines who used the Navajo language to transmit secret tactical information using radios during World War II. Hearing Cheii’s stories of his time in the Corps played a part in Slim’s decision to enlist. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Fiocco)

More than 60 years ago, a group of Native-American Marines, known as the Navajo Code Talkers, used the Navajo language to transmit secret tactical information using radios during World War II, leaving the enemy unable to decipher their messages.

That’s what Lance Cpl. Tyler Slim’s grandfather, or Cheii, Navajo for grandfather, did during his time in the Marine Corps. Hearing Cheii’s account of the Corps from an early age of five years old, made Slim want to follow in his footsteps.

| More: Marine connects with past during trip to Thailand |

Lance Cpl. Tyler Slim, a rifleman and radio operator with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, calls in a radio check at Robertson Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, May 8. Because Slim’s grandfather was a Navajo Code Talker during World War II, Slim was chosen to serve as the radio operator for his platoon. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Fiocco)

“One story that really sticks out to me that I really take to heart is when he landed on Iwo Jima,” said Slim, a rifleman and radio operator with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. “He was part of the first wave. He talked about how quiet it was, and he said he was scared because he wasn’t sure what was going to happen. [The code talkers] were so nervous, they put corn pollen on their tongues so they wouldn’t mess up, and, within a couple of minutes, they took contact.”

After listening to his grandfather’s experiences and realizing he didn’t think he was ready for college, Slim decided to see a Marine recruiter.

“My recruiter was also Navajo,” said Slim, a Tuba City, Ariz., native. “He talked to me and explained how the values and characteristics of the Marine Corps are similar to the Native American’s.”

Once Slim heard how alike the two communities of people were, he knew exactly what job he wanted to do in the Corps.

“You weren’t a warrior until you were a fighter, but it wasn’t all about killing,” Slim said. “It’s about defending your family and land. That’s the Native-American way. That’s why I came into the infantry.”

“You come together to accomplish the mission,” he explained. “You would rather take a bullet than the Marine next to you taking one. It’s like a family.”

Throughout his first year in the Corps, Slim learned a lot from his peers and leaders.

“I’ve gotten more confident,” said Slim. “You bond with people. I look up to my chain of command a lot. They have strong leadership and characteristics I would like to inherit, so when they leave, I can pass those traits on to my future Marines.”

Slim’s leadership thinks just as highly of him.

Lance Cpl. Tyler Slim, a rifleman and radio operator with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin calls in a radio check, at Robertson Barracks, Northern Territory, Australia, May 8. Slim’s grandfather, or Cheii, Navajo for grandfather, served as a code talker in the Marine Corps, which inspired Slim’s decision to enlist. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Sarah Fiocco)

“He’s a solid Marine,” said 2nd Lt. Matthew Hanks, platoon commander, 3rd Bn., 3rd Marine Regiment, MRF-D. “He’s the kind of guy who catches on quick. He understands the mission and can adapt. Because of his background, his grandfather being a code talker, we put him as our platoon radio operator. Generally, the RO needs to be a little more savvy. They need to understand communication equipment. He’s duel tasked as a rifleman, and he’s also my link to company or higher. He picked up on all that pretty quickly.”

Even though Slim has become part of the Marine Corps community, he hasn’t forgotten about the traditions and ceremonies of his Native-American background.

“Prior to a range over in Twentynine Palms, he did a sun dance for us to bless the platoon,” said Hanks, a Hull, Mass., native. “It brought the morale up. The Marines loved it. We all know Slim has his roots. We cherish that. He’s a great addition to our platoon.”

Capt. Benjamin M. Middendorf, the former commander of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, was selected by Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos to receive the 2012 Lt. Col. William G. Leftwich Jr. Trophy for Outstanding Leadership. Leftwich, a Navy Cross recipient, died in 1970 when his helicopter crashed in Vietnam, where he was commanding the Marines and sailors of 1st Reconnaissance Bn. Middendorf, a native of Rochester, Minn., is currently the commander of Headquarters and Service Co., 5th Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alfred V. Lopez)

The Lt. Col. William G. Leftwich Jr. Trophy for Outstanding Leadership is an honor awarded annually to an outstanding Marine officer serving with a ground combat unit.

The award is given in honor of Leftwich, a Navy Cross recipient, who died in 1970 when his helicopter crashed in Vietnam. He was the commander of 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.

| More: Newly commissioned lieutenant reflects on the honor of leading |

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos selected Capt. Benjamin M. Middendorf, the former commander of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, to receive the 2012 trophy.

Middendorf was nominated for the award last year by his fellow company commanders at the conclusion of their seven-month deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Capt. Benjamin M. Middendorf, the former commander of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, pauses a patrol to check their position during helicopter-borne operations in Afghanistan, May 27, 2012. Middendorf, a native of Rochester, Minn., was recognized for his tenacity and unselfish leadership in the awarding of the Leftwich trophy for leadership. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Lenzo)

“It’s very humbling just to know that it was my peers who recommended me to our battalion commander for the award,” said Middendorf, a native of Rochester, Minn. “I was privileged enough to be in charge of a great crew of guys; the phenomenal officers, staff noncommissioned officers, NCOs and junior Marines down there doing all the hard work in a pretty tough and dynamic combat deployment.”

As the company commander of infantry Marines, Middendorf was responsible for about 300 Marines and sailors as well as their weapons, gear and vehicles. From training and communication, to supply and logistics, Middendorf ensured that his Marines were continuously equipped and ready to fight.

Throughout Golf Co., Middendorf was known for his tenacity, knowledge of the enemy, and passion for his Marines’ well being, said Capt. Neal Jones, one of Middendorf’s platoon commanders during their 2012 deployment.

Jones recalled Middendorf’s tenacity during a firefight in Musa Qala District, Helmand province, Afghanistan. Two of Golf Co.’s rifle platoons and a section of gun trucks ran into a platoon-size element of enemy fighters. He immediately made his way to the forward line of troops and began to give direction to the Marines from an exposed area he knew gave him the best view of the battlefield.

“He knew how to be tough,” Jones said. “Not once would he complain of harsh conditions or the everyday grind that we all experienced in combat. In the face of adversity, he never backed down from the challenge. He was the ultimate example of a focused rifle company commander.

“Based solely off of his tenacity, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end in a firefight with a unit that he is in command of,” Jones added.

Middendorf’s ability to understand his enemy and his Marines’ capabilities allowed him to effectively and safely employ his Marines during a constantly evolving deployment, said Capt. David Marshall, the executive officer for Golf Co. during the deployment.

Middendorf and his company were tasked with a three-day helicopter-borne disruption operation in the Kajaki District at the end of July 2012, recalled Marshall.

Capt. Benjamin M. Middendorf, the commander of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, speaks to his platoon commanders about future patrols in Ganbum Rece, Afghanistan, July 18, 2012. Middendorf’s ability to understand the enemy and his Marines’ capabilities made him an effective leader while in Afghanistan. Middendorf is currently the commander of Headquarters and Service Co., 5th Marines. (Courtesy photo)

Following a successful insert, cordon and search of their primary objective, enemy forces began to surround and engage the Golf Co. Marines with machinegun fire, rocket propelled grenades and various types of indirect fires.

Middendorf’s Marines received continuous fire throughout the day, which only ceased at nightfall. Through a signal support team attached to the company, they learned of enemy forces establishing a cordon around them. The enemy planned to box the Marines in, to isolate and attack at first light.

“Understanding the capabilities of his Marines and having a deep knowledge of the enemy that we were facing, Middendorf chose to continue with our planned nighttime movement,” Marshall said. “We conducted the movement in pitch dark through the enemy lines and improvised explosive device (threats) without them ever knowing we were there.”

Middendorf says he believes that the most important aspects of leadership can be summed up in one word: trust.

“I worked hard to establish the trust between myself and my Marines,” Middendorf said. “I wanted them to trust me not to put them in bad situations, and that I would do everything I could to provide for them whenever we’re outside the wire. Marines have instant will and obedience to all orders, we have to do what we’re told to do. But if they trust the guy in charge of them, they’re going to want to do it.”

Middendorf continues to passionately lead Marines as the company of Headquarters and Service Co., 5th Marine Regiment. He is slated to receive the Leftwich Trophy later this year.

“It’s humbling. I don’t feel like I did anything different than any of the other company commanders that were out there,” Middendorf said. “The award is bigger than any one man. It represents what Marine officers are about. I just happen to be the guy they picked this year.”

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill team perform at the U.S. Naval Academy for the Class of 2015. Members of the Silent Drill Platoon are hand picked to represent the Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Chad Runge)

The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon represents the precision, skill and discipline of the United States Marine Corps. The flawless, synchronized movements of this 24-man team have inspired crowds since 1948. Check out their approved performance schedule for 2013  and return to the page for updated performances as the year goes on. Please contact local sponsors for any event-related questions.

Apr 25 | Performance at Iwo Jima Memorial

3 May | First Evening Parade of the season at Marine Barracks Washington

Evening Parades occur every Friday night during the summer until 30 August at 8:45 p.m. Tickets can be attained here. 

28 May | Sunset Parade at Marine War Memorial

Sunset Parades occur every Tuesday night until mid-August at 7:45 p.m. No tickets needed. 

Marines watch the USS Iwo Jima off the coast of Onslow Beach in Camp Lejeune, N.C., as Marines and sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct ship-to-shore operations, Dec. 18, 2012.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Petersheim)

Marines fluent in a foreign language could earn extra pay based on that skill.

The U.S. military relies on linguists for operational missions and has for decades. Notably, Navajo Code Talkers helped relay information during World War II.

Several jobs in the military require fluency in a foreign language.

| More: Further your education |

Whether Marines use another language for their work, or they just speak it on occasion, the military provides foreign language proficiency pay for that ability to those who are available wherever and whenever they’re needed to use their skills.

To receive foreign language pay, a Marine must first take the Defense Language Proficiency Test. The test is comprised of three parts: reading, listening and speaking, and is available at most base education centers.

Scoring ranges from 0 to 3. Normally, the speaking portion of the test is omitted as service members only need to pass two portions of the test to be certified.

In preparation for the test, Marines can familiarize themselves with different language materials.

“One can study a number of ways,” said AnneMarie Guthrie, test examiner at Joint Base Fort Myer Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va. “From visiting the Defense Language Institutes site and using their study guides, to using foreign language software provided by the Marine Corps.”

If a Marine doesn’t already speak a second language, he can take the Defense Language Aptitude Battery, a test designed to see how easily he can learn another language.

“This test is used to gain admittance to the Defense Langue Institute and to see what languages one might be able to learn,” Guthrie said.

The range of Foreign Language Proficiency Pay depends on Marines’ test scores. Most foreign languages pay $200 to $400, and Marines can receive pay for multiple languages.

“A Marine can speak a million languages, but they can only get up to $1,000 a month,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Lower, administrative specialist at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

Qualifying in a language can provide Marines increased opportunities and income as long as they are available wherever and whenever needed.

Capt. Lucas Frokjer, officer in charge of the flightline for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, reunites with his family after returning from a seven-month deployment with HMH-463 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.The children of Marines and service members, although often forgotten, deal with constant moves, stress and separation from loved ones as a result of military life. In April, their sacrifices are remembered during the Month of the Military Child. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob D. Barber)

Service members put their lives on the line and face adversity whether forward deployed, supporting or preparing for war. In most veterans’ minds, the real heroes are their children who didn’t choose this life, but follow along and serve quietly on the homefront. April is the Month of the Military Child. It’s a small gesture to say thank you for the countless days, weeks and years lost with their loved one.

A Marine with II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group is reunited with his family, April 12, 2012 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Although military children don’t choose the military lifestyle, they still quietly serve on the homefront through deployments, long work hours and stressful times. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James Clark)

Some children’s sacrifices begin earlier than others.

A staggering number of families go through the birth of a child while the dad is forward deployed. Many of these same families also endure missed birthdays, special events, and holidays — sometimes several years in a row.

| More: Surviving Deployment Separation |

“My husband deployed for over a year just a week after our first child was conceived and came home to a 5-month-old!” said Stacie Porter, whose husband is with 7th Engineer Support Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “He totally missed everything related to the birth of his first child.”

Hardships on the home front are often compounded by distance as well. Many families are stationed thousands of miles away from their extended family members and friends, experiencing loss of support and the opportunity for children to get to know their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and more.

There’s also the assumption that because a Marine isn’t actively deployed, the demands are less, which just isn’t the case.

Lance Cpl. Robert Bryant gives his one-year-old daughter, Eliza, a playful raspberry while holding her near the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune movie theater Aug. 12, 2010, after returning from a seven-month deployment. Military children have to learn to cope with separation from their loved ones and constant moves as part of a military lifestyle. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Richard Blumenstein)

“My daughter who is six rarely even asks where daddy is because she is so used to him being gone,” Porter said.

“Even when their daddy is home from war, he works such long hours that our three-year-old often tells people that ‘Daddy is in ‘Ganistan,’” said Abbey Bertalone, whose husband is with 9th Communication Battalion. “It breaks my heart every time he says it.”

Of course, there are always moves and school changes factoring into difficulties faced.  My son is eight and will be moving to his fifth duty station and third school. We try to stay positive by letting him know we’re excited about the move and remind him of friends he knows who are already living there.

Older children are altogether different with demands placed on them by new schools, with some requiring military children to start completely over with particular academics, or requiring a student to fit in four years of physical education their senior year, if it wasn’t required earlier. This often translates to an overloaded schedule and summer school for kids.

Older children also face additional stresses which are not isolated to academics, but extend with the concerns of military life alongside their parents. Many experience the worry of family and friend’s safety and imminent deployments, compounding the pressures and stress already facing our youth today.

A little girl hangs on to her father during 1st Reconnaissance Battalion’s homecoming ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Dec. 15, 2010. Many military families are stationed thousands of miles away from their extended family and friends which makes support during deployments and other difficult times much harder. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Heidi E. Agostini)

However, all the sacrifices are not for naught; there are some definite positives of being raised in our military lifestyle. Children get to experience living across our great nation and many are also exposed to cultures and life around the world.

“My son, at only three years old, could explain to you that the earth turned and how that created time change,” said Heidi Wilde, whose husband is with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion. “I had to talk about this with him because he knew that when we called or Skyped in the morning in Okinawa, it would be evening for Grammy and Grampy.”

Strength, courage and pride run deep within military children, who are more accepting of others, face change with grace, and cherish friendships and bonds forged with our lifestyle.

“Being a military brat myself, I can tell you that one of the long-term consequences of growing up in this lifestyle is that I have very different ideas about what constitutes ‘home’ and ‘family’ than most people seem to have,” said Wilde, whose dad is a retired UH-1N Huey helicopter pilot. “Not a bad thing, I think, just different.”

The military melting pot of cultures and differences enhance and shape our children into the dynamic individuals they are today. Please join me in thanking military children for their tenacity and service.

_________________________________

Kristine Schellhaas

Kristine Schellhaas is the founder of USMC Life  and is a finalist in the 2013 Military Spouse of the Year program. She has spent 16 years together with her Marine; they have two children, several duty stations, and a wealth of life experiences to rely upon. Kristine has endured four wartime deployments, been involved in many volunteer programs, clubs, and more. She founded the website USMC Life in 2009 and launched Semper Feisty Radio in 2012.

Of the hundreds of videos cut together by Marine Corps combat correspondents and cameramen every three months, only a few are selected to appear on the Corps’ official YouTube channel. MarinesTV needs your help to decide which one is the best one. The view count has given us the top 5 videos, but you will decide which will be the “Corps’ Top Cut.” Watch the videos, share your favorites with your friends and place your vote at the bottom of the page. The one with the most votes by the end of the week will be crowned as our video of the quarter.

Marines Battle Children with Toys

When it comes to battle, Marines have the tactical knowledge to come out on top, but when challenged by the children of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, they gave more fun than fight during the first Marines versus kids nerf battle.
By Petty Officer Shamira Purifoy

Marines Ready for Anything, Anywhere … Even Here At Home

Marines recently showcased their unique ability to go wherever they are needed with short notice during Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in New York. This video is a look back on their achievements.
By Headquarters Marine Corps Combat Camera

Marines Learn Advanced Shooting Techniques in Afghanistan

A joint Force Protection Team of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines practices advanced shooting techniques on a shooting range in Kabul, Afghanistan. The team of all services use their combined skills to sharpen each others.
By Staff Sgt. Jason Pryce

One of the 24

The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is an iconic symbol of the discipline and tradition of the Corps. Lance Cpl. Frank Gonzales, assistant drill master with SDP, shares his role and experiences with this elite platoon of Marines.
By Sgt. Cassandra Flowers

Marines Support the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade

Bravo Company Marines from Marine Barracks Washington marched during the 57th Inaugural Parade from the U.S. Capitol to the White House, Jan. 21, 2013. For centuries, Marines and other service members have supported the inaugural events. This year, more than 180 Marines from Marine Barracks Washington marched in the Inaugural Parade behind The President’s Own band. The Inaugural Parade followed the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama, which took place on the Capitol steps.
By Sgt. Andrew Milner

Lance Cpl. Edward Knudsen, a 25-year-old mortarman with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, studies while deployed to Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 31, 2012. After being cut earlier this year, Marines can now use Tuition Assistance again. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)

As of April 8, 2013, the Voluntary Education Tuition Assistance funding is restored within the Marine Corps and new enrollments may begin immediately according to officials from the Marine and Family Programs Division.

Tuition Assistance has full funding for the 2013 fiscal year and follows the same guidelines as the previous program.

This means Tuition Assistance funding will be preserved at the current maximum rate per individual of no more than $250 per semester hour and $4,500 annually.

For example (fictitious scenario):

Cpl. Jones decides he wants to take History 101 at University of X. He seeks academic advisement from his/her education service officer or advisors and completes a TA request through https://myeducation.netc.navy.mil.

Tuition Assistance will remain until the end of the fiscal year as Congress appropriates money in one-year increments. Funding for subsequent years will be subject to further Congressional appropriation.

As before, all first-time students must complete the Tuition Assistance orientation class “College 101.”

Marines with questions should contact their Education Service Officer, who can provide individualized academic advisement and inform Marines about the full breadth of tuition funding sources and how they can take advantage of their degree plans.

See the Marine Administrative Message here.

Who is the Ultimate Marine’s Marine? Each day, we’ll compare two Marine Corps legends across three categories: Service (actions while in uniform), Legacy (how their service continued to impact the Corps and the world) and Motivation (esprit de corps and overall badassery). The Marines Blog will judge initial rounds internally and guest writers will take over for the final rounds. Be sure to make your voice heard by voting in our simultaneous fan bracket here on the Marines Blog. Share your opinion on our Facebook page, or tweet your thoughts with us @usmc using the hashtag: #UltimateMarine

It’s ironic that two of the Marine Corps’ biggest legends are some of its smaller statured men. Sgt. Maj. Dan Daly stood a mere 5’6” at 132 pounds and Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller wasn’t much bigger, but both men were known for fighting like giants.

Although they had size in common, they fall on opposite sides of the rank structure. It’s only fitting that a sergeant major and a general officer should meet in our final Marine Madness bout — officer or enlisted, an amazing leader is an amazing leader.

SERVICE

Although both men were incredible at both leading and fighting, I feel that Daly leaves behind the legacy of the ultimate fighting Marine and Puller owns the title of the Corps’ best leader.

Daly was dubbed “the fightin’est Marine I ever knew” by Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler. He earned the title from a lifetime of fighting brutal battles, each time portraying a fighting spirit that probably amazed the enemy while also scaring the life out of them.

He earned two Medals of Honor, a Distinguished Service Cross, a Navy Cross and a Silver Star. Most of them were earned while Daly was in his 40s.

I try to picture being in the enemy’s shoes on their first encounter with Daly.  He probably assaulted toward them, at the front of the Marines’ attack, making them wonder, “Is this little, old guy serious?” By the time they found out he was deadly serious, it was already too late.

His most tenacious moment was during the Boxer Rebellion in China, where he defended a strategic perimeter position single-handedly for an entire night. His gallant effort possibly saved an entire company of Marines who may have been blindsided if the enemy had broken through. Now, there are 200 souls somewhere who will never forget how serious Daly’s war face was.

Daly — The Fighter.

Puller was known as a fighter during his time too, but he’s remembered today as the Corps’ most famous leader. He led from the front, earning five Navy Crosses, a Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, a Legion of Merit for valor and a Bronze Star for valor. All of these and more make him the most decorated Marine in American history.

To earn them, he dispersed and destroyed enemy bandits in Nicaragua, defended the perimeter by destroying countless Japanese attacks in Guadalcanal and Gloucester and rallied his men in a sub-zero Korean winter to defend supply lines against a desperate enemy, keep valuable equipment and supplies moving toward needy Marines.

In each of these instances, it was Puller’s cool decision making and his ability to inspire his Marines, no matter the conditions, that made him successful — his ability to lead men.

He was the Corps’ Swiss Army Knife, if you will, whatever the situation, you could plug in Puller and he would get the job done, and get it done with swagger.

Puller — The Leader.

LEGACY/MOTIVATION

Although Puller and Daly left the Marine Corps 58 and 84 years ago, respectively, they’ve become household names for Marines. It’s driven into Marines at every stage of their career that, “These are the men you want to be like, Marines.”

Marines today say, “Goodnight, Chesty Puller, wherever you are.” And a Marine can’t even finish a simple gym workout without someone yelling, “One more for Chesty!”

Quotes like, “Remember, you are the 1st Marines! Not all the Communists in Hell can overrun you!” and “We’re surrounded. That simplifies our problem …” echo through the halls of boot camp to this day.

Chesty Puller’s name is like the blood that courses through the Marine Corps’ veins.

Daly has a similar, but more subtle impact on today’s Corps. Being the most ferocious fighter in Marine Corps history, Daly’s example is the bar that every individual Marine wishes to achieve. To be a force of nature all on your lonesome is practically a super power, but Daly did it. Now, every time a Marine war cries, or performs a bayonet thrust, or a martial arts move, or squeezes off a round during a combat range, they hone their skills as warriors. We must live up to our warrior legacy, a legacy few have contributed to more than Dan Daly.

Dan Daly’s fighting spirit epitomizes what the Corps wants out of its warfighters. Daly was offered a commission twice, but he loved being an enlisted man ­— he preferred it. Daly could have done without all the medals he was awarded. He needed no recognition and thought awards were “a lot of foolishness.”

Although we don’t do “one more for Daly,” or say goodnight to him before bed, Daly will always be the golden standard of tenacity in our Corps and helped establish the legend that is the “U.S. Marine.”

Dan Daly’s fighting spirit started the legend of the Marine Corps before Puller was ever born. Daly probably inspired Puller to be the man he was.

In 100 years, there’s no telling how many more legendary Marines will hold a place in history, but one thing is for sure, Marines will always follow the examples of Sgt. Maj. Dan Daly and Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller.

We’re not going to make the call on the champion between the Fighter and the Leader. We leave it in your hands.

Who is the Ultimate Marine’s Marine?

Round One

Daly vs Lejeune

Foss vs Hulbert

Diamond vs Gray

Basilone vs Johnson

Puller vs Barnum

Hathcock vs Mawhinney

Vittori vs Glenn

Butler vs Davis

Round Two

Daly vs Foss

Diamond vs Basilone

Puller vs Hathcock

Glenn vs Butler

Final Four

Daly vs Basilone

Puller vs Butler

The Ultimate Marine’s Marine

Daly vs Puller