Early this morning I officially parted ways with the US Marine Corps.
While I will remain on orders with the IRR until 2012, I am no longer obligated to train monthly with 3D ANGLICO, my unit of 6.5 years.
I’ve had a tremendous time as a US Marine and wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again, should Doc Brown ever get the flux capacitor up and running again.
I was schooled in three of the best specialties one can have in the Corps; as a Forward Observer, Martial Arts Instructor, and Parachutist. I served in combat operations on the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I trained with elite forces both domestically and abroad. I coordinated artillery, mortar, naval gunfire, and air. I achieved perfect scores on both physical fitness tests, qualified as a rifle expert throughout my career, and swam Class 1. I jumped out of perfectly good C-130s, C-17s, CH-46s and CH-47s — out side doors and off rear ramps.
For over six years, to the best of my ability, I laid it out. Blood, sweat, and even a few tears. But now it’s time to hang it up. My goal was always simple: to fill the boots of those who wore the uniform before me. With a wife, a son, a few entrepreneurial ventures and perhaps an MBA in my near future, I believe it’s time I made room for someone else to fill my boots.
I’m under no illusion that I won’t miss romping around with Marines in desolate places and tight spaces. As Dickens said: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…
But as strongly as I felt called to serve after college, I feel just as strong about my call to now be a dedicated husband, father, and business owner moving forward.
The Corps aided me in becoming who I am today, and will forever be a part of where I go from here. For that I am eternally grateful.
So with that, as all proper Marine sign-offs end… Semper fidelis.


