Have you ever wondered about who you are in this life, in this world? What is your purpose in life? What will be or IS your contribution?
After watching American Sniper, I wondered. Chris Kyle was a defender of our country and protector (overseer) of the troops he was with. That was his purpose.
Looking back, I wondered what my purpose was, what did I do or what was I doing…. I recall going to my Marine Corps squadron’s several years ago, when Iraqi Freedom was being fought. The squadron was on their way back off of the carrier. There was a small crew from the squadron that was there to attend the reunion (lead team) and I was able to dine with a Marine that was with me from the time I was at my AFUN school. He has achieved the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant and was telling me of some of the operations that they did off of the carrier.
While he was telling me that, I was feeling less and less of a Marine. I did not feel worthy of claiming the title because during my time with the squadron there were no wars, or battles. We were the ‘transition’ squadron, making the change from the older F-4 Phantoms to the new F/A-18 Hornets. We learned. We maintained. We were awarded trophies for being safe and being able to keep all of our aircraft 100%, we traveled.
What MGySgt Monroe said next nearly brought me to tears. He said “Guyer, what we did back then was setting the bar for these kids that are coming into the squadron today. We set that bar so high and they are trying to reach it so much, it is the new standard. And, because of that, we were able to bring back EVERY ONE. We lost no Marines while we were there…because of what we did then. You should be proud”
After the movie and reflecting on what MGySgt Monroe said, I now know more about who I am and what I am doing….my contribution.
I have been in aircraft maintenance for 30 years now and I am currently a maintenance instructor getting young men and women ready to take their Airframe and Powerplant licenses. I challenge my students, they are the next generation to keep, maintain and make those flying machines safe. They will be the ones that will be working on those machines that can make man break the bounds of the earth.
I am the beginning of a Legacy. What I am doing now is setting the bar for those I am teaching to reach…..I am making a difference.
When I first read this story a couple of years ago, I remember wondering about what difference had I made in the world, but I can’t remember if I commented on it then. I think my “Eureka moment” first occurred in 1990 when the U.S. committed to the The Gulf War – Operations Desert Shield/Storm. At the time I was retired form the Corps and working as the Medical Records Manager for the VA Hospital Muskogee OK. I was still considered to be part of the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve until I reached full retirement in 1994, so I could have been involuntarily recalled to active duty. To say the least, I was concerned and my bags were packed because of what I knew as a result of my last assignment with USCentCom.
In the early 1980’s when USCentCom was formed from the RDJTF, the primary threat which we considered in our planning was a Soviet incursion into Iran and regaining control of the oil fields. All of our plans first thought was of having to move an extremely large force, bare base, 8000 miles to the theater before we could even start the war. We could never fully exercise the entire plan because it would cost to much. Each of our exercises, Bright Star, Gallent Eagle/Knight, Jade Tiger etc., which were scheduled would only test portions of the plan. In the back of the mind of every member of the staff was if it was really possible to employ the whole bally-wick and wouuld it really work. Those doubts and questions were answered when President Bush resolved to remove Saddam’s forces from Kuwait and and the boiler plate plan was dusted-off, edited, amended, updated and executed.
As the operation progressed, I closely followed the movement and action of every unit, thinking of which telecommunication links, circuits and systems would have been in installed and activated to support the mission. I was often on the phone with friends still on active duty or close to the scene, searching for knowledge about how it was going. Of course, in the end under the command of Gen Norman Schwarzkopf, the coalition forces kicked the crap out of the Iraqi forces, especially the Revolutionary Guard, and victory was achieved with the minimal loss of American lives. I was exceptionally proud of the fact that my finger prints were all over the basic communication plan. Now we knew that the plan would work, and it was possible to deploy such a large force, bare base, meet with and destroy the enemy and his ability to make war. I haven’t always agreed with all of America’s strategic decisions to employ forces and make war, but this one time I was very happy that I had made a difference.
“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don’t have that problem.” Ronald Reagan, U.S. President, 1985
Semper Fi!!! Top Pro
Thanks for your post Top!! Just a great read.
One thought on ‘ I am Legacy ‘
Hi Guyer: Your contributions were/are important don’t every forget that ! Like the MGySgt said, ‘ you set the bar for the Marines that followed you. Congratulations, you did a ” great job “
Roger that! Every single MOS in the Marine Corps is important! Our biggest goal is that everybody gets what they need and to do our best to bring our brothers and sisters home. Whatever that takes. Nobody outside of a marine or soldier or sailor, coast guards person air force person gets that. Proud to have so many brothers and sisters who have served or will be serving in the future. Semper Fi Do or Die!
I feel as most Marines do – by our contributions and achievements we are setting the standards for those who following in our foot steps! I joined the Corps at the tail end of Korea and met many fellow Marines who made it through that hell hole. I also served two tours in Nam, not good experiences but again by our efforts were setting the bar at a higher level than we first started our careers.
After a 20 year career, I still feel as though I did make a real contribution to our beloved Corps!
Every cotter pin set, every safety wire pig-tailed, every inspection signed off gave our flight crews the best chance of completing the mission! You made a big difference! OOHRAHH!
I am sure glad I came across this story today as I often feel “not worthy.” I, too, am a Cold War Veteran and often times find myself feeling like I missed out on doing what Marines are meant to do–fight battles. As a Ch-46 crew chief, I would not trade that experience for anything and I would like to think I set a high standard for those that followed. Many of the guys I served with went on to have long careers with the Corps and they feel the same as MGySgt Monroe does.
Today I am a proud member of my local American Legion post and a member of the chapter AL Riders. While many of the members are retired from a branch of the military and served in conflicts, they treat me like a brother.
Proud of my service in the Marine Corps. Ooh rah and Semper Fi, brothers.
There certain steps we all took to help Our Military become and remain the best in the world. It does not matter what battles we did or did not participate in. We left our legacy for those who followed and we left personal marks in each portion of that legacy. I salute ALL Military members past and present because we and they were and are the glue that makes the United States Military that great institution.
Anyone who has ever graduated from Marine Corps recruit training is worthy to be called a United States Marine! And remember, this title is for life! No matter where, when, and how long you served you will always
be a United States Marine!!
Semper Fi,
MGySgt Vic Vickers USMC (Ret)
Roger that Master Gunnery Sgt Vickers. I was surrounded by outstanding marines with all kinds of backgrounds and with maybe one exception (that Lt. should not have been in an Artillery unit and we were spared his presence in a very short time). I felt honored to have supported 1/26 hard core grunt marines in Viet Nam 1969-70 with howitzer fire power. Honored to have been surrounded by some of the best Lieutenants and Major’s and Gunny’s in the Corps! Some of us were as needed marines and got out and some hard core enough to stay in for 20 or more years. Will never forgot the good and the bad times in the Corps with some real warriors!
Semper Fi,
Lance Corporal R. Mellott
I am a mother of marines and my two brothers are marines and I can say you men and woman are such wonderful leaders for our children ! You should know I am over 70 now but every day I sit and say a prayer for all you marines! You are important to America and to all our people! God bless you all!!!!!
God bless you marine?
A while back I met a fellow Marine who when I told him I had been infantry, he responded that he was an Airedale and not really a Marine. I told him that every Marine was a Marine no matter what their MOS or experience was. Also told him of Vietnam when the napalm got a little close and feeling the earth shake from the
distant ARC light! I think God every day that they were on our side and he was part of the greatest air power in the history of the world! He stepped back and said that was definitely a better perspective than his and THANKED me. SEMPER FI! to all
MARINES!
Barry Maclain’s story sure hit home for me. My service in the Marines started in Sep’t of 1941. After Parris Island, I was assigned to MC Turner Field Air base at Quantico, thus making me an Airedale. I wound up in the Pacific in late 1942, safely spending the next 16 months on the island of Samoa, in support of the campaign to take the Japanese stronghold of Tarawa, some 1400 mi north. I was never in combat and to this day, when I’m in the company of Marine combat veterans, I often ask myself: Do I deserve the title of a Marine? We, in Marine Aviation had it relatively easy, whereas the infantry surely did not! I’ve read many books about our Marines in the Pacific war, my favorite being “With The Old Breed”, by Eugene Sledge. Semper Fi, Walt Augustyniak, S/Sgt 1941-1945
by Eugene
Blessings ? to you ? Laura!
Thank you all for sharing!
God Bless and Semper Fi!