As a Marine officer in combat, I was responsible for the lives and safety of all the Marines who served with me.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
The Marines gave me a really strong sense of discipline and a work ethic that kicks in at my job.
It was my duty to shoot the enemy, and I don't regret it. My regrets are for the people I couldn't save: Marines, soldiers, buddies. I'm not naive, and I don't romanticize war. The worst moments of my life have come as a SEAL. But I can stand before God with a clear conscience about doing my job.
I was a public affairs officer. I worked with the media, but I didn't just stay at my desk. I assisted in military duties, travelled around Anbar province, hung out with a wide variety of Marines.
I came from a family of Marines into the family of Marines.
My grandfather is a retired Marine, and I've always had a great deal of respect for anyone who serves our country.
In the Marine Corps, everything had a purpose.
My father volunteered in early 1941, before Pearl Harbor, and became an officer in the U.S. Navy. As I was growing up, he taught me the responsibility of command: A leader is ultimately responsible for every aspect of the welfare of people under his or her care. That was a deeply felt obligation in his generation.
My children and grandchildren loved the secret servicemen and women that served us. I was honoured that they thought I was important enough to protect.
My dad was a Marine. He was one of the Montford Point Marines. Those are the equivalent of the Tuskegee Airmen for Marines. He's a tough, tough guy. When I was 15 we had a fight, and I didn't speak to him for 10 years.
Dad's funeral was standing room only; most in attendance were strangers to me. At the back, a lone Marine stood silently, then left. People told me he'd saved their life or helped them in their darkest hour.
No opposing quotes found.