jryanjack
11-10-05, 07:38 AM
On today, our birthday, I can't help but take a moment and reflect on the person that I am, where I have been, and where I am going. In a way its strange, I only served 6 years in our beloved Corps and now have been off of active duty for twice as long as I was active. I am no longer lean, but am probably twice as mean, when provoked. Its funny how 6 years of your life and so totally define who you are, but that's what the Corps does to you, you have to earn the title, but in return you get a philosophy on life, a sense of honor, and a commitment to do what ever it takes to accomplish your mission.
The Corps means more to me now then I think that it did while I was serving, I was proud of my title then, and more proud of it now. Lately I've been reading a lot of comments about the movie and book "Jarhead" - how it really is a rant about how one Marine blames the Corps for his inability to reintegrate into civilian life. In a way I can see where he is coming from, however, I do not want to reintegrate, being a Marine is who I am, and if civilians cannot understand that then that is their problem not mine. Like all of my brothers and sisters, I life my life to a higher standard knowing that its not the reward that matters, but the journey and how we live it.
Semper Fi Marines, and Happy 230th Birthday!
The Corps means more to me now then I think that it did while I was serving, I was proud of my title then, and more proud of it now. Lately I've been reading a lot of comments about the movie and book "Jarhead" - how it really is a rant about how one Marine blames the Corps for his inability to reintegrate into civilian life. In a way I can see where he is coming from, however, I do not want to reintegrate, being a Marine is who I am, and if civilians cannot understand that then that is their problem not mine. Like all of my brothers and sisters, I life my life to a higher standard knowing that its not the reward that matters, but the journey and how we live it.
Semper Fi Marines, and Happy 230th Birthday!