Some personal history (abridged)

I joined the Marine Corps out of high school in May 1977 and left for boot camp at MCRD Parris Island, SC the end of September 1977. After 12 weeks of famous Marine Corps training, as a member of "D" Company, Platoon 2218, I graduated a few days before Christmas as a PFC.

After a short leave for Christmas I reported to the Marine Detachment at Ft. Knox, KY for my training as a tank crewman (1811) in January 1978. From there I reported to Camp Pendleton, CA and was assigned to "A" Company, 1st Tank Battalion. While with "A" Company I was promoted to LCpl, Cpl and Sgt (all meritoriously) before October 1979. I re-enlisted in October 1979 and received orders for Marine Security Guard School.

I arrived at MCB Quantico, VA at the MSG Battalion and was a member of class 2-80. After completeing the school and graduating I recieved my first post assignment at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India. After spending 15 months in India I originally received orders for my second posting in Jiddah, Saudia Arabia. Just prior to my departure I was asked by the company commander, Major Muth, if I wanted to accept orders to Moscow, U.S.S.R instead. I was on the way to Moscow where I spent 18 months. The last half of my time in Moscow I was the A/NCOIC and was selected for promotion to SSgt on my first selection board.

Upon completion of embassy duty I returned to "A" Company, 1st Tank Battalion. I was ready to settle in and get back to my MOS. I was asked to take a float out for 3rd platoon at the last minute as another SSgt had family issues and could not go. After 30 days leave I came back and left on what turned out to be an extended float with the 31st MAU. I ended up in Beirut, Lebanon for 31 days in October 1983 with the deployment of the 31st MAU to the area for support. We returned to Camp Pendleton a few days before Thanksgiving.

I was selected to become the new 1st Tank Battalion Career Planner, a position I held for almost two years. I then attended the SNCO Academy at MCAS El Toro, CA. Upon completion of that I received orders to attend recruiters school at MCRD San Diego, CA. After graduation I was assigned to RS Chicago and was assigned as the NCOIC of RSS Ottawa, IL. I completed my tour as a recruiter, enlisting 102 future Marines while a recruiter.

When I returned to 1st Tank Battalion I was sent back to Ft. Knox, KY for advanced tank school.

I left active duty in October 1988 and was in a reserve unit for two years out of South Bend, IN.