Introduction

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I served with the Marines from 1967 to 1971.

To immediately resolve an issue that has lately confused Marines, namely, how to address one who has served in the Marine Corps but is now in civilian life, I state forthwith that I am not an "Ex-Marine". Neither am I a "Former Marine".

This issue is easily resolved by remembering, and taking seriously, one of the many eloquent slogans of the Marines: "Once a Marine, always a Marine".

Therefore, just call me "Hey Marine"! ( or Jarhead, or Mac...).

In boot camp, during the testing period, I, along with 7 other recruits, volunteered for an optional test for "Combat Illustration". After that test I was convinced that I would be assigned to Combat Illustration School upon graduation from boot camp. It was not to be. After ITR and leave I returned to Camp Pendleton where I earned my 2531 MOS and became a Field Radio Operator.

After two tours in Vietnam:

Echo Co. 1st Recon Bn., 1967-1968 and
H & S Co., 1st M.P. Bn., 1969-1970,

I received an Honorable discharge in 1971.

Attending Purdue University in 1972, I picked up the drawing pencil for the first time in four years. I was pretty good but the professors were not. So, two semesters short of a degree, in 1979 I went my own way.

I held full-time jobs while I studied my craft, and I was a husband and a father: my wife and I raised two daughters born in 1969 and 1972. But I was never tempted to give up my art and just get a job to retire from some day. All along, my experiences in the Marine Corps kept me going.

The Marine Corps traditions, legends and images are profoundly motivating. One thinks, "If Chesty Puller did that...what's this difficulty facing me"? When you look at a photograph of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, you say to yourself: "That's what I must live up to if I want to keep the title "Marine". Marines take seriously concepts such as "Commitment"; "Honor"; "Always Faithful". "Commitment" means setting a goal and staying with it to the end. "Honor" is defined by Ayn Rand as "...self-esteem made visible in action." "Always Faithful", or the eloquent derivation "Semper Fi", is the all-inclusive concept that means being always true to one's chosen obligations and values. "Semper Fi!" is a kind of salute, to all Marines, past and present. And to the Marine Corps, from which we came. With the following pictures I offer that salute: