The Making of a Marine

“Ultimately ... [it] was a duty I could not, and should not, leave for others to assume.”

The short essay below is by Jordan Blashek, Princeton 2009, who decided to turn down acceptance to medical school to join the U.S. Marine Corps and enter its Officer Candidate School, from which he graduated in December 2009.  Written originally as an explanation of his decision for his high school classmates, it is worth reading – and appreciating – by us all. 

“You Joined Us” -- That phrase is carved into a steel plaque that tauntingly guards the entrance to the Officers’ barracks at Camp Barrett in Quantico, VA.  As I hobbled inside, exhausted from another 15-hour day, my roommate half-jokingly pointed to the plaque, “Why did we do that again?”  I smiled.  Today had been a long day.  Waking at 4 AM, we spent the next 9 hours outside in the pouring rain learning hand-to-hand combat and outdated bayonet techniques.  Without warming layers, hats or gloves, our hands quickly went numb and our bodies started shaking uncontrollably in the 30-degree temperature.  Finally, we were sent back inside to clean our rifles, which must be spotless before we can wash off our bodies.  As 8 PM rolled around and we were still cleaning on a Friday night – when my high school and college friends were out at Happy Hours – I thought about that plaque on the wall: Why exactly did I join, again?

It’s a question I have tried to answer many times for my family and friends, but never feel as though I have fully conveyed my reasons.  I made the decision to join the U.S. Marine Corps at the start of my senior year at Princeton, turning down an acceptance to medical school in the process.  I kept the decision to myself until I broke the news to my shocked parents over Christmas Break.  I ran through the litany of justifications for them: I wanted to serve my country.  I wanted the camaraderie and the pride of being in the Marine Corps brotherhood.  I needed the challenge to test my true capabilities and strength.  I would receive the best leadership training on the planet, which would help me in any future career I chose.  I wanted adventure and the chance to be a part of history in Iraq or Afghanistan.  I wanted to exude that same confidence that I saw in every Marine officer I have met.  Whether I convinced them or not, in the end, none of these “reasons” alleviated my parents’ understandable anxiety.

When I told my plans to anyone else, I felt as though I were talking to a brick wall – the Military, especially the Marine Corps, was simply outside their reality.  My closer friends would nod their heads and say something to the effect of “Wow, that’s cool;” but since I was the perennial flake of the group, most did not take my decision very seriously.  And to be honest, even I was not quite sure that I would follow through with the choice.  In the comfort of my college dorm, the decision to become a Marine Corps officer seemed glamorously abstract.  However, on October 1, 2009 my decision suddenly became very real when I arrived at the Marine Corps’ Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, VA. 

My OCS experience was surreal.  Along with 407 other “Candidates” – all college graduates with newly shaved heads – I ran around for 10 weeks carrying an M16 rifle, while the Marine Corps’ famous drill instructors screamed increasingly creative insults at us.  In reality, we were beginning the painful, yet deliberate process of transforming from civilians into Marine officers through some of the most intense training that exists in the US military.  Meanwhile, the drill instructors continually evaluated our leadership potential as part of the time-honored tradition whereby enlisted Marines select the officers that will eventually lead them in combat.  After nearly half of the officer candidates were dropped or dropped out on their own, we emerged from OCS standing a little taller and a little straighter on graduation day, December 11, 2009.  That afternoon, I raised my right hand to swear the oath of office and receive my commission as a second lieutenant.  That oath obligates me to serve a minimum of four years in uniform.

Ultimately, I joined the US Marine Corps because I believe that officers bear the most solemn responsibility in our nation, and that was a duty I could not, and should not, leave for others to assume.  To say that I wanted that responsibility is not quite right, because being a Marine officer is not about one’s self, wants or needs; it is about guiding the young 18 and 19 year-old Marines fighting this country’s wars on our behalf.  I decided that serving them was the highest honor and responsibility I could have at this point in my life.  As one speaker at my commissioning ceremony explained:

“As second lieutenants, you must have a strong sense of the great responsibility of your office; the resources which you will expend in war are human lives.  This is not about you anymore.  This is about the young Marines who will place their lives in your hands.  It is your job to take care of them, even when that means placing them in mortal danger.  That awesome responsibility – the weight which now rests on you – is reflected in those gold bars which you will soon place on your shoulders.” 

That is why the plaque hangs in every portal through which we pass – You Joined Us.  We chose to bear this responsibility and we must make absolutely sure we are prepared to fulfill it, because young American lives are at stake.  If that means being cold and miserable; studying for ungodly hours; and going for days without sleep, then so be it.  That is the price of the salute we receive from our Marines.   

Five months into my service commitment, I have not regretted my decision for a moment.  I already have unforgettable memories from my experience and new friendships with diverse and exceptional peers from all over the country.  We have had moments of pure fun together and laughed harder than I ever thought possible.  We have also been humbled by the stories and portraits of brave Lieutenants – those who fought and died after roaming the very halls where we now stand and their portraits hang.  Most of all, I am immensely proud to bear the title of ‘United States Marine,’ an honor that I will carry with me my entire life.  Semper Fi.

Comments

[Ranger 06]

Some boys never become men. This boy became a man. Congrats to him and all the other men who server this great country of ours. Somebody has to do this job.

[thomas Malone]

God Bless you, young man. Tom Malone, US Navy, 1965-72

[52Mustang]

Congratulations and take care. It's a long road. R. Cubley, USMCR (Ret) 1951-77

[Julie B.]

Our 19-year old son proudly graduated USMC-San Diego, June 19, 2010. We stand with him, as well as Marine leaders young and old, & pray for God's providential wisdom for whatever lies ahead.

Marine Mom

[Jerry Cline]

Semper Fi, Marine. May your tribe increase.
J. Cline USMC, 1965-1969

[Michael Krauss]

Semper Fi and thank you for your service to our country. Our son (a graduate of the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, Rockville, MD) is also a Marine OCS grad, and is now a freshly minted 2LT. Josh will be attending TBS in March 2010. Examples like Jordan's, and Josh's, fill me with pride.

[D'Arcy E. Grisier]

I remember in 1949 saying something like "if not me - who." I never
regretted my decision to join the U.S.Marine Corps. I am fully confident that Jordan will join me, as well as others, when he becomes 79 years old and looks back with great satisfaction that he began his adult career as a U.S. Marine.
D'Arcy E. Grisier, LtCol USMC Ret'd

[Ray W. Johnson]

I dropped out of HS to join the Marines in 1946. I served three years on that enlistment and was recalled for Korea. I was there for almost a year. I've never regretted my decision to enlist and I believe I badly needed the experience.

[Jack]

Carry on, Semper Fi Marine.

Jack Ryan
USMC '77-'81

[Paul Davenport]

50 years after raising my right hand to take that same oath, I, too, do not regret one minute of our Corps. Semper Fidelis and God Bless you and your Marines.

Paul Davenport COL USMC (Ret) Kabul, Afghanistan

[Randall Arnold]

When I graduated from H.S. in Washington, D.C., Class of 1968, I stated in the yearbook that I planned a career as a United States Marine. It was not a popular decision at that time, but it was mine alone and one that I have never regretted, even after 32 years in uniform. Hopefully one day will be able to look back and say the same...the nation will be a better place for it.
Randall Arnold MSgt USMC (Ret)

[Francis Hopkinson]

To bad our President is the polar opposite of this honorable young man.

God help us.

[Dan Altazan]

Semper Fi Sir and thank you

Dan Altazan
USMC 65-69

[Snoopy]

Mr. Blashek fits the bill perfectly of being a gentleman who has the desire to serve his country.

Hey Obama, take some notes.....real men wear camo.

[Ratt]

Good Job Marine.

USN 71 - 77 USS Forrestal CVA-59.

[Loretta in Indiana]

Lieutenant Blashek -- You make patriotic Americans proud! Thank you for your service -- you are a credit to our country.

G-d Bless you and all your fellow Marines...

[Greg Grehawick]

Congratulations Marine. You make us all proud to be Americans.

Greg Grehawick USA 1986 - 1989

[Manny Jakel]

This is the product of a wonderful father and mother. JORDAN BLASHEK wasn't born that way and whether he knows it or not this all comes from growing up in a house where certain values have been implanted and reinforced from childhood to manhood. JORDAN must be a great guy, anyone would be happy to have as a friend. G-d should bless him and family forever and ever.

[John J. Caldas, Jr., Col., USMC (Ret)]

I enlisted in the Marines at18. Served 35-1/2 years from '48 to '83.
Most rewarding life a person could have. Made life lasting friendships with the finest young people our country can produce. While wanting to serve, received more than I gave.
Lt. Blashek will surely find this to be true for him. Semper Fidelis!

[CAPTAIN DON HARRIS USMC RET.]

SEMPER FI AND MAZEL TOV MARINE-IT IS APPARENT YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES! OUR CORPS IS IN GOOD HANDS. CAPTAIN DON HARRIS USMC TBS 2-64.

[Colonel Wesley Lee Fox]

Lieutenant, you played my heart strings. I too fell in love with Marines and their manner of serving our country. While I planned to make a career out of it, I could only get 43 years of active duty. At age 62, I had to quit in accordance with the Marine Corps manual. You can do better than 43 years.

[Merrill C. Waters]

Congratulations Lt Jordan. The greatest honor I have ever received was to lead Marines as a Marine Corps Officer. TBS 7-70 1969-1981 Major Merrill C. Waters

[Bill Wellman]

The Marines and Marine Officers I served with are, bar none, the finest men and women I have yet encountered in life. Enjoy the ride Lieutenant, it is a privilege to serve.

Bill Wellman
MGySgt (ret)
1985-2009

[Douglas Barrpw]

Outstanding young man, simply outstanding. Those that serve are the finest men and women our nation has to offer. Thank you so much for your service.

[Jenifer Sawicki]

Well said, Lieutenant. Go make us even more proud.

[Paul E. Westphal]

Your commitment to your country and the Marine Corps is most admirable. Young men and women like you resyore my faith in American youth. Semper Fi, Young man.
Paul E. Westphal
LtCol USMC Ret
1958-1978

[David Wood]

I enlisted on a 3 yr stint in 1976 when few wanted to join any service with the intent of getting the GI Bill for college not knowing that I would fall in love with the Corps and my fellow Marines - BEST DECISION of my life retiring 20 years later as a Marine Officer.
Congratulations Marine!

Semper Fi
David Wood
Captain USMC Ret
1976-1996

[Harvey shiner]

im so happy to be your new uncle,I think your terrific,and that goes for your hole family.

[LtCol Everett Tunget USMC (Ret)]

I enlisted in 1951 and went through OCS and The Basic School in '55/'56. While the "tools of war" have changed significantly over the years, the making of the Marine leaders to manage those tools has not. There is no better motto than Semper Fidelis! Good luck and God speed, Lieutenant.

[Gerard McGurty, MSgt/USMC/Ret. in '08]

Seems like he'll be an officer I would have been honored to serve with! Don't let that fire die even when the politics make it sometimes frustrating to serve.

[Emily]

Incredibly moving and genuine. You already are (and will be) an amazing leader, J. I can't wait to see you again.

~Semper Fi~

[Suellen Shea]

God bless you, Jordan & thanks for your commitment to all of us in this great country we know & love.
As the wife of a retired Marine (1963-1990) I can tell you that will never meet a finer group of men, women & their families than in the Corps.
May God be with you & your fellow Marines.
Suellen A. Shea
(wife of Col. John F. Shea, USMC, ret.)

[Jim Cannon]

You will never know what the Corps really means to you until long after you have retired. Then you will truely understand why "You joined again".
For me , it was only yesterday, that I stepped off that train in Yamessee, South Carolina, to begin my 24 years in a brotherhood of brothers and Patriots. It was only yesterday that I sailed off on the USS General Black, to be stationed at a small Japanese garrison in Shinodyam, Japan. From there itwas to Okinawa, then back to Quantico. From there to Hawaii and afterward to Camp Pendleton. It was only yesterday that I shipped off to do what I was trained to do....Fight in Vietnam. It was here on this and another tour that the spirit of brotherhood was ingrained in my mind, my heart and my soul. I returned from Vietnam to Quantico to become a Marine Gunner and to return to Vietnam as a 2Lt. to Command a Platoon of Marines.. .. It was only yesterday that I was assigned as the Commanding Officer ...the first COMARCOMDET aboard the USS Mt. Whitney LCC-20 or Fat Albert as we called her. Our journeys to all of the Carribean, the Mediterrianean and most of Europe afforded sights and seeings Most people never get to see. How else could a small town country boy experience the sights that was afforded me in the Corps. Where else could I have experienced such a drgree of Patriotism.
God, how I love the corps....How I miss it. But I have my memories....After all it was only yesterday.
Yes, you will carry it with you the rest of your life and one day you'll look back and realize...."it was only yesterday"
Jim

[Terrence Arndt]

Lt. you are just beginning the greatest and lartest challenge of your life. Nothing is guaranteed that your Marines will follow you. You will have to earn that.

Advice, stay low and fast. Use a lot of supporting arms before Marines and always flank them, never frontal assaults if you have an option.

And listen to your NCOs.

Semper Fi and be safe.

Terry Arndt, former Captain of Marines, RVN

[James A Gallagher]

Dear Jordan,

God bless and protect you and your troops.

May your values, character and intellect be a source of wise council to accomplish your future missions and to provide for the welfare of your troops.

Semper fidelis,

James Gallagher
LtCol USMC (Ret)
1962-1985

[Adrian Garcia]

Dear Jordan,

Listen to your gunny. He has a wealth of information that will keep you alive.

Adrian Garcia,
USMC, Vietnam,
1/9, Walking Dead,
1968

[Dick Freeman]

Beautiful...you'll never do a finer thing than you did when you made the decision to lead Marines.
We, of the Brotherhood of Marines,
salute you and wish you fair winds and following seas...

7th Basic Class, TBS, Quantico '50

[Curt Bruce]

It was great to read the Lt's. comments. He will do well if he is lucky enough to have as his first platoon sergeant as fine a Marine as I did in Jim Cannon in 3/5.(Feb 20 1647 comment).

Thanks, Lt. Blashek, for your commitment to the Corps and thanks, Jim Cannon, for putting me on the right track early in my career.

Curt Bruce
LtCol of Marines (Ret.)
1963-1985

[Cc krulak]

This young Officer of Marines touched the Soul of what it means to wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. It is a sacred trust...a stewardship...a vocation. God, Country, Family, Corps. It doesn't get any better.

C. C. Krulak, General, USMC (Ret), 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps

[CF Hazlewood Jr.]

Best decision you have ever made. The leadership skills you hone during your tenure as a Marine Officer will follow you throughout your life. Take care of your men and look after their well being. Never give an order unless it is necessary and find and promote the very best enlisted men to NCO to keep the Corps the best.

Semper Fidelis
CF Hazlewood Jr.
1st Lt. USMC 1979-1983

[George M. Barrows Sr]

Congratulations Lt.
I am only sorry that I did not pursue the commissioned ststus.
I served for 22 years and retired as a SSGT of Marines in 1967.
I have kept up with the Corps however with duty in the Marine Corps League since 1968.
Would that I could I would love to be back in the Corps and would not hesitate to serve under one who has made this wise decison.
Good luck in your further endeavors.
George M. Barrows Sr SSGT USMC Ret'd

[R.L. Vitt, US Navy Corpsman '74-'78]

Lt.Blashek is the example of what the real America is about. While I was a Navy Corpsman, my sons have given me the pride that only the father of a Marine father can hold. I saw them turn into men from boys in the weeks at boot camp. They carry themselves with a sense of focus not seen in those who have not served under the Globe and Anchor. It is the same feeling of responsibility and service that Lt. Blashek gives in his leadership of young Marines in todays Corps.

[Robert E. Talmadge]

As Lt. Blashek will find out, the slogan, "Once a Marine, Always a
Marine" is not an idle one. The
Corps becomes a part of you and you a part of it. After 36 years
of retirement, and almost 63 years since I was sworn in as a Marine recruit, I am still a part of the Corps, going aboard base to talk with young Marines,
(any one under the age of 60)find
out how and what they are doing and giving classes on my war,
The Korean War, to any who want
to listen and even those who don't. Semper Fidelis...
Bob Talmadge, MGySgt, USMC
Retired but not out.

[Ken Jordan]

Your statement was moving and your decision to join our Corps, even more so. The honor and pride of being a Marine is reflected in the comments from FORMER Marines (there are no ex-Marines)in this series of messages. It's a strong fraternity - for a lifetime. Semper Fi, Ken Jordan,Col. USMC(Ret)

[Ronald L . May, D.M.D.]

I was a "Green Side Squid"...a Navy Dental officer who served with 3rd MarDiv @ Dong Ha RVN 66/67, then on to MCAS El Toro for 3 more (got 78 hrs in TA-4s).
I made life long comrades/brothers throughout my time of service, many of whom were there at the inauguration of the National Museum, and were at my 70th B-day bash last night. As spoken above, Lt. Blashek has joined the finest organization available to a citizen of this nation in my experience. He has the option of re-appying to Med school in 4 years, and his time "in the Corps" will make him a finer physician/surgeon.
i wish that I had been through the rigors of TBS and subsequent duty, then been able to follow my professional career. I know that I would have been a stronger leader. Blessings for this man with the courage to follow his dream. Semper Fi,
Ron May D.M.D.

[Shirley Kunkel]

Lt. please know becoming a U.S. Marine, you will live in our hearts long after this life is through. My Marine has passed away, but his spirit lives on in our lives. His buddies do not forget me ... Remember "the streets of heaven are guarded by United States Marines". I am a "Career Marine Wife" since 1959. HE is watching over you, too. Mrs. Henry L.Kunkel (Maj. USMC Ret/DC). Semper Fi...

[J Gorman]

My ex-father-in-law was a mustang, mud Marine. He fought in every one from WW II to Viet Nam. Retired when he medically had to. He was the epitome of a Marine Officer: a soft-spoken gentlemen in civilian life and a hard core fighting machine in the field. God bless Lt. Blashek and all the Marines. We all sleep better knowing the President's own are on watch and on our side.

J Gorman, USNR(Ret)

[Gerry Byrne]

Congratulations on joining our family. Your words were real and moving. In Vietnam in 1968 I came across the phrase..."For those who have fought for it, Freedom has a taste that the protected will never know". Important and True.

Semper Fi

Gerry Byrne
Captain, USMC
1966-1969

[LtCol Roger E. Kilb-USMC (Ret)]

Congratulations. You will cherish your memories of being an Officer of Marines. The adage of "Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen" is oh so true. You are now one of us. I clearly remember stepping off the train in Quantico to be met by two of the finest individuals I have ever met-I didn't realize it at the time though. And only six years later one of those Marines served with me. When he walked into my office he remembered me just like it was yesterday and believe me I rememebered him. Over the next year we shared many stories of those ten weeks although his perspective was far different than mine. I have never regreted my decision to become a Marine Corps officer. Semper Fi Lieutenant and many fond memories.

LtCol USMC(Ret)

[Hugh Hunt]

You have earned a sacred trust - the leadership of Marines.
Take care of your men.
Listen to your NCOs.
See the hill. Take the hill.

Once a Captain; always a Marine.