07/14/2024
I was born into the Marine Corps while my dad was in flight school and was a toddler when he was flying helicopters in Vietnam.
The first songs I ever remember knowing were Jesus Loves Me and the Marines' Hymn.
As a little girl I would march around our living room while he blasted the Hymn, and to this day the goosebumps run rampant when I hear it.
As I grew up, I spent years studying aspects of the Vietnam War to better understand what he lived through.
One day I told him that I was getting married. To a Marine.
And I knew he was proud even though he admonished me with a comment and a grin, "Camille Camille Camille.... haven't I taught you anything?!"
Over the years and through many different duty stations, I've been fortunate enough to actually tour the halls of his beloved squadron, and even sit in the same helicopters that he flew over embattled fields to rescue his brothers in arms.
I've seen the work he did as a combat artist that now hangs in the halls of Marine Corps museums.
My time in and around the military has been ten times longer than his, but the deep roots, the unfettered pride, the love of the Corps that I've known since before birth, all started with my dad.
When you see these guys wearing their Vietnam Veteran, Korean War Veteran, and even still some that say WWII Veteran hats, make sure your shake their hands and thank them for their service.
And reflect for just a moment that their families love this country every bit as much as their veterans do.
Semper Fidelis.
DUCTUS EXEMPLO.
-Camille