10 November 1775 is the birthday of my beloved Corps. I can remember like it was yesterday standing on those yellow footprints in Paris Island way back in 1980.

It was a very tough 13 weeks but it was an experience that molded me. At the time I went in at the tender age of 17 ( 17 and 2 months to be exact), I was on the wrong path in life. Thank goodness my mother and my high school, Bishop Timon in South Buffalo, worked it out so I could graduate early to be able to enter.

Although I had some troubles while a Marine, I learned valuable life lessons during my time like the importance of self discipline and awareness and respect for others.

Here is the song Marines love so much and the sone that defines us: