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L.A. Chapter

Once a Marine…

Once a Marine, Always a Marine


In the quiet town of Altadena, nestled against the foothills, there lived a military veteran named Samuel. Samuel had served in the Marine Corps during his younger years, and the memories of camaraderie, sacrifice, and duty still echoed within him.

Samuel’s journey to becoming a Marine began like any other recruit’s—a mix of excitement, trepidation, and unwavering determination. He stepped onto the yellow footprints at MCRD, San Diego, where the grueling training awaited him. The drill instructors pushed him to his limits, molding him into a warrior who would carry the title “Marine” for life.

The days blurred into weeks, and Samuel endured the crucible—the sweat-soaked runs, the rifle drills, the late-night firewatch duties. But it was during those long nights, staring up at the stars, that he realized something profound: Being a Marine wasn’t just about physical strength; it was about resilience of spirit, honor, and unwavering loyalty.

Samuel’s platoon became his family. They shared stories, laughter, and tears. They learned to trust one another implicitly, knowing that their lives depended on it. When the final crucible came—the infamous “Reaper”—Samuel and his fellow recruits faced exhaustion, hunger, and doubt. But they pressed on, fueled by the legacy of those who had gone before them.

Graduation day arrived, and Samuel stood tall in his dress blues. The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor—the emblem of the Marine Corps—gleamed on his chest. He felt a surge of pride, knowing he was part of something greater than himself. As the drill instructor bellowed, “Once a Marine, always a Marine!” Samuel understood the weight of those words. It wasn’t just a slogan; it was a lifelong commitment.

Years passed, and Samuel deployed to distant shores. He faced combat, loss, and moments of doubt. But he never wavered. The title “Marine” wasn’t a uniform he could take off—it was etched into his soul. He fought not only for his country but for the brotherhood that bound him to every Marine who had ever served.

Back home, Samuel continued to serve. He joined the Marine Corps Alumni Association, connecting with fellow veterans across the nation. They shared stories, swapped advice, and supported one another. Samuel mentored young Marines, passing down the wisdom he had gained. He knew that being a Marine wasn’t just about the battles fought; it was about the battles won long after the uniform was hung up.

And so, in the quiet of his Altadena home, Samuel reflected on his journey. He had become a Marine, not just for a few years, but for a lifetime. The title carried with it a sacred duty—to uphold the values of honor, courage, and commitment. Samuel smiled, knowing that he was part of a legacy that stretched back to the birth of the Corps.

As the sun dipped below the San Gabriel Mountains, Samuel stood on his porch, the Marine Corps flag fluttering in the breeze. He saluted, not just to the flag, but to every Marine who had ever worn it. Their sacrifices, their unwavering loyalty—it all lived on in him. And so, in that quiet moment, Samuel whispered, “Semper Fidelis”—always faithful.

Battles won, battles lost, but the spirit of the Marine endures. Once a Marine, always a Marine.1


If you’re considering joining the Marine Corps, know that you’ll be part of a legacy—a brotherhood and sisterhood that transcends time and place. And if you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to be a Marine, remember this: It’s not just a title; it’s a lifelong commitment to honor, duty, and service. Semper Fidelis. 🇺🇸🌟

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501(c)(19) Veterans' Organizations have the benefit of allowing their donors deduct their charitable contributions on their federal tax returns, similar to 501(c)3 org. As a 501(c)19, 75% of our organization's membership are disabled Veterans.

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