I always wanted to serve our country. During my first week of law school, I fulfilled that dream by joining the Marine Corps. I spent a day talking to each armed service. The Marines talked about service to our country, honor, and physical toughness. They wanted to know if I was willing to fight for our country. They told me how the Marine uniform comes in all sizes, but it doesn't fit everyone. They told me I'd first learn to be a rifleman and then a platoon leader. They said I have to earn the right to call myself a Marine. I promptly joined.

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I went to Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, in 1988 where I learned to be a rifleman. I then completed The Basic School in Quantico, where every Marine Officer learns to be a Platoon Leader. Then I went to Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island, where I learned Military Justice. My next assignment was to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton as a Judge Advocate. I counseled the base command on labor and employment matters and was a Military prosecutor. After completing my tour at Camp Pendleton, I left active duty at the rank of Captain. I returned to an individual ready reserve status and subsequently returned to serve in 4th Anglico, 4th Marine Division, as a drilling reservist. I left the drilling reserves and remained in the individual ready reserve where I was promoted to the rank of Major.

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The Marine Corps honored my diligence, integrity, perseverance and loyalty. I earned a Navy Commendation, which I copied below. I also earned expert rifle and pistol awards.

 

​I am extremely proud to call myself a Marine, to shake the hand of a fellow Marine, and to exchange the traditional greeting, "Semper Fi!"