By Debbie Gregory
Among all U.S. military branches, there is no comradeship that can compare to the unity found among current and former members of the U.S. Marine Corps. The Marine for Life organization is extension of that camaraderie for Marines who are no longer in uniform.
There is no such thing as an ex-Marine. It’s actually a part of policy that the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos, established in 2011. And as all U.S. military personal are accustomed to take care of their own, the Marine Corps’ attitude towards its separated members makes it second nature to make provisions for their Veterans. In Fact, Marine for Life derived its name from the Marine Corps attitude of, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”
Marine for Life is an official program of the United States Marine Corps, and was formed in 2002 at the direction of then Commandant General James Jones. The organization provides global assistance to Marines and U.S. Navy sailors who served with Marines, who are transitioning into their civilian lives.
The Marine for Life organization serves Marine Corps Veterans in all 50 states and all major Marine hubs around the world. They offer Veterans assistance with employment success, pursuing their education goals and connecting them to the VA benefits and resources that they are earned through their service.
The organization runs through the help of Veteran mentors. Just as nearly all military training comes from learning from those who came before you, Marine for Life asks for other Marines who have successfully transitioned into their civilian careers to help fellow Marines find their own way. The organization also utilizes non-Veteran members of the community who are interested in seeing Marines succeed. Mentors help Marines plan for their career and academic goals, and can help get them started with extremely valuable networking contacts that can be hard for new Veterans to obtain on their own.
Marine for Life also makes use of local and national employers who wish to utilize dedicated, disciplined individuals in their workforce. While there is no promise that they connect every Marine to employment, they do provide job sites, help with creating and improving résumés, and other tools for success.
For more information about Marine for Life, or to become a Mentor, visit www.marineforlife.org or call (866) 645- 8762
Marines and Veterans of all branches of service are also invited to search www.militaryconnection.com. Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard & Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.
Military Connection: Marine for Life: By Debbie Gregory
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