Photo By Lance Cpl. John Allen | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Coleman Grubbs, a maintenance management specialist with the...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC – Marines enlist for a multitude of reasons. Whether it’s for a change of pace, a desire for discipline, or the pursuit of educational opportunities, the Marine Corps offers a wide range of incentives for enlistment. Nevertheless, many soon discover that the Marine Corps offers more than they initially anticipated.
Originally planning to attend college after high school, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Coleman Grubbs, a maintenance management specialist with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and a native of Jacksonville, Florida, took an interest in the Marine Corps after observing an event at a local recruiting station. Grubbs then decided the Marine Corps was the right path for him and enlisted in August of 2020.
“I just love the camaraderie, brotherhood, and the sisterhood of the Marine Corps and what it offers,” said Grubbs. “That’s why I joined; it was the shared standard. Everyone around you seems to be supporting the same purpose.”
As Grubbs progressed in his Marine Corps career, his perspective of people changed when he became a noncommissioned officer. His mind opened to realize the Marine Corps boasts people from many different walks of life, and that even though he had a stable life before joining, many people had challenges to overcome.
“I met a guy at a gym off base,” said Grubbs. “He was a civilian who was super lost in life and not really doing the best things. He was older and had a kid. He needed guidance, and I stepped in. Exactly how I would as a corporal talking to a junior Marine. I gave him some advice and he ended up taking it and getting his life back together. He decided he wanted to join the Marine Corps. He finished as an honor graduate at bootcamp, I went down and saw him graduate. Now he’s loving the Marine Corps and is probably one of the most motivated Marines I know. I’m proud that I could make an impact in his life.”
Grubbs stated he has learned to commit his free time to doing activities that make him a more capable leader, such as going to the gym and becoming a Marine Corps martial arts instructor.
“Post deployment, I’m planning to become a Marine Corps instructor of water survival and a force fitness instructor,” said Grubbs. “It allows you to lead from the front a lot more.”
Grubbs added that he’s excited to go on the upcoming deployment with the 24th MEU and to lead, learn, and excel in a fast-paced environment.
“I really have wanted to deploy from day one in the fleet, but I was told my job didn’t deploy, so coming here and knowing I would deploy is nice,” said Grubbs. “I’m very motivated to be here. It was like a present.”
Grubbs expressed his appreciation for the ample benefits and opportunities provided by the Marine Corps.
“I think people should learn to love the Marine Corps for the little things,” said Grubbs. “I feel like a lot of people see it as them getting babied by the Marine Corps. In reality, you’re just being taken care of. I think people need to find the value in that and understand that it’s a unique thing the military has for you. There are little things we take for granted that some people don’t really realize were even there until they get out.”
(U.S. Marine Corps story by Lance Cpl. John Allen)
| Date Taken: | 09.21.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 09.22.2023 18:32 |
| Story ID: | 453976 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 188 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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