Photo By Cpl. Mondo Lescaud | Cpl. Nicholas Combs, Marine Barracks Washington supply warehouse clerk, shares a laugh...... read more read more
Subscribe
Washington, D.C. - Four years ago, Cpl. Nicholas Combs, an Indian Head native, decided to join the United States Marine Corps. Now, that tour of duty is quickly coming to an end and Combs is faced with a new decision – to re-enlist or go home.
Combs has humble beginnings at Henry E. Lackey High School as a member of the graduating class of 2007. He played the clarinet and trumpet throughout school, eventually becoming the co-drum major during his senior year.
“I loved high school, and I was really involved in music and my community,” said the 22-year-old. “I really wanted to be a lawyer when I graduated high school.”
Instead, Combs’ life took a different turn when he enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 2007.
Combs’ journey in the Corps began in Okinawa, Japan, where he served as a warehouse clerk, issuing vital gear to Marines preparing for various deployments. Combs said he loved his job on the small Japanese island.
“I got to SPIE rig (being attached to a rope while hanging below a flying helicopter) while in Okinawa,” Combs said. “We did a lot of training exercises. It was very combat-orientated.”
While Japan offered him the opportunity to explore a new culture and immerse himself in the Marine Corps experience, there truly was no place like home. When Combs’ island tour was complete, he received orders to Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., a mere stone’s throw away from his beloved hometown.
“I was happy to come home,” explained Combs. “I missed home cooking and the laid back nature of Indian Head, so I was excited to be so close to home.”
The warehouse where Combs currently works is responsible for issuing ceremonial gear, such as white belts, overcoats and special high-gloss black shoes, to the Marines stationed at the Barracks. Marines use that equipment to perform in hundreds of ceremonies year-round throughout the world.
“I make sure the Marines in the ceremonies look good,” Combs said.
Four years after signing up to defend his country, Combs’ first enlistment is quickly drawing to a close. With the Marine Corps currently working on ‘right-sizing’ its forces, the competition for re-enlistment is stiff.
“I want to re-enlist, but if the Corps won’t let me I look forward to coming home and seeing everyone,” Combs said as a smile crept across his face. “I miss the rib joint on Indian Head Highway. They have the best barbecue, plus everyone goes there.”
With the paperwork filed, all Combs can do is wait. Currently his last official day in the Corps is Nov. 26 of this year. On that day, Combs will either raise his right hand and promise four more years to the Corps or come home for a warrior’s barbecue dinner.
“I can’t wait to find out, either way, I just want to make Indian Head proud.”
| Date Taken: | 11.14.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2011 12:58 |
| Story ID: | 80019 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 70 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Son of Indian Head contemplates re-enlistment, by Cpl Jeremy Ware, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
