A Marine in Iraq

April 2, 2008 – 6:00 am

Through the efforts of my great-niece, Ami, whose husband Aaron is a Marine, I now enjoy corresponding with Jeannette in Iraq. When I asked her to share her story, she readily agreed. It appears here, slightly edited, and will continue tomorrow

I joined the Marine Corps in Sept 1998, right out of high school and against my mother’s wishes. I wanted a challenge, something that wouldn’t come as easily as school had and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I didn’t want to waste time and money in college until I figured it out, so I joined the Marine Corps. Who knew I would make a career out of it!

I went to language school to learn Russian and from there got sent to camp Lejeune, where I served with Ami’s husband Aaron and also met Ami. We were at 2D Radio Battalion, where we spent 3 years together. From the beginning of my career I loved the Marine Corps. I love how simple and easy everything is. Do what you’re told and do it well. It’s simple and so easy to do well. When I joined, I was a private (E-1) and I have made my way through the ranks to Staff Sergeant (E-6) quickly, but not without problems.

I’m sure it seems as though the services are very female friendly, but with the Marine Corps only being about 7% female, you can guess that there have always been problems. (Yes, I was one of seven women in a 203-person Pennsylvania House of Representatives) I worked hard, but some men will always dislike a female in the service, no matter how good you are at your job. But I just learned to be better than they are as well. I have found that as time goes on, more and more men come around, as long as they get to know you first.

Oddly enough, my husband, who is also a Marine, was one of those guys that didn’t like females in the Marine Corps, at least until he met me, that is! He’s been in 5 years longer than I have, but we are both the same rank. He has turned into my biggest fan. We got married only 3 years ago, him being a single father of my son Peyton, who lost his mother to cancer at age one. Shortly after, we had our son Logan. They are now six and three. And they all miss me dearly! Especially my husband.

To be continued tomorrow.

For World War II information, go to www.peggeorge.com.

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