NEW ORLEANS -- Many retiring Marines leave behind a little piece of who they are in the minds and hearts of those who have appreciated their knowledge and friendship. Some chose brief careers, while others pressed on completing numerous enlistments. However, few leave without the Corps making a lasting impression on their lives.
After 30 years of dedicated service and commitment to his brotherhood of Marines, Sgt. Maj. Richard I. Thornton, former force sergeant major of Marine Forces Reserve, retired during a combined post, relief, and retirement ceremony here, May 24.
"The past thirty years have been a labor of love for Corps and country, which I would readily accept all over again," said a visibly moved Thornton during the ceremony.
Enlisting in the Marine Corps on August 23, 1979, Thornton, a Baltimore native, began his career. When he reported for basic training at Parris Island, S.C., he believed he had what it took to be one of the few.
"I joined the Marines because it was known to be the toughest branch," Thorton said, "and I thought I was a tough kid."
He soon learned that it would take more than being tough to make it through boot camp. Although, in the beginning, he started to question his abilities to live up to his commitments, he learned more about himself and what it was to be a Marine.
"The Marine Corps tested me and challenged me to what I thought were my limits. I learned I could go further than I imagined," said Thornton.
Thornton's limits were tested throughout his career in various billets. One of the places he would prove his worth was the very place where it had all started. He returned to Parris Island as Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. Thornton, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. During his tour of duty on the drill field, he also served as a senior drill instructor; and eventually a series gunnery sergeant. According to Thornton, he was afforded the opportunity to mold and shape many young lives.
"What makes me most proud about my career, are the years I spent at Parris Island, framing young Marines," said Thornton. "It was a chance for me to give back to a great institution what it gave to me. It was very satisfying, to have one of my recruits, after having a better understanding of things, come to me and say,'Thanks'."
He continued to move through a variety of billets and commands before he was transferred to MarForRes to assume the duties of Force sergeant major in July, 1999.Thornton exclaimed it was an awesome responsibility to be the senior enlisted Marine of the largest command in the Marine Corps. MarForRes holds nearly 90,000 Marines in its ranks, nationwide.
Throughout his illustrious career, Thornton was decorated with awards such as four Meritorious Service Medals; two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals; and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. As a final symbol of achievement, he was presented with the Legion of Merit award at his retirement ceremony. Graciously and humbly, Thornton accepted the award, attributing those Marines he has served with.
"The Marine Corps didn't teach me to accept things for myself," said Thornton. "Any and all success that I have attained over the past thirty years is directly related to every Marine whose path I have been fortunate enough to cross. To me, every mark of my success has been measured by my ability to take care of Marines."
I am a product of those Marines I have served under and with over the years, he said. They have set the example for me to emulate and encouraged me to grow into the Marine leader I am today.
Thornton and his wife of 11 years, Teri, intend to reside in Raymore, Mo., where he will work toward his goal of becoming a teacher.
"I look forward to making a positive impact on the youth of America," he said. "If I carry the ethos that I carried with me in the Marine Corps, I will be successful."
The Marine Corps gave Thornton the opportunity to be a teacher, in many ways, over the years.
"For me, the past 30 years have been of professional growth, learning and teaching experience," said Thornton, "a time of coming to grips with perceived limitations and overcoming them; a time of lifetime friendships and unselfish camaraderie; and a time of giving back to our Corps through teaching and mentoring. Yet, somehow I always felt that I received more than I was ever able to giveback."
As an epilogue to a career of great personal and professional accomplishments, Thornton offered some advice to those Marines just starting out and to those who continue on.
"Do your job and do it well -- know yourself and constantly improve. We have all been touched by 226 years of history; therefore, we all make a difference -- Semper Fidelis."