My favorite Marine was a retired Gunnery MSgt. named “Carolina” Leon Choceij. Sarge loved the Corps. He ALWAYS conducted himself as a Marine, even long after he retired. He called women, “Ma’am,” and men, “Sir,” as if they all had rank. On the Corps’ birthday, he could be found in the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau, his old steel helmet beside him on the bar, hoisting his beers to his only real love, the Corps. He had a unique honor — the bartenders in the Red Dog loved Carolina, and just for him, they ordered his favorite beer in quart bottles, because he could down a 12-oz bottle in one gulp. The quarts at least gave the bartenders time to wait on other patrons.
He rented a basement apartment in a little house just up the street from the Red Dog, and he never drank anywhere else, except at home. And he never missed a day of work as a chef in the cafeteria of the Federal Building where I worked.
If I wore a hat, it would be off today in honor of the best Marine I ever knew. Ooh-Rah, Sarge!
“When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. You are part of the world’s most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith in your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit. For the Mission’s sake, our country’s sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division’s colors in past battles – who fought for life and never lost their nerve – carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world there is No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy than a U.S. Marine.” – Major General James N. Mattis. Commander, 1st Marine Division, March 30, 2003, on the eve of crossing into Iraq














