There’s a saying among Marines: “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” It’s a motto that’s also their way of life. While many military members retire from service and settle into civilian life, Marines never really leave the fight. Even after they hang up their uniform, they stay committed to protecting others and serving their communities.
The truth is, there’s no such thing as a former Marine. We see their dedication in movies and books all the time, where retired Marines find themselves pulled back into action, be it a zombie apocalypse, a natural disaster, or an abduction of a family member. It’s like they want to enjoy a peaceful family life, but something always drags them back into dangerous situations where only a Marine’s skills can save the day. It’s almost as if they can’t turn off their instinct to protect, defend, and fight for others.
Sometimes, it’s their old units or organizations that call them back for special projects, knowing that only someone with a Marine’s training and experience can get the job done.
A Real-Life Example: Harvest Town by David Host
One great example of how “once a Marine, always a Marine” plays out is found in the book Harvest Town by David Host. In the small town of Norton, Washington, a series of strange disappearances are taking place. People and even pets are vanishing without a trace, and something sinister is happening in the background.
A group of retired Marines are drawn into the mystery. They soon discover a dark underground organization that’s involved in the illegal harvesting of human organs and tissues, all being sold on the black market. As they investigate, they realize that the danger is much bigger than they initially thought, and innocent lives are at risk.
Even though these men are no longer active-duty Marines, their training and skills lead them to take action. They can’t stand by while evil spreads through their community. The fight for justice, for the people who can’t defend themselves, becomes their mission—just as it was when they wore the uniform. In Harvest Town, Host paints a powerful picture of how the values of a Marine never truly go away. They may leave active duty, but they never stop being a Marine at heart.
The book is now available for purchase on Amazon, so go grab your copies now!
