Hardig, Gerald, Sgt

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS.
I had planned to join the Marine Corps since I was a young kid. It was part of my planned future which worked out exactly as I had planned it. Plus the fact that m older Brothers had been Marines.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
After my enlistment in the Corps was completed, I started my career in Law Enforcement (again as part of the plan) where I served in one capacity or another for 40 plus years.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
Cold War service.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
The pride, the travel, the camaraderie, and the experience. (not to mention those outstanding looking uniforms).

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
The 2 most meaningful awards I received was "Right Guide" out of boot camp, and "Meritorious Cpl" 5 months later. My expert ratings with firearms as stuck with me to this day through my Law Enforcement career and my standing as a Master Fire Arms Instructor.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
Major Kerns who was the CO of Comm Co, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd MarDiv in 1957. He was an outstanding individual and an exceptional officer. He is the one presenting the trophy in the attached photo.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
The first time I looked in the mirror after they shaved my head in Boot Camp. Now that was funny.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
I went into Law Enforcement and am now retired.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I'm currently the Recruiting Officer for MCAS El Toro Det 017 of the MCL and soon to be the Jr. Vice Commandant.

Also belong to the Marine Corps Association and the 3rd Marine Div. Association
Military Order of the Devil Dogs.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
It taught me to take pride, honor, and dedication in my self and any endeavor that I took on.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?
Serve with pride and take advantage of every opportunity offered you.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
Keeps me in touch with my Brother Marines and keeps me reminded of what it's all about.

DMR