An up close and personal interview with U.S. Marine and Togetherweserved.com Member:
Sgt Major Justin LeHew
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS?
I come from a very small and patriotic town in Northwest Ohio. My father served in the US Army in the 29th Infantry Division and landed on Omaha Beach, 6 June 1944. After the war he went on to join the newly created US Air Force, served in Korea and continued to serve until his retirement in 1964. I had an uncle who was a Marine on Guadalcanal in 1942. I grew up touring military installations with my parents in addition to attending VFW events and playing American Legion Baseball. Positive exposure to military life at a young age and sheer patriotic duty I guess had a lot to do with it.
Briefly, what was your military service career path?
I entered the US Marine Corps as an AMTRAC crewman in 1988 going on to serve in every billet from Crewman to Operations Chief and every leadership billet in between. From 1996-1999 I served as a Drill Instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. As a First Sergeant, I served in the Infantry and Reconnaissance community and as a Reconnaissance Sergeant Major. I have served in the combat arms and ground combat field my entire career.
Did you participate in combat operations? If so, which ones?
My first time in combat was as a young AMTRAC crewman during Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991. I have served three tours in Iraq since 2003, most notably during the battles for Nasiriyah in 2003 and Najaf in 2004.
Folks always ask me what the intensity of Nasiriyah was like during the initial invasion in 2003. I was involved in sustained combat operations as well in 2004-2005 in Najaf and sent elements of the BLT North to support the Fallujah operation as well. The operation in Najaf was sustained and intense combat from 5 - 28 August, 2004. I tell them, wrap all of that up in a 12 hour period and you come close to what Nasiriyah was like. It was intense to say the least. It is a wonder that many of us made it out of that city alive. So many things happened during the push into that city that they could make a 10 hour miniseries alone on just that one action. The acts of heroism that I personally witnessed by our forces during the fight for that city ranks up there with any other that I have ever read about in the history of US warfare. Unfortunately the number of awards pale in comparison.
Needless to say, if Lt Col Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller or GySgt Dan Daly, two of the greatest legends in Marine Corps history would be around to serve in today's military, it is my own personal opinion that neither would be the recipient of 5 Navy Crosses (Puller) nor two medals of honor and a DSC (Daly). It just wouldn't happen and unfortunately for the combat history of this generation of war fighter, that is sad.
Najaf from 5-28 August 2004: My time serving with BLT 1/4 and the 11th MEU in Najaf was most notably the best combat experience of my career. That unit truly was comparable to the Band of Brothers of WWII fame. All elements of the BLT were a well trained and well oiled unit that served for the greater good of the entire unit as a whole. There were no attitudes and cross talk and support was the norm. Every unit in the operation got along famously and all shared for the greater good of each other. I had never experienced anything like it in my career up until that time and have not since. From fighting in 140 degree heat inside of the largest cemetery in the world, the Wadi a Salam, to gearing up for a major assault on the Imam Ali shrine in the center of the old city, the fighting men of 1/4 were in the right place at the right time and were the best Infantrymen that America had on the field of battle during that time period. Although Fallujah will always be the crown jewel of the war in Iraq when it comes to the history books, the fight in Najaf was just as intense and successful and I am extremely proud to say that I was a part of it. All fought like lions.
[Editors Note: Sgt Major LeHew was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on 23 and March 24, 2003 during the initial 2003 invasion of Iraq. He was also involved in the rescue operation of the U.S. Army's 507th Maintenance Company and is also a recipient of the Bronze Star W/V with Combat distinguishing device for his heroic actions from 5 to August 28, 2004 during the Battle of Najaf. See official Citation opposite.]
From your entire service career what particular memory stands out as being the one which has had the biggest impact on you?
Becoming a US Marine Drill Instructor was a life changing experience that set me in the right direction for the rest of my career. It was the first time that I truly felt that my actions had an effect on the greater good of the US Marine Corps and the citizens of the United States. You were performing a job that was going to alter the life of a young man for the rest of his life and hopefully provide a solid foundation for him to go on to be a great citizen as well, both in and out of uniform.
Which individual would you say has had the most positive influence on you and your career and why?
To name one would be an incredibly hard task as I was influenced by many people along the way but in 1993 I was getting out of the Marine Corps and only had 4 months left. For some reason my chain of command sent me to the Sergeants Course in Camp Lejeune, NC and that changed my life forever. It was there that a couple of instructors on that staff motivated me to pursue a different course with my life and reenlist in the Marines. The rest is history.
What are you doing now?
I am the Battalion Sergeant Major for the world finest bunch of Special Operations Reconnaissance Marines and Sailors at 1st Recon Battalion.
How has serving in the Marine Corps influenced the way you now approach your life and career?
It is the foundation that defines everything that I am. Not many folks can say that they have got to live their dreams in their lifetime. I knew that this was what I was meant to do from a young age and I have got to live my dreams for the past 22 years and some change. Nothing is better than that. My parents provided me with a solid foundation to enter the US Military. I owe a lot to my upbringing and the great job they did. They get the most credit for who I am today, along with my community. I always was surrounded by hard working, patriotic people. Serving in the Military just reinforced all that even more and gave me the drive, discipline, desire and motivation to accomplish anything I set out to do.
How has Togetherweserved.com helped you maintain a bond with the military and those you served with?
This is an incredible website and resource! It has helped me reunite with so many who have served with me in the past in all branches and has transcended generational gaps as well linking together Servicemen and Women of all generations, regardless of period served as we are all bonded by basically the same thing. I have had a chance to tap into a wealth of experience and knowledge from past generations of warriors and through that contact they have had a great influence on shaping this generation of war fighter. Lessons learned in past conflicts are just as relevant today if not more and I use it all to assist me in leading the wonderful men and women we have in the Corps today. |
Sgt Major Justin LeHew
View Sgt Major LeHew's Shadowbox on TWS
Navy Cross Citation
LeHew OIF
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