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An up close and personal interview with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:
LtCol Matthew E. Sutton U.S. Marine Corps (Ret) (1981-2012)
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS?
One of my jobs after graduating high school was to assist refugees in finding employment as they settled into the Washington-Baltimore area during the early 1980's.The refugees I worked with came from: Ethiopia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Cambodia, and Cuba. I lived in an apartment on the grounds of the Church of the Brethren, in New Windsor, Maryland. The refugees I worked with lived in the adjacent building. Since most of these people spoke very good English, it enabled us to socialize often, and we usually shared in each preparing our native ethnic food. I would cook an American meal one night, and each took turns reciprocating with their native dish. During conversation, their stories often described the extremely oppressive conditions in their home countries this seemed to be a universal theme. Well, it was certainly an eye opener for me. With the exception of the Cuban boat person who was eventually deported, each was profoundly grateful to have the opportunity to start a new life in America and have the chance of becoming an U.S. citizen.They worked very hard towards this goal, and I was inspired and moved from this experience. Most worked two or three jobs to build a meager savings. From this experience I realized that I should serve at least one enlistment in service of my country and so I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. I did not know then that I would remain to make a lengthy career out of it.
WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
A review of my TWS profile indicates a variety of experiences as an enlisted Marine, Warrant Officer, and Limited Duty Officer (LDO). It was a continual learning experience for me as each different role and responsibility presented a unique challenge. Adapting to these changes was a rewarding adventure.
I initially only enlisted as a reservist, but after I had completed basic training, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) school, and returned home, that I realized I enjoyed the traveling, camaraderie, and steady paycheck. Transitioning from a reservist to active duty was not easy. It required me to visit a recruiter and complete all the administrative processing all over again, but since the recruiter did not receive any credit, it was not a priority. In the meantime, I found work as a lab technician at the Cambridge Rubber Company, Taneytown, Maryland. One of my tasks was to monitor the air and water quality to make sure it was a safe environment for the assembly line workers. My daily report, with my signature, went to the company vice president for review. The quality standards were far below acceptable levels, but the workers told me that they were not concerned because they depended upon their jobs. I was trapped in an ethical conundrum in which I could not do right, so I quit.
Anyway, Beirut was heating up for the Marines, so I accelerated my effort to go active duty. In order to go active duty, I needed to lateral move into the infantry. Considering the alternative, I did so with enthusiasm. The Gunnery Sergeant at the MEPS was a Vietnam veteran with three Purple Hearts, and a chest full of other decorations. He promised that I would get two squares a day, and might get shot in-between meals at some point. Off to Camp Geiger I went to attend Infantry Training School (Alpha Company).
 While in transit to my first assignment, some of us were asked if we wanted to go to Beirut. First Battalion, Eighth Marines was short Riflemen, and they were departing in a few days. I volunteered in a heartbeat. After notifying my parents of this last minute choice, I was in high spirits. Apparently at the last minute, the Marines at 1/8 who had gone UA and which we were to replace were located, our hopes were dashed when we were dropped from the roster. My first assignment was with Second Battalion, Second Marine Regiment. I was initially with Golf Company, but later in my tour I was transferred to be the battalion armory chief because at that point I had both the MOS of Small Arms Repair, and Rifleman. It was a busy several years, and our battalion traveled all over the world. I was later reassigned to 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, USS Forrestal, Marine Barracks Cecil Field, and Third Marine Division G-4 Ordnance before I was selected for the Enlisted to Warrant Officer Program. I had a unique series of assignments as an enlisted Marine because I was both a small arms technician and an Infantryman. I was fortunate to have served the majority of my career with infantry staffed commands at each tiered level. My two formal school assignments were as the Ordnance Officer at the School of Infantry (West), and as the Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Ordnance Center and School, Aberdeen Proving Ground ordnance and infantry. I was retired under the mandatory statute that applies to LDO's who are not permitted to exceed 30 years active duty. I was able to remain one year beyond that to complete my obligated three years time in grade as a Lieutenant Colonel. Yes, HQMC sent me a kind letter reminding me of the service limitations that applied to me.
IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN COMBAT, PEACEKEEPING OR HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH WERE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY.
I was stationed at the Navy Annex of the Pentagon during the September 11, 2001 attack. I saw first hand the results of this deadly mass terror plot. This was a very profound experience in that in my mind placed true emphasis on what we later strove to accomplish in Iraq. I served in Iraq in 2004 during the return of sovereignty, and until after the second battle of Fallujah.  I have to admit that for me personally, Fallujah served as reconciliation and provided me with a sense of justice in response to the events on September 11th, 2001. This was because in 2004, Fallujah was host to hundreds, if not thousands, of experienced foreign terrorists from all over the world, each with the singular aim to carry out Jihad on Americans.
The second battle of Fallujah will forever be known as an epic portion of Marine Corps history as it was the largest urban battle since Hue City, Vietnam. One detail that I think is unfortunately overlooked is the incredible amount of coordination and participation between the Marine Corps and the Army. It was a real pleasure working with my Army counterparts, and it renewed my appreciation for their many skills and capabilities, and they said the same about the Marine Corps. It was a classic joint operation. By the way, this working relationship was initially forged in August 2004 when the Army and Marines joined a sort of "Ad Hoc" force to fight in the historical city of An Najaf. I hope that these battles will serve as the hallmark for joint cooperation during future operations.
The patriotism that transpired as a result of 9-11 inspired many to join the armed forces. This volunteerism continued to amaze me even after a decade of steady combat. The amount of able-bodied volunteers, each knowing full and well the dangers inherent of serving in combat is an indication that the younger generation will carry the day.
OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH ONE WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
My fondest duty assignment was when I was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division, G4 Ordnance office during the late 80's and early 90's. I enjoyed working alongside some of the most experienced and talented senior experts in my technical field. I had the opportunity to visit every 3rd Marine Division unit on the Okinawa to provide training, and to also learn from the many Unit Deployment Program (UDP) units who rotated in and out. I enjoyed living off base in Gushikawa, and spent a great deal of my off duty time SCUBA diving, going to local festivals, and visiting World War Two historical sites it was fantastic. It was during this assignment that Desert Storm unfolded before us. The 3rd Marine Division Ordnance staff was suddenly focused on preparing the final touches of sending battalions forward to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. We also became somewhat challenged as reserve infantry battalions arrived as the follow-on echelon, requiring many equipment upgrades to meet active duty standards. The 3rd Marine Division Headquarters was scheduled to follow-on behind, but the war was over before that became necessary.
The most difficult challenge logistically, was the complex process of receiving returning equipment, repairing it at Naha Harbor, and returning it to its owning unit. The Marine Corps did this poorly in terms of accountability, and it took years to recover from. These lessons were recalled during the retrograde of equipment from Iraq. Those of us who suffered the Desert Storm equipment and accountability debacle, refined the process, and this also held us in good stead during the retrograde of equipment and supplies from Afghanistan. This was my last major project at Camp Pendleton before I retired. As for the least favorite, there were short assignments that I did not appreciate for anything other then learning that there were indeed variances of leadership. Thankfully, these were rare, and only temporary assignments, which served as valuable lessons to me, and I like to think, also made me a better leader.
FROM YOUR ENTIRE SERVICE, INCLUDING COMBAT, DESCRIBE THE PERSONAL MEMORIES WHICH HAVE IMPACTED YOU MOST?
As I described earlier, the events that occurred at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, made me realize just how vulnerable Americans are even in the center of the nations capitol. Watching the Pentagon burning was not something I would have expected to witness during this assignment. I was astonished that there were not more casualties because the portion of the building struck was not yet fully occupied after renovation. A month later, during October 2001, a similar experience occurred when I was attending the Navy Capitol Hill Workshop. In the midst of our studies at the Capitol, anthrax contamination was discovered which ultimately killed several Federal Postal workers.These two events had a certain impact on me personally, but more importantly it had a strong bearing on the U.S. strategic policies that soon followed, and which dictated, in one form or another, the remainder of my career.
WHAT ACHIEVEMENT(S) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
The most humbling recognition at least in the form of receiving a military medal was being personally decorated by the Secretary of the Navy Gordon England in the Pentagon courtyard. I was presented with the Navy Commendation Medal for my small part in contributing to the search and rescue of those who perished or were injured during the 9/11 attacks.  With that said, the achievements for which I am most proud are meeting the cumulative challenges posed to me over a long career. Each set of challenges grew exponentially as I progressed into positions of greater responsibility. The attrition rate for Marines to advance is high, particularly with the "up or out" promotion policy. High standards are strictly adhered to, and competition among peers for advancement is keen. At the same time, one must not lose sight of the obligation to take care of their Marines and also contribute to the success of ones seniors and peers team first. There is a lot of work involved to remain a respected and creditable member of that team. Achievement is measured by sustained superior performance so when the Marine Corps recognizes this as it does from time to time it's extremely gratifying.
OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICES YOU RECEIVED, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE ONE(S) MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
Without a doubt I treasure my Rifle Expert Marksmanship Badge (9th Award). It is a tangible symbol of what the Marine Corps is all about as an institution. Every Marine is a basic rifleman. This credential, combined with my  Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 0311 Infantryman are the most meaningful to me in a "grass roots" traditional sense. These are the all-encompassing symbols of being a United States Marine.
In terms of uniqueness, according to the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Association, I am the second U.S. Marine to have been inducted into the Order of Samuel Sharpe, Master of Gunnery. Former Marine Captain Dr. William Atwater, then the Director of the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Museum, was the first to receive this distinction. Dr. Atwater was a company commander of a rifle company until he was wounded, and evacuated from Vietnam. This honor is a BIG deal within the Army Ordnance Corps, and awarding it to an active duty Marine was slightly controversial. I contribute earning this distinction from the Marine detachments effort in building a familiar working relationship with the Brigade command, and demonstrating the Marine Corps ethos, which was greatly admired by our Army hosts.
WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
I would certainly recognize a great deal of credit to Sergeant Major Edward Warren. A Vietnam veteran, and professional mentor, who taught me more about being a Marine leader then anyone else. He was actively involved in training us young NCO's, and he set the personal example for us to emulate. I had the opportunity to serve under First Sergeant Warren when I was at Marine Barracks Cecil Field. He is a firm and decisive leader, but one never to hold a grudge. If we were lucky enough to run with him at lunch, we could sometimes cajole an example of his experience when he served as a Sergeant with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in 1969. Many lessons of leadership and tactics were shared in this way.
I owe equal gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel David "Jake" Jacobus, also a Vietnam veteran, who gave me the opportunity to grow professionally, and who also provided a tremendous lesson in leadership by example, and loyalty. I am positive that his direct influence contributed to my being competitively selected into the Enlisted to Warrant Officer Program. Jake served as a tanker in Vietnam, and is a master in maintenance management. Under his leadership, I quickly learned the ground ordnance maintenance community, and the many complex networks of mutual support available across the Marine Corps. This was a very powerful tool in learning to become an effective Ordnance Officer.
I remain in contact with both today, and will forever be grateful to them, and the many others who assisted me in becoming a better Marine.
Saved round: I would be remiss in my duties if I failed to mention three other officers that really stood out to me as truly exemplary leaders, and which I happened to directly report to during my tour on the First Marine Regimental staff. I worked for both Major's Louis Craparotta and Raymond Fox. Each rotated through the S-4 Logistics Officer billet, each with an effective leadership style. Never before though, had I worked directly for a successive group of leaders that intuitively drew us together as a team. These are rare Marines who earned our great admiration, loyalty, and respect. Another was the Regimental Executive Officer, LtCol. Brickhouse who was cut from the same cloth. These three officers set the gold standard, and not surprisingly both Louis Craparotta and Raymond Fox rose to the General officer grades. Colonel Brickhouse went on to command First Battalion, First Marines, and later the prestigious Marine Barracks Eighth & Eye during Commandant Jim Jones tenure before retiring.
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?
There are many things that have struck me as humorous over the years, but may in fact not be as funny to others. I did get a chuckle one time while attending a professional conference.  A popular Master Gunnery Sergeant known for being particularly squared away was giving a presentation.
The presentation was obviously rehearsed to perfection, and was going really well, it was very impressive to say the least. For some unknown reason, the Master Gunnery Sergeants patent leather shoe soles began to disintegrate. The entire soles were reduced into a mush of deteriorated rubber particles. Needless to say it was an embarrassing moment for the self-conscious SNCO, but it caused a huge roar of laughter. Lesson: Always inspect your shoes before going TAD. I actually had the same thing happen to a pair of my Bates shoes, but it thankfully happened when I was still home. I was just ready to attend a parade at the Marine Barracks 8th & I Streets, Washington, D.C. Luckily, I had my tried and true leather shoes as a back-up.
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?
After retirement from active duty, I was hired as a defense contractor. I also took the opportunity to earn a graduate degree using my earned 9/11 G.I. Bill. It is a terrific benefit that expires after tens years from separation. I highly recommend to anyone who has earned it, to take advantage of it before it expires. Military service combined with an education will certainly open doors for you that would not otherwise be assessible.
WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am a Life member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). This lobby group is the most influential of all the military service groups. I regularly participate in contacting my elected officials in Congress through the MOAA venue as issues present themselves.  I have found that Congressmen and women do pay attention to this type of feedback. In fact, they depend on it when taking a stand on legislation. It is particularly important this year as the Military Retirement and Compensation Review Board has published their results. There are some significant proposals that will be discussed as Congress grapples with diminishing budgets. Joining a service organization is important to retain the earned benefits we deserve. As an active member of the Hawaii State MOAA, I have enjoyed the company of other officers who have been retired or separated from the military for some time. My local MOAA is instrumental in sponsoring scholarships, influencing state legislation involving the military, and assists with helping survivors negotiate the administrative complexities after a retiree passes away.
One of my most memorable activities connected with MOAA, was to meet Admiral Mac Showers (Ret.) at the Pacific Aviation Museum. Admiral Showers was one of the intelligence officers who helped break the Japanese code before the Battle of Midway. He recounted his experience in sharp clarity and detail to an audience of professional intelligence officers on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor several months before he passed away at 95 years old.
I am also a life member with the Disable American Veterans (DAV).The DAV is an invaluable advocate when applying for benefits from Veterans Affairs. They will assist a veteran through the complexities of this cumbersome process. If you are going to file a claim with the VA benefits adjudication branch, you want to consult with the DAV. They are specifically trained to prepare your claim properly, and follow-up with it as necessary. It is virtually impossible to do this yourself without assistance from a qualified service organization.
IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER?
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After thirty years of active duty, that experience surely has a significant impact on who I am. I'm sure this applies to anyone with a long-term affiliation, regardless of it being military or civilian. I will say though, that when people are made aware that you were a career Marine, there is definitely a raised level of expectation for high standards and ethical conduct. The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor are a permanent part of anyone who has earned the title. Once a Marine, always a Marine, this is not just another slogan, it's truth.
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?
I would suggest that they set aside small amounts of their pay for personal investments. Seek a relationship with a professional financial adviser early, don't put this off.  I started investing relatively early with USPA, the precursor to First Command Financial, and it was the best financial decision I have ever made. Engaging with a financial planner will literally pay huge dividends in the long run, trust me on this. As you go through life, your monetary needs will vary, but without competent assistance to help forming a structured methodology of savings, and investment, you're simply compromising your ability to grow wealth. This advice is particularly true as military service pensions become increasingly under attack. This will place a larger burden on the service member forcing them to assume more responsibility for their financial independence. It is a difficult journey to make the military a career, but it has tremendous rewards that other professions cannot equal. You will not become rich in the military, but money cannot buy the pride and self-worth that comes from serving ones country as a United States Marine.
Semper Fidelis
IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
The TWS database has connected me with friends that I thought I would never hear from again. As I age, my ability to properly contextualize who I knew and when gets somewhat cloudy. The TWS site helps in this regard.
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LtCol Matthew E. Sutton
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TWS VOICES
TWS Voices are the personal stories of men and women who served in the US Military and convey how serving their Country has made a positive impact on their lives. If you would like to participate in a future edition of Voices, or know someone who might be interested, please contact TWS Voices HERE.
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