Elliott, Craig A., LtCol

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS.
My biggest influence for joining the Marine Corps was/is my Uncle Don (GySgt Donald Craig, Retired). From the first time I ever saw him in his Blues, I knew that was what I wanted to do.

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?
-Enlisted (Pvt thru GySgt) 1988-2002
-Warrant Officer (WO thru CWO3) 2002-2007
-Limited Duty Officer (Capt) 2007-Present

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?
Each of my Combat Tours were significant in that they provided me with unique insights that I could not have obtained otherwise.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
MSG Detachment Quito Ecuador. I absolutely loved Ecuador and the fact that I met and married my wife there was a sure clincher.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
The day I was promoted to Corporal. We didn't have name tapes back then and just walking back to the Barracks from work I was greeted by 3 separate Marines "Good Morning Corporal". That day will always stand out in my memories.

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 Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia). It is a very distinct looking medal and as it was my first experience in a combat situation, it has great significance to me.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
LtCol Daniel Westphal (6004 LDO). Although I was only fortunate enough to have worked for him for a little over 2 years, his impact on my leadership style is immense. His knowledge, experience and mentorship are priceless.

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 am currently the Production Control Officer for MALS-11 in Miramar.

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?
My military service has increased my understanding of today's world, even the job market and situation on the Civilian Side.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?
Make yourself marketable. By ensuring that you do everything the Marine Corps expects, and then MORE, you ensure that you are competitive when promotions/reenlistments come due.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and the US MARINES

It has provided me with a conduit for reconnecting with others from years gone by. There are too many people on Facebook with similar names to realistically track down those that had an impact on your career, but TWS makes that easy.

*J*