Sound Off

The Heart of the Corps

From the Editor

The "uncommon valor" of Marines on the battlefields of America's history has helped make the Marine Corps the legendary service that it is. But when the smoke clears and the battlefields are left far behind, there are other stories that must be told.

These stories also involve combat, but with a different enemy. It is the pain of burned flesh and lost limbs; it is the exhaustion of facing the seemingly insurmountable odds against recuperation; it is mental fatigue and combat stress.

But the wounded are still Marines, and their indomitable hearts and spirits continue to make them formidable opponents as they fight on a new front – the operating rooms and therapy wards of military hospitals across America.

Many of these Marines have battled their enemies and emerged victorious, ready to face the new challenges of remaining on active duty with physical disabilities. Their spirits are not broken; they want to serve.

Their stories are reminders to us all of what Marines can accomplish when they put their hearts and minds to it and refuse to take no for an answer.

In this issue, Marines recognizes some of the warriors who have fought to remain on active duty despite their wounds, and some of the families and friends of fallen warriors who, in their own ways, honor their heroes.

Semper Fi,
Marines