Marine Corps Stories: The Good Gunny

On this December day just before Christmas, the shops had mainly been emptied and the barracks seemed barren. Two Marines remained in the aviation ordnance shop to discuss the future.

“So, you’re going to blame everything on Gunny, right?” Gunnery Sergeant Shawn Patrick’s question daggered through Lance Corporal Rakin Tauer’s brain.

“Why no, Gunny. This has nothing to do with you. I’m getting that sweet DD214 on my own. I didn’t get run down under your watch. I just encountered a state of depression that couldn’t be lifted here. I would never blame anyone but myself for the circumstances in which I find myself,” Tauer said.

“I just wanted to make sure because in the past, I’ve received some nasty emails from Mommies and Daddies dogging me for something that I didn’t do. I just wanted to make sure.”

Tauer straightened. “I can assure you that there is no way that you precipitated the events between Corporal Banister and myself. I’ve always wanted to be a Marine. I never expected my time to be truncated in this fashion, especially with me not being in a combat zone. But I’m well with it all. I’ve been able to seek out therapy and truly regain my status as a healthy individual, in body and mind.”

“That’s good. That’s good.” The Gunny’s face turned solemn. “Are you going to miss all of this?”

“Totally. I’m stoked to go back home and into the civilian world, but I will never forget the experiences that I encountered here. Thank you for your guidance and wisdom during this whole process.”

Gunny sat up in his seat. “So, what are you going to do with yourself?”

“I’m probably going to use my MOS and find a civilian job out there that is equivalent to what I did here in the Corps.”

Two seconds passed by. Patrick and Tauer burst out laughing. It was both mocking and soul-stirring at the same time.

“That was classic. Anyway, I still feel some kind of way,” Patrick admitted. “I mean I’m the one responsible for your well-being and fitness. I was, at least….”

“I disagree with the fact that my mental state was ever your concern, Gunny. I mean I went to chaps, talked to chaps, couldn’t do anything with chaps because I’m an atheist and a capitalist, instead of a believer and altruist. You sent me to him in my darkest hour. You had no clue what I was going through. But you did what you thought was right. So, don’t beat yourself up over something that happened in my head chemically.”

Patrick just nodded. He placed his left hand over his right hand. And inhaled. “I did everything that I could….”

“I don’t doubt that, Gunny. I appreciate the fact that you attempted to do all within your power to ensure that your Marines were able to fulfill their roles. I couldn’t. So back to Delaware I go with the chance to chart a better life for myself.”

“Start a family…?”

“Start a family. There are so many opportunities in this great big earth, especially in these good old United States, that I’ll be overwhelmed with them. I do wish to say that your guidance and professionalism sustained me through some of the most horrific times in my life.”

“It was my pleasure being not just your boss but also your business ally. Because as you’ve heard I’m sure over and over ‘it’s all business’ in the Marine Corps. For you to be so honest and upfront and smart enough to keep going without fail is a true testament to your character. Jesus, I sound like a goddamn greeting card.”

More laughs.

“But seriously, thanks, Gunny. I am indebted to you.”

“Don’t think of it.”

Then, Tauer followed Patrick into the adjacent shop to be promoted to corporal in an extremely small ceremony with the Executive Officer Lena Nial and Sergeant Major Doug Gummer also in attendance. Taurer and Patrick both stood tall despite the past few months of confusion and darkness. Now, they could see the light.