An Inspiring Journey: Celebrating 19 Years of Service in the Marine Corps

Today, I want to shine a spotlight on an incredible service member who holds a special place in my heart—my husband, Justin McCord. As we celebrate his 19 years in the Marine Corps, it’s a perfect opportunity to share his inspiring journey and the milestones that make June an extraordinary month for him.

Firstly, June 6th marks Justin’s birthday, a day to honor the remarkable person he is and the countless lives he has touched. Then, on June 14th, he commemorates his Marine Corps anniversary, coinciding with Flag Day—a fitting tribute to his unwavering dedication to serving our country. And let’s not forget Father’s Day, a chance to appreciate the loving father and role model he has become.

Yesterday, not only did Justin hit this incredible milestone, but he was also promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant—an achievement that reflects his unwavering commitment, hard work, and leadership skills.

I had the privilege of speaking with Tracy Cook, Justin’s mother, to gain insights into his upbringing. Tracy faced numerous challenges as a young single mother, but her love and support for Justin never wavered. Despite the difficulties, she made sacrifices to ensure he had the best upbringing possible.

From an early age, Justin displayed his intelligence, curiosity, and creativity. He was recognized for his exceptional abilities and was even selected for the gifted program in third grade. I learned about a heartwarming memory when Justin’s mother celebrated his selection by allowing him to choose any candy he wanted—a gesture that remains cherished to this day. Mentos became a symbol of that proud moment, and our daughter continues the tradition of gifting him Mentos on special occasions.

In 2nd grade, Justin stole the spotlight in the school play “Christmas at the O.K. Corral” as Bubble Gum Bart, a charismatic black-hat cowboy known for his iconic big wad of bubblegum. Oh, how I wish there were pictures to capture that unforgettable moment!

Throughout his childhood, Justin excelled academically, with straight A’s being the norm. In middle school he discovered his passion for games, particularly Dungeons & Dragons. While maintaining his involvement in sports, Justin’s love for games, books, and intellectual pursuits remained steadfast—a passion that continues to shape his life today.

Justin’s journey wasn’t without a few misadventures. There was an incident in his youth involving a BB gun and cans, which led to a humorous encounter with law enforcement. Tracy, always firm but fair, decided that the BB gun was better off in the hands of the officer. It’s now a lighthearted memory that brings smiles to their faces when shared.

 When Justin decided to move to Kansas City to live with his father during his sophomore year of high school, Tracy, though saddened, understood his desire for that connection. It was during his junior year that he expressed his aspiration to become a United States Marine. Tracy’s heart sank, as any mother’s would, fearing that her son’s dreams would overshadow the pursuit of higher education. But Tracy, ever supportive, assured Justin that she would stand by him no matter what path he chose, just as she had always wanted to pursue her own dreams.

On June 14th, 2004, a week after his high school graduation, Justin left for boot camp, marking the beginning of his military journey. Fast forward to today, and Justin has traveled to 18 countries in service, endured six deployments, relocated six times (soon to be seven), and received a nomination for Communicator of the Year. Tracy’s dedication to family and the tradition of gathering around the dinner table for shared meals and conversations has transcended generations, now practiced by Justin’s own family.

Justin’s Uncle Steve was an extraordinary individual who left an indelible mark on Justin’s life. As an Army enlistee, Uncle Steve saw something special in Justin and became the first person to instill the belief that he could excel in the Marine Corps. Throughout Justin’s childhood, Uncle Steve played the role of a father figure and mentor, guiding him with his wisdom and experiences.

Uncle Steve’s intelligence shone brightly, even in the face of adversity. Despite being suspended just two weeks before graduation, he managed to achieve straight A’s without taking a single final—a testament to his exceptional intellect and determination.

Justin and his siblings cherish the memories of the quality time spent with their Uncle Steve. He would take them on exciting outings, such as trips to the arcade, fishing adventures, and movie outings. However, one activity that stands out in their memories is playing SpellFire cards together—an experience that fostered joy, camaraderie, and a shared love for gaming.

Tragically, Uncle Steve passed away in 2004 while Justin was undergoing his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training. His loss left a void in Justin’s life, but the impact he made and the values he instilled in Justin continue to shape him as an individual and a service member.

As Tracy and I concluded our conversation, the emotion in her voice was palpable. She expressed her overwhelming pride in Justin, knowing that he has pursued his dreams with unwavering determination. As a mother, there could be no greater satisfaction than witnessing her child grow into a remarkable individual who follows their passion and makes a difference in the world. “He’s made me so proud.  So proud.  He followed his dreams.” 

TUNA CASSEROLE 

Recipe Courtesy of Tracy Cook

1 pound of macaroni 

2-3 tbs of butter

2 cans drained tuna in water

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can of corn drained

6-8 of sliced American cheese

Up to 1/4 cup milk, if needed

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook noodles according to the package directions.  Drain well and add some butter to coat the noodles.  Add the tuna, cream of mushroom soup and the corn, then stir in the cheese.  If it’s too dry, add up to 1/4 cup of milk. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Can put sliced cheese on top if desired.  

Serve immediately!