From a family of warriors: 31st MEU Marine the motivation of Bravo Company

OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.06.2016

Story by Cpl. Samantha Villarreal 

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit       

The way someone is raised and the experiences they go through serve not only to shape them as an individual but changes how they treat those around them. Sgt. Matthew Behan, a squad leader with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, was influenced by his heroes, his father and his uncle, who taught him from an early age values similar to the Marine Corps’ own.
“The biggest things I’ve gotten from my father are humility, respect and integrity. Your word is your bond,” said Behan. “My father has been a huge inspiration throughout my whole life. He’s my hero.”
Respect is something Behan incorporates into his leadership and bestows upon his Marines.
“By respecting your Marines you gain their respect and willingness to work with you,” said Behan.
Behan’s uncle, a Vietnam Marine who lost both of his legs, also helped influence and inspire him to follow in his footsteps and become a Marine.
“I’ve wanted to be a Marine since I was five,” said Behan. “Growing up, my uncle has always been an inspiration. He’s never let his injuries stop him from what he sets out to do and he was always well respected both in the Corps and outside of it. It’s what really got me to want to join.”
Behan is known throughout his company as a motivating leader who inspires and uplifts the Marines.
“He’s the most motivated Marine in the company,” said Lance Cpl. Dominic Capra a scout swimmer from Laurens, Kansas with Bravo Co., BLT 1/5, 31st MEU. “If we’re in a bad situation, i.e. being miserable in the field, he’ll find a way to motivate you and get you to have a better time than you’re having.”
During the first few years of enlistment, Behan was considering leaving the Marine Corps once his contract expired. All that changed when he joined BLT 1/5. He found a place with prominent values similar to the ones his heroes had taught him. It was the closest version of the Marine Corps he’d envisioned from the stories his uncle had told him.
“The Marine Corps wasn’t what I thought it would be, I saw a lot of things I didn’t like and until I came to 1/5 I didn’t see myself reenlisting,” said Behan. “I found really good leadership here. I wanted to give back what they gave to me and teach Marines which led to me reenlisting.”
According to Behan, one of the most amazing things he’s experienced during his three years with BLT 1/5 is watching the progression of his Marines, seeing them grow and mature, and knowing he had an impact on them.
“I’m just here to take care of my guys and make sure they go where they need to go and hope they’ll pass on what they learned to others,” said Behan.
Behan goes out of his way to help his Marines in whatever way he can.
“He’s always teaching us something new and going out of his way to explain something if someone doesn’t understand,” said Capra. “He’s a fantastic squad leader and definitely something to strive to.”
Behan’s esprit de corps is inspiring and infectious.
“All I see from him is the motivation he bestows on his Marines and the camaraderie he’s developed in his squad,” said 1st Lt. Christian Helms a platoon commander with Bravo Co., BLT 1/5, 31st MEU.
The effort Behan puts into respecting and taking care of his Marines has resulted in his squad distinguishing themselves from their peers.
“Part of being a squad leader is being a mentor and taking care of your Marines,” said Helms a Destin, Florida native. “His squad is one of the best in the company and he’s definitely played a huge part in that.”

• Date Taken: 04.06.2016
• Date Posted: 05.06.2016 01:26
• Story ID: 196323
• Location: OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: DESTIN, FL, US
• Hometown: EAST HAMPTON, NY, US
• Hometown: LAWRENCE, KS, US