Sgt. Tauch: Rifleman, stableman, family man

Photo By Laurie Pearson | Sgt. Steward Tauch shares quality time with his son Logan, age 7, at a dinner function held before the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. (Photo courtesy Sgt. Steward Tauch).  

BARSTOW, CA, UNITED STATES

06.23.2016

Story by Laurie Pearson  

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow

Originally from Long Beach, California, Sgt. Steward Tauch, had no experience in riding horses before being assigned as a stableman with the Marine Corps’ last Mounted Color Guard, aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow.
In 2008, Tauch entered the United States Marine Corps as a rifleman. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, also known as Joker Company where he served as a squad leader for 2nd Platoon, 2nd Squad. His service with the Corps has taken him all over the world, he said, and to such places as Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Australia, as well as a combat tour in Afghanistan.
His long list of awards include Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, National Defense Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism, NATO Medal - International Security Assistance Force, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal with one star, Sea Service Deployment with 2 stars, Meritorious Mast, Letter of Appreciation and Certificate of Appreciation.
With regard to his service, the part Tauch likes best is the fleet life.
“I love fleet life,” he said. “(and) having to deploy with a unit you have been doing a workup with. It brings the cohesion from the bottom up and gives you a sense of understanding of the brotherhood.”
Although Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton was his favorite duty station, he also enjoyed being sent to Australia, training with the “Aussies” and getting to visit the popular vacation town of Cairns. There are also definite perks to serving with the MCG, as well.
“Being a part of the MCG is a lot different from what I was use to in the Marines,” Tauch said. “(It’s a) different workload and getting to work with horses for the first time (is a huge change). I’ve never worked with horses before until I got here and it's an experience I will never forget. (Especially) getting to travel around the U.S. and see different cities that appreciate the military.”
One example is Elizabeth, Colorado, explained Tauch.
“Due to the people and the way they treat military servicemen,” he said, “this is one city (in which) I would retire.”
In his off-time, this Marine is a big family man.
“As I have five brothers and five sisters,” said Tauch, “we always have birthday (parties) one time out of the month. We are basically a family who likes to have fun and enjoy the beach when it’s warm, and barbecue if we can fit the whole family into one house.”
The highlight of his family is, of course, his seven-year-old son, Logan. With a background in dance lessons, Tauch is passing the torch to his son, teaching him his dance floor moves.
Aside from teaching his son dance moves Tauch said, “Logan is a good swimmer, so we go to the pool and work on his form and stuff.”
Tauch is also teaching Logan to be a car enthusiast.
“He knows the basics,” he explained. “He understands that a turbo car is faster than a non-turbo car.”
To new Marines entering the Corps, Tauch offers words of wisdom.
“Be willing to change at any moment,” he said. “The Marine Corps is a different type of breed. If they need a wolf, become a leader. If they need a pit bull, be vicious. If they need a herd of sheep, working party up, then work.”
One important lesson Tauch has learned along the way is how to lead.
“I've trained with many leaders, from the best ones to the worst ones,” explained Tauch. “Good leaders talk less and listen more. (They’re) willing to lead from the front, rather than sit back and watch it unfold. Throughout the years, I got to understand (myself) and have (gained) a sense of purpose in the Corps. I have developed a bigger understanding of why we are here and how to contribute to the whole.”
“I am a Marine fulfilling a duty to my country,” he continued. “I am the first out of eleven kids in the family to have enlisted into the Armed Service. I bring honesty, hard work, and dedication. I am the first Cambodian to have been on the Mounted Color Guard. Never in my life would I have thought that I would be in this position as a rider with the MCG. All I have known is sleeping in the field, training in ‘29 Stumps’ and deploying. From an infantry battalion that is known to have its history throughout different wars, I am glad to call myself a Bastard, coming from Bastard Battalion full of grunts to a stable full of horses and well-groomed Marines.”
Through and through, Sgt. Tauch makes clear that he is honored to be Marine. His next command, School of Infantry-West at Camp Pendleton, he will be challenged with teaching incoming Marines not just the ability to survive in the Corps, but to thrive.
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• Date Taken: 06.23.2016
• Date Posted: 06.27.2016 12:27
• Story ID: 202532
• Location: BARSTOW, CA, US
• Hometown: LONG BEACH, CA, US