MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — First Sergeant’s Hill serves as a prominent memorial site where Marines honor the fallen through a physically grueling hike. The crosses at the top of the hill represent Marines who gave their lives in service, turning the climb into a reflection on sacrifice, leadership and legacy.
1st Sgt. John Trickler, a senior enlisted leader assigned to 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, chose the summit for his promotion to sergeant major. Shaped by his infantry background, Trickler leads by example, upholds the highest standards, and has earned the trust and respect of those around him.
He made the journey up First Sergeant’s Hill with family, friends and fellow Marines who helped shape his path and stood beside him throughout his career. Together, they made their way up the hill carrying rocks for each rank they have earned, a physical reminder of the heavy, yet welcomed, weight of leadership added with every promotion. As the weight grows, so does their strength to bear it, knowing that the trials of leadership are shared by the leaders standing to their left and right.
To Trickler, the hike is more than a physical challenge — it mirrors his career, shaped by hardship, growth, and the Marines who came before him. Reaching the top was not just about the climb; it was about honoring the legacy of Marines before him and recognizing the people who made his success possible.
That dedication extends to his leadership philosophy and how he views the broader mission. “Every skill set and every occupational field in the Marine Corps has a job, and without it, the Marine Corps would not continue to spin on its wheels,” said Trickler. Trickler maintains that regardless of technical role, the fundamental nature of being a Marine is constant. It is a shared identity built on character and training that extends far beyond a primary specialty and binds every individual effort to the Corps’ collective mission. Bringing a combat mindset to the fight is crucial, and Trickler emphasizes that every Marine, regardless of specialty, shares that responsibility.
“No matter the situation, no matter the clime, no matter the place,” Trickler asserted. “No matter what element or the people you are in charge of, you can know that what you do is for the fight.”
Trickler encourages Marines to look to their leaders and peers, knowing that in moments of crisis, training and the example they set are what matter most. “When everything falls apart, you fall back on your training,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to lead by example and set the standard every day.”
Standing at the top of the hill, Trickler said he felt humbled, using that moment to reflect and reconnect with the enduring legacy set forth by those who came before him. He believes that an individual Marine’s connection to our shared history is essential to maintaining the strength of the Corps.
“A wise man once told me, ‘If you ever need wisdom, go to the top of the hill and talk with the people from the past,’” Trickler said.
Now a sergeant major, Trickler steps into a role with a clear sense of purpose shaped by every step of the climb. At the top of First Sergeant’s Hill, surrounded by the memorials of those who gave all, the promotion became more than a milestone. It became a promise to lead with the same strength, humility and dedication that define the legacy he now upholds.
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