Photo By Cpl. Kenneth Jasik | Master Gunnery Sgt. Tracy C. Morant, disbursing chief, Disbursing Office, Combat...... read more read more
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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – A brother and sister from Detroit who joined the Marine Corps just four years apart retired together here, June 17, after a combined total of more than 55 years of service to the Marine Corps.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Arnold B. Morrant, assistant mobility officer, 1st Marine Division, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Tracy C. Morant, disbursing chief, Disbursing Office, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, joined in 1981 and 1985, respectively.
Arnold only intended to enlist for four years, but he ended up staying in for 30 years. To him, the past three decades have flown by.
“Four years turned into eight years,” said Arnold, “and here I am 30 years later. Sometimes I pinch myself to think, ‘Has that much time really gone by?’”
When Tracy joined the Marine Corps four years after her brother, she had the intention of using the military as a stepping stone for her future.
“I didn't join the Marine Corps because of my brother,” said Tracy. “The center of my decision was based on the economic condition in Detroit. My only goal at that time was my desire to complete my college education.”
During her farewell speech, Tracy admitted that being a Marine is hard, not only because of all the work, but also because it is tough to be away from loved ones. She also said she has no regrets over her time in the Marine Corps and admires all Marines who make the same commitment she did.
“Sometimes it’s stressful, sometimes it’s heartache, sometimes it’s painful, but because of their commitment, their level of dedication, these Marines are here doing it every day,” said Tracy.
Tracy attributes the successes of her 25-year career to all the Marines who taught her lessons along the way.
“Today is not about me,” said Tracy. “Today represents each and every person who invested in my life, all the individuals who crossed my path since I stepped on the yellow footprints to the day I hung up my uniform.”
Many members of the military never know what it’s like to have family members who also serve. For Tracy and Arnold, staying in touch wasn’t always easy, but it was easier for them to have someone who they could share their experiences with.
“Serving with my brother in the Marine Corps was a great experience,” said Tracy. “Although there have been times we have been assigned to the same base, communication has not always been easy. During the early years there was no email or cell phones. However, just knowing I had a brother serving in the Marine Corps brought a certain level of comfort knowing I had someone within my family who could relate to me and my experiences.”
The ceremony may have been the last for Arnold and Tracy, but for many of their family members who were in attendance, it was the first one they had ever seen. Tracy said she was proud of the way she mentored Marines, and she’s confident that they will continue strong in her absence.
“The reason I can hang up this uniform, the reason why it’s easy to do,” said Tracy, “[is] because I know I’ve done my best.”
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.28.2011 18:42 |
| Story ID: | 72909 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 107 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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