U.S. Marines are renowned for fighting
their nation’s battles with unwavering devotion. Their commitment to the Corps
has been apparent since the legendary campaigns in World War II, Korea and
Vietnam and in current operations worldwide.
The Marine Corps’ most-precious commodity
is the approximately 183,000 Marines who make up its ranks and who help keep
the nation safe. Marine Corps Cpl. Brian Williams, the driver for Maj. Gen.
Daniel J. O’Donohue, the 1st Marine Division’s commanding general here, finds
his own unique way to express his dedication to the Corps.
Playing football is “definitely an
outlet,” Williams said. “It makes [physical training] fun and more enjoyable
than running three miles every day.”
Football
Requires Focus
Williams is a wide receiver on the
Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division’s tackle football team, the
Wolverines. He said his love for the game keeps him engaged in practice and
during games.
Playing football requires focus and
attention to detail, Williams said. Football players must be aware of formations,
designated receiver routes and their overall role on the team.
Williams said he is dedicated to his team,
but his duties as a Marine always come first. The Atlanta native ties his life
of wearing shoulder pads to his desire to wear his eagle, globe and anchor insignia.
“It makes me a better Marine from a
discipline aspect,” Williams said. “When playing football, you’re always moving
and required to think on your feet. Just like Marines -- move fast, think
fast.”
Earning a place on a football team takes
dedication and commitment, Williams said. The team is dependent on the “one
team, one fight” concept that Marines live by every day.
Teamwork,
Mentorship
“Being out there with your boys, you
don’t want to let them down by not showing up or saying that you’re too tired
to play,” Williams said. “You have these guys looking to you to be there and
help the team out.”
Part of what contributes to the success
of most Marines is proper mentorship. Growing up, Williams said he always
looked up to his father who helped him build the skills and mentality needed to
be a successful Marine and football player.
“My Dad … has always motivated me,”
Williams said with a smile. “He motivated me as I grew up -- like when he told
me to do push-ups all the time. He just motivated me to be better and be the
best I can.”
Williams said he always gives 100 percent
when motivating the Marines around him.
“I think that you have to have a lot of
discipline to play sports,” he said. “It relates to being a Marine. Not to jump
the gun and mess up. It’s the same on the battlefield, because you have to know
your role and have discipline while you do it.”
Through the shared pains, grass stains
and patching of scrapes and bruises, Williams and his gridiron gang have
established a way to become sturdier, sharper group of Marines and come
together as a capable team.