The Call to Serve: One Marine’s Journey from Boot Camp to Civilian Life
The inspiring journey of Master Gunnery Sergeant John Escalante: 30 years of service, leadership, and sacrifice in the Marine Corps
The following is from an interview with an honored guest: Master Gunnery Sergeant John Escalante. He thoughtfully shared his experiences from his time in the military.
Background and Career in the Marine Corps
”My name is John Escalante. I retired from the Marine Corps after 30 years of honorable service, retiring last year as a Master Gunnery Sergeant, which is an E9, equivalent to the Sergeant Major. The Marine Corps has two tracks when you reach E8: you can choose the Sergeant Major track or the Master Gunnery Sergeant track. I selected the Master Gunnery Sergeant track because it focuses on being a subject matter expert, which allowed me to make a more significant impact. My career was very successful, and I owe much of that to the Marines under my charge.”
Early Inspiration and Decision to Join the Military
”I’d love to share a story about my dad. He immigrated to the U.S. from Ecuador in the 1950s, with nothing but a dream. He took on menial jobs like cooking and dishwashing to support our family. His love and gratitude for this country were evident in how he raised me. He always taught me to respect the national anthem and the U.S. flag. At a young age, I knew I wanted to emulate the Marine Corps standards of pride and respect. When I was 11, I saw the national anthem on TV, accompanied by a Marine standing at attention, and I knew that was the kind of person I wanted to be. That image of the Marine and the national anthem has stayed with me throughout my life.”
Joining the Marine Corps
”When I joined, there were no wars, so it wasn’t a difficult decision. However, shortly after I shipped off to boot camp, Desert Storm began, and the prospect of war became real. The hardest part of leaving was seeing my mother’s worried face, especially since the news was filled with talk of war. The only thing I worried about was how my family, especially my mother, was handling it. But my decision was made, and I was 100% committed to serving.”
Boot Camp and Training
”Boot camp traditionally lasts 13 weeks, and everything is planned down to the minute. But when Desert Storm began, the drill instructors prepared us for the reality that we would be going to war at any moment. They not only pushed us physically but also mentally, knowing we would soon face combat. The training was even more intense than usual, and the pressure was enormous, but I never doubted my commitment to the mission. Though I was fully committed to my duty, I had some fears. As much as I was prepared to go to war, I worried about the potential loss of life, including my own. And I worried about how my family would handle it, especially my mother.”
First Deployment Experience
”Leaving American soil for the first time was surreal. One moment, you’re with your family, and the next, you’re stepping off a plane into foreign soil. Everything looks different: no trees, no grass—just barren land. The environment was hostile, and the uncertainty of who was friend and who was foe kept us on constant alert. The constant vigilance in combat mode is something no one can truly understand unless they've been there. It’s like law enforcement or emergency responders—people who are always ready for whatever might come next.”
Iraq in 2003
”When we entered Iraq in 2003, our primary mission was to stabilize certain regions. But we soon realized that there were internal conflicts among local warlords and tribes. We had to assess who our allies were and stabilize the communities by rebuilding basic services like schools and healthcare. We made sure to secure the infrastructure so it wouldn’t fall back into the hands of the enemy. It was a delicate balance between combat operations and humanitarian work. There were many acts of heroism during my time in the military. Marines would put their lives on the line to save others, such as jumping on grenades or stopping enemy vehicles loaded with explosives from reaching our barracks. These acts of bravery, driven by love of country and comrades, are what inspired me to continue my service.”
Leadership Lessons
”I had the privilege of working with many different leaders, some good and some bad. I learned as much from the bad leaders as I did from the good ones. One bad leader I had when I was a corporal was particularly harsh. He gave me excessive punishments for minor infractions, but I learned from his mistakes. I vowed that when I was in a leadership position, I would treat my Marines with respect, explain the reasons behind my decisions, and encourage them, even if they weren’t the most gifted. Leadership is about helping others reach their potential.”
The Transition from Military Service to Civilian Life
”The hardest part about being in the military wasn’t the service itself, but the impact it had on my family. It’s tough to balance the time away from home and the mental strain even when you’re physically there. After retiring last year, I found that the hardest part wasn’t the service, but the transition to civilian life. After 30 years in the Marine Corps, it felt strange to not be in uniform. But I’ve stayed connected with the veteran community and continue to be involved in initiatives that support veterans and their families.”
Getting Involved
”I’m currently involved in the Travis Manion Foundation, which focuses on mentoring youth and teaching character and values. I also work with Team Red White and Blue, a group that supports mental health and wellness in the veteran community. Additionally, I’m involved with the United War Veterans Council, which organizes the largest Veterans Day Parade in America. This year, the Marine Corps is the featured branch, and I have been nominated as one of the honorary grand marshals for the parade.”