What Military Life Taught Me About Seeing the World
When I first joined the Marine Corps, I didn’t have any grand ideas about travel. I’d never been out of the country — unless you count the occasional trip down to Rocky Point, Mexico as a kid. Once I completed my training, I learned that my first duty station would be in Bermuda with the Marine Corps Security Forces.
A few other Marines were headed there with me, and we were all thrilled. I spent almost two years on that island — learning about the culture, making friends, even picking up scuba diving. It was technically “barracks duty,” but for me, it was an adventure. I experienced my first hurricane there, learned to slow down a bit, and discovered how much life outside the mainland had to offer.
After Bermuda, I was sent to the fleet — and that’s when my real travels began.
Seeing the World Through a Different Lens
There were a lot of “aha” moments during those years, but one of the biggest came when I deployed to Okinawa, Japan. Meeting the Okinawan people — their warmth, discipline, and community spirit — left a mark on me. Not long after, I was sent to the Philippines, where we helped the country dig out from a devastating earthquake.
That experience stuck with me. I learned that no matter where you go, people are the same in different ways — they want safety, connection, and a chance to build something better. The uniforms, languages, and landscapes might change, but the human core doesn’t.
Lessons That Still Travel With Me
These days, I travel with more curiosity than ever. I’ve learned to stay aware of my surroundings — a habit that came naturally from military life — but I also make a point to look closer, ask questions, and learn a bit about the places I visit before I arrive.
I’m not the most patient traveler in the world, but I like to understand a location — its history, its people, and its rhythm. Whether it’s an ancient landmark or a quiet local café, I want to know what makes it matter to the people who live there.
The military taught me something simple but powerful: it’s okay to be a tourist, but don’t be oblivious.
Appreciate the architecture, admire the sights, but keep your head on a swivel. Be aware, respectful, and engaged. Learn a few local customs — maybe even a phrase or two. A little effort goes a long way in bridging worlds.
A World of Perspective
The Marine Corps gave me more than discipline or structure — it gave me perspective. It gave me the chance to experience places that most people only dream about:
Bermuda, Okinawa, the Philippines, Thailand, France, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and Malta.
And after my service, I kept going — the UK, Ireland, the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Turks and Caicos.
Each place left a fingerprint on me. Each culture added something to the way I see the world.
When I look back, I realize that military life didn’t just show me the world — it taught me how to see it.
