Articles like this stir up a mix of emotions for me. I served in the Marine Corps Infantry from 05 to 11. It was my impression that the military is one of the

Articles like this stir up a mix of emotions for me. I served in the Marine Corps Infantry from 05 to 11. It was my impression that the military is one of the last true melting pots left in America. I served with people from all different places and backgrounds. Everyone I ever served with was treated equally as far as I ever personally witness. There's an old joke that the Marines treat everyone like they're black. I personally identify far more strongly as a combat veteran that any other group. I won't pretend there was no racism in the Corps at that time. I can remember a friend from a sniper platoon in 1/6 telling me that they excluded black members in a hush-hush way (they accepted latino, asian, and other races though - only the black members were kept out). I think about the debt this country owes to all of the African American service members in its history who served in spite of the discrimination they faced. I'm proud of the Marines for growing a black leader into this position and know that it will be symbolically meaning not only within the military but outside of it.