FITCHBURG, Mass. — Nolan Buck proudly served his country in the Marine Corps from 2015 to 2019 as a corporal. 

 

Growing up in Springfield, he joined the Marines' Early Entry Program at 16 years of age.

 

"I was the only person in my family to have ever joined the military," he said. "I wanted to join the toughest

branch. I was inspired by a close family friend who served in the Marines for 20 years." he recalled. 

 

His basic training was done at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, in South Carolina.

 

"It was definitely shocking. The whole goal is to break you down and build you back up," said Buck. "I tried to stay under the radar, do what they told you to do.

 

"However, I messed up once and forgot to lock my footlocker, and boy were they upset. They dumped out the whole thing. The discipline, though, creates motivation presence when you're a Marine."

 

His first assignment would take him to specialist training in Fort Lee, Va.

 

"Loved it. You have that core group of your class. We had phones and I stayed in touch with my family but we had very strict guidelines on curfew, rules, etc.," he said. 

 

His first deployment was to Okinawa, Japan.

 

"That IS your family when you're deployed — your Marines are all you got. You're halfway across the world. There is no fraternization but there is a lot of hazing but, ironically, it creates a strong leadership and bond within your unit," he remembered.

 

When asked about mentors, Buck didn't hesitate: "Captain Roy, he was my first commander and he was amazing. You could go to leadership and they would help you fix the problem." 

 

He got to home on leave twice when he was stationed in Okinawa: "It was awful having to leave and go back." 

 

Holidays? "It was tough in the beginning but as time went on, you made the best of it. My mom would send care packages and I put it out for everyone. That really helped create a holiday mood," he said.

 

Buck shared this story. "I went to the Philippines on a mission, it was such an eye-opener. Seeing kids on water buffalos and the shacks they live in. The Filipinos were so welcoming and kind, they shared their food, opened their homes up to us. Something I will always remember and take with me," he said. 

 

It was in Buford, S.C., where he was stationed as an ammo specialist and in charge of the barracks, when an awful situation took place.

 

"In the barracks one night, a young Marine was really drunk and had his gun out," Buck said. "He shot and killed his roommate. I got total blame by the leadership and it really left a stain on my leadership. You try to navigate and work through the trauma. It's still something that I deal with, I still deal with PTSD — the blackouts, loud noises, the nightmares still gets to me. My wife saved my life."

 

Thoughts on service and being a Marine? "I am very thankful to have served at such a young age," he said. "I built a strong foundation. The Marine Corps really gave me that push to do your best and set an example for the younger guys. I'd never change it." 

 

Buck went on to earn his bachelor's degree and master of business administration in health care from Fitchburg State University. After a stint in the health care field, he became involved in veterans outreach and services and is currently director of military and veterans services at Fitchburg State. 

 

Corp. Nolan Buck, American patriot and proud Marine, thank you for your service to our great country.

 

Wayne Soares is the host of the popular new veterans cooking show, "The Mess Hall" that airs Saturdays on NBC's NECN at 9:30 a.m. He also entertains our troops around the globe and is the host and producer of the Vietnam veterans documentary "Silent Dignity – The Chapter That Never Ends." He can be reached at waynesoares1@gmail.com.