Every book has a story behind it. This one has people.
🎻 Music Credit: “Onwards” from the Audiomachine album “Believe“.
Composed by Stuart Roslyn
“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” ~ Zig Ziglar
You are all as much the author of this book as I am. Thank you.
To God, my Heavenly Father: It took me a while, but I found you again. I am grateful for the trials you presented me, the crucible you gifted me. They served to strengthen me. It is in Your name that I am committed to casting this light You have bestowed upon me, both FAR and WIDE. Through this light, I strengthen both myself and others. You have given me purpose, and I intend to spend the rest of my life serving You and this mission You have gifted me. We both know that this book is only a catalyst for my journey in this life we walk through TOGETHER. You are – and always have been – my “Footprints in The Sand”. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
To my Dear Mother: You raised me exceptionally well, and I know you are proud of me. I hear you whispering it into my ear as I type this. Everything I have ever accomplished and will accomplish, everything I have ever loved and will love, is BECAUSE OF YOU. Heaven is once again in possession of one of its most precious Angels. God be with you. I LOVE YOU, MOMMY.
To my father: I am confident that if you had been given the opportunity, you would have done a tremendous job raising me. I know this because, the couple of times that we did meet – you exuded love and fatherly virtue. I remember you gazing upon me in awe as if I were a diamond in the rough. I know you are proud of me. As I type this, I can hear your whisper in my ear. Everything I have ever accomplished and will accomplish, everything I have ever loved and will love, is BECAUSE OF YOU. Heaven is once again in possession of one of its most precious Angels. God be with you. You must KNOW that I love you. “I LOVE YOU!!! THOSE THREE WORDS HAVE MY LIFE IN THEM.”
“Until you have a son of your own… you will never know the joy, the love beyond feeling that resonates in the heart of a father as he looks upon his son.” ~ Kent Nerburn
To my brothers and sisters: You molded me into the man I am today. The Marine Corps accepted the product of your efforts throughout my younger years. I know I was difficult at times, but I can only hope you can now look back at those times and see them as the most significant learning experience of all, for it is what we do from this moment on, TOGETHER, that truly matters. THANK YOU. I LOVE YOU.
To my family: You have stood by me during the most challenging times of my career. You support me – unconditionally. For that, I thank you. And I know now that my time within the Active Ranks in the United States Marine Corps has ended, you will continue to stand by me – FOREVER. I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together. “I love you. Those three words have my life in them.” THANK YOU. I LOVE YOU.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero
To my paternal Sons, my fellow Marines: The day you both chose to take on one of the most arduous challenges of any young American, I swelled with pride. A pride that cannot be seen, only FELT. As you have transitioned back into civilian life, know you are Marines FOREVER. Carry our institutional Core Values with you and show the world Marines are SO MUCH MORE than a mere Title. I am so proud of you. I love you. Semper Fidelis!
“Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice.” ~ Charles Kettering
To Mr. Frank McGarvey: When you penned in my high school yearbook, “You will make a great Marine,” you may not have realized the profound impact those words had on me. At a time when I was filled with uncertainty and self-doubt, your words were a beacon of light, a vote of confidence that ignited a spark within my soul. You were the first person to honestly believe in my potential, to see something in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. Your belief in me gave me the courage to pursue a challenging path, to push beyond my perceived limitations, and to strive for something greater. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for seeing the Marine in me before I even knew it existed. Your words have stayed with me all these years, a constant reminder of the power of encouragement and the transformative impact a single person can have on another’s life. Thank you.
To Eve M. Opperman: You taught me the deeper meaning of listening. It is listening to understand, not just to respond. You listened to me, and you understood me – unlike any other human being ever has. Thank you. I love you.
“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.” ~ Brené Brow
To my Recruiter: Martino Testa, Master Sergeant, U.S. Marines (Retired): My success on Parris Island, and throughout my 20-year career was primarily attributed to the way you prepared me as I took on one of the most arduous challenges of any young American. Your example of what the Marine Corps represented, and the opportunity it could provide for a lost young 18-year-old, assisted me in making the final decision to enlist in the premier fighting force the world over. I made the initial decision that I SHOULD, came to the conclusion that I WOULD. Finally – and most importantly – I had to believe that I COULD. Because of your efforts – I DID. Thank you.
“Count your blessings each night and end your day with thanks. Faster than any state of mind, gratitude can transform stress into success. It provides a mental rocket-ship ride to the next inspiring experience in your life.” ~ Dr. John F. Demartini
To my Drill Instructor: Dwight Torres, Chief Warrant Officer 3, U.S. Marines (Retired): During recruit training, you epitomized a Sergeant of Marines, one I would hope to emulate one day. Your blend of mentorship, discipline, and fatherly guidance was a leadership style I brought with me throughout my entire career, and I know it benefited my Marines. My success on Parris Island, and throughout my 20-year career was primarily attributed to the way you trained me. Thank you.
To Medio Monti, Colonel U.S. Marines (Retired): I hope you realize the impact you had on me as a young Lance Corporal aspiring to serve as an Embassy Marine. When you wrote “Lance Corporal Carleo is a razor-sharp Marine” on my Marine Security Guard School application, I saw it as more of a challenge than anything. You inspired me to “sharpen my axe” in everything I do. Thank you.
To Josef Francis Venerose, Master Sergeant, U.S. Marines (Retired): I will never forget that day I was sitting on the bench outside of Post One after a bad React Drill performance of mine. I was so disappointed in myself, and you knew it. I was sitting in the middle of the bench, and you sensed, “I wanted no one else to sit with me.” You were right (as always). We talked for about 30 minutes, and that day you taught me compassion. Thank you.
“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” ~ Albert Pike
To the Marines of Marine Security Guard Detachment Singapore 1996-1998. You all played a pivotal role in my decision to re-enlist in our beloved Marine Corps, and I thank you.
To Kevin Powell, Master Sergeant, U.S. Marines (Retired): Those days back in Singapore when I had the opportunity to be in your presence were God sent, and we had some pretty deep conversations on a myriad of subjects. Your ability to help me see the positive side of things and strategically envision the whole picture still astounds me to this day. Thank you.
To Criston Cox, Ph.D., Major, U.S. Marines (Retired): You taught me that we are all lifelong learners. The amalgamation of everything I studied, researched, and read to prepare for this book is in large part due to your wise words. You talked the talk and walked the walk, a living epitome of “Leadership by Example”. Thank you.
“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” ~ Marcus Aurelius
To Eric “Smitty” Smith, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marines (Retired): You introduced me to “The Secret” which also played a role in my decision to write this book. Your wisdom, intellect, and selflessness are truly awe-inspiring, and I am grateful to have been honored to serve alongside you. Your impact on others is indelible, yet you always remain humble and continue to gravitate toward those who require guidance. Thank you.
To Dr. John F. Demartini, Human Behavior Expert, Educator, Author: From the moment we met, your story inspired me. Your struggles made you one of the most outstanding thought leaders this world has ever known. You mastered the Law of Attraction and turned, what some would call negative circumstances and events, into something absolutely beautiful. You taught me that when you cannot find the light, you must become it. I am honored to call you my friend. Thank you.
To Shane Koyczan, Canadian spoken-word artist and brilliant writer: When I needed it most, I found your art. Your spoken word has moved me in ways I may never be able to communicate to you directly, but I intend to spread your light to everyone I possibly can. When I was in one of my darkest places, you taught me “whether we see them or not, the sun and moon are still there, and always there is light.” Thank you, “darling”.
To Rhonda Byrne, Author of “The Secret” (and ALL its sequels): At a time when I needed it most, I found “The Secret”. Your books have a very special place on my bookshelf that I call “Lifeboats”. Your books have had a tremendous impact on me and have helped me in ways that you may not even be aware of. I have been heavily inspired by the greats: Sun Tzu, Sigmund Freud, Abraham Lincoln, Marcus Aurelius, among others – and I consider you one of those “TITANS of Truth” – as I call them. Thank you.
To all of my “subordinate” (personnel of lesser grade) Marines that I take 100 PERCENT personal responsibility for: Regardless of where you are presently serving, if I have ever had the pleasure of actually serving with you, you know what I say about your responsibilities as a leader. Your promotion warrant is not merely a document that affects your promotion. It is a set of instructions, not unlike a Marine Corps Order or Directive, which revalues your commitment as leaders. I challenge you to review it each day and ask yourself, “What am I doing RIGHT NOW to ‘carefully discharge the duties of the grade to which I am appointed’?” You should already know the answer.
Marines, I am your Gunnery Sergeant, and whether I know you or not, I sincerely CARE ABOUT YOU and know your capabilities and the greatness that exists in each one of you. You are my sons and daughters. I accept the instructions outlined in my promotion warrant, and I will do everything in my power to help you achieve your goals and aspirations. Everything I have accomplished and will accomplish is in part due to your very existence, and I am grateful to you. ”All great leaders have one thing in COMMON, they were all once – even greater followers.” COME, FOLLOW ME!!!
“Servant-leadership is all about making the goals clear and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win. In that situation, they don’t work for you, you work for them.” ~ Ken Blanchard
To ALL of those Marines senior to me, and who have come before me: You have been a true inspiration, and you know who you are. I have done everything I can to follow your exemplary lead. I strive to carry on the very Legacy of our Marine Corps through this book. Your example is deeply rooted in every chapter of this book. You have done a tremendous job passing down your Legacy – and I can assure you, your legacy is in good hands. Semper Fidelis!
