MAJ JAMES WILKINSON 1:03

My name is James Wilkinson, I’m from Dayton, Ohio, and I am a major in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. I did eight years on active duty, decided to get out, and I went to the private sector. Worked for an insurance company. Did that for about two years while I was in the reserves, once I got off of active duty. Got recalled. Mobilized for a year. And decided, ya know, I really kind of miss this.

For me, coming back to the Marine Corps on active reserve program, to me it gave me my life back. And let me explain “gave me my life back”: I get to stay physically fit. I get to stay mentally sharp. And above all, you get to lead Marines.

You hear people talk about, “Well, this is the greatest country.” And you’re, like, “Well, why?” ’Cause I know a lot of people question it. I know I did when I was a young man. High school student. Why is this the greatest country? Why? And then you actually go outside this country, and then it becomes really relevant to you. Yeah, this is why. I want to make sure my children know this is why this is the greatest country.