MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Good men and women join the Marine Corps family every day, and they stay in the family for the rest of their lives. Marines don’t truly leave their family of brothers and sisters, but merely resign their position as active members in the service. The Corps recently said goodbye to a brother as he bid farewell to pursue his future in the civilian world.
Lt. Col. Donald D. Tolbert, executive officer of the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Headquarters Battalion, celebrated the ending of his 26 years of service in the Corps with family and friends at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field Nov. 7.
During his speech to the crowd, Tolbert gave an emotional thanks to his family, saying “I’d like to thank my family for giving me life, for giving me every second.” He thanked his mother and father, who passed away, for instilling discipline and respect in him. He also thanked his daughters, telling them they always continue to inspire him.
Tolbert enlisted in the delayed entry program in May of 1980 and graduated basic training from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Paris Island, S.C., in March of 1981.
Ascending up the rank ladder from private to lieutenant colonel, Tolbert has been regarded as a man who possesses initiative and seeks constant self-improvement.
“It is sad, in one aspect, to see a Marine like him leave,” said Col. Marshall Considine, commanding officer, MCCES. “But I’m happy that he has served almost 27 years in the Corps.”
Tolbert said he never really planned on being a lifer in the Corps; he was just living day-to-day like most of his fellow comrades.
“Not many new Marines think about the far future,” said Tolbert. “When you’re there, you’re more worried about what you’re going to do that weekend. You’re not thinking about where you’re going to be when you’re 40-something years old.”
Tolbert said he took it upon himself to pursue a Marine Corps career by re-enlisting at the rank of corporal. From there, he decided to become an officer after graduating on the honor list from the Enlisted Commissioning Program in 1986.
“Success in the Corps is up to you” said Tolbert. “The Corps rewards performance, so it is all up to you to take that step.”
Tolbert said he has a house here in Twentynine Palms, and hopes to stay close for at least another five years. He is also hoping to get a job working as a logistics management specialist for MCCES, but said he won’t find out about that for another two weeks.
Tolbert said, there are things he will miss about the Corps, like experiencing the feeling of being a Marine. He said he will always remember what it was like to have total commitment to serve and sacrifice, and the importance of having love and admiration for our nation.
One thing he said he learned from his time in service is how to serve with others who have a combined focus. “That focus is to serve our nation,” Tolbert said.
He also spoke about a legacy he felt he left behind. That tribute, he said was “being an example to persevere and make the best of yourself.”
Although his departure is bittersweet, Tolbert said he was looking forward to being able to sleep in until 7:30 and having the chance to relax.
Tolbert’s daughter, Michelle, said it seems strange for their father to be leaving the only thing he has known almost his entire adult life. But because Tolbert is staying close to base, the girls said it would help him ease into the civilian life by having Marines close by.
Tammy, Tolbert’s wife, said they have had several discussions on the changes about to happen in their lives; however, she is happy her husband will have the chance to get his automobile projects in the garage finished up.
“Plus, I won’t have to wash his military uniforms anymore,” said Tammy with a laugh.
Jean Kile, Tolbert’s mother-in-law, said she likes the idea that now he can move because he wants to, not because he has to.
Debbie Buckikos, Tolbert’s sister, spoke on behalf of the family about their feelings on his retirement.
“We are all very proud of him,” said Buckikos. “He has so much talent and wisdom, and we are really proud of him for being an iron-man. Of course, we would love him even if he didn’t have all those accomplishments. That’s just the icing on the cake.”