MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N. C. -- “Move, Block Strike!” bellowed Sgt. Marvin B. Thomas at his students.
Thomas, a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor, instructed Marines with Logistics and Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), as part of green belt training in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
The 21-year-old Thomas, who recently received his instructor certification, beamed with pride as he looked forward to graduating his first class.
Thomas, the supply administrative chief for MARSOC, was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica, before moving to Florida in 2000 to be with his father.
“Growing up in a third world country really taught me a lot about survival, life and living at the bottom of society,” the now Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. native remembered. “It had its good times and bad times, but I still loved it.
“When I came to America, I expected different treatment (from living there), but it turned out better than I expected and I am happy about that.”
Thomas planned to attend college and researched grants and scholarships upon his arrival and enrollment in Plantation High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
“I knew I was financially unable to attend college on my own means, and during my research, my friend Federico Watkins told me he was joining the Marine Corps,” said Thomas. “I then researched all the services before I realized that the Marine Corps was for me.”
Thomas graduated in 2002 and left for recruit training and military occupational school. In 2004 he deployed to Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, were he received a Navy Achievement Medal for his service as the sole supply representative.
He deployed to Iraq in January 2005 with the 25th Combat Service Support Detachment, 2nd Combat Logistics Battalion, which led to a rediscovery of his love for MCMAP.
“I love the physical aspect of it,” Thomas said with a smile. “It puts you in that combat mindset.”
While pursuing higher belt levels, Thomas was also the honor graduate of a corporal’s course and was meritoriously promoted to sergeant. He then returned to help teach the corporal’s course and volunteered for a six month deployment extension before reenlisting.
He participated in numerous operations, including Operation Steel Curtain and Liberty Express, before leaving Iraq in January 2006 with a wealth of knowledge.
“I learned a lot over there, not only from Marines senior to me but also from my junior Marines, other servicemembers and civilians I worked with,” Thomas said humbly. “Sgt. ‘Red Bull’ Costa really helped me out a lot and his energy and motivation level kept me going.”
Thomas attended MCMAP instructor course in April, completed the course as honor graduate, and began teaching his first MCMAP course this past month.
“Being an instructor helps me be a better Marine because of the physical, mental and character disciplines you receive,” Thomas stated. “And I just love teaching. I learned that whatever you know you should pass it on because you never know who could use it.
“With MCMAP it’s more than just teaching people to beat people up, but to teach them the discipline to know when to use it.”
Thomas will leave MARSOC for Blount Island Command in Jacksonville, Fla. at the end of the month, but looking back he admits that through all of his achievements his most recent has been the best.
“I have the chance to make Marines better and the first class showed me that,” Thomas said proudly. “I can look back and say that I gave them all the tools they needed, just like others have got me to where I am today.”
Thomas knows he has come a long way and looks forward to the journey ahead that he hopes will take him to the top.
“I eventually plan on going to Quantico (VA.) to become an instructor-trainer,” Thomas said. “One day I hope to be the Chief Trainer of Martial Arts Instructor-Trainers, but that’s something just to look forward to.”