MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Not many people have had as varied a career in the United States armed forces as Col. John DeWitt, Marine Aircraft Group 12 commanding officer.
When DeWitt turns over the reins of MAG-12 to Col. Stephen Pomeroy Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Hangar 1510, it will close the chapter on a distinguished military career that has spanned five decades, but will by no means be the last chapter in the book that is DeWitt's life.
From an enlisted Army soldier and helicopter door gunner doing two tours in the jungles of Vietnam, (where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart), to a Reserve Officer Training Cadet commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force after graduating from Arizona State, to a Marine aviator and later a commanding officer, DeWitt seems not only to have seen it all, but to have seen it from different views and perspectives as well.
The Torii Teller recently sat down with DeWitt to discuss some of his thoughts and views on his past 35 years of service to his country.
You served two tours in Vietnam instead of the standard one, and enlisted in the Army at a time when it was practically a foregone conclusion you'd be sent to Vietnam. Why?
I joined the Army when I was 17 years old right out of high school. I was old enough to understand the words of John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." I took those words as gospel and acted on them. I volunteered to go to Vietnam. I still believe in those words and have tried to live my life by them.
I understand you'll be moving to Pensacola, Fla. What are your retirement plans?
I'm not really retiring, just changing jobs and uniforms. When you retire from the Marine Corps there is a danger of stagnating if you completely retire. You have to have something challenging to do, both physically and mentally, if you want to stay young. I still consider myself a relatively young man, (DeWitt was born Nov. 23, 1949). The flight surgeon just told me I've still got a good 30 years to go and I believe him. I want to spend more time with my wife, Barbara, my daughter, Taylor, and my extended family. Sure, I plan on doing a lot more fishing and hunting too, but I'm also going to find a job that's rewarding, not only personally and professionally, but that benefits the community and this great country. The future looks very bright.
You very likely could have ended up as a career Air Force officer. What has switching over to the Marine Corps meant to you?
Looking back, I would never say anything against the Air Force. They're a wonderful organization. However, I am very, very proud to be a Marine, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The Marine Corps is the best fighting force in the world today.
What has been the best part of being a Marine for you?
Friends. Places we have been together and the bonds that have formed as a result of overcoming shared challenges. I've virtually been all over the world, whether it was working in the Pentagon, celebrating Thanksgiving in Somalia or conducting operations in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Wherever I went or whatever I did, there was always that feeling of camaraderie among Marines and the satisfaction of a job well done.
I once heard Sgt. Maj. Allison (Sgt. Maj. David Allison, station sergeant major) comment that sergeant was his favorite rank in the Marine Corps. What was your favorite rank?
I'd have to agree with the sergeant major. Sergeant was a fine rank and one I was very proud to hold. However, I was always told as a young officer, and I've been reminded as an older officer, that the best rank for an aviator is captain. Without a doubt, captain was the most fun rank for me. Colonel is obviously a big deal to me and a really great rank, but I still believe the captains and sergeants have the most fun.
What are your emotions as you prepare to leave Iwakuni?
I absolutely love Iwakuni. I think it is one of the gems of the entire Department of Defense. It has grown immeasurably in the past 20 something years that I've been coming here, from a sleepy little town to a major city that has just about everything. There are some truly great people in this community, and Barbara, Taylor and I have developed a great friendship with many of the Japanese. We will really miss our friends.
What has been the single most important reason for your success as a Marine?
Without a doubt, my family. It is extremely important to have family support. I could have never accomplished my goals without family support. I love my wife, my daughter, and my Marine Corps family so much. I love the Marine Corps. Its been a great ride and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm leaving active duty smilin'.