MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Communism, according to Karl Marx and Frederick Engels' "The Communist Manifesto", is the social theory and political movement for the direct and communal control of society toward the common benefits of all members and is a word many Americans synonymize with "un-American."
In the 20th century, the world was introduced and then significantly changed by communism. For the first time in history, it became an actual social and political system. It became the ruling government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Inspired by Marxism, the Soviet totalitarianism set free an industrialization drive based on total state control of physical and human resources. For 70 years, it reigned as the ruling government of the Soviet Union.
Sgt. Gleb Skudnov, Information Systems Management Office noncommissioned officer in charge, was 17 years old when he left his home in Moscow with his family. Seeking refuge from the collapsing government, the Skudnov family found themselves in the heartland of the United States, Bowling Green, Ky.
"Bowling Green was a lot different from Moscow," Skudnov said with a smile.
Drawing comparisons between the two cities is difficult. But to actually experience it was even harder, said Skudnov.
"It was a big change. There were so many cultural differences. Life in Moscow was more fast-paced, but life in the states was better," said Skudnov.
At the same time, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Stalinism had fallen in the Soviet Union. The 70-year communist reign was over. Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union and admitted to the world that the government was based on propaganda.
Unable to deal with the downfall and all the catastrophe of the country, his father requested political asylum.
"My father was against communism. He hated the regime with a passion. He had gotten in trouble with the KGB and wanted to leave Russia.
"I was oblivious to the way things were going in the Soviet Union, but my father decided that it would be best for my family to move to America The man had always wanted to live in a free country" said Skudnov.
Dealing with a new country, a new lifestyle, a new culture and a new language was overwhelming for the Moscow native.
"I had trouble speaking English, but I worked so many jobs and met a lot of people that I picked up on it. One of the best ways to learn English is by working at Pizza Hut," said Skudnov, jokingly.
As he got older, he became bored with the mundane living of working the regular nine to fives, and sometimes 12 to 15 hours. And although he owned his own networking business, he wanted a lot more. What it was, he wasn't sure.
"I wanted to do something real. I wanted to have an actual sense of what life was like. I did not feel as if I was progressing," said Skudnov.
At the age of 25, Skudnov became interested in life in the military.
"Most of my friends from back in Russia were drafted into the military," said Skudnov.
It became apparent to him that his friends who were in the military matured in a lot of ways. That is what he was looking for, Skudnov said.
Skudnov first spoke to an Air Force recruiter.
"The first thing I told him was that I wanted something challenging, physical and something that gives discipline. The recruiter immediately referred me to the Marine Corps.
"I went to the Marine recruiters and they really set a good example. They were very open-minded. It was then that I said to myself, 'this is it for me'," Skudnov said.
Skudnov enlisted in the Marine Corps on August 29, 2002.
"I learned a great deal of respect and understanding from the Marine Corps. I didn't know of any services before I joined. The only thing I knew is what I saw on the television. But I respected the Marine Corps out of all of them," said Skudnov.
The sergeant of Marines plans on going to college after he finishes his contract. He plans to return to the Corps as an officer.
"I inspire myself and I know life is worth living. It has its ups and downs but through it all, no matter what comes, we must overcome all obstacles, regardless of where you are from," said Skudnov.