Sergeant Major (Ret.) Robin C. Fortner, Paula Sarlls, USMC Memorial Foundation President, Commander Jason Pratt
Alfred Jennings, Iwo Jima survivor
John Decker, Grady Birdsong, and Tim Dunn
Barry Georgopoulos
Steve and Sandra Payne
David and
Kayla Eschdero, with kids Declan and Nikolai
Vanessa Sanders
Donald and Mary McKeehan
Donald McKeehan
United States Marine Corps Memorial
16899 W Colfax, Golden, CO
Sergeant Major Robin C. Fortner was born in Brooklyn, New York. In August of 1990, she enlisted into the United States Marine Corps and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, South Carolina, where she was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. She was then transferred to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for MOS school. She graduated at the top of her class and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in January 1991. After completion of school, Lance Corporal Fortner’s first assignment was 2d Supply Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
During her tour, Lance Corporal Fortner worked primarily in the Security Cage of the Sassy Management Unit. She was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal in June 1992 and later transferred to Marine Air Traffic Control Squadron 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan. While serving as the Warehouse Chief, Corporal Fortner began cross training into the Supply Administration MOS 3043 and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February 1994. Transferring to Marine Air Control Squadron 6, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Sergeant Fortner served as the Supply Admin Chief and the Fiscal Chief. She was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in March of 1998.
In June 1999, Staff Sergeant Fortner reported to Weapons Field Training Battalion, MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina, to serve as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor. She trained both male and female recruits in the fundamentals of marksmanship. Staff Sergeant Fortner would achieve the billet of Chief Instructor before reporting to Drill Instructor School in April 2001. Staff Sergeant Fortner graduated as Honor Graduate of Drill Instructor School and was assigned to Co. O, 4th Recruit Training Battalion (RTBn) where she completed eight cycles. In September 2002, Staff Sergeant Fortner was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
Gunnery Sergeant Fortner transferred to Okinawa, Japan, and was assigned to G-4, 3d Marine Logistics Group as the Supply Chief. Additionally, she served as the lead Supply Analyst and Drill Analyst for the Commanding General’s Inspection Program. During this tour, she deployed several times, in addition to serving with Joint Task Force 536 to Colombo, Sri Lanka, in January 2005.
Commander Pratt holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering: a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering: is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School: has over 1,600 hours flying in more than twenty types of fixed & rotary wing aircraft & 171 carrier arrested landings. He is a member of the Acquisition Corps with Level Three certifications in Program Management & Test & Evaluation. He is also a senior member of the Navy Space Cadre in both Space Operations & Space Acquisitions. Commander Pratt is married to Dr. Sherri Pratt & has three children: Elizabeth, Jonathan, & Eliana. He now works at Ball Aerospace as the Launch Systems Integration Manager.
Bring toys to the United States Marine Corps Memorial
16899 W Colfax, Golden, CO
November 6th, 10:30am-3:30pm
Donate a brick and support the USMC Memorial remodel
Founded in 1974, completed and dedicated in 1977, the United States Marine Corps Memorial is located in Golden, Colorado. The Memorial’s mission is to honor Marines and remember all who served.
The five walkways represent different aspects of acknowledging service for Marines and the other branches. Four of the walkways are reserved for Marines, the remaining walkway is dedicated to other service members. Veterans (with honorable service) and active duty service members qualify to donate a brick commemorating their service.
Select an individual walkway to purchase a brick or to learn more.
The Walk of Service
The Walk of Valor
The Path to Service
The Path to Service honors the reasons of those who choose to become Marines.
The Reflection Walk
The Reflection Walk honors Marines who earned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.
Marine Stories
The United States Marine Corps Memorial is more than a place of Honor; more than a place of history; more than a place of healing; it’s a place for YOUR story. Your story is similar in many ways to others who can’t tell their story because they’re no longer with us or can’t because it’s too difficult or they’re physically unable. Each of you who are Marines or who served with Marines has a story and it’s important to record that story so others will know they’re freedom wasn’t free, and what each of us gave of ourselves for the love of this country. Our aim is to share what it is to be a Marine or to have served with Marines as a way to educate the public, especially our youth. Watch for more stories here as time goes by.
The stories of Marines you will find on this page are just some of the stories we know are out there.
We’d love for you to send your story along with photos to be posted on this site. It will be used as an educational tool for Young Marine detachments and Scouts to learn about what it means to be a Marine. Send stories to info@usmcmemorialfoundation.org.
Ed Cooper
Robert Emmett Murphy Robert E Murphy, 91, of Northglenn CO passed away on April 4, 2023. Robert (Bob) was born on August 26, 1931 to
Robert Emmett Murphy
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Mike Medina, Tank Commander Michael Medina was born in California and relocated to Houston, Texas. After completing recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San
Grady T. Birdsong, Corporal USMC Vietnam 1968 – 1969
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A Fitting Sendoff for a Beloved Man: Col. Richard H. Sargent
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Max Brown, Part 3
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