On Sunday August 30th members of B.A.C.K. had the honor of escorting Greg Nolf as he shipped out to join the United States Marines. He follows many family members footsteps serving our country, including his father Chris. We’d like to share a bit of his story.
Oorah Greg ! Thank You for your service
By Chris Nolf –
I want to thank B.A.C.K. for escorting us for Greg’s ship out. He left this morning for a two week quarantine in Atlanta, GA which is required due to Covid-19. From Atlanta he is scheduled to fly to Parris Island, SC for boot camp on Sept 14th for 13 weeks of recruit training, commonly known as “boot camp”. During his 11th week Greg will take part in the Crucible. This is a 54 hour event that tests you mentally and physically. During this, they hike nearly 50 miles and go through multiple physical challenges with very limited food or sleep. At the end of this event, they hike back to the iwo Jima memorial on base under the ‘We Make Marines’ sign and at that point he officially earns the title of United States Marine. He is scheduled to graduate on Dec 11th.
Greg has chosen Infantry for his MOS (job) after boot camp. With that, he will travel to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina for another 8 weeks. During this training he will learn what specific infantry role he will learn. Near the completion of this he will learn where his first duty station will be.
Greg has wanted to join the military since he was a little kid. He has loved history, especially military history for as long as I can remember. As a veteran, I was able to take him to tour many bases which he loved. He collected challenge coins from every base we visited over the years. His room at home is decorated with all sorts of military stuff. Greg attended Saucon Valley High School and played Varsity football and lacrosse. Covid-19 forced the cancelation of his senior lacrosse season but he was able to play in a summer league before he left.
Greg was surrounded by military in the family. He’s had grandfathers, uncles, and parents in the Navy, Army, and Marines. He also has an uncle who works for the Lehigh University Police Department. For me, I was in the Navy from 1999 to 2003. I did my boot camp in Great Lakes. My rate in the Navy was Quartermaster. Quartermasters on a ship are responsible for navigation. I was stationed on the USS Cole in Norfolk, VA. During my first deployment we were attacked by Al-Qaeda terrorists in Yemen on October 12, 2000 during a routine refueling stop. They rammed an explosive laden boat into the side of our ship killing 17 sailors and injuring many more. After the ship was repaired they honored those who passed away with a Hall of Heroes at the location on the ship of the bombing.
At the 15-year anniversary of the bombing I was able to bring my family, including Greg, on a tour of the ship. This year, the 20th anniversary, I will be traveling to Norfolk, VA for a ship reunion and memorial. I have also had the opportunity in the past to travel to Guantanamo Bay to sit in on hearings for the trial.
Thanks again,
Chris Nolf
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