Standing on the patio with a cup of coffee this morning (those in the frozen and wet portions of the country may be envious at the local pleasant weather), I was thinking about how fast time seems to pass, particularly as I age. Marveling at how fast the grand kids have grown, how long it has been since I last wore my Marine Corps uniform, how the vacation three years ago seems so recent, and how it has been two years since we laid to rest a truly great American, Colonel C. L. "Doc" Dockery, U. S. Marine Corps (Retired).
Doc and I met first while attending school at Quantico, Virginia. Thirteen years later we served together overseas. Over that time, we became close -- very close -- friends. Doc came from Texas and his patriotism and "Marine-ness" were unrivaled. In the iconic way of those times and that area, he grew up in a small Texas town, where he played football and raised a little hell from time to time. A solid, loving family served as the bedrock for his beliefs and work ethic. One of those beliefs was the importance of serving our nation. So after graduating from high school, he enlisted in our Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. The values he learned in Texas provided the foundation upon which he added the Marine Corps values he lived and breathed. Subsequently, he attended Texas A & M, earned his degree, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Marines. After initial training, he went to Pensacola, Florida to attend flight school, and was designated a Naval Aviator. From that point forward, he was was a Marine Corps pilot, serving in a variety of flight, staff, and command positions. Fast forward to 1998, when we again served together overseas.
Doc was the truly exceptional among the exceptional. Not everyone can become a Marine, let alone an officer of Marines. With the up or out promotion system, few officers rise to pin on the insignia of a Colonel of Marines. In this group of exceptional Americans, Doc stood out. He stood out because of the values he taught, insisted upon, and lived. For those who have not served in uniform, the Marine Corps values can seem mythical or naive. But for Marines, these values are the essence of who we are and what we do. Honor, Courage, Commitment.
How can one describe these to an outsider? It's a real challenge to convey all that they mean. I remember learning early on that Marines never let a fellow Marine down; once a Marine, always a Marine; Marines don't lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those that do; every Marine if a rifleman; instant, willing obedience to orders; and other simple phrases that possess enormous meaning and obligation. Doc embodied all of these and more.
Never one to "go along to get along," Doc stood for all that is right in the Marine Corps. This meant, at times, insisting that the right way be taken, contrary to the desires of those less committed to the Marine Corps way of life. Hard nosed, but gentle, he stood for what was right - period. No equivocation. No excuses. No wavering. Right was right, end of discussion. And he did it in such a way as to earn the unyielding admiration of his fellow Marines, myself included. Perhaps this is why we bonded so closely.
In the positions we held, as senior officers in a large command, our actions and decisions were under constant scrutiny. Further, from time-to-time we encountered a small number of individuals who wanted to by-pass regulations. We stood together to counter and push back against those individuals. It was never a matter of our personal views or opinions. It was always a matter of following regulations and doing it right, in the Marine Corps way. Several times, we had to tackle issues with firm resolve to ensure the right, Marine Corps decisions were made and implemented. In his distinctive Texan drawl, Doc would calmly, but forcefully explain and educate. Never wavering, he ensured the right decisions were made and executed. By the way, some mistook that Texan drawl for a lessor intellect, only to regret it later. Doc's mind was one of the sharpest, quickest, and most analytical I ever encountered.
Looking the part of the grizzled combat veteran, Doc could spin a sea story better than most. Never forgetting his roots as a Marine NCO, he always took time to teach and mentor the young Marines. In doing so, he earned their never ending respect. A Marine's Marine. Doc simply, eloquently, and with steadfast determination embodied all that is meant by the title of United States Marine.
We both retired in 2002, remaining in touch. Our calls on the Marine Corps birthday (November 10) were a favorite. (The Marine Corps birthday is important to us and I have a treasured picture of the two of us celebrating one birthday overseas.) Emails and other calls reinforced our friendship and camaraderie. Retirement was hard for the both of us, as (second only to family) the Marine Corps is our life. We constantly cited that the civilians with whom we were working couldn't measure up to a good Marine Corps Lance Corporal. And we shared some laughs when remembering our time together. I miss those calls, emails, and laughter.
We laid him to rest in Arlington National Cemetery two years ago. As his bride Cheryl told me, Doc said that laying alongside his fellow Marines and other warriors in Arlington was a fitting final resting place. Fellow Marines traveled from across the nation to pay their respects. A Major General in Dress Blues, who had been a Lieutenant Colonel when we are last overseas, represented the Corps, by choice, since he well remembered Doc. Marines from squadrons in which he served as officer and enlisted attended. Our Commanding General from our time in Okinawa was there, as were other senior officers. Active duty and retired. Officer and enlisted. Combat veterans. Marines all, including gray beards. The horse drawn caisson, Marine Color Guard, Honor Guard of two platoons of Marines, and Marine Band participated in honoring this exceptional Marine. We in attendance stood to shoulder some of the pain for Cheryl and Doc's family. After the ceremony, I went to the Marine Corps Memorial, which is immediately adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. There I sat on a bench, looking at the statue commemorating the flag raising on Mount Surabachi on Iwo Jima, thought of my friend, and shed some tears in private. (By the way, Doc visited Iwo Jima during a remembrance ceremony. Where there is a road to the top now, he climbed it rather than take a truck or walk the road to the top, because that is what a Marine should do.)
So while staring out to sea from our patio, with coffee in hand this morning, I thought of Doc and how the world, my Marine Corps, and I are much better because of him.
Doc, Semper Fidelis, Devil Dog!
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