KAILUA, ISLAND OF OAHU, Hawaii -- KAILUA--With the war to liberate Iraq in full swing, our Marines and their families are challenged to support America's goals around the world, and to maintain as much normalcy as possible back home.
Yet, it often helps to look back to those who came before us, those who faced similar struggles, to get perspective on the future.
To see the impact of a career Marine on his family, you only need to go as far as Kailua, Hawaii.
Marie Phelps Peyton is the daughter of retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Jerry Phelps, formerly assigned to the 1st Radio Bn. (in '66 - '68 and in '76 - '79) at what was then Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay.
Phelps is still scarlet and gold, through and through, but he provided an enduring legacy for his family, despite the challenges of war and deployments.
The Wife
In their home, life was hard. With Phelps often deployed, life could be daunting.
Raising three small children alone was a challenge for wife Anne, but she knew her husband was doing his duty to defend the country.
Anne was a Marine's wife and she knew what was required of her. With her mate away so often (Phelps was gone more than 400 days between '76 and '79), the kids looked to their mom for support and guidance.
The hardship of being alone created a strong bond between Anne and the kids.
The support that she received from Marine Corps units of which Jerry was assigned to made the separation tolerable for them all. His units were like an extended family for them.
The Daughter
Like her father, Marie displays a high degree of confidence, pride, dedication to work, and loyalty to her family and friends that transcends her.
Her father instilled the Marine Corps' core values of honor, courage and commitment in all the kids at an early age. Marine Corps values were the codes to live by in the Phelps household.
Today, along with her husband, Marie runs one of the top Pacific Rim entertainment promotion companies. She has produced such acts as Stevie Wonder, Journey, The Police, and a host of others, and has garnered a solid reputation for taking care of business while taking care of those around her.
She, and her siblings, has achieved success beyond what was ever expected of young ones back in the 1970s.
"I attribute it [success] to my father," she said. "He always told me that the key to success is in how you treat others.
"I never really appreciated how he influenced me until I was older."
Marie's no-nonsense approach to life has served her well, and it reflects directly on the former Marine she admires most - her dad.
The Marine
Phelps often felt like he was abandoning his family.
"I regret missing time with them, but I loved my life as a Marine," he recalled.
Phelps served in Vietnam - three times, between '66 and '68. Although he saw no direct action during the war, he and his unit played an invaluable role as part of I Corps in places likes Phu Bai and Dong Ha.
Along with his fellow Marines in 1st Radio Bn., Phelps provided important cryptologic intelligence support to the Army and Marine units that were on the front lines.
When he was home, Phelps took every opportunity to bond with his kids and the Marines under his leadership.
"We were a really tight group," he said about the relationship that was fostered between his family and his Marines. "There were always a lot of people around.
"The kids were about the same age as the young Marines with 1st Radio, so we would invite them on family outings.
"It was a fun time," he remembered.
If speaking with Jerry Phelps, his passion for his family and in the Marines who now follow in his footsteps may most impress you.
"We [Radio Bn.] were the first to go, to support the mission," he said. "That was our marquee, and it stands today."
A simple man of honor, Phelps offers solid advice to the Marines who are in action around the world supporting the idea of freedom and democracy.
"Do the job well and stay the course," he explained, providing advice that surely stands the test of time.