MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- After serving in the United States Marine Corps for more than 16 years as a travel clerk in the disbursing field, the Greenville, Miss. native now spends his time as the Headquarters Battalion, substance abuse counseling officer.
Gunnery Sgt. Maurice N. Cork grew up in a family that included five sisters and three brothers. According to Cork, his mother raised them all. During high school, his major passion was football, but he chose a different career path to pursue after graduation — which was other than sports.
“I actually received two football scholarships, but had already signed up for the Marine Corps,” said the 36-year-old. “I was only eighteen and didn’t realize I could have backed out, but I’m happy I didn’t. My cousin was a Marine, and I felt it was my duty to don that uniform.”
Cork agreed to join the Corps with an open contract, which meant that he was willing to take on any job he may be chosen for.
He said his family’s respect and support for his decision to become a Marine has kept him going and helped him become successful in his chosen career field.
“My mother was always happy with whatever made me happy,” said Cork. “I wanted to be one of the best, and my family completely backed me up.”
Cork was chosen to be a travel clerk and attended the Marine Occupational Specialty School at Camp Johnson, N.C., for three months. After graduating, he received orders to Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C. From there, he went on to other duty stations that included Okinawa, Japan; Camp Pendleton, Calif.; and others before being assigned to his current duty station — Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.
Cork said he has not yet been deployed overseas but is willing to go if asked.
“If the Marine Corps tells me to go, I’ll go,” said Cork.
The Mississippi native said that after K-Bay’s last SACO retired from the Marine Corps, the billet opened up and, of course, had to be filled. Cork said he took the job for Headquarters Battalion.
“They needed someone to fill the quota,” said Cork. “I hope that I will only do this for a year, though, so I can get back to my normal job.”
Cork is now approaching 17 years with the Corps and said he plans to stay in for as long as he can.
“The camaraderie had made me want to stay in longer, rather than just doing four years,” admitted Cork. “The Marine Corps is very small, but it has a lot of different parts that make it all run smoothly.
“I think I’ve gained knowledge in all fields of work, as opposed to one field — had I attended college.”
“There’s no set date for me to get out right now,” said Cork. “I’m like the ‘Energizer Bunny,’ at the moment. I hope to continue going.
“I also plan on getting my Master’s degree for business administration before I retire.”
Cork still has a love for football. He plays on the Headquarter’s Battalion football team, for what he hopes to be a successful season.
After 16 years with the Corps, cork tells fellow Marines, “No matter how long you decide to stay in, commit to that time.
“If deciding to stay longer, serve faithfully — Semper Fi.”