For New Orleans chef John Besh, the Marine Corps did more than prepare him for success, it inspired him to become a leader in the culinary world. During Desert Storm he helped liberate the Kuwaiti Airport as a squad leader. Years later as a civilian, following Hurricane Katrina, he drew on experience as a Marine and a chef to lead relief efforts. Throughout his career, Besh has opened four highly successful restaurants, earned several prestigious culinary awards and been featured on the Food Network.

When Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Carter enlisted in the Marine Corps, he quickly distinguished himself as a leader of Marines. Within three years of joining the Marine Corps, he was awarded an NROTC scholarship, and in 1992 he earned both a BA degree in Banking and Finance and a commission as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. He has served in a variety of capacities as an expert in counter-terrorism, including an assignment as the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

During his 25 years in the Marine Corps, James Dever pursued some of the most physically and mentally demanding challenges the Marine Corps had to offer. His posts included Force Reconnaissance Company, Special Tactics Instructor, HALO School and Static Line Jump Master and Battalion Sergeant Major. Now retired, his experience is sought by Hollywood as a Military Technical Advisor. He has ensured authenticity for more than 20 films, including Flags of Our Fathers, Battle Los Angeles and Terminator: Salvation.

As a young man, Adam Firestone, of the Firestone Tires family, could have pursued any opportunity. Seeking challenge and purpose, he chose to serve his country in the Marine Corps. He deployed to Iraq and Kuwait during the Gulf War in 1991. Now, as a civilian, he runs his own company, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., and credits his experience as a Marine for enabling him to earn success on his own terms.

Senator, astronaut, Marine—John Glenn's many achievements have distinguished him as a great American leader. He became a Marine following the attack on Pearl Harbor, and proved himself a highly skilled combat pilot in WWII and the Korean War. His flying record made him an ideal candidate for NASA's first space mission. In 1962 Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Glenn ran for public office and served as an Ohio senator for 24 years. In 1998 he returned to NASA for a second mission and became the oldest person on a space mission. Most recently, he helped establish the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at Ohio State University.

Carolyn Minerich has always sought a challenge, so the Marine Corps was the perfect fit for her. In 1974, she broke new ground as a female officer as part of the first female class to train with their male counterparts at the Basic School. In 1976, she became the first female Marine Officer to be stationed in an aviation squadron. After her time in the Marine Corps, she founded Carmin Industries which launched new waterjet cutting technology and became the only company certified by NASA standards to provide waterjet cutting for the Marshall Space Flight Center. She was honored by President George W. Bush as one of America's Top 17 Women Entrepreneurs in 2003. She actively seeks to employ veterans and her company continues to be a leader in the manufacturing field.

Angie Morgan became a Marine seeking challenge and adventure, but quickly realized it was the leadership training that would change her life forever. Today, she runs her own company called Lead Star, training business professionals to be decisive and inspiring leaders — some of the same qualities she learned in the Marine Corps.

Patrick Shea has always been a proud American, but traveling the world as a Marine gave him a new appreciation for the freedoms he swore to defend. Today he continues to serve America as a police officer in the community where he grew up. He supports current Marines by coordinating local efforts to send care packages to units on deployment overseas.

The pride Sergeant Darhonda Rodela feels about her time in the Marine Corps is evident. Since becoming a Marine in 2003, her role as a public affairs correspondent took her to Baghdad and back. She reported the news, captured stories of Marines overseas and helped to preserve Marine Corps history. After choosing to re-enlist in 2006 and receiving numerous promotions, Sergeant Rodela received her honorable discharge in June, 2011.

For Lieutenant Colonel Stacey Taylor, the Marine Corps is more than a career, it's a way to make a meaningful contribution. On deployment, LtCol Taylor participated in humanitarian operations, assisting in the evacuation of American citizens from Albania in 1996. In his spare time, LtCol Taylor volunteers with local community service organizations, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Since the filming of this interview, then-Major Taylor was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and is now the Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Support Battalion, School of Infantry – East.