GLASGOW — For Dusty Phillips, joining the Marines was a bit of an quick decision, but not a regretful one.
Phillips spent four years as a military police officer, serving in Washington D.C., Okinawa, Japan and other areas before he returned home in September 2007.
He was recalled in April from inactive duty to go in Iraq.
“In Iraq, I’ll be serving with the Regimental Combat Team 8 doing personal security detail,” Phillips said. “I’ll be doing that for 10 months.”
It will be Phillips’ first experience with combat, but he’ll be with experienced Marines.
“The guys that I’m with have deployed to combat zones many times,” he said. “They were over there during (20)03 and 04 when it was pretty stressful. I hope I’ll be able to whip out my training at the right times, but most of the guys I’m going over there with are great guys and they know what they’re doing. It’s good to know they’ve got your back.”
Phillips’ family will have his back as well, including his brother, Trevor, who works for the Barren County Sheriff’s Department.
“It’s a scary thought because you never know what could happen, but that’s the choice that he made and we’re proud of him,” Trevor said.
Phillips said his family is used to it by now, so it’s not a big deal.
“Iraq’s not the same as it was years ago,” Phillips said. “It’s more calm now.”
Now a Sergeant in the Marines, Phillips also has a two-year-old son — the only thing that kept him from reenlisting.
“He just turned two and I missed his birthday,” Phillips said. “He’ll be three by the time I get back. I guess it’s because of him that I didn’t re-enlist. I didn’t volunteer to go back, but I don’t mind that I got called. They called me and I’ll go with bells on. It is hard to leave him, though.”
When Phillips joined the Marines, he didn’t know what to expect, but he has learned a lot.
“It’s a great learning experience,” he said. “I think I’d encourage my son to join. If college is your thing, you can do that while you’re in, it’s a great way to see a lot of different countries. It makes you grow up quick. You’re 18, 19 years old and you’re on your own and put in leadership positions. I would encourage anybody to do it.”
Phillips leaves soon for a 10 month tour in Al Asad, Iraq.
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