The United States Marine Corp have a motto of “Semper Fidelis,” which means always faithful. Valparaiso resident and former Marine, John Catrino stays true to this motto as he recalls his experience as a Marine and honors those who have lost their lives serving their country.
Through the selected service system, Catrino was drafted 1966 at the young age of 19, after finishing High School in Long Hill Pennsylvania. The draftees were flown from Pittsburg to Parris Island, where he completed basic training for twelve weeks.
“I thought I was going to go in the Army, that’s what everyone went in. They told every tenth man to step out and there must have been a couple hundred, they told us that we were going to be Marines.”
Going from living at home, to life as a Marine was a big switch for Catrino. From intense physical training, learning about rifles and pistols, to strict rules for how their rooms were to be kept, everything became more regiment.
“The main purpose for all that was that they were trying to make 50 people think like one. As I step back from the experience, I realize how they were trying to teach you that if things get in your way, you can overcome them. Not only in warfare but as you sifted it out later in life, it helps you.”
Catrino describes his time in the Marines as “the best I’ve ever felt.” He went from basic training to advanced training at Camp Geiger in North Carolina. His first duty was Marine Corp Air Station El Torro. He was assigned to Marine Air Support Squadron 3 and then later squadron 5. This involved using electronics to tell airplanes where to drop bombs.
“It was sad for me because I had never experienced death before and some of my fellow Marines who I trained with, worked with, and had fun with came back in a wooden box, lined on the runway. There’s a saying ‘All gave some, but some gave all.’ That’s why I get a little upset when people don’t stand during the National Anthem, talk, and giggle, or don’t take their hats off because a lot of young men died in this county to make it free.”
In 1968, Catrino’s time in the Marines was over and he came out to Valparaiso, met his wife and started a family. He just recently retired after 45 years at the Mill being a member of local 6787. He was involved and is still involved in Steel Workers for Kids, an organization that collects funds and provides Christmas gifts for children in need.
These days, Catrino spends time with his wife Angela, his children Shelly and Joey (who happens to be born on November 10th, the Marine Corp’s Birthday), and is looking forward to welcoming his first grandchild into the world.
Serving his country was a memorable part of Cantrino's life and he looks back on all the things that serving taught him, that he still applies to his life today.