Coming Back Full Circle to Serve Others First
Twelve years after leaving active duty, there was just something missing in my life. I had (and still have) a beautiful family, was living 400 meters from the beach in Southern California, a successful career, and didn’t want for much. I was negotiating a $300M deal for CrossFit, running an international expansion team, and looking for new opportunities for the growing mega-brand. But I wasn’t fulfilled, and I knew why.
Twelve years after leaving active duty, I reached out to a Prior Service Recruiter to re-join the IRR and, ultimately, the Marine Reserve ranks. I never thought in a million years that I would ever wear a Marine uniform again; but it felt good to be back. Those that have left, retired, or are currently serving in the Reserves can tell you: Few things on the “outside” can match the honor of working with and being able to call yourself a U.S. Marine.
I only wish that I kept all the uniform items that I never thought I’d need again; especially since I don’t live anywhere near a military base that carried Marine regulation uniforms items. That’s where MCX Uniform Shop - TBS Uniforms – MCX Uniforms came in the clutch for me. I was able to purchase my new Danner boots and have them dropped on my front doorstep in Utah. The price was better than anywhere I could find, the checkout simple, and they were delivered within two days of the order. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect because my first Drill was the following weekend.
www.MyMCX.com was the perfect extension to not being on or near an MCX to walk into. And with five proud kids, there’s no better place to get them their USMC spirit wear.
About the Author
Captain James Letchford attended the U.S. Naval Academy where he competed as a Division I wrestler and boxer. In 2003, he graduated with a B.S. Economics and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. In July 2004, 2ndLt Letchford and his family reported to Camp Pendleton and conducted a full work-up with 15th MEU in anticipation for a November deployment to Baghdad, Iraq. The MEU floated enroute to Baghdad in November 2004 where his platoon conducted foot and heli-borne counter-insurgency operations. In 2005, 1stLt Letchford, now serving as the Executive Officer of an infantry company, arrived at Camp Fallujah and conducted COIN Operations. During this deployment, his unit reinforced the 10th Mountain Division at Abu Ghraib Prison where they would fight until the end of their deployment. At the end of 2006, 1stLt Letchford commenced his B-Billet at Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry West as A Company Commander. In May 2008, Captain Letchford left active service. He was immediately hired by CrossFit Inc. as the Chief Marketing Officer and lead CrossFit International. He currently is the Chief Growth Officer at GORUCK Inc. In 2019, Captain Letchford returned to the United States Marine Corps by joining the USMCR. Since February 2020, he serves as 1st Platoon Commander, 4th Force Reconnaissance Company.
