Sgt David Adams, U.S. Marines (1986 – 1994)

On Friday, November 28, 1986, the day after Thanksgiving, I arrived at my very first duty station at the MCAGCC, 29 Palms, California. I was a Private First Class (PFC), fresh out of the Marine Corps boot camp and MOS school. I was a total boot!

My unit was on ninety-six for the holiday, so I checked in with the OOD and received my room assignment at the barracks. The OOD informed me that there was a battalion Christmas party that night and that I had to attend. So, I went to the party as instructed. Naturally, I did not know anyone, so I decided to chat with the only familiar figure, the jolly old Santa Claus standing by the Christmas tree and chanting ho-ho-ho and Merry Christmas sporadically.

I walked up and said, How are you doing Santa? He responded, I am doing fine, young man. Are you enjoying the party? I said, Yes, but I am new and do not know anyone. He said, Well, you have come to the right man! We started talking. I told him about my family, hometown, boot camp, and a few other things. When I told him how nervous I was about my first duty assignment in the fleet, he said, Well, in that case, my Christmas present for you is a few tips to help you succeed as a young Marine. He continued,” Work hard, take charge, show initiative, follow orders, educate yourself, stay out of trouble, and always look sharp. We talked for about twenty minutes, then we shook hands and wished each other a Merry Christmas. I grabbed some food and a soda and hung around for a bit longer before heading back to the barracks.

It was a long, boring weekend. The barracks were almost empty. Most Marines, including my roommates, had hit the road soon after the Christmas party to spend time in more happening places than the base. First thing Monday morning, I went to units S-1 to complete my paperwork. As I left S-1, I heard a familiar voice: Welcome aboard, PFC Adams! Shocked to hear my name, I quickly turned around. There was a full-bird colonel standing there. I am Colonel St. John, your battalion commander, he said and walked into S-1. I was in disbelief. He was the Santa Claus I had talked to at the Christmas party. In my boot state of mind, I never thought any Marine, let alone a Marine Colonel, would dress up as Santa Claus to cheer up his troops. I honestly thought that Santa was a civilian who was hired for the Christmas party.

Anyhow, I followed Santa’s advice throughout my entire eight years in the Marine Corps and then, for over twenty years in my civilian career as a business professional, and never failed to achieve positive results. Nonetheless, my Colonel’s kindness and humility in sitting down and talking to a most junior marine, simply as Santa Claus, made the most positive impact on me.

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