Max Soviak a model Corpsman

Corpsmen are highly loved and respected in the Marine Corps. Every single unit has a Corpsman and they go through intense training to earn their FMF (Fleet Marine Force) pin. A Corpsman. Not a medic. I've seen a lot of folks sharing a pic with the Caduceus & Shield and FMF pin. But many don't know what these symbols mean. After completion of a grueling eight weeks of field med school, where you learn how to essentially think, talk and walk like a Marine along with becoming an expert in tactical combat casualty care, you earn your "shield." You're told your job is to shield your Marines from any danger and save them at all costs. The Fleet Marine Force pin is earned not given. Many months go into studying to become an expert of your Marines and is required to earn this title. This is the closest thing to an Eagle, Globe and Anchor a Corpsman can earn. • The waves crashing onto the sand represent the Littoral Zone, where so many sailors have waded ashore with their Marines. The sands of Iwo Jima to the shores of Tripoli. • The eagle, globe and anchor represent the nation itself and is a tribute to our Marines, the Western Hemisphere and our sea fairing traditions. • The crossed rifles show every Marine is a rifleman. • The scroll on the bottom states "Fleet Marine Force" exclusively showing the community you belong to. You're often the only sailor with 60 Marines, and you will learn every inch of them from head to toe. From aches to pains to the information you don't want to know. You have a hard life, but those Marines love you and nobody is better than their "Doc". When one Corpsman bleeds, we all bleed. I can assure you Maxton Soviak was a dang-good Corpsman. I know this because he was right where he needed to be, in the thick of it with his Marines. He wasn't at the back of the patrol falling out. He wasn't in the aid station hiding from first sergeant. He was there with them, on the ground, doing what Corpsmen do best. So please, do not call him a medic. This man was a United States Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsman. All my other Corpsman brothers and sisters out there, who have earned the title as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, wear your pins for those that can no longer wear their own. We have the watch. Jamie Depaola Retired U.S. Marine Corps