FORWARD OPERATING BASE GERONIMO, Afghanistan -- “Not everybody gets to say they fought for their country during a time of war, and I take a lot of pride in what I do.”
Cpl. Jerry Golden, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the fuel farm at Forward Operating Base Geronimo, works alongside two other bulk fuel Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward).
“Fuel is a big necessity in Afghanistan,” said Golden, 22, a native of Philadelphia. “I realize how essential we are out here, and I have experienced the impact of my job.”
As one of three Marines in charge of fuel at the FOB, Golden supports between 40 and 50 trucks and dispenses an average of 6,000 gallons of fuel each day.
“’Without the flow, the proud don’t go,’” Golden said as he recited one of the bulk fuel mottos.
Golden said his experience at his FOB has lived up to his expectations of the Marine Corps. When his small team first got to FOB Geronimo, they were the only three members from the logistics combat element, but they were supporting hundreds of Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5.
“[Second Bn., 6th Marines] took us in from the moment we got here and treated us like family,” said Golden. “It felt exactly like the brotherhood you expect from the Corps. Whatever we need help with, whether it is haircuts or supply, 2/6 is always willing to help us out.”
Growing up in a military family, Golden always knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“I was always told the Marine Corps is the best, so I joined,” said Golden.
Golden arrived in Afghanistan for his first tour in November, and said he is proud to have the opportunity to have this experience.
“I’m seen as a hero back home, and it’s a great feeling,” said Golden. “I’ll have stories to tell my children and grandchildren.”
Though Golden is happy to be here, he said he misses his family and friends and looks forward to going home.
“Being stationed in Okinawa, I don’t get to see the states very much so I am really looking forward to going back to Philly when we leave here,” said Golden.
When back home, Golden tries to attend as many Philadelphia sports games as he can. Though a huge fan of his city, Golden doesn’t plan on moving home anytime soon.
“I definitely plan on staying in and doing 20 years or more,” said Golden. “I love the lifestyle of the Marine Corps, and I feel like it has helped me to succeed. The Corps has made me the person I am today.”