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As our nation celebrates 250 years of American independence in 2026, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is proud to continue spotlighting the Marines whose stories shape not just the history of the Marine Corps but the very fabric of American society. Through our Marines Across America campaign, we are honoring the service, leadership, and lasting contributions of Marines in all 50 states.
Today, we turn our focus to Texas, a state rich with Marine Corps pride and powerful stories of post-service impact.
Barry Corbin
Actor | Lamesa, Texas
Barry Corbin is a renowned character actor whose career spans more than six decades across film, television, and theater. Before Hollywood, Corbin served two years in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, an experience that helped shape the discipline and steady presence he later brought to the screen.
Born in Lamesa, Texas, Corbin returned to Texas Tech University after his military service and pursued acting full-time. He rose to prominence with roles in Urban Cowboy, WarGames, Lonesome Dove, and No Country for Old Men, and became widely known for his Emmy-nominated performance as Maurice Minnifield on Northern Exposure. In recent years, he has appeared in Yellowstone, Better Call Saul, and The Ranch.
Deeply connected to his Texas roots, Corbin is an accomplished horseman, a longtime supporter of charitable causes, and an inductee of both the Texas Film Hall of Fame and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. His life and work reflect a lasting commitment to storytelling, service, and the enduring values of the Marine Corps.
Micah Wright
Assistant Professor of Research, UT Health San Antonio | San Antonio, Texas
Micah Wright is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, educator, and veteran advocate whose career bridges combat leadership and academic service. He served four years in the Marine Corps, rising to the rank of corporal, earning a Combat Action Ribbon and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. As a Fire Support Team (FIST) radio operator, Wright fought during Operation Phantom Fury, the Second Battle of Fallujah, and received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his performance in one of the Iraq War’s most intense battles.
After leaving active duty, Wright dedicated himself to advancing veteran success in higher education. He earned both a master’s degree and a PhD, and helped build the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he created the Veteran Success Program and secured grants to expand support for military-affiliated students. He later served as program manager for the Military Health Institute, leading research initiatives and partnerships focused on military health and education.
Today, Wright serves as an Assistant Professor of Research at UT Health San Antonio, focusing on veteran health, qualitative research, and program development. He is a member of the Executive Board of the Veterans Studies Association and serves as president of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines Association, continuing his lifelong commitment to Marines and the veteran community.
Jason Dice
Gunnery Sergeant, Security Consultant | Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas
Submitted by: Michael Griffin
Gunnery Sergeant Jason Dice is a United States Marine Corps veteran whose life and career reflect a deep commitment to faith, family, and service. During his time in the Marine Corps, Dice deployed twice to Afghanistan, where he served as a trusted leader and mentor, helping guide Marines through combat with steadiness, humility, and an unwavering moral compass.
After leaving active duty, Dice carried Marine Corps values into civilian life, applying his operational experience to protecting others. He worked as a security consultant for a Jewish organization in Los Angeles and now conducts security and threat assessments for faith-based organizations across Texas and the Southwest. His work focuses on preparedness, protection, and safeguarding communities in times of uncertainty.
Quietly dedicated and mission-focused, Dice continues to serve not out of recognition, but out of calling. His career stands as a reflection of what it means to remain Always Faithful—long after the uniform comes off.
Staff Sergeant Martha “Mo” Morrison
Veteran Leader & Peer Support Advocate | Dallas, Texas
Submitted by: AJ Perez
Staff Sergeant Martha “Mo” Morrison served in the United States Marine Corps across both active duty and reserve components, building a career defined by resilience and service. Stationed at Camp Pendleton from 2006–2010, she served with Weapons Field Training Battalion, Edson Range, and later deployed on Temporary Additional Duty with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2009. Her reserve service included assignments with 4th Supply Battalion, 4th MLG in Raleigh, Marine Aircraft Group-41, and Combat Logistics Battalion 451 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Driven to continue serving Marines, Morrison returned to active duty and was selected for Wounded Warrior Battalion-East at Camp Lejeune, where she served from 2016–2019, supporting wounded, ill, and injured service members during their recovery and transition.
Today, Morrison continues her mission as program coordinator for Merging Vets and Players (MVP), Dallas Chapter, a peer-support organization for veterans and former athletes. She leads weekly peer sessions, monthly community events, and partners with organizations such as the Dallas Cowboys to deliver impactful wellness programming and fundraisers. Her work helps others rediscover purpose, connection, and identity after life in uniform.
Cpl (Ret.) Jack Goodroe
Marine Corps Veteran & Community Leader | Tomball, Texas
Submitted by: Laurel Goodroe
Critically wounded in April 2004 while serving in Husaybah, Iraq, Corporal (Ret.) Jack Goodroe returned home determined to continue serving others. Since then, he has dedicated more than 12 years to supporting fellow veterans as a volunteer and advisory board member with Warrior Benefit, and the past four years as a board member and volunteer with Impact A Hero.
Jack’s commitment extends beyond veterans’ organizations. He has volunteered as a search-and-recovery diver in the Texas Hill Country following the devastating July 4th flooding, returning multiple times to assist with recovery efforts. He is someone friends and neighbors consistently turn to in times of need, offering help without judgment and without expectation of recognition.
Jack’s life reflects the enduring Marine Corps values of service, humility, and loyalty—continuing to answer the call long after the uniform came off.
Continuing the Mission in 2026
As the United States marks America’s 250th anniversary, these stories are a vivid reminder that the legacy of the Marine Corps is etched not only in history books, but in the communities where Marines live, lead, and serve every day.
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is honored to amplify these voices as part of our Marines Across America campaign—now integrated into our America250 efforts—to showcase how Marines have shaped America for 250 years.
👉 Help us continue sharing these stories and preserving the rich legacy of the Marine Corps. Your support allows us to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations.
About Marines Across America and America250
As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, Marines Across America honors the legacy of those who have served in the United States Marine Corps and the impact they’ve made—on and off the battlefield—for 250 years. This special storytelling series, part of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve Marine Corps history, highlights Marines from across the country whose service and continued contributions embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Through personal stories, career reflections, and community leadership, these Marines represent the enduring spirit of service that has shaped America since 1775. As we commemorate America250, we invite you to help us preserve this living history. Your support ensures that the stories of Marines—past, present, and future—will be shared with future generations.
