By
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 Washington, a state rich with Marine Corps pride and powerful stories of post-service impact.
Jon Turner
Chef & Veteran Entrepreneur | Seattle, Washington
Kyle Gourlie served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a machine gunner with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, deploying to Ramadi, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Severely wounded in combat, he was medically retired in 2008 after a long rehabilitation.
During recovery, Gourlie found a new mission through cooking, leading him to earn a degree in culinary management from the Art Institute of Seattle. He later founded The Vet Chef, a Seattle-based food truck that serves California-style Mexican cuisine while employing and mentoring veterans and their families.
Today, Gourlie is a strong advocate for veteran mental health and entrepreneurship, sharing his story through VA platforms and public forums. His work shows how purpose, teamwork, and service can continue long after the uniform comes off.
General James “Jim” Mattis
Retired Four-Star Marine & Former U.S. Secretary of Defense | Washington
James “Jim” Mattis served more than 40 years in the United States Marine Corps, rising from a young infantry officer commissioned via ROTC to one of the most respected four-star generals of his generation. A student of history and military strategy, Mattis built a career that blended battlefield experience with a deep commitment to ethics, preparation, and leadership.
He commanded at every level, including leading the 1st Marine Division during the opening phase of the 2003 Iraq War and later serving as commander of U.S. Central Command, overseeing operations across the Middle East and Central Asia. Known for his disciplined leadership and emphasis on alliances, Mattis consistently stressed responsibility, restraint, and clarity of purpose in combat.
In 2017, Mattis was appointed the 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense, earning near-unanimous Senate confirmation. During his tenure, he focused on military readiness, strengthening NATO alliances, and guiding U.S. defense policy through a period of global uncertainty.
Since leaving public office, Mattis has remained active as a policy advisor, board member, author, and speaker, continuing to shape conversations on leadership, strategy, and service. His legacy reflects a lifetime defined by intellect, integrity, and devotion to duty.
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.
