Spirit of America honored 250 years of the US Marine Corps with a special virtual event featuring Lt. General (Retired) Lawrence Nicholson, Master Sgt. (Retired) and former Marine Raider Danny Santos, and current Marine Corps Reservist Major Grant Peehler on Thursday, November 13.

Nicholson graduated from The Citadel in 1979 and served 39 years in the Marines, with four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and retired as Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force in 2018. Santos served 20 years as a Marine Raider, working in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific region, and West Africa. After completing his military career, Santos served as a Program Manager for Spirit of Ameria’s Asia-Pacific team and is now chief operating officer of the Critical Minerals Forum. Peehler is a Major in the US Marine Corps, currently working as a Europe Desk Officer at Marine Forces Europe’s reserve detachment. He’s served in over 20 countries as a Civil Affairs officer working with military, DoS and local partners to advance US interests. Peehler is currently the Regional Program Manager of Spirit of America’s Europe team.

Our panelists discussed insights on the Corps and why this branch of service appealed to them, as well as the enduring legacy of the Marines in an ever-changing world.

Celebrating the United States Marine Corps 250th Birthday