Once a Marine, always a Marine is one motto that seems to perfectly fit former Tamaqua resident Steve Trubilla. Although retired from the Corps since April of 2001, Sergeant Major Trubilla remembers his fellow Marines every day and hopes his fellow Americans remember the sacrifices made by America's military men and women. With Memorial Day fast approaching, he felt compelled to write an article honoring his fellow patriots and was gracious enough to submit it to what he still considers to be his hometown newspaper.

Married to the former Sharon A. Miller of Mantzville, he now lives in Youngsville, N.C. They have two children: Rebecca, who followed her father's footsteps into the U.S. Marines; and Stephen, an artist who creates upscale, creative, unique pieces. Rebecca is a third generation Marine (her paternal grandfather, Calvin Miller, served in the Corps during World War II) and brought another Marine into the family when she married Staff Sgt. Earl J. Catagnus, a decorated warrior who was wounded in the Battle of Fallujah in Iraq.Just as the Marine Corps hymn notes, Sgt. Maj. Trubilla (Ret.) served his country from "the snows of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes" as well as from sea to shining sea. His tours included Iceland (snow), Diego Garcia (tropic), Okinawa and many stateside billets. He continued to serve his country after retiring, serving as a civilian security consultant in Iraq and Afghanistan. During his 30 year career, he earned the Legion of Merit, Meritorius Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and a host of other U.S. and foreign service awards.A free-lance writer and military consultant, including working with the U.S. Congress on military matters, Trubilla has one request of his fellow Americans ... Never Forget!!