Leroy Williams on Marine Corps Leadership, Retirement, and Family
Retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Leroy Williams joins John for the first episode of The Unsung Veteran. Across 23½ years of service, Leroy found adventure, lasting friendships, and mentors who shaped how he treated the Marines around him. He also reached a point when he wanted more time with his wife and children.
Their conversation follows that journey—from joining after high school to learning to lead and preparing for life after the Marine Corps.
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Finding a reason to stay
Leroy joined without a detailed plan for a military career. His early experience included surprises: he expected training in Pensacola, Florida, and learned he was heading to Twentynine Palms, California.
His first duty station in Okinawa opened up possibilities he hadn’t imagined growing up in Alabama. Travel throughout Asia and training with South Korean Marines helped turn his initial uncertainty into curiosity about what else the Marine Corps could offer.
Learning to take care of Marines
One early experience stayed with Leroy. Assigned to deliver a crew briefing, he sought help from a more experienced Marine and believed he was prepared. Afterward, an officer sharply criticized his performance in front of others.
Leroy remembered what it felt like to be new, ask for guidance, and still be left unprepared. As he gained responsibility, he wanted the Marines under his leadership to receive meaningful help: someone willing to review their work, answer questions, and make time for them.
Good mentors reinforced that approach. He also describes learning from junior Marines and recognizing that seniority doesn’t mean having every answer.
Choosing more time with family
Leroy enjoyed his work and the people he served alongside. But pursuing the next assignment and promotion also meant that family could move further down his list of priorities.
His wife and children became the catalyst for retirement. He wanted time together that military commitments had often interrupted—from attending a concert with his wife to spending time with his daughters.
Leaving also meant missing the everyday companionship of fellow Marines. He talks about maintaining those relationships while building a life with more control over his time.
Preparing for civilian work
Leroy credits other veterans with encouraging him to prepare before leaving service. He completed a bachelor’s degree using tuition assistance, developed his network, and participated in a SkillBridge internship.
Those steps helped his transition into civilian employment. His experience illustrates the importance of seeking guidance and making preparations while still in uniform.
Your story belongs here, too
You don’t need a famous name or a headline-making military career to be a guest on The Unsung Veteran. The everyday experiences, relationships, and decisions that shaped your service are worth talking about.
Interviews are recorded remotely using Riverside. You’ll need an internet connection, a webcam, and headphones.