John Bates enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1966, and served in Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines during a 13 month tour in Vietnam. He was in eight major combat operations and wounded in battle three times: grenade shrapnel to the left knee and leg, a punji stake wound through the left foot, and a machine gun wound through the right chest which necessitated the removal of most of his right lung.

After returning to the United States, he was medically discharged from military and began work on a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, then Master’s of Science in Secondary Education and Rehabilitation Counseling.

In 1975, he rejoined the Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant and became platoon commander of Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. He retired after 30 years of service in 2005 at the rank of Colonel.

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