Tiger Board Logo

Donor's Den General Leaderboards TNET coins™ POTD Hall of Fame Map FAQ
GIVE AN AWARD
Use your TNET coins™ to grant this post a special award!

W
50
Big Brain
90
Love it!
100
Cheers
100
Helpful
100
Made Me Smile
100
Great Idea!
150
Mind Blown
150
Caring
200
Flammable
200
Hear ye, hear ye
200
Bravo
250
Nom Nom Nom
250
Take My Coins
500
Ooo, Shiny!
700
Treasured Post!
1000

YOUR BALANCE
TNET: Garrett Williams opens up about military family, decision on whether to leave or stay
storage This topic has been archived - replies are not allowed.
Archives - Tiger Boards Archive
add New Topic
Replies: 36
| visibility 1

TNET: Garrett Williams opens up about military family, decision on whether to leave or stay


Nov 13, 2018, 4:01 PM

 
Garrett Williams opens up about military family, decision on whether to leave or stay

Garrett Williams comes from a long line of military veterans so it’s no surprise he wants to follow in their footsteps and enlist in the Marine Corps. However, at the end of the 2018 season, he’ll have to make one of his most difficult decisions yet. Full Story »


flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

If someone gave me the opportunity for one more year


Nov 13, 2018, 4:08 PM

I'd take it :)

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Re: If someone gave me the opportunity for one more year


Nov 14, 2018, 5:10 AM

In a Heart beat!!! College is one thing that the ones that has had the chance to go, most of them just have that one chance, and they should make the most of it for as long as they can. I went to a two year Technical college, and even though I had to work a full time job and go to school full time 5 days a week, I loved every minute of it!!!

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Re: TNET: Garrett Williams opens up about military family, decision on whether to leave or stay


Nov 13, 2018, 4:15 PM

Fine young man, I am glad Coach Swinney has given him the opportunity to be honored as a Senior. Proud of Garrett for wanting to join the Marines, but I sure would love for him to play one more year for our beloved Tigers! He does such a great job at the H Back position.

2024 orange level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: TNET: Garrett Williams opens up about military family, decision on whether to leave or stay


Nov 13, 2018, 4:25 PM

Unsung Heros are often missed the most.

2024 white level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


What's waiting one more year to join?


Nov 13, 2018, 4:29 PM

He can still join but these days in college are precious. Especially playing football for this team.

Someone knock some sense into this kid? I love my job but I miss Clemson too.

2024 purple level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: What's waiting one more year to join?


Nov 13, 2018, 5:01 PM

Agreed completely.

While being an infantry officer is awesome, anyone can do it. Not many people can play college football.

The wars are essentially over so it’s not like he’s going to miss out on a once in a lifetime deployment by waiting.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


Re: What's waiting one more year to join?


Nov 13, 2018, 5:20 PM

Not everyone can be a Marine you cootass

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: What's waiting one more year to join?


Nov 13, 2018, 5:44 PM [ in reply to Re: What's waiting one more year to join? ]

There is more to being in the Military than war. We need
them for many reasons and it is a great experience for
any young man and woman to serve something greater than
themselves.

military_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Anyone can be an officer? Good Lord***


Nov 13, 2018, 6:01 PM [ in reply to Re: What's waiting one more year to join? ]



2024 white level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Re: What's waiting one more year to join?


Nov 13, 2018, 6:12 PM [ in reply to Re: What's waiting one more year to join? ]


Agreed completely.

While being an infantry officer is awesome, anyone can do it. Not many people can play college football.

The wars are essentially over so it’s not like he’s going to miss out on a once in a lifetime deployment by waiting.


As a former serviceman. You don’t get it. Don’t talk again please

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: What's waiting one more year to join?


Nov 13, 2018, 6:48 PM

I'm literally an 11A. I think I understand being an infantry officer.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


Re: What's waiting one more year to join?


Nov 13, 2018, 7:32 PM

Ok pog, whatever you say...

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: What's waiting one more year to join?


Nov 13, 2018, 7:47 PM

I can't wait to hear your MOS with a response like that. 92G?

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


Waiver


Nov 13, 2018, 9:58 PM [ in reply to Re: What's waiting one more year to join? ]

09 if (and its a big IF) you are what you say you are than you know things are very easy now to get in to any service program you want. Not too long ago it would have taken months and possibly a year or more to get his ACL waived and get into his chosen service.

Those restrictions have been relaxed lately to spur participation and this may be a great motivator to his decision.

Last, I'll leave you with my humble thoughts as some one who took their 1st oath of service in 1992 and continues to serve. If you are truly called in to the service of leadership, if it is knitted in to your DNA, if deep down you can't wait to be in the suck with your brothers; then every day you aren't in the yoke is a day you feel is wasted. You burn inside with a desire to lead and nothing will satiate it. I turned down a full ride to law school for an active duty commission and never regretted it.

If you can't see where he is coming from, I question your heart and warrior spirit. You sir, may be a soldier, but that is all you are. To you it is a job not a gift, not a joy, not a calling. For some like he and I it is the deepest satisfaction we can ever experience in our lives.

military_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Re: Waiver


Nov 14, 2018, 6:33 AM

Thank you for all that you are, sir

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Waiver


Nov 14, 2018, 6:53 AM [ in reply to Waiver ]




If you can't see where he is coming from, I question your heart and warrior spirit.




I can certainly see where he's coming from.

The same way I can see why Joe wants to marry the first girl he meets after OSUT to collect BAH and move out of the barracks. However, as a leader your job is help that Joe understand why waiting will be better for him in the long run.


You may have a valid point on the ACL waiver, but I can't imagine a MEPS doctor turning away a kid who's played D1 FBS college football because of ACL surgery.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


Re: What's waiting one more year to join?


Nov 13, 2018, 9:11 PM [ in reply to Re: What's waiting one more year to join? ]

Well, “no” classof09, you are obviously army infantry officer which Marines call 4F’s. Didn’t you read the article? Williams is aspiring to be a Marine Infantry Officer; that is a leader of Infantry Marines (the most dangerous weapon in the U.S. military) AND NO “anyone” can not do it! BZ to you Garrett Williams; whatever, whenever your choice. You will be a great leader of Marines.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: What's waiting one more year to join?


Nov 13, 2018, 5:02 PM [ in reply to What's waiting one more year to join? ]

Follow your heart, young man.

military_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: TNET: Garrett Williams opens up about military family, decision on whether to leave or stay


Nov 13, 2018, 5:57 PM

Mr. Williams,

Here is some senior advice.

If you have an inkling a final year would enhance your career in the Military, then you should seriously use some 20-20 wisdom. It is called delayed gratification. Lets say you are up for promotion in your chosen field. There is another guy who has the same qualifications except you have the last year of a masters degree. Who do you think will get the nod? I am speaking from experience not just once but many times.
Here is the thing: Right now you want to just go and you have a dream. Some day that dream will mature and you will want to go through other doors. Education is a key to a door. Like most anything else in life, more education has a diminishing return the more you accumulate, but a master degree will get you much further than a BA. It will pay off dividends for many years.

Just saying, and best of luck.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: TNET: Garrett Williams opens up about military family, decision on whether to leave or stay


Nov 13, 2018, 6:19 PM

As a teacher of mathematics with a master's degree, I agree wholeheartedly.

2024 purple level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

I am a retired Marine Corps Infantryman


Nov 13, 2018, 6:24 PM

and two tour DI. This is awesome to me....big ups to Garrett for this. My advice to him is to play his last year because that opportunity will never be there again. The Marine Corps is not going anywhere and his physical gifts and obvious good head on his shoulders will be perfect for the Corps. Infantry Officers Course (IOC) is the most physically and mentally demanding school in the Corps, hands down. He will handle that and it will be waiting on him when he gets through OCS and TBS. OCS is a brutal physical experience in itself and IOC is worse. Play your last year, take it all in and the Marine Corps will be waiting for you. A guy who is a physical stud, played a team sport at the highest collegiate level, is tailor made for the Marine Corps Infantry. I salute the young man big time.

military_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: I am a retired Marine Corps Infantryman


Nov 13, 2018, 6:59 PM

A friend of mine had Mason Cloy as his PL. Said he was an amazing officer.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


Re: I am a retired Marine Corps Infantryman


Nov 13, 2018, 7:08 PM [ in reply to I am a retired Marine Corps Infantryman ]

Well said OP .... I'm a retired 1302 (Combat Engineer Officer) and I applaud Garrett for wanting to join the Marine Corps. The camaraderie that he will experience will be very much like what he experiences on a football team. Physically and emotionally, what he experiences at Quantico in OCS and TBS will be tough. The better physical condition you are in the easier the mental part is because you are not worrying about passing the physical part. It still ain't no fun!

As much as I would like him to stay, I don't blame him at all for getting on with his life. A master's degree is fine, but for Marine Infantry officers, leadership is much more important and there are numerous chances to further your education while serving.

Semper Fi!

military_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Semper Fidelis sir, retired 0369 here....


Nov 13, 2018, 7:28 PM

I agree with whatever his choice is because of how rare it is for young men in his position to even consider the military as a career. I just know that the Corps will still be there if he chooses to play his last year. I had a platoon commander in Lima 3/5 who played SS at Portland State and was a phenomenal 0302....hall of famer. I was Company Gunny and I witnessed his effortless natural leadership in training and Afghanistan. We talked sports constantly and he went back to his team captain days as the basis for how he handled his grunts.

military_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Semper Fidelis sir, retired 0369 here....


Nov 14, 2018, 12:03 AM

Gunny .... you are the backbone of the Corps. Thank you for your service and I have no doubt that Garrett will have men like you to lean on. I know that I sure did. My first platoon sergeant in Viet Nam was a Staff Sergeant and a veteran of of WW II where he was a member of the 1st Raider Bn. He got out after nine years of service, stayed out ten years and had been back in for nine year ..... a E-6 almost 50 years old ... pretty crusty, but a tough old dude. I learned a lot from him.

military_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Wow....I cannot imagine grinding in 'Nam


Nov 14, 2018, 5:14 AM

At almost 50. I did 4 years, got out for 6, back in for 16, retired at 20 years at 45 yrs old. I was physically done. Knee and ankle surgery within 2 years of retirement. DI duty at 37 to 40 was brutal. Then voluntold 2nd tour Chief DI duty my last 3 years. To do what that SSgt was doing is mind boggling. Bless him and Semper Fidelis to all of you Vietnam vets. We look up to you all.

military_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Wow....I cannot imagine grinding in 'Nam


Nov 14, 2018, 6:43 AM

Thank you to all of you

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: I am a retired Marine Corps Infantryman


Nov 14, 2018, 1:01 AM [ in reply to I am a retired Marine Corps Infantryman ]

Well put. For anyone to say that anyone can be an 0302, Marine Platoon leader is lack of understanding the process and the corresponding attrition rate. I had the honor of serving and retiring from 2/2, an Infantry Battalion and anyone who had earned an EGA knows the Corps generally selects it's best and brightest to Combat Arms, the majority going to Infantry for good reason. The good platoon commanders and COs are selfless leaders who understand getting the job done, much like a good H Back. One of my finest commanders was actually a former FB at the Naval Academey. So yeah, I would love to see him continue his education and get another year leading the way for ETN, but either way the future is bright for this young man. Semper Fidelis and Go Tigers!

military_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Totally agree with you


Nov 14, 2018, 5:17 AM

2/2 Warlords....Semper Fidelis. I was in 1/1, 2/9, and 3/5. Loaded with those types of 0302's who have an unbelievable level of responsibility on their hands every day.

military_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: I am a retired Marine Corps Infantryman


Nov 14, 2018, 5:59 AM [ in reply to I am a retired Marine Corps Infantryman ]


and two tour DI. This is awesome to me....big ups to Garrett for this. My advice to him is to play his last year because that opportunity will never be there again. The Marine Corps is not going anywhere and his physical gifts and obvious good head on his shoulders will be perfect for the Corps. Infantry Officers Course (IOC) is the most physically and mentally demanding school in the Corps, hands down. He will handle that and it will be waiting on him when he gets through OCS and TBS. OCS is a brutal physical experience in itself and IOC is worse. Play your last year, take it all in and the Marine Corps will be waiting for you. A guy who is a physical stud, played a team sport at the highest collegiate level, is tailor made for the Marine Corps Infantry. I salute the young man big time.



Well said....I agree 100% with your take - the Marines (or the military in general) aren't going anywhere but getting another year at Clemson is priceless. I did 27 years in the Army after graduating Clemson - would not trade my time and experiences in the Army for anything. I also cherish my 4 year Clemson experience as much as I do my Army career - I thank God for both of those experiences. At Garret's age, being a college student athlete is but a blink of the eye compared to what lies ahead for what we all hope to be a long fulfilling life. My advice - take and cherish that extra year of college that is being offered before joining the real world and leaving all vestiges of your youth behind...

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: I am a retired Marine Corps Infantryman


Nov 14, 2018, 6:43 AM

Well said.

I'm hoping everyone arguing otherwise is just disagreeing with me because I'm a coot. I hate Clemson as much as anyone here ;) and even I would spend an extra year there. That's gotta be an amazing experience to play football at such a high level.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


Semper Fi, Mr. Williams, Semper Fi!***


Nov 13, 2018, 7:54 PM



2024 white level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Semper Fi, Mr. Williams, Semper Fi!***


Nov 13, 2018, 8:29 PM

Go forth young man and make your family and all of us who are Clemson supporters proud. With young men like Mr. Williams protecting this country we will all sleep more secure.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

College is the best time of your life...


Nov 14, 2018, 7:13 AM

I can tell you, looking back there's not a day of regret of my time at Clemson. My wife and children are the same way. If I could go back in time and live it again, I would.The Marine Corp is an honorable endeavor but it will be there. Don't be in a hurry to grow up and claw through life. Give yourself the chance to experience another year of what will be full of some the most treasured memories of your life

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Re: TNET: Garrett Williams opens up about military family, decision on whether to leave or stay


Nov 14, 2018, 8:00 AM

Retired from the Marine Corps in 2008. Twenty-six years, four combat tours, away from the family half of it….travelled the world...Garrett said, “I am going to follow God’s plan and listen to Him.” Stick with that plan and you will never go wrong. Go Tigers!!!!

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: TNET: Garrett Williams opens up about military family, decision on whether to leave or stay


Nov 14, 2018, 8:28 PM

It's time for him to go because He's served his time here and earned his degree.
The Corp is A different Story and it's in his genes.
Serve with Honor Young Man .
Semper Fi !!!

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Replies: 36
| visibility 1
Archives - Tiger Boards Archive
add New Topic