Interview of Brenn Ritchie by Logan Morris

November 10, 2014

Brenn Ritchie is a Marine veteran and Political Science student at The Citadel. His story speaks to many of the younger generation and offers advice for young people looking at an unsure future. After high school in Summerville, South Carolina, Brenn attended Trident Technical College to study media and web design, but found that was not the path for him. Uncertain about his future, Brenn sought out the service and joined the Marines because “if I could do the Marines, then I could do any branch.”

In the Marines Brenn found purpose and a deep pride from a sense of achievement. His time in Boot Camp on Parris Island was a struggle, but he offers encouragement for those like himself who did not enter boot camp as physically fit and prepared as others. Becoming a Marine has provided Brenn the confidence and desire to leave his hometown and seek opportunity on an international scale. Brenn served one tour in Okinawa, Japan, as a combat engineer. In the interview he delves into his experiences in another culture, which include participating in the world’s largest tug-of-war and listening to a speech by the emperor of Japan, among others. He also speaks about the day-to-day life in Boot Camp and as a combat engineer in Japan. After completing his degree at The Citadel, Brenn plans to venture out into the world and work for an international non-governmental organization or for the U.S. Department of State’s international aid programs.

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