Marines

Lejeune’s story retold in new novel

4 Dec 2013 | Lance Cpl. Justin A. Rodriguez Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Retired Maj. Ralph Stoney Bates Sr. is slated to visit Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to promote his book “A Marine Called Gabe,” a novel on the legend of Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune at the Marine Corps Exchange aboard base, Dec. 5-8.
Bates will visit the base with hopes to meet today’s Marines and share the inspiring story of Lejeune.
After dedicating 26 faithful years to the Marine Corps, Bates served 20 years as a sheriff’s deputy in New York and Florida. He devoted much of his professional life teaching military history and is a respected public speaker.
After publishing articles in numerous magazines and newspapers, his zeal for writing continued to books. He recently completed a project named “Short Rations for Marines,” and has now published “A Marine Called Gabe,” the life and legend of Lejeune.
“Visiting the base always brings back memories for me having spent 26 years in the Corps,” said Bates. “I look forward to sharing the story of John Archer Lejeune with the Marines, because he may be the one who saved the Marine Corps from extinction.”
After serving in Vietnam and all over the U.S., Bates graduated from Los Angeles City College with a degree in political science and Sam Houston State University with a degree in criminology.
“I am convinced that the novel will be of great benefit to our Marine Corps, and an inspiration to our younger Marines,” said Bates.
Bates has held several leadership billets in and out of the Marine Corps and hopes to keep influencing Marines with the stories he shares.
“I read through the book and it was very interesting,” said Catherine M. Bruggeman, manager of Marine Corps Exchanges Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. “The story is about our namesake, so I’m looking forward to his visit.”

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