MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- "Marines have written one of their most brilliant chapters. They have delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult and dangerous job ever undertaken."
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt, describing the Marine Corps' impact on World War II
Major Eric R. Junger, Depot operations officer, is one of thousands of Americans who spend countless hours educating his fellow citizens about the sacrifices and hardships that American military men and their families endured during World War II.
Junger, who began his college career as a History major, is a member of the Military Vehicle Association, a prospective member of the Marine Historical Company, and a teacher of World War II-era history to all who will listen. He also drives his 1942 Ford JPW jeep in local parades and brings it to historical Depot events. The jeep will also be at the Depot's upcoming Christmas concert.
He is unquestionably a World War II junkie, but his desire to educate others about the war arose only after a frightening discovery.
"There is a younger generation who has no idea what those [World War II veterans] went through," said Junger, who discovered this fact while giving his Marines a military history class. "I want to educate everyone I can."
Junger was convinced that something had to be done. He began giving his Marines regular classes on everything from the battles of World War II to the gear that the Marines were issued.
As much as Junger enjoyed the educational experience, something was missing from his life. He found it in Hawaii.
While he was stationed there, many military-based movies were being filmed, and there were also many military parades and reenactments.
He was hooked, but was unable to participate because of his occupational requirements. All that would change once he was sent back stateside. Junger and other military members performed a "Living History," for local children.
"I had such a great time doing it that I took the big plunge, and bought all my own uniforms and a 1942 Ford JPW," said Junger, who admitted that as much as he loves educating children, his most cherished memories involve the veterans themselves.
"The most gratifying thing is to be approached by a World War II-era veteran with tears in his eyes and have him say, 'I remember,'" said Junger.
He is planning to take his love of military history a step further this summer by participating Marine Historical Company's reenactment of a World War II-era battle.
During the reenactment, he hopes to continue his mission of "inspiring and educating youth." He did not say whether he plans to drive his World War II jeep to the event, which would surely draw looks of astonishment from travelers.
"I get a lot of high-fives, smiles and waves," said Junger, who occasionally drives his jeep to work. "Even some dirty looks because it does not move as fast as the rest of the cars."
Many of the World War II veterans whom Junger cares so much about do not move as fast as they used to, but the speed at which you travel is not important to a history buff - how you get there is much more important.