MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- "When things go wrong, as they sometimes will and the road you're trudging seems all uphill. When your funds are low and your debts are high, you want to laugh but you can only sigh. When cares are pressing you down a bit, rest if you can but don't quit."
The poem Don't Quit by Edgar Guest serves as a model of living for Navy Capt. Henry Nixon Jr., force chaplain, Marine Forces Pacific. Nixon visited the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, July 20-22 as part of his West Coast familiarization tour.
Nixon's visit included preaching at recruit protestant service at the Depot Theater July 21 and meeting with Depot commanders and chaplains July 22 to discuss quality of life issues. The availability of spiritual development for recruits and permanent personnel aboard the Depot was among the topics of discussion. Mainly Nixon came to share his insights and experiences with Depot personnel.
Visiting the Depot gave Nixon a chance to see the background of Marines he will soon be serving as chaplain, according to Cmdr. Charles E. Wilson, chaplain, Recruit Training Regiment, MCRD San Diego.
Nixon draws from experiences with the United States Navy that began in 1968 when he enlisted as an aviation mechanic. After two years of working on Navy warplanes, Nixon was commissioned as a line officer at the rank of ensign. While serving in the Navy, Nixon remained faithful to his Baptist roots and stayed active in the church.
"I believe God called me to ministry," said Nixon in a powerful, sobering voice.
In 1973, he was ordained to the gospel ministry by New Hope Baptist Church, Virginia Beach, Va. He returned to civilian life in 1974 and accepted a call to be pastor of Garrett Community Church, Norfolk, Va.
Nixon's never-quit attitude and devout dedication to God, made him a very popular pastor in the Norfolk community. He worked two services every Sunday, serving more than 600 people a service. Then he received another call in 1981.
"The Navy invited me back," said Nixon about his receiving a direct commission as a Navy Chaplain. "It was an inspirational moment - my country needed me."
Nixon has been literally around the world and back, serving as a spiritual leader for Marines and Sailors on ships and bases around the globe. Nixon understands the importance of his duty and is honored to have the opportunity to serve a special community.
"It is a privilege to wear this uniform," said Nixon proudly.
"I have been thoroughly enriched - it is an honor," he added.