Hank Marquardt comes from a long line of military service. His grandfather fought in World War I, and his father dedicated 25 years to the Navy. Even the family name, “Marquardt,” carries a legacy—it means “Keeper of the Wall.” Following in those footsteps, Hank enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at just 18, fresh out of high school.

His first assignment took him to Panama in 1982, where he served on Embassy Duty. When rebels stormed the U.S. Embassy, Hank was among those who stood guard to protect it. Soon after, he deployed to Nicaragua during the Contra War with the Sandinistas. His service continued with two years in Alaska as a HeliTech and Safety Engineer, completing tours throughout Central America. Later, he was stationed in Kuwait as an Attaché Advisor in the tense period leading up to Operation Desert Storm. Over the course of his career, Hank rose to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant (E7) and was awarded both the Purple Heart and the Navy Cross before receiving an honorable discharge.

Transitioning back to civilian life proved far more difficult than Hank expected. He describes it simply as “mayhem,” admitting that it was hard to connect with everyday life after all he had experienced. Returning to Oregon to help with the family business, he faced hostility and cruel taunts, often being called “baby killer” and “murderer.” Seeking a fresh start, he moved to Las Vegas. But when an incident involving his mother’s safety turned violent, Hank was arrested for prohibitive possession, a charge that would change the course of his life.

While incarcerated, Hank has worked hard to rebuild himself. He has taken part in Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Anger Management, Cognitive Thinking, and Social Awareness programs. Despite living with a 60% disability from PTSD, tinnitus, and vision loss, he continues to hold onto hope for the future. His son, now a freshman at the University of Arizona, remains a source of pride and motivation, and the two look forward to reuniting soon. Hank also has plans to pursue business ventures in aerospace engineering and health care once he is released.

Reflecting on his journey, Hank offers a piece of wisdom that has carried him through: “Time is the most precious commodity we have… live it to the fullest.”