Rhonda Silence
Major Richard Marchand is nearing completion of a one-year assignment at the US Army’s Command General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He will graduate on June 11, 2010 and return to his home duty station of Charleston, South Carolina.
Marchand has spent four years at the Naval Nuclear Power Command in Charleston, where he lives with his wife, Jan, and stepdaughters Gregg, Elliot, and Simons.
Reached by phone for a brief interview, Marchand was asked why, if he is serving in the Navy, he is attending the Army General Staff College. Marchand replied, “We conduct joint training at Leavenworth. That way when we go down range together, we know how the other branch operates.”
Marchand joined the Navy right after graduating from Cook County High School in 1990. He served on nuclear submarines out of Bangor, Washington and Norfolk, Virginia before being stationed in Charleston.
He said when he entered the Navy, he never thought he would end up in Kansas. But he said it has been an interesting experience. “Kansas is actually a nice place,” the former Minnesotan said.
Asked if he had any advice to pass on to a young person considering a naval career, he said, “It’s a great opportunity. The educational opportunities are immense. They’ve recently revamped the GI Bill so even for a short enlistment you get a lot more money for college. You learn a lot and when you get out, you will be able to get a job.”
“It comes with a price, though,” said Marchand. “You have to travel and work hard. If you go in with a good attitude, though, with the idea that you are serving a higher purpose, you can be very successful. You can serve your country and better yourself.”
Marchand is the son of Lavona and Edward Czaplicki of Schroeder.
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