Newcomerstown resident John P. Marstrel recently won the E-8 Master Sgt. in the United States Marine Corps. John is the son of Paul and Kate Marstrel, lifelong villagers.
Except for the time he spent far away serving our country, John lived just outside of Newcomerstown. He is married to Jenna Welch Marstrel and has three young children, Colin, Jade and Connor.
John joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Newcomerstown High in 2001. His active service was from 2001-2006, during which time he rose to the rank of sergeant.
“John has always talked about joining the army since the fifth grade. My father was in the Navy in World War II, and his uncle Butch Maurer was a retired soldier, “said his mother Kate.” He thrives on the bills he was told. His father and I always knew he would join the army.
“John still has remarkable stories about his career. He still says he loves the training camp and would like to go again. Paul and I are extremely proud of our boys, John and Joe, as they chose the military as their careers. The only downside to John is that he distances him from business and his young family. As a mother, I am very worried about the current events in the world, but we all support it 100%. “
John participated in three deployments (two) during his first five years as a Marine. These include Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003 and Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-05. He then began the second part of his military career, joining the reserves also in 2006. In the last 16 years, another deployment has taken place, Operation Relentless Freedom from 2010-2011. He won additional titles during the second phase. of his service, which include: staff sergeant, artillery sergeant and will be appointed in August as chief sergeant.
“Part of my responsibilities now include Drill Weekend, where I am the fire chief for the FSCC (Fire Support Coordination Center). I’m clearing indirect firearms from mortars to naval guns, “John explained. This includes planning training weekends with my executive officer in addition to the Marine maneuvers we do. we shoot with machine guns and mortars.
“Camp Atterbury, IN, Camp Ravenna, OH, Fort Picket, VA, Fort Dix, NJ, Fort Knox, KY and MCB Quantico are just some of the bases where we spend time. The annual training (AT) is held every summer which is two to three weeks. We drill one weekend a month, two weeks a year.
“Honestly, for me to be part of the Marines is clear and simple. That’s all I dreamed it would be. From June 10 I will serve for 20 years. I’m excited to move to my new title as E-8. Last year, I was in charge of an operation, which is a preparation for a chief sergeant, so I feel prepared for my next responsibility and my assignment to chief sergeant E-8 in August.
“For me, becoming a Marine puts everything to the test – character, strength, endurance and determination. In addition, what I have gained from the Maritime Corporation are exceptional opportunities that have opened the door to life experiences and each of them has given me a great goal in all phases of my own life. I am proud to serve my country as a Marine and to be part of The Few and The Proud. “
John’s wife Jenna adds: “John always tells me that I can sleep peacefully at night because the Marines provide a blanket of security for our grateful nation,” added his wife Jenna. but all in playful fun. One of John’s favorite sayings is, “Fight the good fight,” and he definitely loves the fight – (always is and always will be). He told me from an early age that he knew he was going to work. John was born to fight. He loves his country. It’s always hard for him when he goes to training. He missed many important events … many … one was the birth of our first child, Colin.
“I always joke with him that he loves the United States Marine Corps and his country more than we do, and he will joke about some of the quotes mentioned above. His preferred answer is: “You can sleep peacefully at night because of me. “Sometimes it’s not easy to be away from John, but my whole family and I admire John for his dedicated service to our country.”
In addition to John’s military service, he is a co-owner of Marstrell’s Auto Parts in Newcomerstown. He is very active in the local community as president of NERS and his elected position as part of the Newcomerstown School Board. Jenna and John are incredibly involved in their children’s sports activities, including coaches for the youth league. 4-H is also a huge part of their lives, and the time of the Tuscaravas Fair is an occasion that every Marstrell lives for.
John, Jenna and their family don’t have much free time, but when they do, Marstel likes to hang out with family and friends, just to have fun. John also served as an escort for an eighth-grade trip to Newcomerstown, Washington, DC last week.
“We are extremely committed to our favorite local community in Newcomerstown,” John and Jenna concluded. “Go Trojans and Semper Fidelis, Semper Fi – Always Faithful.”