Face of Defense: Marine Guitarist Enjoys Military Service

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Glen Santy
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C., Dec. 6, 2012 – An accomplished guitarist who also enjoys serving in the military, Marine Corps Cpl. Mark A. Boughton said he gets amped up playing with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band here. 

Marine Corps Cpl. Mark A. Boughton, a guitarist with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., enjoys making music and serving in the military. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Glen Santy   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Practice makes perfect, as Boughton spends many hours each week playing his electric guitar.

 

Boughton said his mission in the Marine Corps enables him to mix his love of music with his love of physical fitness and serving his country.

“Growing up, I always wanted to serve, not knowing that I could play in the Marine Corps. There’s a part of me that wants to go out and be a famous rock star, but for right now, this a good gig,” he said.

Boughton added, “I get a steady paycheck, all the benefits of the military, and I get to play my guitar.”

Since he joined the military, Boughton said he’s strived to excel both musically and as a Marine.

Outside of work, Boughton said he usually spends no less than 30 hours-a-week playing his guitar.
He also has earned a black belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

“When I put the guitar down, I’m still a Marine,” he said. “I constantly play and keep pushing myself to achieve.”