This truism is now the official motto of the Marine Corps League. The origin of the statement is credited to a gung-ho Marine Corps master sergeant, Paul Woyshner. During a barroom argument he shouted, “Once a Marine, always a Marine!” MSgt. Woyshner was right. Once the title “U.S. Marine” has been earned, it is retained. There are no ex-Marines or former-Marines. There are active duty Marines, retired Marines, reserve Marines, and Marine veterans. Nonetheless, once one has earned the title, he remains a Marine for life. – USMC Heritage The books in the Always a Marine series can be read as stand alone. Some characters do make cameos in the books. No Regrets, No Surrender is the direct follow up to Retreat Hell! She Just Got Here and those two should be read in order.