Courtesy Photo

Master Gunnery Sgt. Brett Coney (left, center), the intelligence chief with Marine Corps Central Command (Forward), receives his diploma during a graduation ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain May 30, 2013. Coney studied for six years and majored in business administration.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Whether Marines stay on active duty for four or 20 years, they have at least one thing in common with other veterans – their days of service are stepping stones for their future.

Many take advantage of the Marine Corps’ Tuition Assistance Program and pursue a degree before leaving the active ranks.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Brett Coney, the intelligence chief with Marine Corps Forces Central Command (Forward), is one of them. He received his diploma during a graduation ceremony May 30 at Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

“This milestone in my life has proved to me that all things are possible with determination,” said Coney, who has been with MARCENT (Fwd) for five months. “It doesn’t matter when you start, but how you finish.”

He studied for six years at the University of Maryland University College, and achieved a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Coney hit many speed bumps on the road to his degree. Not only did he deal with a daily work schedule, but he also faced combat deployments, temporary assignments throughout the world, three major injuries, which required surgery, and probably the hardest job of all – he is a father and husband.

But, when he donned his black gown with a yellow sash and sat among the other graduates, all of the hard work made sense.
“Just like life, education is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Coney, a Milwaukee native. “There will always be challenges to impede your progress.”

The announcer called Coney’s name, and the sound of his fellow Marines cheering filled the room. He walked up the stairs to begin the infamous walk across the stage to receive his diploma.

“My motto is ‘don’t talk about it, be about it,’” said Coney. “And that is exactly what I did.”

As the ceremony came to an end, the graduates moved their tassels to the other side of their caps as the announcer said “Congratulations, Class of 2013.”

“I would encourage [all Marines] to take advantage of the college opportunities you have before you,” said Coney. “One day, you will either retire, or choose to do something else, but retired or [a veteran], when you add ‘Grad Student,’ it has a nice ring to it.”

In 2015, Coney plans to retire from the Marine Corps, and use his newly-earned degree while working with the Department of Homeland Security.

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