WR Jeep Club salutes young aspiring Marine

Collin Murphy, 2020 graduate of Northside High School, received a special surprise Sunday afternoon from the Warner Robins Jeep Club.

Murphy is getting ready to go to Parris Island, South Carolina, to take part in basic training camp to become a member of the United States Marine Corps. When Brad Niebrand, president of the Warner Robins Jeep Club, learned of what Murphy was doing, the club wanted to do something special as well as show their respect.

“I work with Collin’s father, Chris, and he approached me letting me know that his son was about to leave for boot camp for the United States Marine Corps,” Niebrand said. “Chris was wondering if there was anything we could do since due to the virus, they could not have a big going away party for him. I made a few phones calls and put together a parade send off to show Collin our respect and appreciation for him willing to serve our country.”

Joining the Warner Robins Jeep Club in the parade was the Warner Robins Fire Department and the BYKR BROZ motorcycle organization. Just before the parade began, Niebrand and Robert Standridge, of the BYKR BROZ, presented Collin with a signed Gadsden flag, which is a historical American flag with a yellow field depicting a timber rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike. Beneath the rattlesnake, resting on grass, are the words: “Don’t Tread on Me.” The flag is named after American general and politician Christopher Gadsden.

An American flag was also presented to Murphy’s parents, who were overwhelmed with appreciation.

“We just simply want to say thank you for serving our country,” Niebrand told Murphy. “We wish you all the best, and we are always here for you and your family. This parade was to salute you and show our deepest respect and appreciation.”

Murphy, overwhelmed with appreciation as well, thanked the Warner Robins Jeep Club, Warner Robins Fire Department and BYKR BROZ.

“I’ve always wanted to be a Marine since I was 10 years old,” Murphy said. “Since the time is coming, it’s overwhelming, but I am ready to serve and be proud of this county even though it’s under attack by a lot of different views. It’s a rough time, but you have to be strong and move forward.”

Murphy said he wanted to become a Marine because he thought it was one of the toughest branches, and wanted to take on the challenge of becoming one of the high and mighty, and one of the few.

“I am not the first to serve in my family,” Murphy said. “My grandfather was in the Navy and my Uncle Charlie, who recently passed away, he was an Airborne Ranger. They are both of my biggest inspirations to serve, and I hope I make them proud.”

Murphy is set to leave for basic training in August.

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