LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – “I was drafted and thought I was going into the Army,” said former US Marine Steve M. Goins (above).  But, instead, he became a leather neck.

It wasn’t long after graduating from La Follette High School in 1968 when he was shipped off to San Diego for boot camp.  Goins said, “They called us Hollywood Marines.”

He laughed saying, “The drill sergeant instantly didn’t like draftees.”  He was in boot camp with a couple of other Campbell Countians; Larry Foust from La Follette and Ralph Gross of Jacksboro.

Goins was out running an errand for the Campbell County Honor Guard of which he is a member.

Next stop was Camp Pendleton, California.  “We were with the staging battalion that was complete with a Vietnam setting and prisoner of war camp,” added Goins.

“After that, I spent 10 months in the Vietnam War from 1969 into 1970.  We were at Quang Tri Combat Base, commonly called Quang Tri, and ran operations around The Rockpile,” said Goins.  He was in quite a bit of combat, but he doesn’t get into talking combat and such, he noted.

Goins and his wife Lorine are always volunteering in the community.

Goins said, ” (US President Richard) Nixon began pulling troops out of ‘Nam, and my division, the 3rd Marine Division, was sent to Okinawa.”  From there, he finished his two year stint in the Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

He considered re-enlisting but didn’t.  Goins went to the railroad after returning to La Follette.  He spent 31 years starting with the L & N which became Seaboard and then is now known as CSX.  Goins is a member of the Campbell County Honor Guard.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 5/004/2020 6AM)

21 Replies to “There are heroes among us: Marine Steve M. Goins”

  3. Thank you for your service and for being a good friend to our dad. He thought the world of you. Semper Fi.
    Kim and Mitzi.

  4. Hey Steve great story but I know they didn’t even scratch the surface, God bless you both

  5. Steve is a very soft spoken gentleman. He serves with the Campbell County Honor Guard and as a veteran I appreciate that so much. Thank you Steve. It is a pleasure and an honor to call you my friend. Semper Fi.

  6. GLAD TO CALL HIM MY FRIEND. MARINE CORP BROTHER. WORKED WITH HIM AFTER HE WAS DISCHARGED FROM U S M C. WE HAVE HAD SOME GOOD TIMES.

  8. I’m proud to say that’s my papaw, he has such an impact on my life, and I love watching him in the honor guard even now. He is one reason I have enlisted myself. He is such a sweet, kind, and Godly man. I love you papaw!

  10. I spent many years working with Steve on the railroad and was honored to serve with him on the Honor Guard.
    I have never known a better man than him.

  11. Thank you for your service then and now ! Always thought a lot of you and your family .
    Everyone is soft spoken and kind. Our Dad ( James ) was POW in WW l l . He wouldn’t
    speak much of war times either. A lot of good men barely survived those wars.
    I’m sure if we knew just a fraction of what was endured we would be more thankful. God bless
    you and your family. THANK YOU

  13. I have known this guy since high school and can honestly says he is not only a good man but a gentleman as well. I am very proud to call him my friend and veteran brother. Love you Steve. God bless.

  15. Thank you Steve for your service and for the community work that you and your sweet wife do. You both are God’s workers.

  16. Thank you for your service and the time you
    Help other Marines while in Nam

    David Hayes, USMC, Ret

  17. My daddy is a Marine. He fought in Vietnam as well he was a Gunnery Sgt. He passed away 11-22-19. He raised me like his own. He also did alot for Veterans. I loved your story. It made me feel close to my dad..Thank you for your service.
    Sempi Fi .

  19. Semper Do Marine, I was Navy but my dad spent 30 years retiring master gunnery Sargent, I couldn’t be prouder of my father, 3 tours in Nam, then I came to country while he recuperated in Eyocoune (misspelled) Japan. Brown water Navy spent 21/2 tours coming home after peace accord signed, been there first time discussed in 40+ years.

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