MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- With professional titles few can pronounce and countless college degrees, one scientist leaves academia to serve the Corps.
Environmental expert, Dr. Rick W. Bottoms, has a professional education that has sparked world-wide employer interest, but feels his purpose lies right here.
Serving as the Installation Restoration and Remediation Branches head, Bottoms now works on Camp Pendleton for the Assistant Chief of Staff Environmental Security, restoring the base’s environment for tomorrow’s Corps.
“We have a moral obligation to give and become an asset to our country and community,” said Bottoms. “The Marine Corps is about as good as it gets, and in my opinion, is the best branch of the military.”
In 1968, young Bottoms was drafted into the Corps during the Vietnam War, but was soon disqualified because of metal screws that were placed in his leg after an accident. Determined to serve, Bottoms wrote a letter to the commandant of the Marine Corps requesting a waiver. His request was denied.
The Oakland native then continued on to college attending San Rosa Junior College and receiving his first of many degrees.
“Whether it be teaching or volunteering, you always try to give back to your community or country,” said Bottoms, former University of California, New Mexico and Wyoming educator. “Joining the Marine Corps is good for any young man or woman and is a positive experience all the way around. My only regret is that I was never afforded that opportunity.”
Bottoms’ son however, benefited from his father’s regret and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2006. Cpl. Ryan Bottoms was recently promoted meritoriously and is serving in Iraq today with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
While seeking information for his son, Bottoms approached a recruiter and quickly learned of an educational outreach program offered by the Corps. In the summer of 2007, the former university professor went through a week-long Educators Workshop and was inspired to serve again.
“Participating in the Marine Corps’ educational outreach program made me realize what a professional organization this is,” said Bottoms. “And that the Corps really keeps the young Marine’s best interest at heart.”
The recently remotivated scientist soon began work at the AC/S Environmental Security Office and, only a few months later, was promoted to the position he holds today. “We need to have the best Corps we can,” said Bottoms. “But the biggest benefit of working on Camp Pendleton and serving my country are the special experiences I now can share with my son.”