This week’s episode of Borne the Battle features retired Marine Corps Veteran Lieutenant General Walter Gaskin, the first Black American to command a Marine Division and the 19th Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. Gaskin discusses the challenges in overcoming adversity, stereotypes and biases in the international military community.
Inspired by a cousin who fought in Vietnam – and who was celebrated as a hero by his family and friends – Gaskin joined his high school’s ROTC program to pursue a military path through college. He deferred his draft to finish school and, later, earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.
Gaskin served as the Commanding General of the 2d Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, NC, from June 2006 until July 2008. In addition to this role, he concurrently served as the Commanding General of II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) during its year-long deployment to Al Anbar Province, Iraq, as well as the Commanding General of Multinational Forces-West.
Early in his career, Gaskin was one of only a handful of Black Americans in his division. He faced initial prejudice but eventually earned respect. Gaskin was one of the few representatives of the Black community in the Marine Corps, and in leadership positions for much of his career. His character was the example for others to see beyond skin color and was emblematic of the need for talent-based appointment and judgement.
Gaskin would later serve as the 19th Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, from May 2009 to August 2013. In that role, he also served as Acting Chairman of the NATO Military Committee from November 2011 to January 2012, making him only the second American to ever hold the billet.
In the podcast interview, Gaskin described how the international community wasn’t used to seeing Black Americans in high-ranking positions and that he strove to normalize the presence of people of color in positions of command. Performance, not color, is what matters most.
Gaskin currently serves as North Carolina’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
In this episode, Gaskin also discusses:
- His retirement and transition into civilian life.
- His experiences as the CEO of a defense contractor.
- Advice for Veterans interested in government contracting.
- His hardest job and the pressure he felt as a representative of his community.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL TRANSCRIPT OF THE EPISODE
#BtBattle Veteran of the Week:
Mentioned in this episode:
- Borne the Battle Benefits Breakdowns
- Hope for the Warriors
- VA seeks feedback to guide future vision of VA health care (Federal Register)
Jabari Shakir is a podcast intern with VA’s Digital Media Engagement Team. He is a journalism undergraduate at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
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I was a Lieutenant when I met General Gaskin at the National Naval Officers Association annual conference. I am a Naval officer, and I have witnessed and experienced how he continually mentors officers and enlisted across all services. He remains the most approachable flag officer across all services. His actions are his words. He is a phenomenal General.
I went to Amphibious Warfare School with Walt and later was stationed with him at Camp LeJeune. He is one of the best I ever served with.
Gaskin was the CO of my series at Parris Island in late 1978. Young butter bar at the time, he was a good man, guided me to finish basic training, lose 35 lbs and get my butt in shape. Changed my life for the better. I am not surprised how much he has achieved.
Gaskin was mthe CO of my company at Parris island 78-80. Captain at that time.Had the Honor of meeting after graduation ceremony. He still looks the same except he was little thinner back then :)
Correction- late 1979-1980…Capt. Gaskin