Lieutenant Marc Benson

Even as a small child, Marc had a fascination for the military, whether “playing army” with friends or studying previous wars in school. Thus, it was a natural progression when he chose to enter the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The humanitarian missions of the Coast Guard align with his personality and priorities.

Marc thrived assisting boaters in peril, seizing over two tons of illegal narcotics and securing the coasts and borders of America by preventing illegal immigration. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and helped secure Iraq’s oil platforms, which was critical to stabilizing the country’s fragile economy. But, he claims helping train Iraqi forces to perpetuate their own maritime security operations proved to be the most satisfying part of his deployment.

Marc’s service to others will continue to be a primary motivator in his life. While enrolled at Columbia, he plans to engage various organizations and leaders in Middle Eastern countries to facilitate a trip for his fellow students so they can gain an understanding of the culture and explore job opportunities in the Middle East.

His long-term goal is to operate a nonprofit off-shore charter fishing service to provide disabled veterans and children exposure to the sea and fishing.