Joseph M. Preis
Highest Rank: Sergeant
Branch: There is only one—U.S.M.C.
Years of Service: 1990-1994 / 2002-2005
Current Company: Godes & Preis, LLP
Title: Managing Partner
Industry: Law
Why did you enter the military? I wanted to be a Marine like my grandfather, Capt. Joseph A. Preis, who fought in WWII. One of the most noble human beings I’ve ever met.
Enlistment age: 17. Stood on the yellow footprints of Paris Island at 18.
Where did you serve? Stationed out of Camp Pendleton, deployed on two WESTPACs.
What did you learn? Radically extreme ownership of the battle space—whether in training, garrison, or on deployment.
What could you do in the military that you couldn’t do in civilian life? Travel the world with hundreds of my closest friends on amphibious warships; fly in helicopters; ride in amphibious tracked vehicles; lead patrols in distant lands under hostile conditions.
What was the biggest lesson you learned about discipline? There are no excuses, and there is no “A” for effort. Get sh*t done!
Did you deploy overseas and what was your takeaway? Operation Desert Storm (Saudi Arabia/Persian Gulf); Operation Fiery Vigil (the Philippines); and Operations Continue Hope, Show Care and More Care (Somalia). Fortunate to experience parts of the planet seldom seen by Americans at the time – and an understanding of why there are no lines outside of any embassies but our own.
How did the military help your business career? Be disciplined and self-reliant enough to gamble on your own success and take care of the people who take care of you.
