MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- A true enthusiast for his work, Cpl. Mark A. Boughton, a guitarist with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, spends countless hours each week playing his instrument.
What amps up Boughton is that his mission in the Marine Corps actually requires him to mix his love of music with his love of physical fitness and serving his country.
“Growing up, I always wanted to serve, not knowing that I could play in the Marine Corps,” he said. “There’s a part of me that wants to go out and be a famous rock star, but for right now, this a good gig. I get a steady paycheck, all the benefits of the military, and I get to play my guitar.”
Since he joined, Boughton has strived to excel both musically and as a Marine.
Outside of work, Boughton usually spends no less than 30 hours a week playing guitar and has earned a black belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
“When I put the guitar down, I’m still a Marine,” he said. “I constantly play and keep pushing myself to achieve.”