Major James Capers Jr. was the face of the vintage ‘Ask a Marine” campaign upon returning from combat in Vietnam. In full dress blues, decorated with the valor-earned medals, Major Capers stood tall as the first African-American to become the face of what would become one of the most iconic recruiting campaigns in Marine Corps history. Through his 23 year career, Capers constantly overcame racial barriers, paving the path for Marines of all races to serve without discrimination. This month we especially celebrate the monumental contributions of our African-American Marines – past, current, and future. One of our own, Col. Henry Dolberry Jr., leads from the front as the commanding officer for Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Dolberry is a highly decorated Marine who has held several crucial leadership billets throughout the Marine Corps, home and forward-deployed. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, numerous other personal awards as well as multiple unit and deployment awards. Dolberry also holds a bachelor’s in political science and a master's in strategic studies. (U.S. Marine Corps graphic by Cpl. Christopher Madero)