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Leatherneck magazine features local Marine

By Rose Hooper
Leatherneck Magazine Jackson County's Bobby Threadgill appears on the cover of this month's Leatherneck magazine of the Marines. Armed and combat ready. That's how the world can picture Marine Bobby Threadgill during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

This month's issue of Leatherneck, magazine of the Marines, features Threadgill front and center on the cover. Threadgill, who was shipped out Sept. 12, is a member of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations.

The young Marine, just two years out of high school, hasn't a clue he's on the magazine's cover, said his parents, Carl and Jean Threadgill of Jackson County's West Piney Mountain community.

"Bobby called us Monday night (March 18), but we didn't tell him about the magazine. We're waiting until he gets home so it will be a real surprise," said his dad.

Publicity is nothing new to Threadgill, who was recently shown on a CNN special about the U.S.S. Baton.

Originally slated to return home March 4, Threadgill's stay was extended until May.

While the biggest ground battle in the five-month Afghan war was over March 19, U.S. forces are planning now for new offensives against al-Quaeda and Taliban fighters in April.

"So whether or not he gets home in May depends on how that goes," said his dad.

Threadgill's speciality is rapelling and cliff climbing, skills he recently put to good use, his dad said, without being too specific.

"Sometimes we know the general location where Bobby is and sometimes he e-mails about what he might have done that day, all without giving us specials about location or details about the maneuvers," Carl Threadgill said.

The young Marine began developing his special skills while involved with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department SETT team.

"Bobby's always been really good at rapelling and cliff climbing; that's why the Marines made him an assault climber. They doubled teamed him though; he's also a mortar man," said the older Threadgill.

A former football player at Swain High School, Threadgill pre-enlisted in high school then began serving right after graduation.

He has always loved the Marines, said his dad, who isn't sure if the leatherneck will stay in the service or join the ranks of the N.C. Highway Patrol.

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