Join J. Aaron Courts, author of Refusal to Obey: A Novel of the Massacre at Sand Creek, as he speaks with our Nation’s NROTC Midshipmen who have recently committed to uniformed service in the Marines about finding purpose outside of the uniform and joy after service.

Why, you might ask, would I talk to future officers about purpose outside of the uniform and joy after service, especially when they aren’t wearing the cloth or commissioned yet? Easy. They are going to be leading a revolving door of young Marines coming in and out of service, and those Marines are going to look to them for answers. They don’t care that these new officers might be younger than they are. They are officers! And less these future leaders of America forget, even the longest tooth lifer, has to hang up the uniform one day.

Aaron will talk about his journey from active duty Marine to author and what purpose he discovered in the process. And he won’t just talk about joy; he’ll show them as he reads from his debut novel. All Marines are special, but these Marines are very special. Aaron retired from the Marine Corps as the Officer in Charge of this very unit.

While this event is not open to the public, if you are authorized personnel with base access, I sure hope you’ll reach out so we can make sure to save you a seat.

Jun 16th, 2026 @ 10:00 AM