Today, we honor LtCol Joseph Shusko for his service in our armed forces. We recently had the pleasure of asking retired Marine LtCol Shusko about his service and hope you enjoy our short question and answer session.
- In what branch did you serve? “I served in the United States Marine Corps. I walked in the recruiters office at the Navy Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 20 November 1975 and never looked back! I left active duty on 1 July 2006 and remained with the USMC until 1 July 2019.”
- What was your rank and division? “I retired a LtCol as the Director of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. My primary Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) was 7562 – Helicopter Pilot; primarily flying the CH-46E Sea Knight.”
- Where were you stationed? “I was stationed in the following: Quantico, Virginia at OCS and TBS; Pensacola, Florida at VT-6; New River, North Carolina with HMM-263 and MAG 26 Headquarters; Quantico, Virginia at Helicopter Marine Experimental Squadron One and AWS; Camp Geiger, North Carolina with 6th Marines and HMM-266; Quantico, Virginia at Command and Staff College; Stuttgart Germany with EUCOM flying as the Mission Commander on the Airborne Command Post (ABNCP); Headquarters Marine Corps at the Pentagon; The Basic School; Martial Arts Center of Excellence.”
- Did you serve in an active theatre/campaign? “Yes, I participated in Beirut Operations in 1982/3, Desert Shield/Storm in 1990/1, and in UN Operations in Sarajevo in 1995/6.”
- What are your most fond memories from your time of service? “Being able to serve my Country with some of the most patriotic, professional, and dedicated young men and women this country has to offer. A much smarter man than me once told me ‘once you leave the Marine Corps you will miss the clowns, but you won’t miss the circus.’ He was so spot on. The backbone of the Corps are our young men and women who come from all walks of life; wanting to make a difference in their lives for themselves and for our Country. To watch them perform each and everyday was a blessing no one could ever take away from me.”
- Are there any special stories you’d like to tell about your time in the armed forces? “I spent just under 45 years in our glorious Corps, serving in different capacities, both active and retired. Yes, there were some tough times, but overall I’d have to say they were some of the best years of my life. I only wish every man/woman could have the opportunity to serve their Country to experience that same feeling. To travel the world and meet people from many cultures is truly amazing; I was able to visit 70 different countries. To fly all types of aircraft. To deploy with our brothers and sisters aboard Naval shipping. To fly as a Presidential Pilot for our Commander In Chief. To Command and Lead Marines! Needless to say, I’d do it all over again, if given the opportunity. God Bless and Semper Fidelis.”
We are forever thankful to LtCol Shusko and his contribution to protecting and defending our freedom and way of life. We hope you enjoy the photos below featuring President and Mrs. Reagan, President George H. W. Bush, and more. Click on each image to enlarge.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter. Chase, as a fiduciary, believes in putting his clients interests first, and building out plans for his clients where they can have a happy and fruitful retirement. He married his beautiful wife in February 2022 and both use most of their free time chasing around their little pup, Aurora.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.