CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Like many of us approaching a major decision in life, John E. Kasperski had to make a choice. After an impressive four years of college football at the University of Tulsa, Kasperski found himself at the New York Jets training camp.
Unfortunately, as the 1985 National Football League regular season approached, Kasperski was cut from the team. After returning to Tulsa to look for work, he realized he had two choices, either become tied down to a career in the civilian sector or join the military.
Within a year of being released, Kasperski was off to Marine Corps Officer’s Candidate School where he would later incorporate the things he knew and loved while on the football field into leading Marines. Kaperski never let being cut from the NFL hold him back from a life he could be proud of, and now he is the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“There is a definite correlation between athletics and leading Marines,” said Kasperski. “In football, everyone on the field (is) an element to team success. The Marine Corps is the same way. We fight as one and everyone plays their part.”
While in college, Kasperski alternated between offensive guard and offensive tackle. After missing the NFL draft his senior year, he received an invitation to tryout with the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos.
“I went with the Jets because the opportunities were better for me,” said Kasperski. “The Broncos were inviting a lot more people to come to camp than the Jets were, so I had a better chance with the Jets.”
As the Jets prepared for the upcoming season, Kasperski was a part of the 60-man roster. After three preseason games, Kasperski was told that he was going to be cut from the team prior to the start of the regular season.
“I have no regrets about what happened,” said Kasperski. “There is a point when you reach your end, and then it’s time to move on.”
Kasperski returned home to Tulsa where for the first time in his life, he was searching for a job.
“I can remember sitting in these corporate job interviews thinking I have the rest of my life to work a job like this,” said Kasperski. “I wanted to do something more exciting with my life.”
Twenty-six years later, he reflects on his decision to join the Marine Corps and has no regrets, according to Kasperski.
“The focus Col. Kasperski places on teamwork, camaraderie, shared hardships and success is without a doubt founded on his years as an upper tier team-oriented athlete,” said Lt. Col. Brian Clemens, executive officer of CLR-37. “(Professional football’s) loss was the Marine Corps’ gain with Col. Kasperski.”
Kasperski attended a fellowship at Pennsylvania State University in 2009, where he encouraged students to explore what the Marine Corps had to offer, reminding them that they had their entire lives ahead of them to work in the corporate world.
“Being a prior athlete has helped give me that common ground with my Marines, especially the junior ones,” said Kasperski.
This makes the C.O. more approachable due to the common ground that Marines share with athletes, agreed Pfc. Ronald J. Dodge, a military policeman with CLR-37.
Today, Kasperski roots for the Chicago Bears over the Jets but is even more passionate about college football and the Marine Corps.
“I have played at the highest level, played with future hall of famers and with future NFL coaches,” said Kasperski. “The Marine Corps has been great to me, and I don’t regret a single thing that happened.”