[Lancey Howard]

Jim Bancroft is a former Marine who served in the United States Marine Corps from 1977 to 1981, and served off the coast of Iran for the Hostage Rescue Attempt of April 24-25, 1980.

First, I remember well the hostage rescue attempt. I was at Lejeune at the time and the place was abuzz that we were going.
Second, what's this "former" Marine stuff, Marine?

Semper fidelis,
LH

[malia]

Very good Bttt

[Bob]

Second, what's this "former" Marine stuff, Marine?

My guess would be that the word "former" was inserted by some civilian editor who just doesn't know any better. :=)