Just a small quibble with the story - As I have been told, there are no former Marines. Once the title is earned, it is kept for life.
Semper means always - forever.
I wouild think that the only modifier might be in the case of someone like John Murtha, it would be accurate to speak of a Marine who dishonored the Corps and all the military by his disgraceful statements.
As opposed to Sgt Anderson, who upheld the core values of the Corps to the laying down of his life for his friends.
I don’t get the idea that the USMC presumes ownership of a person’s eternal life. Only God has those rights.