Marine vet reflects on career

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — From helping citizens in Iraq vote for the first time to guiding families in Indiana through the purchase of their own farmland, Chris Turnbell’s career has been defined by a commitment to service and purpose.

Turnbell is a Marine Corps veteran who served from 2001 to 2016 as a staff sergeant. He traveled the world before settling down in Indiana.

He is now an adviser and broker for Geswein Farm & Land, covering west-central and southwest Indiana.

He uses the lessons, discipline and leadership from his 15 years in uniform to help clients navigate buying and selling farm property.

Turnbell shared his story with AgriNews.

Q: Could you tell us a little about yourself, including where you’re from and what you do today?

A: I grew up on the east coast side of Florida. Hunting and fishing were and still are a passion of mine. As a kid, I was always bass fishing with my grandpa or in the woods chasing hogs and deer.

After I served my time in the Marine Corps, I transitioned down to Indiana and fell in love.

When I was searching for my own farm, the broker I used is the one who got me into the real estate industry and works with me at Geswein Farm & Land.

I am a broker/adviser here with Geswein Farm & Land. I cover the west-central, southwest area of the state.

Q: Which branch of the military did you serve in?

A: I served in the Marine Corps from November 2001 to July 2016. I was a staff sergeant.

Q: What inspired you to join the military?

A: I wanted to be challenged and to serve something larger than myself.

Q: Can you tell us about your military service, including where you were stationed or deployed and what your responsibilities were?

A: During my time on active duty, I got the opportunity to serve all over. I spent time in Okinawa, Japan — a beautiful country with amazing people. There was so much history to see and experience.

After that, I was stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. From there, I deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times.

During my tours, I was able to support the ground units in some of the most intense settings and missions.

My last tour of duty was in Great Lakes, Illinois, where I was on active-duty staff for the reserve unit.

While there, we provided military funeral honors for families of Marines as well as worked with the Toys for Tots program providing toys for those families during the holiday time.

Q: What is one of your most memorable experiences from your time in the military?

A: Being able to help the residents of Fallujah, Iraq, vote for the first time in history. It was very powerful to see the residents standing in line, voting and walking out with their thumbs in the air.

The fact that they voted was powerful, knowing all that they endured and sacrificed to get to that point.

Q: What was the most valuable lesson you learned during your service?

A: That the individual service member is more powerful than they give themselves credit for. I got to serve with some of the most selfless people who I have had the privilege to meet.

Q: How has your military experience influenced your life, career or outlook today?

A: It has instilled a level of discipline, a sense of direction and pride in me.

Q: Can you share a little about your connection to agriculture and how you became involved in the industry?

A: For me, growing up in the woods, running around and being outside all the time, I had always dreamed of being able to own my own ground so that my kids will be able to do the same.

Having gone through the process of buying a farm myself, I understand the magnitude and importance when it comes to buying that ground. So, I am able to guide and assist my clients when it comes to buying or selling a farm.

I always tell them, for someone who is looking to buy, it can be a daunting task — but when you step foot on the property and it’s meant to be, you will feel it.

Q: Is there anything else about your military experience or fellow service members you’d like to share with our readers?

A: During my time in service, I have so many memories to recall upon. One that I am the proudest of is when some of the Marines I served with have called me a mentor.

As a service member, I think most of us always wanted to be in a leadership role. While doing that, I tried to lead, guide and mentor each Marine under my charge. Some of those Marines today I get to call good friends and brothers and sisters.

I am proud of my time in uniform. It has made me who I am today and helped me find the values that I hold near and dear to my heart.