211. Founder of the Pendleton Surf Club | Retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant

Eric Franklin

In Episode 211 of the Transition Drill Podcast, retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant Eric Franklin reflects on his 23-year journey of service, leadership, and passion. Growing up across Minnesota, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida, he developed a love for the ocean and surfing, which influenced his decision to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1993. From the challenges of boot camp to mastering technical skills in communications, Eric rose through the ranks and later earned a spot with First Force Reconnaissance Company, deploying to Iraq and working alongside one of the Corps’ most elite teams. While balancing the demands of leadership, deployments, and single fatherhood, Eric founded the Pendleton Surf Club, creating a community that connected Marines, sailors, and their families through surfing. When it came time to retire, he prepared strategically, transitioning smoothly into a civilian contracting role. Today, Eric continues mentoring others, growing the surf club, and helping veterans and first responders find purpose beyond service.

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Eric Franklin’s story begins far from the beaches of Southern California where his future would eventually take shape. Born in Crookston, Minnesota, his mother came from a large family with four siblings, and his father worked as a college teacher at the University of Minnesota before deciding to uproot the family in search of better opportunities.

When Eric was just four or five years old, his family packed up and moved south, leading them first to Mississippi and later to Louisiana. Those years in the Deep South were formative. Eric spent countless days outdoors, fishing, hunting, and exploring alongside his brother. It was a childhood steeped in curiosity, responsibility, and self-reliance, laying the foundation for traits that would later serve him well in the Marine Corps.

Eric’s father transitioned into the oil industry after leaving higher education, accepting a position that kept him away from home for long stretches at a time. Eventually, the family relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to be closer to his father’s work. Even with this move, Eric’s dad’s demanding schedule meant that Eric grew up in an environment where independence was expected and personal responsibility was learned early.

From an early age, Eric was surrounded by a strong sense of values, largely instilled by his parents and their commitment to faith. Every Sunday, no matter what was happening at home, church was non-negotiable. This Christian upbringing provided him with structure, discipline, and a clear understanding of right and wrong. While Eric would later admit that he made his share of youthful mistakes, he attributes his moral compass and resilience to the foundation set during these years.

Eric’s early environment also fostered a sense of adventure and curiosity about the world beyond his backyard. This would become especially important when the family eventually moved again, this time to Jacksonville, Florida. It was there, during his teenage years, that the course of his life would change forever, as he discovered the two passions that would define so much of his identity: surfing and the United States Marine Corps.

The move to Jacksonville, Florida, placed Eric Franklin at the doorstep of the ocean, a pivotal shift that would shape his personal passions and influence his future career decisions. Settling in a small town called Orange Park. The pace was faster, the opportunities were greater, and for the first time, Eric found himself surrounded by a thriving military presence due to the nearby Navy installations. Marines and sailors were everywhere, and the sense of structure and purpose they carried made a lasting impression on him.

It was also here that Eric discovered surfing, a passion that would thread itself through every stage of his life. Jacksonville Beach became his escape, a place where he felt free and alive. Surfing gave him balance, an outlet where he could challenge himself, and eventually became one of the driving forces behind some of his biggest life decisions.

Despite finding joy in the water, Eric faced the same challenges many teenagers do. The adjustment to a larger high school brought intimidation and uncertainty. The competition in sports was fierce, and though he had been active in athletics before, he chose not to participate at Orange Park High School. Instead, he focused on finding his place socially, forging friendships, and navigating the complexities of growing up. The temptations of adolescence were all around him, and Eric admits to making choices that could have easily derailed his future. Experimentation with drinking, marijuana, and pushing boundaries with authority became part of his story. Yet he managed to avoid serious trouble, crediting his foundation of values, his drive for independence, and an inner understanding of who he did not want to become.

As Eric approached graduation, he wrestled with: what comes next? College initially seemed like the obvious answer, so he enrolled at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville. But the lack of structure, combined with his growing love for surfing, made it difficult to stay focused. He found himself spending more time at the beach than in class, often driving hours just to catch waves. Deep down, he knew he wasn’t ready for the academic path, and he needed a change.

Influence from his family also played a significant role in his thinking. Eric’s uncle, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, became a figure of admiration. Listening to his stories sparked Eric’s sense of duty and adventure. Growing up, he also loved watching old black-and-white war movies, often replayed endlessly on television during weekends. Those films stirred something inside him, planting the seeds of a calling that had been quietly growing for years.

By the time he reached his late teens, Eric began to see the Marine Corps as more than just an option; it was a way to find structure, purpose, and opportunity. He also had a practical goal in mind. He knew the Marines offered coastal assignments, and the thought of being stationed near the ocean fueled his decision further. For him, it was the perfect combination: he could serve his country, develop discipline, and stay close to the waves.

At 20 years old, Eric enlisted on a six-year contract. The deal guaranteed him the rank of E-3 upon completion of training, gave him the ability to choose his job based on his ASVAB scores, and most importantly, provided a coastal duty station. His plan worked. After completing his training, Eric received orders to Camp Pendleton in Southern California. Walking out of his barracks room for the first time and seeing the Pacific Ocean in the distance, he knew he had arrived exactly where he intended to be.

What Eric didn’t yet know was that the Marine Corps would become more than a means to an end. The next chapter of his life would test his limits, introduce him to mentors who would shape his leadership, and set the foundation for a career that would last 23 years.

Eric Franklin’s journey into the Marine Corps began in 1993 when he shipped off to boot camp, a rite of passage that would leave a permanent mark on his character. While he had been physically active his entire life and arrived in decent shape, the demands of Marine Corps training were unlike anything he had experienced. At 130 pounds, Eric was lean and prepared for the physical challenges, but boot camp tested far more than strength and endurance. It was about mental toughness, discipline, and embracing a structure where every detail mattered.

The shock came quickly. From the moment he stepped onto the yellow footprints, Eric was immersed in an environment designed to break down individuality and rebuild it into a collective standard of excellence. Drill instructors barked orders relentlessly, and the constant pressure pushed recruits beyond what they thought possible. Eric quickly learned that success depended on focusing not on one moment of discomfort but on the bigger picture. He remembers struggling early on with getting caught up in small failures, becoming stuck on minor setbacks rather than moving forward. Over time, however, he adapted, largely due to guidance from his leadership and peers who helped him reset his perspective.

Eric served as a squad leader during boot camp, an early taste of responsibility that gave him purpose and focus. The role required him to manage other recruits, set an example, and stay sharp under intense scrutiny. The responsibility helped him stay disciplined and engaged, forcing him to pay close attention to everything the drill instructors taught. In his spare moments, he often found himself absorbed in the Green Monster, a required history book filled with Marine Corps traditions and stories of Medal of Honor recipients. Those stories of sacrifice and heroism left a lasting impression, solidifying his pride in becoming part of something greater than himself.

Upon completing training, Eric transitioned to his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) schools at Twentynine Palms. Initially assigned to radar systems, he encountered setbacks that shifted his trajectory. Toward the end of the radar program, he struggled with the coursework and was reassigned to a different path: radio repair. At first, the change felt like a failure, but it turned out to be one of the most important pivots of his career.

Radio repair clicked immediately. Eric discovered a natural aptitude for troubleshooting electronics, working with communications systems, and solving technical problems under pressure. The reassignment opened new opportunities, every unit needed radio operators and repair specialists, which gave him flexibility and control over his career path.

Eric Franklin’s early years at Camp Pendleton marked a turning point where he began evolving from a young Marine focused on personal goals into a leader responsible for shaping others. At first, his priority was mastering his technical role as a radio repairman, ensuring that communication systems functioned flawlessly during training exercises and operational deployments. His skill with electronics earned him respect among his peers and superiors, but his growth extended far beyond technical proficiency.

During the mid-1990s, the Marine Corps was undergoing a cultural shift. The old-school mentality of strict hazing, rigid hierarchy, and “figure it out or fail” leadership was giving way to a more deliberate emphasis on mentorship. Under leaders like General Charles Krulak, the Marine Corps Commandant at the time, who championed the development of small-unit leadership and stressed the importance of mentoring young Marines.

As Eric gained rank, he began applying those same lessons to his own leadership style. He became a strong believer in balancing high standards with active teaching, understanding that young Marines needed both accountability and support. He expected his Marines to perform at the highest level but knew it was his job to give them the tools and knowledge to succeed. He avoided simply barking orders and walking away. Instead, he took time to explain procedures, offer context, and help his Marines understand not just what to do but why it mattered.

By 1999, Eric Franklin faced a pivotal decision in his life and career. His initial six-year contract was nearing its end, and he had to choose whether to separate from the Marine Corps or commit to staying in. At that time, the military landscape was relatively calm. The Gulf War had ended, and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were still years away. For Eric, the decision came down to personal priorities, family responsibilities, and long-term stability.

During this period, Eric became a father, and the birth of his son reshaped his entire outlook. While he had initially viewed the Marine Corps as a way to gain structure, skills, and a coastal duty station, his role as a parent added new layers of purpose. His marriage had not worked out, and he found himself in a custody battle, ultimately taking on the responsibility of raising his son as a single father. The weight of providing a stable life pushed him to carefully evaluate his next steps.

The Marine Corps offered a clear path forward. A reenlistment bonus of $20,000 provided financial relief and an opportunity to secure a better foundation for his young family. Just as important, staying in the service meant continuing access to steady pay, housing, healthcare, and the support network he had built during his first enlistment. Reenlisting also allowed him to take advantage of his technical skills as a radio repairman, which positioned him for more leadership opportunities and potential promotions.

At the time, Eric was already serving as a sergeant and managing increasing responsibilities within his unit. By committing to another four years, he could attend follow-on schools to advance his expertise and further solidify his career. Reenlistment came with challenges, but for Eric, the decision was as much about providing for his son as it was about advancing professionally. He had seen firsthand the difficulties Marines faced when separating without a plan, and he wanted to ensure his family had stability while he prepared for a longer-term vision of success.

Balancing the demands of parenthood and the Marine Corps was far from easy. Deployments, training schedules, and the constant relocations inherent to military life tested Eric’s resilience. Still, he approached fatherhood with the same discipline and focus he brought to his role as a Marine. He worked to create a home environment where his son could thrive, prioritizing consistency even when the unpredictability of military life made it difficult.

As his son grew, Eric began to recognize that his responsibilities extended beyond his immediate family. He felt a renewed sense of purpose within the Corps, striving to be a role model both at home and within his unit. By staying committed to the service, he not only advanced his own career but also positioned himself to mentor younger Marines, many of whom faced similar challenges in balancing personal and professional demands.

Re-enlisting marked a turning point in Eric’s journey. What had started as a six-year plan built around personal goals and surfing had transformed into a deeper commitment fueled by leadership, growth, and providing for his family. With new responsibilities came new ambitions, and the next phase of his career would test his ability to lead, adapt, and thrive during some of the most demanding years of his service.

After re-enlisting, Eric Franklin’s career took on a new trajectory marked by heightened responsibilities and significant challenges. In the years following his decision to stay in the Marine Corps, the world changed quickly. The September 11th attacks in 2001 altered the military landscape overnight, shifting priorities from training and readiness to active combat operations. For Eric, this period would bring some of the most formative experiences of his life, pushing him both professionally and personally.

In 2002, Eric set his sights on joining First Force Reconnaissance Company, one of the Marine Corps’ most elite units. This was not an assignment handed out lightly. Getting there required preparation, persistence, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. He knew the unit’s reputation: small teams of highly trained Marines operating at an advanced level, tasked with missions demanding precision, endurance, and trust. When the opportunity arose, Eric seized it, successfully earning his place among their ranks.

Serving with Force Recon proved to be one of the defining chapters of his career. For four years, Eric was embedded with a close-knit group of operators who set the highest possible standards for themselves and each other. It was an environment built on performance and professionalism, where personal pride, skill mastery, and accountability were constant expectations. During this time, Eric earned his Jump Wings and deployed to Iraq twice.

The deployments deepened Eric’s understanding of leadership under fire. He learned the value of remaining calm and deliberate when situations grew chaotic, how to read his team, and when to push versus when to pause. The high-performance environment forced him to grow in ways he could not have anticipated when he first enlisted. It was during this period that he developed an even stronger appreciation for preparation and training, recognizing that mastery of the fundamentals often determined success when conditions became uncertain.

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Leaving First Force Recon after four years was not a personal choice but a function of Marine Corps structure. With his promotion to gunnery sergeant, his time in the unit had reached its natural conclusion. He understood that advancement meant taking on new roles and facing fresh challenges elsewhere, bringing with him the knowledge, skills, and perspective gained from operating alongside some of the best warfighters in the Corps.

While Eric Franklin’s career in the Marine Corps was defined by discipline, leadership, and deployments, his passion for surfing remained constant. Living near the beach at Camp Pendleton gave him a rare outlet during the intense cycles of training and operations. What began as a personal escape eventually evolved into something larger, leading to the creation of the Pendleton Surf Club, a community that would intertwine camaraderie, competition, and connection for Marines stationed on base.

The club’s beginnings were informal. Eric lived in a mobile home park on Camp Pendleton that functioned as low-income housing for Marines. Located just a quarter mile from the beach, it became a gathering spot for fellow surfers and friends who shared a love of the ocean. What started as casual meetups eventually became more organized, with small groups of Marines heading to the surf break at Church Beach, a location known for its consistency and quality waves.

By 2005 and 2006, the gatherings had grown into official events. Eric organized two surf contests at Church and another at Del Mar Jetty, putting together competitions that brought Marines, sailors, and their families together on the shoreline. It was a chance to build relationships outside the uniform, strengthen community bonds, and provide a healthy outlet for service members dealing with the stresses of military life.

Running the contests, however, came with challenges. Coordinating logistics, securing approvals, and managing participation while balancing deployments and parenting responsibilities was demanding. Eric often found himself stretched thin, trying to juggle the demands of the Marine Corps, single fatherhood, and organizing events that were growing larger than he originally anticipated. Despite his love for the ocean, the business side of running the club began to take a toll on him.

Eventually, he reached a point of burnout and had to step back. Deployments, child custody battles, and the relentless pace of his duties forced him to refocus his energy. Still, the Pendleton Surf Club had taken on a life of its own. The friendships and connections built through those early events left a lasting impact, and Eric maintained his vision of keeping surfing a cornerstone of his life, even if he needed to pause on leading the organization directly.

Surfing, for Eric, was never just a hobby. It was a grounding force, something that connected him to himself and others no matter where the Marine Corps sent him. While his time managing the club slowed, his passion for the sport endured, setting the stage for its eventual resurgence and growth in his post-service life.

After four intense years with First Force Recon, Eric Franklin transitioned to a new chapter in his career and life when he received orders to Hawaii. The move represented more than just a change in duty station. It was an opportunity to reset, focus on his son, and create balance after years of operating in a high-tempo environment. For Eric, the relocation was as much about personal growth as it was about professional advancement.

Assigned to two different units during his time on Oahu, Eric was exposed to new missions, new teams, and a completely different operational culture. He embraced the challenge of adapting to fresh environments, using the experience to broaden his leadership skills and technical expertise. While his work remained demanding, the pace was different from his years at Force Recon, and it gave him space to reevaluate priorities both inside and outside the uniform.

Living in Hawaii also provided a chance to explore beyond the Marine Corps. Eric and his son settled in Kailua, a vibrant coastal community with its own deep ties to surf culture and island traditions. Rather than focusing on competition or running events like he had during his early days with the Pendleton Surf Club, Eric leaned into enjoying life on the island. He began participating in triathlons, running half-marathons, fishing, and taking in the unique history and food that Hawaii had to offer. These experiences gave him a wider perspective, helping him see life beyond the boundaries of his military career.

For his son, Hawaii was an opportunity to grow in a new environment. Eric supported him through school, youth sports, and friendships while ensuring he had stability during a time of constant change. Balancing fatherhood and service required intention and effort, and Eric approached both with the discipline he had developed throughout his time in the Marines.

While many assume Hawaii offers constant world-class surfing, Eric’s relationship with the ocean shifted during this period. He surfed when he could but stepped back from the intensity and structure that had once defined his time in the water. Instead, his focus was on creating experiences with his son, investing in personal fitness, and building a foundation for the next stage of his life.

By the time Eric completed his tour in Hawaii in 2009, he had gained not just new professional skills but also a renewed sense of balance. Leaving the island marked the start of another transition, one that would bring him back to California and closer to decisions about how to navigate the final chapters of his Marine Corps career.

By the time Eric Franklin returned from Hawaii and settled back in California, he had already started thinking seriously about what life after the Marine Corps might look like. He had served for nearly two decades, and while he remained committed to his responsibilities, he understood the importance of preparing for the inevitable transition. Having helped countless Marines navigate the separation process as part of his leadership duties, Eric knew firsthand how challenging the shift could be for those who failed to plan ahead.

His involvement with transition readiness programs gave him unique insight. The Marine Corps required service members to attend classes and workshops designed to prepare them for civilian life, but Eric did more than check the box. As a senior leader, he sat through both the standard courses and those created for staff NCOs, wanting to understand every resource available to his Marines. He learned the details about VA benefits, retirement entitlements, education programs, home loan opportunities, and medical support so that he could guide his teams with accuracy and confidence.

During these sessions, Eric also absorbed lessons for his own future. He watched Marines exit the service successfully when they planned early, developed financial security, and leveraged the skills they had gained in uniform. He also saw others struggle when they left without a roadmap, facing uncertainty, unemployment, or identity crises. Those examples reinforced his belief in taking control of the process rather than leaving it to chance.

As his career progressed, Eric began to experience the emotional and mental fatigue that often comes with long-term service, especially during an era defined by multiple deployments and operational demands. The Marine Corps was fighting two wars, and the constant cycle of preparing Marines for combat, deploying them, and reintegrating them afterward created unique challenges. Leaders were expected to maintain strict standards while helping service members manage personal and psychological pressures. For Eric, the responsibility was immense.

The demands of leadership became even clearer as policies increasingly placed accountability for Marines’ actions on their senior NCOs. If someone under his charge got into legal trouble, suffered an alcohol-related incident, or failed to meet expectations, Eric was the one called to answer. While he embraced holding his Marines to high standards, the weight of being responsible for their choices was constant and exhausting. Combined with the pressures of raising his son and managing his own personal life, he recognized that reaching 20 years of service would be an important crossroads.

Eric’s philosophy during this period was shaped by lessons he had carried throughout his career: anticipate challenges, prepare thoroughly, and maintain flexibility to adapt when circumstances changed. A commander he once served under described it as getting “left of the blast” — identifying potential problems early and acting before they became critical. Eric internalized that approach, using it not only in his leadership but also in his transition planning.

As Eric Franklin approached the end of his Marine Corps career, an unexpected opportunity presented itself that would shape his next chapter. While serving at Camp Pendleton, he received a phone call from Paul Hancock, a retired Marine who was running a civilian contracting program supporting amphibious assault vehicles and their communications systems. Hancock explained that Eric’s name had come up repeatedly as someone ideally suited for a soon-to-open position.

At first, Eric was surprised, but when he reviewed the job description, it felt almost tailor-made for him. The responsibilities mirrored what he had been doing on active duty: managing communications equipment, overseeing modifications, training Marines on technical systems, and ensuring operational readiness. The difference was significant, though. As a civilian contractor, Eric could focus on the equipment and training without carrying the added weight of counseling, disciplinary actions, and administrative demands. After decades of leading Marines in high-stress environments, this was an appealing shift.

Before making the decision, Eric carefully evaluated his options. He consulted mentors, talked with friends, and reviewed the potential impact on his finances, family, and lifestyle. He also reached out to his monitor, who confirmed that accepting the job would be a smart move and even offered to extend his current orders to make the transition seamless. For Eric, the alignment was too perfect to ignore.

In 2015, he made it official. Within just a few months, Eric submitted his retirement paperwork, refinanced his home in Temecula, rented it out, purchased a condo closer to work, and prepared to step into his new role. The pace of change was intense, but he approached it with the same mindset that had carried him through 23 years of service: prepare thoroughly, adapt quickly, and stay focused on the mission.

The shift into civilian life came with relief and purpose. Eric no longer had to navigate the constant emotional strain of supervising Marines while juggling administrative and operational demands. Instead, he could dedicate his energy to applying his expertise, sharing knowledge, and helping the next generation succeed without the added pressures of uniformed leadership.

At the same time, stepping away from active duty allowed him to focus on his personal life in a way that had been difficult for decades. He had more time with his son, greater flexibility in his schedule, and an opportunity to reengage with passions that had often taken a backseat to his Marine Corps obligations. One of those passions was the Pendleton Surf Club, which continued to connect Marines, veterans, and their families through a shared love of the ocean.

Eric’s decision to retire after 23 years reflected his belief that there was more to life than staying in uniform for the sake of reaching 30 years. He chose to leave on his terms, with a plan in place, leveraging his experience into meaningful work while creating space to rediscover who he was outside of the Corps. The same discipline, preparation, and adaptability that had defined his career carried seamlessly into this next phase, shaping the foundation for everything that came after.

Reflecting on his journey, Eric Franklin often shares lessons for veterans, first responders, and anyone facing a major life transition. For him, the key to success after leaving the uniform is rooted in anticipation, preparation, and agility. Transition is inevitable, but the way you approach it determines the outcome. Eric emphasizes the importance of thinking ahead, making informed decisions, and taking ownership of the process rather than waiting for circumstances to dictate your next move.

One of his strongest recommendations is to start planning early, long before retirement or separation becomes imminent. Whether it is financial preparation, pursuing education, or developing additional skills, building a solid foundation is critical. Eric stresses the value of understanding your benefits, exploring career options, and networking with others who have already walked the path you are about to take. Surrounding yourself with people who can provide guidance and perspective makes the process less overwhelming and increases the likelihood of success.

He also highlights the importance of identity beyond the uniform. Many veterans and first responders struggle with the sudden shift when a role that defined so much of their life comes to an end. Eric encourages finding purpose outside of rank or title, whether through personal passions, community involvement, or pursuing a second career. For him, initiatives like the Pendleton Surf Club became a meaningful way to stay connected, give back, and maintain a sense of belonging even after leaving active duty.

Eric believes that resilience is built by taking ownership of your growth and refusing to settle for comfort. Life after service will present uncertainty, but preparing for those challenges makes it possible to adapt and thrive. The mindset that served him well throughout his Marine Corps career still applies: success comes from discipline, accountability, and surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better.

For those standing on the edge of transition, Eric’s message is simple but powerful. Do not wait until the last moment to start planning. Use the time you have to invest in yourself, your future, and your community. Seek mentors, develop skills, and create a vision of the life you want after service. The tools you need are available, but you have to take the initiative to use them.

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