Collier Gregory
Each month, the Palisadian-Post will celebrate a Palisadian veteran who put his or her life on the line to preserve the freedoms we so cherish—hosted by Veterans Gardens Founder and Contributing Writer Jimmy Dunne.
After graduating from Villanova, Collier Gregory decided he wanted to serve and join the Marines as an officer. He toured with maritime operations on boats in the Pacific and again fighting Taliban forces in Afghanistan.
In 2006, his successes earned him the honor of representing the Marines in the White House in the Bush administration.
“My parents, Carol and Carl Gregory, raised me humbly. They raised me to respect the privilege of the freedoms we are afforded in our democracy.
I was 22, and all my buddies were heading into their careers. I looked at the Marines as an opportunity to get adventure and to do something for my country. To make a difference.
When I stepped back in civilian life, I was lucky. I found a path through real estate in Texas—and it has been a terrific journey, with successes beyond my imagination. I got married in 2020, and we are proud parents of a daughter.
Many of the Marines in my unit haven’t been so fortunate. They’ve struggled to re-acclimate back into civilian life.
In the military, they were flying helicopters or managing a platoon of Marines in extraordinary situations. For many, they’ve come back being offered far-less prestigious jobs. Re-entering can be very tough on so many levels.
The military trains you extremely well to go—but it’s minimal on the way out.
Big picture. I’m so grateful. Grateful for a loving family. Being raised in great schools in the Palisades. Grateful for my time in the Marines and proud of my service.
What’s not to love about walking through our new village, sitting for a morning cup of coffee. Thinking about how glad I am to have a welcoming town like the Palisades.”
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