“We got tired of working for the man. So we went to work for the dude.”

Two former Marines have taken their expertise in guns and bombs and embarked on a business in Swansboro. Their business is mentioned in this Wall Street Journal piece about young veterans starting their own businesses rather than looking for a traditional job. Johnny Morris lost a leg while serving. Brad Long lost two.

Serving in the U.S. military prepared them for a post-service life as entrepreneurs. “You learn to fend for yourself,” says Mr. Morris, 27 years old. “You’re in charge of your own destiny, much like running a business.”

Both men joined the Marines straight out of school – high school for Mr. Morris, and college for Mr. Lang, who is 28. They didn’t want to apply for jobs after their service ended, in part because they no longer wanted to have to follow orders.

“In the Marines, you do what you’re told, when you’re told and you don’t ask questions,” says Mr. Morris. “We got tired of working for the man. So we went to work for the dude.”

Great story. These two confident, knowledgeable, brave young men have set out on the American dream — to be independent and build a legacy.