Highly decorated Marine believes in the Fullerton vision

by Jane Kaye '04 | photo by Jeanine Hill

medals Although he is an Irish native, Colonel Patrick J. Gough ’80 (B.A. history) chose to make the U.S. Marine Corps his career long before military science became a Fullerton undergraduate course of study.

Raised in Whittier since the age of 4 1/2, Gough graduated at the same time as he completed his basic training. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marines.

Since then Gough has logged more than 3,600 flight hours, seen active duty in the Persian Gulf during Operation Earnest Will and as a major during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. When he was promoted to colonel in 2002, Gough served during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Among Gough’s awards for service to his adoptive country are the Bronze Star, which he received for his service in Iraq, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Meritorious Service Medal with the Gold Star. In 2003, Gough was selected to command Marine Aircraft Group 39, which is the largest aircraft group in the Marine Corps. With nine operational squadrons and 200 aircraft, Gough has 5,000 Marines and sailors under his command.

Stationed at Camp Pendleton for the past two years, Gough and his family have crisscrossed America several times, being posted in Pensacola, Florida; Yuma, Arizona; Alabama, Rhode Island and Texas. Gough has been married to Karen Chute for 27 years. They have two children, Kyle, 19, and Tara, 17.

“It is easier to be in combat than back here watching the faces of the family members when the sad news arrives (of Marines injured or killed),” Gough observes. “This may be a long war and we need to be able to sustain the effort. Our Marines are performing spectacularly and we are all justifiably proud of them as we mourn the loss of our brothers.”

When it came time for his son and daughter to apply for college, he was happy that the family was near his alma mater. Currently a freshman, Kyle was attracted to Fullerton by his father’s relationship with the university.

“Had I not had such a positive experience at CSUF, I would not be where I am today,” Gough says, “nor would I have fought so hard to get my kids into the university. I know they will benefit from the experience as well.” Tara has applied for Fall 2005 admission.

“I highly encouraged both my son and daughter to apply for admission to CSUF. The high standards have never been compromised,” Gough notes.