The Marine CORP and Marriage

 

In May 1968, Blaine accepted a commission as a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a rifle [infantry] platoon leader with India Company, Third Battalion, Ninth Marine Regiment, Third Marine Division.

 

His combat decorations include two Bronze Star Medals each with the Combat Distinguishing Device [Combat V], the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat against the enemy, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and a second award of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with an Oak Leaf Cluster.

 

Blaine and Lynda met in church in Washington, D.C. on the first Sunday following his release from active duty in May 1971. After graduating from BYU, Lynda accepted employment with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in Washington, D.C.

 

They were married in Salt Lake City in March 1972 and are the parents of five daughters. Before their first child was born in September 1974, Lynda worked in the West Wing of The White House on the staff of White House Chief of Staff, General Alexander Haig, as a secretary to President Richard Nixon. Four of their daughters are married.

 

Blaine and Lynda have four granddaughters and one grandson.