This month Oxford University Press releases a graphic novel, co-authored by Joseph Geeter titled “The First Black Marines, An Oral History”.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Joseph (Joe) Geeter enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1976 and served 25 years on active duty, retiring as a Master Gunnery Sergeant.

Joe has been involved in Veterans Affairs for well over 40 years, specifically with the Montford Point Marines, America’s first African American Marines. Joe rose through the ranks of the National Montford Point Marine Association Inc., eventually serving as the 16th National President from 2005-2009. He was instrumental in lobbying the US Congress for the Congressional Gold Medal for these pioneering Marines, which was signed into law by then President Barrack Obama in November 2011.