Once a Marine, always a Marine." Ask any Marine what those words mean, and you'll hear the same thing: the pride that begins in training never fades, whether they are in uniform or long retired. It is a pride earned over generations, and it runs through the whole history of the Corps.

Here in Belle Haven, that spirit feels right at home. Our neighborhood has a history of its own, from the preserved Fort Willard, built to guard the approach to the nation's capital, to the flags that fly in front of so many of our houses. Every July 4th, families gather at the fort, and children light up at the sight of the fire trucks that pull in for the celebration. Our current and former Marines take part in these traditions, and they help make Belle Haven a place where friendships and patriotism grow together.

Some of our neighbors, past and present, have played a part in American history. General Julian C. Smith led the 2nd Marine Division and received a Navy Cross for bravery at Tarawa in World War II. He and his wife, "Happy," later made their home on Edgewood Terrace for many years. Today, Brigadier General Michael P. Downs lives on Edgehill Terrace. He earned the Silver Star for his bravery and leadership at the Battle of Hue in Vietnam, one of the most notable battles in Marine Corps history. Senator John Warner, who served in both the Navy and the Marine Corps and later as Secretary of the Navy, lived on Fort Drive. So did General Mike Coyne, for more than 20 years, before he moved to Florida.

The tradition continues with our newer neighbors. Some have returned from recent combat deployments, others are planning how to defend the country in the years ahead, and still others are flying helicopters in support of today's missions.

Many more Marines have called Belle Haven home than we can name here. For them, service did not end when the uniform came off—it simply found a new home on our streets. 

Below, get to know the four local Marines featured on our cover: 

Brigadier General Mike Downs, USMC (Ret.)

Commissioning: NROTC, College of the Holy Cross (June 14, 1961)

Years Active: 1961–1992

Highest Rank: Brigadier General

Primary Role: Infantry Officer

Key Deployments & Assignments: 5th Marine Regiment, Vietnam (Sept 1967 – Oct 1968)

Final Duty Station / Command: Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC

Featured Memory: Commanding Foxtrot Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines during the Battle of Hue City (Tet Offensive) from February 1 to March 9, 1968.

Belle Haven Resident Since: December 1993

Colonel Mike Prosser, USMC (Ret.)

Master Sergeant Robert Chastant, USMC (Ret.)

Years Active: 2005-2025

Highest Rank: Master Sergeant

Key Deployments & Assignments: 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, Iraq (2007)

Primary Role: Ground Ordnance Maintenance Management 

Final Duty Station / Project Manager: Project Manager, Program Manager Advance Amphibious Assault

Featured Memory: Presenting at the DoD Maintenance Symposium on Quality Control Reform (2022)

Belle Haven Resident Since: May 2023