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Master Gunnery Sergeant.
Read Master Gunnery Sergeant Couturier's
Full Military Bio HERE:
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am from Greenville, Michigan. The birthplace of Meijer. I am married to my beautiful wife, Misuk.
My daughter is married to a Navy sailor and they are stationed in Japan.
I served in the Marine Corps for 22 years.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not at school?
Much of my time is dedicated to the MCJROTC program. Literally six days a week once school begins. On my off days, I tend to really relax and take care of household tasks.
I like to try out new restaurants, take walks, bike ride, read, watch sports, and workout.
What is one thing students are usually surprised to learn about you?
I am adopted and the oldest of six siblings. I wrestled for a long time. I was first chair violin in high school. I really like to ski, but with two knee replacements, I am limited now. I have climbed the highest point in the lower 48 states, Mt Whitney, 3 times. I’ve also climbed Mt. Fuji and even skied down it. Go Lions!
Best gift you have ever received:
Meeting my wife. I see this as a tremendous gift in my life.
My daughter Grace.
Why did you decide to become a JROTC instructor after retiring from the Marine Corps?
During my activity duty time, I helped a few JROTC programs and one of my buddies became a JROTC Instructor, which led me to become certified in both the Marine Corps and Navy JROTC programs. I retired early from the Marine Corps with a feeling that I had more to give and thought JROTC was a way for me to lead, mentor, and pass on all the great (and even not so great things) about the Marine Corps to the next generation. I see this profession as a “calling”, not just a “job”.
Best advice you've ever received:
Incorporate the USMC Leadership Traits and Principles in your life.
What do you hope every cadet leaves this program with?
Every cadet leaves with invaluable life skills they can carry into adulthood. So much in life comes down to two things: the decision to participate, and the effort you put in. It's not about talent or circumstance — it's about desire and work ethic. You don't have to be the best athlete, the smartest, or the strongest speaker to succeed in JROTC. What I want to see is continuous growth, persistence, and cadets having fun along the way.
I want every cadet to value this program, because the lessons only matter if you choose to apply them. JROTC offers tremendous opportunities — leadership development, communication skills, scholarships, camps, lasting friendships, and the chance to learn from veterans. My hope is that every cadet walks away better for having been part of it.
Favorite sports team: Lions and Tigers (No Bears!)
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Favorite movie: Intersellar
Favorite food/snack: Korean
Favorite Music genre: Classic Rock
What's one piece of advice you would give to high school students today?
As a father, educator, and veteran, your EFFORT matters. Effort in everything you do is noticeable. Lack of effort is even more noticeable. Put positive effort into your family, friends, education, work, and yourself. Don’t always look for the easy way out. Don’t give up or quit at the first sign of stress. Not everything will be how you want them to be. Your ability to embrace challenges and see them as opportunities to overcome obstacles will take you far in life. Have a desire to succeed and don’t just go through the motions in life questioning everything in high school. You are not the first ones to go through high school and yes, you can do what is required of you.
What are some of the most meaningful ways you've seen students grow during their time in JROTC?
Confidence and positive self-esteem are some of the biggest changes I see in cadets. There's a stark difference between an LE1 and an LE4 — that transformation doesn't happen overnight. Sometimes it takes years, but the key is not giving up and continuing to seek self-improvement. Cadets have to seek out opportunities and embrace them when presented. Growth starts with a cadet realizing they must change, adapt, and overcome — taking responsibility and holding themselves accountable is what matures them. This program prepares cadets for adulthood more than any other.
That said, it's not all strict discipline — there's plenty of room to have fun along the way. Cadets learn to manage their schedules, communicate, and execute, just like adults. The decisions you make in JROTC affect your high school career and beyond. And you're never the only one facing hardship — there are others who've walked the same path and are here to help.
Do you have a favorite JROTC memory?
Achieving Naval Honor School status for the first time, and five years running
Producing a Legion of Valor recipient
Winning our first competition trophies in 2015
Watching our unit leaders accept those winning trophies, and seeing their smiling faces
Placing 2nd in the Nation for Drill
Placing 4th in the Nation for Physical Fitness Team
Developing a promotion system that students could take leadership on and accurately implement.
Morning coffee or tea? Coffee
What would you like parents to know about the RHS JROTC program?
Just like our cadets, parents and families will get out of this program what they put into it. Everything starts at home. Discipline, integrity, responsibility, time management, communication, and effort are all reinforced here—but we need your partnership and support at home, too.
This program isn't a cure-all, and it isn't here to correct every challenge a student may face. Cadets are expected to earn what they achieve, and through that process, they develop real-life skills, values, confidence, and accountability.
Be present for your child. When they're promoted, earn an award, or compete at a JROTC event, show up and celebrate those moments with them. Take advantage of everything this program has to offer your family—get involved, help with fundraising when you can, and stay engaged. Your involvement matters.
Favorite quote:
“You get what your work for,
not what you wish for”
Finish this sentence: “I know I’ve been successful as an instructor when…”
…former cadets stay in touch and share where life has taken them. Whether they’ve gone on to college, the workforce, or military service, seeing them succeed as adults is incredibly rewarding. One of my proudest moments was receiving the First Salute from a former cadet when she became an Army officer—a full-circle moment that reminded me of the influence an instructor can have in a young person’s life.
Success is also hearing from parents who recognize the growth in their children, or from cadets who have thanked me for being a father figure in their lives—even when that required some tough love along the way.
I’m proud of the nationally recognized, winning culture we’ve built at Romeoville, but ultimately, the measure of that success will always be the young people who leave this program more disciplined, responsible, confident, and prepared for whatever comes next.
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