05/21/2026
In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we’re recognizing Courtney’s parents, Master Gunnery Sergeant Scott Johnston and Sergeant Terri Johnston, for their years of service, sacrifice, and the life they built through the Marine Corps. 💜
Scott joined the Marines in 1984, and Terri joined in 1988. They met while working at Parris Island, South Carolina, where they married in 1990. Military life came with routine re-enlistments, which brought their family to a couple different southern states throughout the 90s and early 2000s.
Scott worked as a recruiter, then trained and managed other Marine recruiters for most of his career. He helped ensure the highest standards were met regarding who joined and why. Terri served just under 7 years, primarily in military police, and stepped away to raise her two daughters and step-son full time after an on-duty accident left her with chronic pain. Her maternity uniform is displayed in the Parris Island Museum.
The role of military spouse is highly undervalued. Terri held down the fort year after year while the demands of Scott’s job kept him on the road most weeks. She also used her time and resources to volunteer with animal rescues and shelters across Tennessee, often helping with fosters or transport. This innate compassion for animals ultimately trickled down to Courtney.
In 2005, the family made their longest and final pilgrimage from South Carolina to Terri’s home state of Maine. Scott retired from the Marines in 2008 with nearly 25 years served. He now works as a Regional Director with an agriculture equipment company.
Today, Terri and Scott are beekeepers, active grandparents, and cherish their quiet life in the woods with their cats and various chickens and ducks.
Thank you, Scott and Terri, for your service, sacrifice, and the example you’ve set for your family and community.
