Author

Meet the Author

A Life of Service, Leadership, and Storytelling

Bradley Mason Gates' journey is one of unwavering dedication, from his early days in the Marine Corps to his celebrated career as an officer and author. This timeline highlights the pivotal moments that shaped his life and inspired his storytelling, offering a glimpse into the experiences that bring his works, including Two Good Men, to life. Through service, sacrifice, and a passion for preserving history, Brad’s remarkable path continues to inspire.

1960s

A Name with Honor

As a young teenager, Bradley Mason Gates learned that his father, Dean Gates, named him in honor of Captain Frank Bradley Camp, a revered fighter pilot from World War II. Captain Camp, a neighbor and idol to Dean, tragically lost his life when his plane was shot down over North Africa, with his remains never recovered. Inspired by his father’s deep admiration for Captain Camp, Brad grew up with a profound sense of duty and a desire to serve his country.



While playing football for Roaring Spring Junior High, Brad admired older players at Central High School, including Don Myers, who later joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Seeing Don’s commitment solidified Brad’s resolve to one day follow the same path.

A black and white photo of a man in a suit and tie.
A man in a white uniform is taking an oath
A man in a military uniform stands in front of a mountain

1970s

The Path to Leadership

In 1971, Brad began attending Millersville State College and joined the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class (PLC). In the summer of 1973, he trained at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, for 10 weeks of rigorous screening and preparation. During his training, weekend liberty allowed Brad to reunite with Kathy, his future bride, strengthening their bond.


After graduating from Millersville and successfully completing PLC, Brad was commissioned as a Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant. He and Kathy married shortly after, embarking on their new life together. Their honeymoon journey took them to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where Brad completed the Artillery Officer Basic Course. From there, they traveled to Camp Pendleton, California, for Brad’s first duty station with the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines.


The highlight of their time in California was the birth of their son, Jarod. In late 1978, Brad received orders to serve with the 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan, which included training at Camp Fuji and the Philippines. In 1979, he was assigned to the Naval Amphibious School near Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he served as a Naval Gunfire Instructor and Qualifier. During this time, Brad and Kathy welcomed their daughters, Alana and Jessica, into the world.

1980s

Rising Through the Ranks

Brad’s next assignment brought him to Camp Lejeune, NC, with the 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines. Between 1983 and 1985, as a Captain, he commanded Hotel Battery, leading them during pivotal operations such as Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada and peacekeeping efforts in Beirut, Lebanon. For his exceptional leadership, Brad was awarded the Navy League’s prestigious Lejeune Award for Inspirational Leadership.


Promoted to Major in 1986, Brad was assigned to The Basic School at Quantico, Virginia, where he served as company commander of Fox Company. That same year, he received the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, recognizing his contributions to leadership and service.

A soldier stands on top of a pile of dirt in front of an american flag
A group of soldiers are standing in a line in the dirt
A man in a military uniform stands next to a pile of sandbags
A black and white photo of a man in a military uniform
Two soldiers shaking hands in front of a pile of sand

1990s

Leadership to Legacy

In the early 1990s, Major Gates served as Ground Liaison Officer to MAG-29 at New River, North Carolina. After two years, he returned to the 10th Marines as a logistics officer and was later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. From 1993 to 1996, LtCol Gates served as the performance evaluation officer at Headquarters Marine Corps, capping a distinguished career before retiring in August 1996.


Brad’s military journey reflects a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and service, inspiring his storytelling and his works, including Two Good Men.

What Readers Are Saying

Discover why Two Good Men is touching hearts and leaving a lasting impact.

"This story of two Marines and their families serves as a paradigm for countless American families. Not fanciful images of superheroes, but poignant episodes that delineate honest, down to earth portraits of the kinds of young Americans who gave and give so much. A warm tale of intense friendship, dedication, loyalty and love. Oorah!"

Prof. Edward Jaworowski

former Chair, Classical Studies, Villanova University (retired)

"A snapshot in time. An honest, heartfelt and sometimes humorous look into the realities of family, friendship and service to our great nation in times of peace and times of war. Written from the author's perspective (a life-long Marine) who clearly has a deep and lasting appreciation for those who answer their nation's call to serve"

Fr Michael Taylor, Pastor

Corpus Christi Catholic Church Aldie, VA

"The personal stories of four friends and their families are rendered epic by the skilled prose of Mr. Gates, who intertwines the families’ real-life events with scenes from Marine Corps’ recruits training, Vietnam battles, captivity and hospital stay, and finally, graduation. Love rules above all. A pleasure to read also for those who have no prior direct experience of the Marine Corps."

Maria Francesca Nespoli Carlberg

Congressional Liaison, Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC.

"Brad Gates belongs to that class of strictly upright, honest and true men, of whom Marines afford so many noble examples. A personal mentor and role-model since serving under him at The Basic School; I am a better man for my association with Brad Gates. Two Good Men captures the essence of what is truly great about our Nation - young men and their families honorably and quietly bearing the heavy burden of service in defense of our Nation’s values and democratic principles."

The Honorable James M. Byrne

8th Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Veteran Marine

"At its heart, Two Good Men is a love story. Love of family, love of brotherhood, the love of good women, the love of best friends, and the love for the institution around which Brad Gates characters orbit, the United States Marine Corps. The story is compelling and the dialogue fast paced - for those who love the Corps or are those who revolve around its orbit, Two Good Men is a story you will embrace!"

Mark A. Brilakis, LtGen USMC (ret)

"This is a story to which all Marines can easily relate. The bonds of friendship and their shared loyalty to Corps and Country link the lives of Manny and Kenny in ways very familiar to Marines, and indeed, all members of the Armed Force."

Col Christopher J Gunther USMC (Ret)

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