One bad decision can leave to lasting scars.

Publication: Ground Warrior

Publication Date: 22-JUN-03

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COPYRIGHT 2003 U.S. Navy Safety Center

Marine Sgt. Marianne L. Knight (formerly Davenport) graduated sixth in her series at boot camp with a Meritorious Mast. She hit the ground running when she graduated from Military Occupational School as a military-police officer. Shortly after arriving at Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, she was awarded a Navy Achievement Medal.

Then everything changed for this hard-working and ambitious Marine. It started with a bad decision one hot, November 1998 evening when the then-LCpl. Davenport decided to go out after work and blow off some steam with fellow Marines at a local tavern. She consumed six or seven beers on an empty stomach, left the tavern about 10 p.m., and slid behind the wheel of her 1985 Ford Mustang 5.0. She then started a 1.5-mile journey that "temporarily" would end her life.

While driving more than 100 mph without her seat belt on...

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