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Jacob Barnhart
United States Marine Corps
Corporal
Walla Walla, Washington
Honorable Discharge in 2003
4 1/2 years Active Duty
“I proudly served our great country after graduating from high school in 1998. I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with many questions, doubts, fears and much excitement. I served 4 1/2 proud years. Those years were years I will never forget. From the men I stood beside to the men I knew personally that were lost in war. My life was changed dramatically in those 4 1/2 years and I came out of the Marine Corps with my head up high and the attitude of Never Quit. I enrolled in college and graduated from Seattle University in 2007. The GI Bill payed my way though school. I am currently 31, and a Associate Financial Advisor for Ameriprise.
After my Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps I got a job and started to prepare myself for college. I had never had a dime of my own to spend but had always had a shoe obsession. I started to collect. It started with Nike and went from there. At one point my junior year of college I had 114 pairs of random shoes. Mainly Nike’s and Jordan’s. Upon graduation I took a job with Ameriprise and had to move. 114 pairs of shoes was a lot to move. EBAY happened. I had to part with many shoes that I loved but managed to hold on to some. I now have a random collection that I hardly touch. They sit in my home and I look at them every day. Its a part of me that some will never understand. I will buy shoes here and there and still pick up some Jordan’s if its a Retro.”
How long have you been collecting sneakers and how many do you have? I have been collecting sneakers since 2003. After selling over 75 pair I now have about 40+ pairs
Top five sneakers of all-time:
Nike Air Max 95 Neon
AIr Jordan V Fire Red
AIr Jordan III Cements
Nike Air Force Max Black and Grey
AIr Jordan 11 Space Jam
What sneaker started you collecting shoes? I can’t say I have one particular sneaker that got me into collecting. I just think its a matter of loving shoes
What is the next shoe you plan to grab? I will be picking up the Jordan True Blue IIIs.
What is your favorite sneaker in your closet? I would have to say the Air Jordan V Fire Red. I had the OG’s as a child when I finally convinced my dad to buy them for me. The gym I used to play basketball in was so dirty I used to slide around everywhere when trying to stop with the clear icy sole! When they were re-released as a retro I was SO PUMPED. I have not even worn the pair I bought.
If you had to pick one shoe to represent your military branch, what would it be and why? I would say the Air Jordan Space Jam would represent the line of work I did in the Marine Corps. Our Motto was Swift, Silent and Deadly. This shoe does that justice.
What is the worst part of trying to collect shoes and serve at the same time? I had a few pair here and there when I was enlisted but did not really start collecting till I got out. I would venture to say the travel all over the world would make it tough to lock down a pair on release dates in the US
Do/did you ever try to work sneakers into your military-assigned attire? I never attempted this. It was a big NO NO.
What?s the best part of being in the Armed Forces? Best part of being in the Marine Corps was the travel, the experiences and overall and by far the most important was the bonds I made with people (fellow Marines and also those who we helped in need).
Since you?ve been all around the world, what?s your favorite sneaker store? I have been all around the world (literally) and I would still argue that Goods in Seattle is one of my favorite shops. I am also a big fan of Wish in Atlanta.
If you could design a sneaker dedicated to you particular branch, what shoe would you use and how would you create it (colors, materials)? I think Nike SB Brian Anderson Camo Dunk Hi with Orange Laces pretty much nailed what I would envision in a shoes for the Military. Maybe take the Orange laces out and throw in some Black!
Do you have any memorable shoe-related stories? Again, I think the one story that sticks out in my mind is the childhood story of wanting the Air Jordan V Fire Reds so bad and finally convincing my dad to buy them. Sliding all around the gym drove me nuts but I knew I had “cool” shoes. I was so thrilled to see these retro and hold them very close.
