barry corbin
Actor | Lamesa, Texas
Barry Corbin has spent more than six decades captivating audiences as a celebrated character actor, known for his ability to bring depth, authority, and charisma to every role. Before his storied Hollywood career, Corbin served in the United States Marine Corps for two years, an experience that instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and perseverance, qualities that have shaped his work in film and television.
Born in Lamesa, Texas, in 1940, Corbin was drawn to the stage from an early age. After his military service at Camp Pendleton, he returned to Texas Tech University and pursued acting full-time, beginning his career in theater before transitioning to television and film. His breakout role came in 1980s Urban Cowboy, and he soon became a familiar face in Hollywood, appearing in WarGames, Lonesome Dove, and No Country for Old Men. His most iconic role came as Maurice Minnifield in Northern Exposure, earning him an Emmy nomination. More recently, he has appeared in Yellowstone, Better Call Saul, and The Ranch.
Beyond the screen, Corbin has remained deeply connected to his Texas roots. An accomplished horseman, he has competed in and won many cutting-horse competitions and has been inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. He has been a passionate volunteer for charitable causes over his lifetime and along with his contributions to Western culture, both in film and real life, reflects the Marine Corps' values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Corbin continues to take on new roles, demonstrating a tireless passion for storytelling. With an unmatched ability to embody the spirit of the American West, he remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and an enduring symbol of Marine Corps resilience and character.
micah wright
Assistant Professor of Research, UT Health San Antonio | San Antonio, Texas
Micah Wright is a Marine Corps veteran, educator, and dedicated advocate for the military-affiliated community. Serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, which he characterized as life-changing, Wright rose to the rank of corporal, earned a Combat Action Ribbon, and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. He played a critical role as a Fire Support Team (FIST) radio operator during Operation Phantom Fury, the Second Battle of Fallujah, earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his outstanding performance in one of the most intense urban battles of the Iraq War.
After transitioning out of the Marine Corps, Wright committed himself to higher education and veteran advocacy, earning a master’s degree and a PhD. His career in academia and administration has been focused on improving opportunities for veterans in higher education. As the veteran success coordinator, University of Texas at San Antonio, he helped build the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, created the Veteran Success Program, and secured strategic grants to enhance student veteran services. He later served as program manager for the Military Health Institute, where he led initiatives to support Department of Defense research and developed partnerships to advance military healthcare education.
Currently, Wright is an Assistant Professor of Research at UT Health San Antonio and serves on the Executive Board of the Veterans Studies Association. His work centers on qualitative research, veteran health, and program development, ensuring that military-affiliated individuals receive the resources and support they need in higher education and beyond. Wright is president, 3rd Battalion 1st Marines Association. His leadership and commitment to veteran success reflects his Marine Corps values and dedication to service long after leaving the battlefield.