Name: SgtMaj Paul Davis USMC (Ret) | Title: Director of Military Relations
Once a Marine, Always a Marine: SgtMaj (Ret) Paul Davis Finds a New Mission with Sandboxx
For most of his life, Paul Davis has lived and breathed the Marine Corps, though funny enough, he never planned it that way.
Growing up, Paul’s sights were set on a career in law enforcement. The military wasn’t even on his radar. But life, and the Corps, had other plans.
What started as a single enlistment turned into a 27-year journey of leadership, mentorship, and service. Along the way, Paul served in some of the most demanding and rewarding assignments imaginable, including a coveted post at Camp David. Even then, he once thought he might move on. After interviewing with the U.S. Secret Service, Paul seriously considered a career change. But a mentor convinced him to stay.
Once again, the Marine Corps won.
Years later, after more than two decades of service, SgtMaj Paul Davis hung up his uniform—proud, fulfilled, and grateful.
“If you ask me what I did during my career,” Paul laughs, “I’d say, a lot.”
And he’s not wrong.
A New Mission, Same Purpose
Paul retired a little earlier than planned, but his mission didn’t end with retirement. Instead, it evolved.
Without missing a beat, literally while still on terminal leave, he stepped right into a new role with Sandboxx, serving as a bridge between the military, recruits, and families.
As Sandboxx’s Director of Military Relations, Paul’s days still start early with a workout, followed by meetings with commands, recruiters, and support agencies across the country. He briefs recruits and trainees on how Sandboxx helps connect them with their loved ones.
“I get to stay connected not only with the Marine Corps but with every branch of service,” he says. “Watching Sandboxx bring families and service members closer together, that’s powerful. It’s something special to be part of.”
Back to Where It All Began
For Paul, walking the grounds of Parris Island is like returning home.
“I was born there as a Marine and got to retire there as a Marine,” he says with pride. It’s also where his story with Sandboxx first began.
Years ago, Sandboxx founder Sam Meek visited Parris Island to brief leadership on the company’s mission. By coincidence, Sam had been a recruit there at the same time Paul served as a drill instructor.
Their paths finally crossed when Paul was part of the Recruit Training Regiment, and CEO Sam Meek presented the concept of Sandboxx to the command.
“I was very interested in the idea and took it back to see about bringing Sandboxx to Parris Island,” Paul recalls. “It went extremely well, families were more informed, and recruits’ morale increased almost immediately.”
Building Connection, Strengthening the Corps
Since then, Sandboxx has become a vital bridge between service members, families, and recruiters. Paul has witnessed firsthand how communication, simple letters and updates, can transform morale, motivation, and even retention.
“I personally believe Sandboxx has helped lower attrition at Parris Island,” Paul says. “Recruiters started using it because of how easy it made communication. Now, several thousand recruiters across the Department of Defense use Sandboxx daily.”
For Paul, it’s more than a job. It’s a continuation of service, a way to strengthen the bond between the Corps, its Marines, and the families who stand behind them.
“Once a Marine, always a Marine,” he says. “This just gives me another way to serve.”
