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Joining the Marine Corps was a total shock to my entire family because I never gave any indication that I wanted a military life. I met a recruiter over the phone and I was like maybe this might be the path God wanted for me. I went into the recruiter's office and told him exactly what I was looking for in the military. (Education, adventure, and leadership development) A year later, July 17, 2000, I went off to Parris Island, SC for recruit training.
Like much of the stories on this website, it is doable if your child really desires to do it. The Drill Instructors will challenge your child regardless of his fitness level or experience. Your child at the completion of boot camp will feel that no challenge or obstacle placed upon them can keep from accomplishing their goals. The friendships and bonds they will experience in their first couple of years in service will be like no other they ever seen because every Marine understands what it took to earn that eagle, globe, and anchor over their heart and because of that, the term Semper Fidelis (Semper Fi) holds true to all who have earn the title.
I have been a Marine for over 10 years and through the Marine Corps I have a beautiful wife (8yrs) in which we met while we were deployed together and three beautiful girls (6,4,2). I'm on the verge of obtaining my bachelors degree from Clearwater Christian College while in the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP). This program offers good Marines an opportunity to get their degree and commission as a 2nd Lt in the Marine Corps. Your child will learn more about this opportunity while serving in their enlistment. I have accomplished things that growing up I never thought I could do or even dream of trying to do, and the best part is, I still have so much more to do!
In conclusion, I have nothing bad to say about the Marine Corps. Are their times I did not enjoy it, yes! Are there times where I thought I was going to quit, yes! But when I look back over my last 10 years, I have no regrets, my family has been well taking care of, I’m well taking care of, and lastly both my father and mother are proud of my decision. All my friends that went the traditional route in life look at my life and I can feel their envy at times, but like anything in life, some people are made for this and that, I was made to be a Marine.
If you have any direct questions, please post them on here. If I do not know the answer, I’m pretty sure I know someone that knows the answer.
Semper Fi!
Like much of the stories on this website, it is doable if your child really desires to do it. The Drill Instructors will challenge your child regardless of his fitness level or experience. Your child at the completion of boot camp will feel that no challenge or obstacle placed upon them can keep from accomplishing their goals. The friendships and bonds they will experience in their first couple of years in service will be like no other they ever seen because every Marine understands what it took to earn that eagle, globe, and anchor over their heart and because of that, the term Semper Fidelis (Semper Fi) holds true to all who have earn the title.
I have been a Marine for over 10 years and through the Marine Corps I have a beautiful wife (8yrs) in which we met while we were deployed together and three beautiful girls (6,4,2). I'm on the verge of obtaining my bachelors degree from Clearwater Christian College while in the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP). This program offers good Marines an opportunity to get their degree and commission as a 2nd Lt in the Marine Corps. Your child will learn more about this opportunity while serving in their enlistment. I have accomplished things that growing up I never thought I could do or even dream of trying to do, and the best part is, I still have so much more to do!
In conclusion, I have nothing bad to say about the Marine Corps. Are their times I did not enjoy it, yes! Are there times where I thought I was going to quit, yes! But when I look back over my last 10 years, I have no regrets, my family has been well taking care of, I’m well taking care of, and lastly both my father and mother are proud of my decision. All my friends that went the traditional route in life look at my life and I can feel their envy at times, but like anything in life, some people are made for this and that, I was made to be a Marine.
If you have any direct questions, please post them on here. If I do not know the answer, I’m pretty sure I know someone that knows the answer.
Semper Fi!
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Supporter
Thank you for sharing your story. I am a Florida resident who also is associated with the State University of New York (SUNY),Maritime College. I am interested in knowing more about how you got involved with the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP). Would it be possible for a high school student to take advantage of this program upon graduation, and completion of active duty in the Marine Corps Reserves? I understand that there is a 6 year obligation after graduation from college. My question is this: is the initial commitment of a reservist sufficient to qualify him or her for MECEP?
Posted by: Vincent DiGaetano on 02/12/2011
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COMMUNITY MANAGER
Bothvill,
Thank you for sharing your story with the LifeAsAMarine.com community. The information that you have provided is wonderful for potential Marines or their family members to learn. We also appreciate your offer to help answer questions about the Marine Corps. Thank you again for your story and your service.
-LifeAsAMarine.com Community Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 11/12/2010
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