What I've Learned: Julian Guerrero

Twentynine Palms -- Corporal, personnel administrator, Headquarters Battalion
Hometown: Edcouch, Texas

> Back in High School my best friend and I made a pact to join the Marine Corps. When he passed away I felt I needed to honor that pact and serve my country for him.

>At first my family was a bit shocked when I surprised them and told them I was leaving for boot camp. Now they’re all very proud of me and it’s good to have their support.

>I served my first two years with Unmanned Vehicle Squadron 1. Some of the best times I had were during Integrated Training Exercise and Weapons and Tactics Instructors course.

>My favorite experience was going to the Yuma Proving Ground during WTI with artillery. It was good building camaraderie and being back with the boys. We hadn’t showered for weeks on end but we had fun and enjoyed it.

>I’m an online business owner. I’m teaching people how they can market themselves online. Currently the business supplements half of my income. Hopefully when I transition out of the Corps it will at least match what I’m making now.

>Owning a business takes a lot of my free time, but I spend a lot of time reading and researching. I talk to my business mentor, Jason Stone, and he’s helping me with that aspect.

>When I first joined, I was pretty much a rebel and was pretty reckless with my actions. I didn’t really like to take responsibility. After about two years in the Marine Corps, I started to realize I serve a bigger purpose; not only for my Marine Corps or my family, but my future family. When I realized that, it all changed. I went from partying and drinking, to studying and reading. It was a big transition in my life.

>The military is really what you make of it. I learned to always see the positive, even when things get rough.

>I’ve had a lot of really great mentors in the Marine Corps. My biggest role model was my first gunny. He would always tell it like it is. From him, I learned that if you know what you’re saying is right, stick with it and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

>Aside from following my business aspirations, I’m also going to travel the world when I get out. The Marine Corps has been a great experience. I’ve learned to prioritize my life and am a definitely a better person today than I was when I joined.