Twentynine Palms -- > Golfing means a lot to me. I started when I was five with some guidance from my grandfather. On my high school team, I competed in two state competitions. I still enjoy competing in various tournaments around Twentynine Palms.
> I practice regularly at Desert Winds Golf Course. Every time my buddies and I go, it’s always really competitive and it’s a good way to measure a person’s patience. I brought a group of guys from my shop to compete in the Combined Federal Campaign Tournament.
> Golfing is a big mental game. It’s similar to the Marine Corps; you have to use your head. When I’m out coaching on the range, it’s important to take the fundamentals into consideration. I have to focus on what small mistakes shooters are making so they can build good habits. It feels good being a part of helping someone improve.
> Before the Marine Corps, I was working full-time detailing cars. It was a decent job for someone fresh out of high school but I wanted to challenge myself more. When I saw my older brother graduate boot camp, I knew I wanted to sign up.
> My brother is a mortarman in 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. I joined as an intelligence specialist and have spent most of my time in Twentynine Palms.
> My dad was security forces in the Air Force, but he never pressured my brother and me to join. My parents have been very supportive of me.
> The Marine Corps has taught me a lot about the importance of communication and leadership. I’ve definitely learned how to tactfully speak with higher ranking Marines and my peers.
> If you know how to communicate well, it can be a lot less hassle when correcting problems. The Marine Corps has definitely developed me to be more confident in speaking with people.
> Being required to [physically train] has made me more active as a Marine and it’s now a part of my daily routine. Staying in shape is rewarding because it’s something that is earned and can’t be bought. Even when I get out of the Marine Corps, I’ll still continue working out.
> I’ll see how my Marine Corps career plays out but there’s always a need for Information Technology guys in the civilian world. I plan on transferring from community college to full time college at University of Nebraska Omaha. They have a great program for computer science. >I’m halfway through getting my associates degree and using tuition assistance has been supportive in helping me afford my classes. It takes a lot of determination to keep up with school with the busy lifestyle I have. The Corps values have rubbed off on me a bit, because I used to be a big procrastinator and now I can say I’ve learned to be more efficient.