Twentynine Palms -- Lance Corporal, ordnance light armored vehicle mechanic, Exercise Support Division
Hometown: Durant, Okla.
Lance Cpl. Jacob Willmon, ordnance light armored vehicle mechanic, Exercise Support Division, spends his free time painting and volunteering for various events around the base.
>My great-grandmother taught me how to paint while I was growing up. I continued to paint because I can use it to calm myself down or brighten my mood no matter what the circumstances.
>I paint as a way to express myself. I paint whatever comes to mind. Starting with three colors and being able to create any other color I can imagine is a great feeling.
>I was a boy scout growing up and the opportunity to help out other people was one of my favorite parts about being a scout. I loved being outside and learning about the various skills they taught.
>I started volunteering with the boy scouts. It gave me the opportunity to go a lot of different events while doing my volunteering and I grew to love it. Different events are a great way for people to get together and have fun.
>I have continued to volunteer ever since then. I have spent time volunteering for concerts and conventions. Volunteering makes me feel like I’m contributing to the community while also getting to go events and have fun. I have also been going to the Elks Lodge to volunteer about twice a week for a while.
>I have always strived to help others when they need it, even if it means going to the store at 2 a.m. and buying ice cream for a friend.
>I feel that everyone deserves to have a friend that will be there for them. I have always been that friend and love being able to do it.
>I joined the Marine Corps for a many reasons, one of them being that my family has been in the military for a generations.
>I chose the Marine Corps over other branches because I thought their dress uniforms looked the best. The other reason was that my father owned a noncommissioned officer sword and I decided I would earn that sword too.
>I got married shortly after joining the Marine Corps. I met her in high school and while on leave for Christmas, I proposed to her. My great-grandmother somehow knew I was going to propose without me telling her and gave me one of her rings to use as an engagement ring.
>I would love to make a career out of the Marine Corps. I feel that I can help more people while I’m in part of the Marines.