Twentynine Palms -- Lance corporal, artillery technician, Exercise Support Division
Hometown: Cotulla, Texas
>I believe I had good work ethic even before I joined the Marine Corps. I put in a lot of effort to keep my grades up throughout high school.
>Aside from studying, I loved being a part of the chess club. Chess, to me, is the best board game anyone could learn to play. You always have to think of all possible moves and be three moves ahead if you want to win. I think it transfers to life because you must think ahead and be proactive with your decisions.
>Playing baseball in high school was a fun way to test myself. While in the outfield, I play a waiting game until the ball is hit my way. Once I get the ball, it becomes a fight against the runners. Is the runner going to go for the next base? Is there another player I need to look out for? It also challenges me to think ahead.
>In baseball, batting is like a war between you and the pitcher. When I step up to the plate, the thought going through my head is “bring it on.” Once I hit the ball, I’ve won that battle and the next one starts.
>Even though I did other activities, most of my time was spent practicing for marching band. I was part of the percussion section and could play all the instruments within it. Out of all the instruments, the snare was my favorite to play.
>Playing in a marching band is actually a demanding task. It puts a lot of stress on your calves but when everything starts syncing together and creates great music, it feels amazing.
>My favorite memory from playing in marching band was when we went to nationals and won. I always remember hearing that in sports you feel the best when you put all your heart into the game. That’s how I felt during that competition.
>I joined the Marine Corps because I wanted to find a place that I belonged. When I talked with Marines they felt like I did. After I saw that, I wanted to earn the title and be a Marine.
>I work at the exercise support division repairing howitzers for units training on the base. I did not think I would enjoy it as much as I do now. I did not even know exactly what my job was until I was given my orders at the end of [Marine Combat Training].
>Before I attended [military occupational specialty] school, I barely knew anything about howitzers, repairing or the tools I can use. Now, I know more than a lot of people my age. I also found that I love this job.
>On top of learning about the howitzer, I have learned about teamwork and about how to handle any situation that is given to you. I use these skills on a daily basis while working at ESD.
>My goal in the Marine Corps is to go the warrant officer route for this MOS and continue to work as a technician for as long as possible.