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6th Marines District News

As high schoolers, both lost their fathers due to heart attacks. Huggan became a father figure for Stanley, who eventually joined the Marine Corps and is now undergoing initial former training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to become a motor transportation operator. - Staff Sgt. Vincent Huggan joins Rosemary Morris in cheering on her son, Stanley, during a wrestling tournament in the Tampa Bay area during the 2019-2020 school year. Huggan, a canvassing recruiter with Recruiting Substation St. Petersburg, Florida, bonded with Stanley, a graduate of Palm Harbor University High School, Palm Harbor, Florida, through shared tragedy. As high schoolers, both lost their fathers due to heart attacks. Huggan became a father figure for Stanley, who eventually joined the Marine Corps and is now undergoing initial former training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to become a motor transportation operator.

Fighting to Find the Father Within: Shared tragedy builds bond between recruiter, future Marine

Many recruiters form close bonds with their future Marines, especially when they share common life experience -- or, in the case of U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Vincent Huggan and Pfc. Stanley Morris, common tragedy. Huggan’s journey began as a teenage boy with his mother and two younger brothers. In high school, he excelled in track and football. While his mother was cheering him on in the crowd, he always seemed to be missing that father figure. When he looked around him, he could see teammates with their fathers, and even when he was successful, he felt lost.

Babineaux now works a civilian job in Virginia, and supervises 20-30 engine and flight line mechanic Marines in Beaufort, South Carolina during his periodic drill weekends. - Staff Sgt. Andre Babineaux, a Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, is a prior active duty Marine who is now part of the Marine Corps Reserves. Babineaux now works a civilian job in Virginia, and supervises 20-30 engine and flight line mechanic Marines in Beaufort, South Carolina during his periodic drill weekends.

Prior Service Recruiting

When young men and women sign a four to five-year active duty Marine Corps contract, they take an oath that ensures they understand the magnitude of their commitment. However, they may not realize that they’ll have to make another difficult decision when they near the end of their obligated service. Many see it as a binary choice. On one hand, they can re-enlist and continue to enjoy esprit de corps, military benefits and the security of a government job. On the other, they can leave behind the structure and security of the Marine Corps for a civilian job that caters more to domestic comfort. However, there is a third option. Marines can transition directly from active duty into the Marine Corps Reserve. They can retain many benefits of active service while gaining greater flexibility.

To the People Who've Changed Us

To the people who have changed us-- thank you. When I sit down and truly think about what made me want to be a United States Marine, it was not the millions and millions of dollars spent on commercials and advertisements, though they did plant the seed, or the thought of travelling the world. It was the feeling inside of me that I was meant to be a part of something bigger than myself. I know that I do not speak for all Marines and why they joined the Corps. However, what I do know is that every Marine has that “someone,” that someone who facilitated their path, that someone who showed them they too could accept the challenge and earn the hallowed eagle, globe, and anchor, and the title United States Marine.

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Scholarship is a highly competitive and sought after opportunity available to those interested in serving as Navy or Marine Corps officers. - Isaiah Morton, a Clover, South Carolina native, is awarded the Naval Reserve Training Corps Scholarship.

Clover Native Awarded NROTC Scholarship

CLOVER, S.C. -- The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Scholarship is a highly competitive and sought after opportunity available to those interested in serving as Navy or Marine Corps officers. This year, Isaiah Morton, a senior at Clover High School, was one of the applicants. “I could tell from the beginning that Isaiah Morton was an incredibly bright and intelligent young man, but what set him apart was his charisma and the way he carried himself,” said Sgt. Matthew Barfield, a recruiter at Recruiting Substation Rock Hill. “He has the same qualities in him that the Marine Corps looks for when selecting officers.”

David (left) and Brianna (right) pose for a photo at their wedding. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo) - David (left) and Brianna (right) pose for a photo at their wedding. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)

From Wedding Shoes To Combat Boots

KENNESAW, Ga. – Making the commitment to go to Officer Candidates School and ultimately commission in the U.S. Marine Corps is a rare feat. Making that commitment while married and as a couple? Nearly unheard of, but David and Brianna Whitehead did just that. Their story began in 2012 when David and Brianna decided to join Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Lassiter High School in Marietta, Georgia. Initially they were just acquaintances, but by their sophomore year, they started dating. “It was quick," said David. "We started talking, then went on a drill trip in Jacksonville, Florida, and then, by the next week, we started dating. We started dating in October of 2013, and we’ve been together ever since.”

Johnson was awarded the NROTC scholarship in 2018 and is attending college at Louisiana State University. Those who are nominated through the highly competitive national selection process receive full tuition, a books stipend, educational fees, and other financial benefits at many of the country's leading colleges and universities. Upon graduation, NROTC recipients earn a commission as an officer in the Marine Corps or Navy. (Courtesy Photo) - Midshipman 3rd Class Michael Johnson, a recipient of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarship and sophomore at Louisiana State University, participates in a field training exercise in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Nov. 22, 2019.

Louisiana native pursues future as a Marine Corps officer

Michael Johnson, a Rayne, Louisiana, native and sophomore at Louisiana State University, won the $180,000 scholarship in 2018. His desire to serve in the military was influenced by his grandfather, a U.S. Navy veteran, who served in World War II.

From Immigrant to Marine Corps Officer | Lt. Col. Jose Luis Montalvan

A shivering 11-year-old boy looked back across the Rio Grande, transfixed in horror. He thought it odd that the human traffickers made everyone take off their clothes and ordered the men and children to swim across first. As he looked back, he understood why. The descending darkness was not enough to hide the sight of the women being raped on the opposite shore during that cold night in 1987.

Taylor, a retired master sergeant, served over 20 years in the Marines and fought in the Vietnam War. (Courtesy photo) - Thomas G. Taylor visits the Iwo Jima memorial on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina during a road trip across the country to visit several military installations. Taylor, a retired master sergeant, served over 20 years in the Marines and fought in the Vietnam War. (Courtesy photo)

Vietnam veteran paves way for grandson

In 1965, as the Vietnam War polarized the U.S. public, one young man unwaveringly followed his childhood dreams. He spoke to his father, a Navy veteran who fought in World War II, and told him he wanted to be a Marine. The desire to serve in the Armed Forces would become a common family trait. That boy was Thomas G. Taylor, who, after meeting a Marine recruiter at 17 years old, was convinced that the Marine Corps was his calling. Now his grandson, Benjamin E. Bowdoin, is following in his footsteps.

Staff Sgt. Gabriel A. Little, a canvassing recruiter with Recruiting Substation Mobile, Recruiting Station Montgomery, works at his RSS in Mobile, Alabama, Aug. 8, 2020, to guide young men and women in their pursuit of becoming Marines. RS Montgomery is responsible for finding and preparing young men and women for the rigors of recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jorge A. Rosales) - Staff Sgt. Gabriel A. Little, a canvassing recruiter with Recruiting Substation Mobile, Recruiting Station Montgomery, works at his RSS in Mobile, Alabama, Aug. 8, 2020, to guide young men and women in their pursuit of becoming Marines. RS Montgomery is responsible for finding and preparing young men and women for the rigors of recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jorge A. Rosales)

Indiana native helps find next generation of Marines in Alabama

MOBILE, Ala. – While in high school, Staff Sgt. Gabriel A. Little saw his brother transform from a typical teen to a confident individual during his tour as a mortarman in the Marine Corps. When he graduated from Warsaw Community High School in Warsaw, Indiana, in 2013, he decided to follow in his brother’s footsteps and enlisted. Seven years later, he finds himself guiding young men and woman as they pursue their dreams of becoming U.S. Marines as well

Poolee Mayra Cisneros counts crunches for her older brother Lazaro Cisneros as he conducts an Initial Strength Test July 18, 2020. Mayra Cisneros, 19, from Claxton, Georgia, and Lazaro Cisneros, 21, also from Claxton, are currently in the Delayed Entry Program with Recruiting Substation Statesboro, Recruiting Station Columbia, as they prepare for Marine Corps recruit training. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sergeant Joseph Jacob) - Poolee Mayra Cisneros counts crunches for her older brother Lazaro Cisneros as he conducts an Initial Strength Test July 18, 2020. Mayra Cisneros, 19, from Claxton, Georgia, and Lazaro Cisneros, 21, also from Claxton, are currently in the Delayed Entry Program with Recruiting Substation Statesboro, Recruiting Station Columbia, as they prepare for Marine Corps recruit training. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sergeant Joseph Jacob)

Three Siblings Set Out To Become Marines Together

In Claxton, Georgia, the three Cisneros siblings are a part of a closely-knit family who have a lot in common. They played soccer and ran cross country at Claxton High School. Each of them want to pursue college degrees. Now, they all share the aspiration of earning the title United States Marine.

Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Kelley poses with his family on June 1, 2020, after being promoted to his current rank. Kelley, 27, from Montgomery, Alabama, currently serves the local Myrtle Beach community as a canvassing recruiter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Jacob) - Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Kelley poses with his family on June 1, 2020, after being promoted to his current rank. Kelley, 27, from Montgomery, Alabama, currently serves the local Myrtle Beach community as a canvassing recruiter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Jacob)

Native helps give back to local community as Marine recruiter

MONTGOMERY, Ala . -- Staff Sgt. Christopher Kelley strives to give back to the community in the same way that the Marines have helped him.Staff Sgt. Christopher Kelley strives to give back to the community in the same way that the Marines have helped him.

Staff Sgt. Fructuoso Santos poses with his childhood friend and wife, Tiana, and their three children at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. The Santos family resides in Statesboro, Georgia, where Santos serves as a canvasing recruiter with Recruiting Station Columbia. - Staff Sgt. Fructuoso Santos poses with his childhood friend and wife, Tiana, and their three children at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. The Santos family resides in Statesboro, Georgia, where Santos serves as a canvasing recruiter with Recruiting Station Columbia.

Guam native supports family and Corps as Marine recruiter

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- After stepping out from the Army recruiting office, there was only one thing standing between Fructuoso Santos, his truck and a future as a U.S. soldier: Marine recruiter Sgt. Joseph Garcia.

While on her way to a training event to prepare future Marines for basic training, Prieto noticed three suspicious individuals attempting to conceal shotguns while crossing onto Hemlock Pass, a highway in Ocala. When Prieto recognized the suspicious activity and called out to question them, they ran. Prieto immediately dropped off her future Marines at a safe location and pursued the suspects on foot for two miles, continuously updating the police by cell phone. - Staff Sgt. Kathy Prieto, a recruiter at Recruiting Substation Ocala, gave the public a glimpse of her warfighting side, when she apprehended three gunmen in Ocala, Nov. 16, 2020.

Recruiter Helps Apprehend Three Armed Fugitives

OCALA, Fla. -- When the public sees Marine recruiters, they sometimes forget that recruiters are warriors. They see the smile, the blue trousers with red piping, the crisply-pressed brown khaki shirt, and the colorful ribbons, but they may not know the meaning of the ribbons. They may not realize that the ribbons represent acts of valor and battles fought in foreign lands.

Cpl. Christian Lozano poses for a photo in his dress blue uniform. The dress blues are one of the most iconic uniforms that Marines wear. - Cpl. Christian Lozano poses for a photo in his dress blue uniform. The dress blues are one of the most iconic uniforms that Marines wear.

Forging Marines: How one Marine helps his recruiters

General Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “You will not find it difficult to prove that battles, campaigns, and even wars have been won or lost because of logistics.” From Ancient Rome’s domination of the Italian peninsula to the Marine Corps island hopping campaign during World War II, many battles have been decided by getting the right supplies to the right people at the right time.

Staff Sgt. Kirk poses for a photo with her family after her promotion to Staff Sgt. aboard the USS Alabama in Mobile, AL. The USS Alabama saw service across the globe during World War II and has been preserved as a museum ship in Mobile Bay, AL since 1964. - Staff Sgt. Kirk poses for a photo with her family after her promotion to Staff Sgt. aboard the USS Alabama in Mobile, AL. The USS Alabama saw service across the globe during World War II and has been preserved as a museum ship in Mobile Bay, AL since 1964.

Staff Sgt Mallory Kirk: What it means to be a Marine recruiter

8411, it is a number that should be etched into the mind of every single Marine who has ever has served in the Marine Corps. It is the military occupational specialty code for the Marine recruiter.

Sgt. Monique Rodriguez (left), Marine Corps recruiter, Recruiting Substation Clearwater, Recruiting Station Tampa, poses for a photo in her father’s dress blue coat. Ramiro Rodriguez (right) poses for a photo during Marine Corps Recruit Training. - Sgt. Monique Rodriguez (left), Marine Corps recruiter, Recruiting Substation Clearwater, Recruiting Station Tampa, poses for a photo in her father’s dress blue coat. Ramiro Rodriguez (right) poses for a photo during Marine Corps Recruit Training.

Father and daughter form a second bond through service

Enlisting in the Marine Corps is something many people who earn the title revere as one of the proudest moments of their life. For a father and daughter duo, they express how important and impactful such a commitment and amazing aspect of life it is.

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – A native of Ponte Vedra, Florida, graduated from Marine Corps recruit training as a platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1077, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, September 20, 2019.Pfc. Oliver earned this distinction over 13 weeks of training by outperforming 82 other recruits during a series of training events designed to test recruits’ basic Marine Corps skills.These training events covered customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, marksmanship, physical fitness, military history, and a variety of other subjects.“Being able to notice how much you can push past your limits and improve,” said Oliver.After enjoying the 10 days of leave allotted to graduates of recruit training, Oliver will continue to build foundational Marine Corps skills at the School of Infantry, Camp Geiger, North Carolina. - Private First Class Christopher L. Oliver Jr. completed Marine Corps recruit training as a platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1077, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 20, 2019. Oliver was recruited by SSgt. Roosevelt Glenn from Recruiting Substation Ponte Vedra. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Erin R. Ramsay)

PONTE VEDRA, FLORIDA NATIVE GRADUATES MARINE RECRUIT TRAINING WITH HONORS

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – A native of Ponte Vedra, Florida, graduated from Marine Corps recruit training as a platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1077, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, September 20, 2019.

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – A native of Belton, South Carolina, graduated from Marine Corps recruit training as a platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1074, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, September 20, 2019.Pfc. Clarke earned this distinction over 13 weeks of training by outperforming 83 other recruits during a series of training events designed to test recruits’ basic Marine Corps skills.These training events covered customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, marksmanship, physical fitness, military history, and a variety of other subjects.“The best parts of recruit training were the mental and physical challenges presented each day,” said Clarke.After enjoying the 10 days of leave allotted to graduates of recruit training, Clarke will continue to build foundational Marine Corps skills at the School of Infantry, Camp Geiger, North Carolina. - Private First Class Jonathan A. Clarke completed Marine Corps recruit training as a platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1074, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 20, 2019. Clarke was recruited by Sgt. Nicholas Maniche from Recruiting Substation Anderson. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Erin R. Ramsay)

BELTON, SOUTH CAROLINA NATIVE GRADUATES MARINE RECRUIT TRAINING WITH HONORS

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – A native of Belton, South Carolina, graduated from Marine Corps recruit training as a platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1074, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, September 20, 2019.

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – A native of Miami, Florida, graduated from Marine Corps recruit training as a platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1073, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, September 20, 2019.Pfc. Juan Torazoinfante earned this distinction over 13 weeks of training by outperforming 82 other recruits during a series of training events designed to test recruits’ basic Marine Corps skills.These training events covered customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, marksmanship, physical fitness, military history, and a variety of other subjects.“The best part of recruit training was the rifle range and Basic Warrior Training,” said Torazoinfante.After enjoying the 10 days of leave allotted to graduates of recruit training, Torazoinfante will continue to build foundational Marine Corps skills at the School of Infantry, Camp Geiger, North Carolina. - Private First Class Juan Toranzoinfante completed Marine Corps recruit training as a platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1073, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 20, 2019. Toranzoinfante was recruited by SSgt. Jonathan Paz from Recruiting Substation South Dade. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Erin R. Ramsay)

MIAMI, FLORIDA NATIVE GRADUATES MARINE RECRUIT TRAINING WITH HONORS

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – A native of Miami, Florida, graduated from Marine Corps recruit training as a platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1073, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, September 20, 2019.

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – A native of Hampton, Georgia, graduated from Marine Corps recruit training here as platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1072, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, September 20, 2019.Pfc. Devon J. Thorpe earned this distinction over 13 weeks of training by outperforming 81 other recruits during a series of training events designed to test recruits’ basic Marine Corps skills.These training events covered customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, marksmanship, physical fitness, military history, and a variety of other subjects.“My favorite part of recruit training is the tactical training that was taught,” said Thorpe.After enjoying the 10 days of leave allotted to graduates of recruit training, Thorpe will continue to build foundational Marine Corps skills at the School of Infantry, Camp Geiger, North Carolina. - Private First Class Devon J. Thorpe completed Marine Corps recruit training as platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1072, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, September 20, 2019. Thorpe was recruited by Sergeant Lynette M. Maldonado from Recruiting Substation Jonesboro. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Erin Ramsay)

HAMPTON, GEORGIA NATIVE GRADUATES MARINE RECRUIT TRAINING WITH HONORS

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – A native of Hampton, Georgia, graduated from Marine Corps recruit training here as platoon honor graduate of Platoon 1072, Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, September 20, 2019.

6th Marine Corps District