Stories

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Fidel Chidandali, a canvassing recruiter at Recruiting Substation Gastonia, Recruiting Station Charlotte, congratulates younger brother, Pfc. Ushindi Phanuel, for graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina on Oct. 29, 2021. Chidandali and Phanuel are the first two people in their family to become United States Marines. As a teenager, Chidandali decided he wanted to become a United States Marine after his first encounter with a Marine Corps Security Guard at the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. (Courtesy photo by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dana Beesley) - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Fidel Chidandali, a canvassing recruiter at Recruiting Substation Gastonia, Recruiting Station Charlotte, congratulates younger brother, Pfc. Ushindi Phanuel, for graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina on Oct. 29, 2021. Chidandali and Phanuel are the first two people in their family to become United States Marines. As a teenager, Chidandali decided he wanted to become a United States Marine after his first encounter with a Marine Corps Security Guard at the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. (Courtesy photo by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dana Beesley)

Refugee to Marine Corps Recruiter

GASTONIA, N.C. - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Fidel Chidandali, a canvassing recruiter at Recruiting Substation Gastonia, Recruiting Station Charlotte, sits at his desk with his younger brother, Ushindi Phanuel, on June 21, 2021. Phanuel patiently waits as his older brother finishes up the final paperwork for his enlistment into the Marine Corps. After the last few signatures, Chidandali sets his little brother on a path that he paved many years before. Chidandali was the first person in his family to become a Marine, and his younger brother is on his way to be the second. But many years ago the opportunity to become Marines was something they would never have dreamed of. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a time of civil unrest, their family was forced to flee the Congo and start new lives in Kenya as refugees.

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Read full story in news section - LEXINGTON, S.C.-- Ever since Sgt. Jonathan Mendozacorona witnessed the decision his parents made leaving their well-paying jobs in Mexico City, MX to move to the United States for the wellbeing of their children, Mendozacorona was determined to make his parents proud.

Creating a Legacy

LEXINGTON, S.C.-- Ever since Sgt. Jonathan Mendozacorona witnessed the decision his parents made leaving their well-paying jobs in Mexico City, MX to move to the United States for the wellbeing of their children, Mendozacorona was determined to make his parents proud.

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Private Joshua D. Zook reunites with his parents, Mark and Karen Zook, Oct. 14, 2016, after 13 weeks of recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Mark and Karen are a Gold Star family. According to the National Gold Star Family Registry, the Department of Defense (DoD) distributes a Gold Star Lapel Button, also referred to as the Gold Star lapel, to members of the immediate family of a fallen service member. (Courtesy Photo) - Private Joshua D. Zook reunites with his parents, Mark and Karen Zook, Oct. 14, 2016, after 13 weeks of recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Mark and Karen are a Gold Star family. According to the National Gold Star Family Registry, the Department of Defense (DoD) distributes a Gold Star Lapel Button, also referred to as the Gold Star lapel, to members of the immediate family of a fallen service member. (Courtesy Photo)

Gold Star Family's Legacy Continues

It is a clear, sunny morning as families and friends watch in admiration and respect as their loved ones march across the Peatross Parade Deck for the final time.

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Private Daniel Pritchett, recent graduate of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, admires a coin and ring given to him from his dad Kenneth Pritchett on June 20, 2014 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Both son and father can now be called United States Marines. - Private Daniel Pritchett, recent graduate of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, admires a coin and ring given to him from his dad Kenneth Pritchett on June 20, 2014 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Both son and father can now be called United States Marines.

Heart is everything

To become a Marine there are many challenges a person must face, the individual must be qualified physically, medically and mentally. The Marine Corps has a weight standard that a person must meet before being allowed to even attempt at earning the title.Private Daniel Pritchett walked into Marine Corps Recruiting Substation Lexington, S.C.

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