Lt. Col. Jose Luis Montalvan, with 6th Marine Corps District, remembers his journey at 11 years of age from Nicaragua to the U.S., and how his upbringing led him to a life of military service at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina, on Sept. 3, 2020. Montalvan enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1995, and earned a commissioning through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program in 2002. He currently serves as the district recruiting operations officer for 6th MCD, where he oversees recruiting operations and training to ensure that the most qualified men and women are given the opportunity to join the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jorge A. Rosales) - Lt. Col. Jose Luis Montalvan, with 6th Marine Corps District, remembers his journey at 11 years of age from Nicaragua to the U.S., and how his upbringing led him to a life of military service at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina, on Sept. 3, 2020. Montalvan enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1995, and earned a commissioning through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program in 2002. He currently serves as the district recruiting operations officer for 6th MCD, where he oversees recruiting operations and training to ensure that the most qualified men and women are given the opportunity to join the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jorge A. Rosales)

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)