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Staff Sgt. Mark Gulotta, with Recruit Training Regiment, narrates a recruit graduation on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Feb 25, 2022. Gulotta completed his first graduation ceremony on February 25. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Brudnicki) - Staff Sgt. Mark Gulotta, with Recruit Training Regiment, narrates a recruit graduation on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Feb 25, 2022. Gulotta completed his first graduation ceremony on February 25. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Brudnicki)

Pvt. Liam Brooks, with Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, tells his story of his life and how he has decided to better it for himself, on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Nov. 5, 2021. Brooks grew up homeless and turned to the Marine Corps for an oppurtunity for a better future. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Godfrey Ampong) - Pvt. Liam Brooks, with Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, tells his story of his life and how he has decided to better it for himself, on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Nov. 5, 2021. Brooks grew up homeless and turned to the Marine Corps for an oppurtunity for a better future. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Godfrey Ampong)

Overcoming the Cycle

Growing up in Western Kentucky, Liam Brooks learned the value of hard work and dedication from watching his parents create their American dream.“Where I’m from, we mostly farm tobacco, corn, and beans,” Brooks said. “Which is why my family was there.”Brooks’s parents were both immigrants who came to America to raise their family.“My mother is from

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After being medically discharged from recruit training for asthma in 2013, Pfc. Austin Hershberger shares his story of resilience and grit achieving his dream of becoming a United States Marine. He graduated with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, on Aug. 13, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Godfrey Ampong) - After being medically discharged from recruit training for asthma in 2013, Pfc. Austin Hershberger shares his story of resilience and grit achieving his dream of becoming a United States Marine. He graduated with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, on Aug. 13, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Godfrey Ampong)

Eight Years of Earning the Title

Austin Hershberger arrived at Parris Island in 2013, as he steadily progressed in training, he could hear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor calling his name. However, he could not anticipate the time, perseverance, and dedication it would take to earn the title of United States Marine.

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After 30 years of service, Sgt. Maj. William C. Carter retired from the United States Marine Corps. As he reflects back on his career, he still carries the values instilled in him as a young man. - After 30 years of service, Sgt. Maj. William C. Carter retired from the United States Marine Corps. As he reflects back on his career, he still carries the values instilled in him as a young man. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dana Beesley)

Cards on the Table

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - On the outskirts of Lexington, Kentucky lies the town of Versailles, a tight-knit community of roughly 10,000 residents, less than three miles long from end to end. Sgt. Maj. William Carter will tell you Versailles was also where he first learned the value of selfless service and teamwork from his greatest role models: his mother and his high school wrestling coach.

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Rct. Rafael Rodriguez, with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, conducts an interview on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., September 2, 2021. The twins are from Hinesville Ga. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Brudnicki) - Rct. Rafael Rodriguez, with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, conducts an interview on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., September 2, 2021. The twins are from Hinesville Ga. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Brudnicki)

By Blood and by Title

From the moment they were born Rafael and Shya Rodriguez have had each other’s backs. Recently, they faced one of the hardest obstacles of their life as they attempted to become U.S. Marines.

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Sergeants Brittany Guadalupe and Adilene Sanchez not only share the bond of being drill instructors together on Parris Island, but also a years-long friendship that dates back to their entry level training at Low Altitude Air Defense School (LAAD).(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dana Beesley) - Sergeants Brittany Guadalupe and Adilene Sanchez not only share the bond of being drill instructors together on Parris Island, but also a years-long friendship that dates back to their entry level training at Low Altitude Air Defense School (LAAD). (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dana Beesley)

LAAD Up

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Some of the strongest bonds are those built through hardship and times of uncertainty. For a friendship like the one shared between sergeants Adilene Sanchez and Brittany Guadalupe, it began on their first day of Low Altitude Air Defense Course (LAADGC) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, CA.

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U.S. Marines with Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, graduate recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Mar. 26 2021. Upon graduation the Marines will go to the School of Infantry. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel C. Fletcher) - U.S. Marines with Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, graduate recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Mar. 26 2021. Upon graduation the Marines will go to the School of Infantry. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel C. Fletcher)