U.S. Marine Corps student

CLOVIS, Calif.–October and November for high school seniors maybe a stressful time as they study for SAT / ACT exams and get letters of recommendation for college applications. However, not all seniors choose to go to college after high school. One student is serving our country actively in the Marine Corp.

The U.S. Marine Corp began November 10, 1775 and about 184,000 men and women are active duty members. Mario Lopez is stationed in Lemoore.  He is an active member in the Marines and a full time student at Fresno State. Lopez spends his free time helping the Marine recruiters out in training the new recruits before they get shipped off to boot camp.

“He is fun having around,” says drill master Michael Rodriguez about having Lopez around during training drills. “If he wasn’t working so hard down in Lemoore he should be here right now at PT kicking butt.”

Rodriguez and Lopez lead drills for the new recruits to get them familiar with what boot camp consists of. The drills are tiring, so hydrating is always recommended, Lopez says. He suggests that each Marine poolee drinks one gallon of water during PT (Physical Training). Lopez signed up for active duty right out of high school and knew he wanted to be a Marine since he was younger.

You know I am very proud of earning the title Marine,” Lopez says. “So that’s why I keep pride to myself and come back and show them that you know never give up on yourself.  Always keep pushing yourself, and never give up.”

Sergeant Q is a Marine recruiter who spends her days reaching out to high school and college students. She shares the benefits the Marines has to offer. What makes the Marine Corp a little bit different is kind of like our sense of pride of belonging,” Sergeant Q says. We pride ourselves in a lot of core values like honor, courage, and commitment.”

Many students like Lopez have the desire to be an active Marine. Lopez is not only serving his country, but he is now getting his degree at Fresno State.