Lansing, Michigan -- Muskegon native, Pfc. Christopher Rogers, won a battle against himself and self-doubt by losing a large amount of weight to graduate from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, on April 7, 2017.
“My last year (of) high school, I was not intrinsically motivated to pursue school after I graduated,” said Rogers. “I was job-hopping from the local supermarket to the pizza shop and realized I don’t want to be doing this the rest of my life.”
Rogers decided to make a change in his life, and so he visited his local Marine Corps recruiting office.
“One day I went into the recruiting office and wanted to know what it would take to become a United States Marine,” said Rogers. “I was not in good shape when I first showed up… I was told if I wanted to become a Marine I would have to lose weight.”
Rogers struggled, but persisted. He ended up losing over 70 pounds altogether before shipping out to Parris Island for boot camp.
Rogers trained with Alpha Company. He excelled at the rifle range portion of boot camp earning an expert qualification, the highest marksmanship badge a Marine can attain during recruit training.
“During recruit training, the biggest thing I can take back to my family back home is demonstrating integrity all the time,” said Rogers. “Doing the right thing when no one is looking.”
Rogers reported to Marine Combat Training, where he will further his development by learning a variety of field and weapons skills, on April 17.
“I want to make the Marine Corps a career,” said Rogers. “I think with time, I will eventually be ready to start school; for now I will do my best to better myself and earn higher belts in the [Marine Corps Martial Arts Program].”
Rogers was recruited by Staff Sgt. John M. Tracey, Recruiter, Recruiting Substation Muskegon, Recruiting Station Lansing.