Stories

U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Daniela Portillo, a recruiter assistant under the Command Recruiting Program with Recruiting Substation Murfreesboro, Recruiting Station (RS) Nashville, represents her RS in Nashville, Tennessee, August 7, 2023. This program offers new Marines the opportunity to return to their recruiting station in support of recruiting efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bernadette Pacheco) - U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Daniela Portillo, a recruiter assistant under the Command Recruiting Program with Recruiting Substation Murfreesboro, Recruiting Station (RS) Nashville, represents her RS in Nashville, Tennessee, August 7, 2023. This program offers new Marines the opportunity to return to their recruiting station in support of recruiting efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bernadette Pacheco)

The Pride of Belonging

When U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Daniela Portillo first sat down with her Marine recruiter, he placed 11 engraved tags on the desk in front of her. These tags, known as “benefit tags”, present tangible and intangible benefits to help identify the motivations of potential Marines. Portillo took a moment to survey her options, then pointed to the “Pride of Belonging”.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary Will, an enhanced marketing vehicle (EMV) noncommissioned officer at 4th Marine Corps District, represents the Marine Corps during the Country Concert in Columbus, Ohio, July 7, 2023. The event provided the Marines the opportunity to connect with the local community and raise Marine Corps awareness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by courtesy) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary Will, an enhanced marketing vehicle (EMV) noncommissioned officer at 4th Marine Corps District, represents the Marine Corps during the Country Concert in Columbus, Ohio, July 7, 2023. The event provided the Marines the opportunity to connect with the local community and raise Marine Corps awareness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by courtesy)

A Different Type of Recruiter

At sports games, state fairs, and other headlining events, there is often a booth with Marine Corps recruiters milling about. The recruiters prospect individuals, interact with the crowds, and create an overall Marine Corps presence. Among these recruiters, one stands out in particular. This is Sgt. Zachary Will, and he is an enhanced marketing vehicle (EMV) recruiter.

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Educators and Influencers with Recruiting Station (RS) Lansing and RS Columbus post for a group photo on Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, S.C., February 10, 2022. Participants with RS Lansing and Columbus visited MCRD Parris Island for a four-day period to observe recruit training and gain a better understanding of how recruits are transformed into Marines. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesse K. Carter-Powell) - Educators and Influencers with Recruiting Station (RS) Lansing and RS Columbus post for a group photo on Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, S.C., February 10, 2022. Participants with RS Lansing and Columbus visited MCRD Parris Island for a four-day period to observe recruit training and gain a better understanding of how recruits are transformed into Marines. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jesse K. Carter-Powell)

From Teachers to Students: Educators Workshop

For four days, high school educators are given the unique opportunity to experience Marine Corps recruit training firsthand. They attend Educators Workshop (EWS) - a program that takes place at either Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island or Recruit Depot San Diego. EWS enables educators to better inform their students and communities about Marine Corps career opportunities.

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Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Marada Phillips, former company commander of The Basic School, now a senior Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), does a video interview for Operation Semper Fi in Culpeper, Virginia, March 9, 2022. Operation Semper Fi is an initiative to reconnect Marine veterans with present and future brothers and sisters-in-arms. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ryan Sammet) - Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Marada Phillips, former company commander of The Basic School, now a senior Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), does a video interview for Operation Semper Fi in Culpeper, Virginia, March 9, 2022. Operation Semper Fi is an initiative to reconnect Marine veterans with present and future brothers and sisters-in-arms. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ryan Sammet)

Operation Semper Fi: Maj. Phillips

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Marada Phillips, former company commander of The Basic School, now a senior Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) instructor at Eastern View High School in Culpepper, Virginia, continues to wear the uniform and pass on his stories and lessons he learned while serving in the Corps to younger generations for years to come.

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U.S. Marine Corps Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. Forrest Johnson, left, Stacy Purcell, a life coach and volunteer for young adults from Appomattox County, and U.S. Marines Corps Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. Evelyn Espinal, right, pose for a photo during the annual Educators’ Workshop on Marine Corps Base Parris Island, South Carolina, August 6, 2021. Marine Corps Recruiting Command conducts educator workshops annually to inform high school educators, coaches, and counselors about the process of becoming a Marine and raise awareness of the opportunities for their students in the Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo) - U.S. Marine Corps Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. Forrest Johnson, left, Stacy Purcell, a life coach and volunteer for young adults from Appomattox County, and U.S. Marines Corps Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. Evelyn Espinal, right, pose for a photo during the annual Educators’ Workshop on Marine Corps Base Parris Island, South Carolina, August 6, 2021. Marine Corps Recruiting Command conducts educator workshops annually to inform high school educators, coaches, and counselors about the process of becoming a Marine and raise awareness of the opportunities for their students in the Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)

From Appomattox County to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island

APPOMATTOX, Va. -- Nothing could prepare Stacy Purcell, a life coach and volunteer for young adults from Appomattox County, for the adrenaline rush she felt as she was rushed off of a bus by a Marine drill instructor shouting commands in rapid succession, before the sun had fully risen in the sky. She quickly grabbed her bags and stepped onto the famous painted yellow footprints in front of the welcoming center on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, August 6, 2021. As she waited for Drill Instructor Staff Sgt. Evelyn Espinal’s next command, she noticed the front doors that would mark the beginning of an experience of a lifetime. The silver doors stood out from the rest of the brick building, and they shined bright even in the darkness of the early morning.

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