TROY, Mich. -- More than 40 members of Recruiting Station Detroit participated in a female pool function here, Jan. 12, to build camaraderie and spread knowledge about the Marine Corps among prospective Marines.
Maj. Matthew Hager, RS Detroit’s commanding officer, welcomed the attendees with comments about the challenges that lie ahead, while reminding them they will not face them alone.
The purpose of this function was to leave no questions unanswered, whether it is about hair regulations or what they may encounter while in recruit training, said Hager.
Rosa Barragan-Barajas, a RS Detroit poolee was able to benefit from the time she spent with the Marines and other poolees from Detroit’s far reaching.
“I hadn’t met a lot of females before this,” said, a poolee with Recruiting Sub-Station Ypsilanti. “It was very helpful and it was a good experience to be around people with the same concerns.”
The poolees were able to interact with other applicants who shared common interests such as what their family thought about serving and their fears on joining.
“Being able to attend today’s function made me more excited to join the service,” said Barragan-Barajas, 18.
“It was a good turnout. We had 37 attendees that are either in the Delayed Entry Program or who show interest in joining the Marines,” said Sgt. Kari Sundberg, the station’s program specialist.
Female Marines with the station and newly graduated Marines discussed concerns the poolees had before going into boot camp.
“Overall the function went well,” Sundberg said. “There was a lot of participation during the question and answer period and everyone seemed interested in seeking more information from the Marines.
“I really hope that all the questions were answered and it will give each person the information they need to be successful at recruit training and we look forward to hosting another event,” she added.
For additional information about the Marine Corps, call 1 (800) Marines or visit www.Marines.com.