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Tag: Hometown Hero

From Survivor to Future Marine: Poolee Defies the Odds

SPRINGFIELD, TENN. - At just six years old, Michelle Jacinto was fighting for her life. Diagnosed with leukemia while visiting family in Mexico, she endured years of chemotherapy, hospital stays, and a battle that tested her strength in ways most children never experience. Now, at 17, she’s preparing for an entirely different challenge—earning the title of United States Marine. Jacinto, a high school senior from Springfield, Tennessee, enlisted in the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program last December. The DEP allows future Marines, known as poolees, to train and prepare for boot camp while finishing school. This step marks Jacinto's culmination of years of resilience and determination. “I was very young when I had cancer, but I remember how much I had to fight,” Jacinto said. “That fight made me who I am today, and it’s why I know I can make it through Marine Corps boot camp.” Growing up, Jacinto never really considered a military career. She had no family members in the armed forces, and her original plan was to save money and attend college. But when she saw an opportunity to better her future, she took it. “I wanted something more,” she explained. “The Marine Corps offers me structure, education, and self-confidence, and honestly, I was drawn to the dress blues—there’s just something about them.” Her journey to enlistment wasn’t without obstacles. As a cancer survivor, Jacinto needed a medical waiver to be granted approval for military service. Initially, she didn’t think her past illness would be an issue, but after her first visit to Military Entrance Processing Station, she learned she had to provide extensive medical documentation. “I was nervous, but I didn’t let it stop me,” Jacinto said. “I had already beaten cancer—this was just one more hurdle.” After months of waiting, she finally received the news she had been longing for: she was medically cleared to join the Marine Corps. The day she took the oath of enlistment was emotional, marking the official start of her journey to becoming a Marine. Her family, especially her mother, are excited and nervous about her decision. “She’s proud of me, but she’s also worried,” Jacinto admitted. “It’s a big change, but she knows this is what I want.” Since joining the DEP, Jacinto has been attending physical training sessions with fellow poolees, building the strength and endurance she’ll need for boot camp. She acknowledges that fitness has been one of her biggest challenges but embraces the struggle, knowing it will only make her stronger. “It’s tough, but I feel so accomplished after every workout,” she said. “If I keep pushing myself, I know I’ll be ready.” Jacinto is set to ship off to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on May 27—just ten days after her high school graduation. While the thought of boot camp makes her nervous, she is eager to meet new people and challenge herself in ways she never has before. “I’m most excited to meet people from all over,” she said. “Everyone comes from different backgrounds, and we’ll all be in this together.” Looking ahead, Jacinto hopes to serve in Marine Corps communications and use the military’s education benefits to earn a college degree. She also has personal goals—gaining more confidence and becoming the strongest version of herself, both physically and mentally. “I never thought I’d be here,” she reflected. “But everything I’ve been through has led me to this moment. And I know I’m ready.” From a childhood spent battling leukemia to standing on the brink of becoming a United States Marine, Michelle Jacinto is proof that nothing can stop a determined spirit. Soon, she will embark on her next fight—the fight to earn the title: United States Marine.

4th Marine Corps District