Stories - Page 3

Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay poses with Marines from 4th Reconnaissance Battalion during the 74th annual 5th Marine Division reunion on October 19, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Begay is one of two remaining original Navajo Code Talkers that served during World War II. He was joined by many other WWII and Vietnam veterans at their annual reunion honoring all Marines who served under 5th MARDIV. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ryanne Williams) - Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay poses with Marines from 4th Reconnaissance Battalion during the 74th annual 5th Marine Division reunion on October 19, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Begay is one of two remaining original Navajo Code Talkers that served during World War II. He was joined by many other WWII and Vietnam veterans at their annual reunion honoring all Marines who served under 5th MARDIV. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ryanne Williams)

Carrying on Fifth Marine Division's proud legacy

The Fifth Marine Division was activated on November 11, 1943, for service in World War II. The ground combat element first saw action in the Battle of Iwo Jima, known infamously as the bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history. Shortly following their victory at the top of Mount Suribachi, Japanese forces surrendered, effectively ending the war. 5th MARDIV deactivated on February 5, 1946, and reactivated on March 1, 1966, as a force in readiness during the Vietnam War. Though not intended to deploy overseas, the rising conflict caused the need for reinforcements, and they sent troops to South Vietnam. They were the first unit to return following the end of the war and formally deactivated on November 26, 1969.

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Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Billy Hall, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War, stands on the Yellow Footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Oct. 11, 2024. Hall visited MCRD San Diego to attend a graduation ceremony for Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. The Yellow Footprints are iconic to the Depot as all recruits stand upon them to receive initial instruction during their immediate arrival for training to become Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander O. Devereux) - Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Billy Hall, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War, stands on the Yellow Footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Oct. 11, 2024. Hall visited MCRD San Diego to attend a graduation ceremony for Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion. The Yellow Footprints are iconic to the Depot as all recruits stand upon them to receive initial instruction during their immediate arrival for training to become Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander O. Devereux)

Decorated Marine, Army Veteran Returns to Depot 83 Years After Graduating from Recruit Training

Retired Maj. Billy C. Hall, a U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army veteran, visited Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., on October 11, 2024 to celebrate the 83rd anniversary of his graduation from recruit training.

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U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Hirokazu Watanabe, a Marine with Kilo Company, School of Infantry-West, poses for a portrait at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 16, 2024. Watanabe, a 20-year-old from Nagoya, Japan who was recruited from Fairbanks, Alaska, became a naturalized citizen with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Aug. 16, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jesse Carter-Powell) - U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Hirokazu Watanabe, a Marine with Kilo Company, School of Infantry-West, poses for a portrait at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 16, 2024. Watanabe, a 20-year-old from Nagoya, Japan who was recruited from Fairbanks, Alaska, became a naturalized citizen with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Aug. 16, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jesse Carter-Powell)

Pfc. Hirokazu Watanabe: From Nagoya to the Marine Corps

Becoming a United States Marine can often involve a challenging path, but for one Marine in particular, his journey included a unique set of obstacles and motivation from various sources.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Hunter A. Dalecke-Sabandith, special reaction team entryman with the Provost Marshal's Office, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, speed reloads a M18 military service pistol at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 9, 2024. The members of SRT are military police officers with advanced training responsible for responding to emergencies such as active shooter and hostage situations. During the range SRT completed their monthly qualification with the M18 service pistol. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Hunter A. Dalecke-Sabandith, special reaction team entryman with the Provost Marshal's Office, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, speed reloads a M18 military service pistol at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 9, 2024. The members of SRT are military police officers with advanced training responsible for responding to emergencies such as active shooter and hostage situations. During the range SRT completed their monthly qualification with the M18 service pistol. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Janell B. Alvarez)

In the Shadows: A Marine’s Journey as a Special Reaction Team member at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California

Newly promoted Lance Cpl. Hunter Anoucie Dalecke-Sabandith, recently earned a meritorious promotion through his dedication and hard work. Col. Jason Freeby, commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, meritoriously promoted Dalecke-Sabandity from private first class to lance corporal on Sept. 2, 2024. Dalecke-Sabandity is a 22-year-old military police officer from Holland, Michigan and an entryman and member of the Special Reaction Team at the Depot.

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U.S. Marine Corps officers with the Marine Corps Recruiting Command are recognized for their outstanding performance and efforts during the Western Recruiting Region recruiting offensive, Operation Overlord, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 1, 2024. Operation Overlord was a summer recruiting offensive held to foster competition amongst the recruiting force and increase productivity, while creating a contracting momentum for fiscal year 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock) - U.S. Marine Corps officers with the Marine Corps Recruiting Command are recognized for their outstanding performance and efforts during the Western Recruiting Region recruiting offensive, Operation Overlord, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Aug. 1, 2024. Operation Overlord was a summer recruiting offensive held to foster competition amongst the recruiting force and increase productivity, while creating a contracting momentum for fiscal year 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah M. Grawcock)

Leaders of Recruiting Recognize Outstanding Performers

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. James A. Ryans II, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, gathered with nine Marine Corps officer selection officers serving on recruiting duty in the WRR to recognize them for outstanding accomplishments at MCRD San Diego, Calif., Aug. 1, 2024.

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U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Carlos Paz-Sosa, a Marine with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, July 1, 2024. Paz-Sosa was highlighted due to his impressive transformation, losing more than 100 lbs. in order to become a Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elliott A. Flood-Johnson) - U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Carlos Paz-Sosa, a Marine with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, July 1, 2024. Paz-Sosa was highlighted due to his impressive transformation, losing more than 100 lbs. in order to become a Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elliott A. Flood-Johnson)

Recruit Defies Odds to Follow Dream of Becoming Marine

U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Carlos Paz-Sosa, who was recruited out of Recruiting Station Riverside, wasn’t always the most physically fit growing up; he struggled with his weight throughout his childhood. During his senior year of high school, he decided he wanted to embark on the journey of becoming a Marine. However, this would prove to be no easy task. If he wanted to have the privilege of going to recruit training, he’d have to lose more than 100 lbs.

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