Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- His grandfather was a Marine, his father was a Marine and now Lance Cpl. Joshua I. Ray, company honor man, Platoon 3266, Company M, is a Marine.
As a child, Ray said his father instilled in him all the Marine Corps traits such as commitment and integrity. This was half of what inspired him to enlist. The other piece, Ray said, was the desire to amplify the levels of those traits so he can transfer them to his children.
Although Ray came into training confident in his ability to earn the guide position, he said he had no idea his drive would lead him to be named the company honor man.
“When I think of the Marine Corps, I think of the best, the strong and the elite,” said Ray, a Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., native. “I put out everything I had, but I didn’t know I would be selected over so many other recruits with the same motivation.”
Gunnery Sgt. Agustin Juradosegova, senior drill instructor, Plt. 3266, Co. M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, explained he believes Ray was selected because he was the most well-rounded.
“He exhibited proficiency in physical fitness, leadership and self discipline,” said Juradosegova.
During Ray’s company honor man interview, Juradosegova recalled Ray saying something motivational about recruit training.
“He said, ‘the ever personal fear of failing himself and his platoon,’” said Juradosegova.
Although being selected honor man for Co. M and a meritorious promotion to lance corporal is something to value, with graduation coming around the corner there may be something of equal or greater importance to Ray.
When talking about his father coming to his graduation, Ray lit up with a proud smile.
“It’s probably going to be almost breath taking for him because of everything he’s put into me and because he knows what type of leadership it takes to be guide,” said 19-year-old Ray. “He’s always told me I’m a reflection of him.”
Company honor men are not selected by chance. They work, study and compete against one another. Friend and fellow platoon member Private James E. Worth, helped Ray prepare for the company honor man competition by quizzing him on Marine knowledge.
Worth said he could see the leader in him and wanted to help.
“He’s such a role model. We’re the same age but he’s so much older and stronger than me and that just makes me want to push on stronger,” said Worth.
During training both recruits helped each other out through rough patches, by encouraging one another.
However, Ray said his faith got him through the hardest times.
“God gave me the strength to push on; didn’t allow me to give up,” said Ray.
Prior to recruit training, Ray was studying to work in law enforcement and once done with his Marine career, he plans to utilize what he learns in the Corps in the police force.
“Being in the Marine Corps will teach me to be confident under pressure, how to take control of situations and improve my decision making skills,” said Ray.
As company honor man, Ray has proven he can take control of a situation and is off to a good start to his military career. The traits he has displayed in recruit training, such as leadership and dedication, are qualities that will benefit him in the Corps or in any career he chooses to follow later.