San Diego -- Private Ryan K. Koroush, Platoon 2142, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, finally fulfilled his destiny. As a child, Koroush’s grandfather always told him to walk with his back straight and head up, sit with his legs crossed and carry himself with pride. At the time he didn’t understand why his grandfather instructed him to do these things. It wasn’t until he arrived at recruit training that he understood the method behind his grandfather’s ways.
“During receiving week I thought to myself, ‘Wow drill instructors are teaching everything he taught me,’” said Koroush. “It wasn’t until he passed away that I realized he was a big figure in my life.”
Koroush’s grandfather, a former Marine and Vietnam veteran, made a big impact on Koroush before he died.
“He taught me to be more responsible and disciplined. He had a big impact in my life,” said Koroush.
Koroush’s parents divorced during his teenage years and as the only male in the household, he took on the role of “man of the house.” He worked an after-school job to help his mother pay bills and still had time to work on household chores.
His experience made him want to honor his grandfather and his country. He did so by enlisting in the Marine Corps.
Koroush said his grandmother told him, “Your grandfather would be proud of you.”
Koroush has now successfully achieved his goal and is now a Marine just like his grandfather. The 23-year-old has matured so well, one of his drill instructors sees great potential in him.
“I could see him being meritoriously promoted to corporal or sergeant. He has leadership. The way he acts, the way he carries himself, the way he follows.” said Staff Sgt. Ricky L. Broadway, drill instructor, Plt. 2142, Co. G, 2nd RTBn. “I think he will move up fast in rank and change things for the better.”
Setting himself up for success is part of Koroush’s personality. He wants to do the best possible job for the Corps, rise through the ranks and join the Marine Security Guard force.
The title “Marine” was his ultimate goal. Now that Koroush has achieved that, being the best Marine he can possibly be is perhaps the best way to honor the man who inspired him. Hard work, dedication to duty and the memory of his grandfather will drive Koroush to new heights as he begins his career as a United States Marine.
“I wish he was still here. I miss him a lot and I would love to talk to him,” said Koroush. “Every day I’ve been here, I’ve felt he’s been here too, guiding me and helping me every step of the way.”