Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Marines make the decision to join the Marine Corps for many different reasons. For one Marine, it was all about following a dream.
Lance Cpl. Zachary V. Maderak, Platoon 2151, Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, tested different career options before realizing he wanted nothing more than to be a Marine. He worked hard to fulfill his dream and is graduating both Company Honorman and most physically fit out of his peers.
Maderak grew up in Chicago and attended high school at St. Rita of Cascia. He graduated in 2014 and maintained a 4.0 grade point average all while being a member of both the rugby and track teams.
During his senior year in high school, Maderak spoke to a Marine Corps recruiter regarding his plans after graduation. He explained he was still unsure of what he was going to do, so the recruiter told him to come back when he had a better idea.
After he graduated, Maderak began college at Marquette University in Milwaukee but realized it was not what he truly wanted.
“I’ve always wanted to be a Marine,” said Maderak. “My grandfather was a Marine back in World War II, and he inspired me to earn the title.”
While in school, Maderak’s friend enlisted in the Army, which ultimately pushed him to follow his dream.
“College was all right,” said 19-year-old Maderak. “When my friend came back from basic training, I knew that I was just wasting my time going to school and had the need to go back to the recruiter.”
In February of 2014, he enlisted into the Marine Corps and left for recruit training in September to be a part of Golf Company.
From the beginning of training, Maderak stood out to his drill instructors. He displayed confidence and leadership abilities, which is why he was appointed as the platoon guide in the second week of training,
“He adapted very quickly to what was going on,” said Staff Sgt. Gunnar K. Belton, senior drill instructor. “It was evident that he had the eagerness to learn and develop from the (beginning).”
Throughout training, Belton explained that Maderak had been ready for everything and had taken his position as guide very humbly.
“He knows his place as a recruit, but also knows how to interact with the drill instructors the proper way,” said Belton, a native of Blairsville, Ga.
Nearing the end of recruit training, Maderak was chosen to stand on a Company Honorman Board, which selects the best recruit from the company throughout training.
Belton explained that Maderak easily won the board and will be representing his company as the honor graduate.
Not only is Maderak graduating as the honor graduate, but also the Marine with the highest Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test scores in the company, earning the title of “Ironman.”
Following recruit training, Maderak, and the other new Marines, will get 10 days of leave to spend with family before reporting to their military occupational specialty schools. Maderak will be attending the School of Infantry West at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., to pursue a career as an infantryman.
“I am proud and honored that I am graduating with both achievements, but my goal was to make my parents proud and let them know I made the right decision,” said Maderak. “I am excited to start my career in the Corps and to see what it has in store for me.”