Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- For years, the United States has been providing opportunities to those from around the world who are looking for a better future. The plaque mounted inside the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty states, 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free;’ and one new Marine can validate the opportunity for the American dream today.
Private Chris M. Gitau, Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, and moved to America at the age of 21 to take advantage of the broader opportunities he could experience there.
Gitau explained he enjoyed growing up in Nairobi and plans to visit home the next opportunity he is given.
“My favorite thing about Nairobi is the food,” said Gitau. “There is a lot of farm land and that’s the main source of food for the locals. Everything is fresh and tasteful to eat.”
The Kenya native grew up dedicated to his education and sport of choice.
“I love to play soccer,” said 23-year-old Gitau. “If I wasn’t on the field, then I was studying.”
When taking a break from his studies, Gitau enjoyed spending time at the beach with his friends, which he believes allowed him to return to his studies revitalized and focused.
“My studies paid off for me,” said Gitau. “I graduated in the top 10 of my class.”
Gitau planned to attend college in hopes of receiving a degree in electrical engineering.
Gitau’s father was living in the United States in Oceanside, Calif., and the new Marine thought that moving to the United States to live with him would provide a better opportunity to pursue his goal of attending college.
When Gitau arrived in his new country, he had to adjust to the difference in culture between the two countries. He explained that even though he spoke English in Kenya, the way it is spoken in America is different. He noticed the way people dressed was drastically different than in his native country. With many more differences, Gitau was happy to find that Americans were friendly, there were more jobs available and that the process to obtain one was much easier.
During his first two years in America, Gitau took advantage of the job opportunities and explored the various fields of engineering to see which he liked best. While still planning to pursue a college education, Gitau couldn’t help but be moved by a cousin who had also moved to the United States years earlier.
“I was inspired by my cousin for his decision to join the Marine Corps,” said Gitau. “He served for five years.”
Gitau saw the Marine Corps as an opportunity for him to give back to his new country that had taken him in and provided for him.
“I feel proud for serving in the Marine Corps and being part of the best,” said Gitau.
After graduating recruit training, Gitau will continue his journey at the School of Infantry in Camp Pendleton, Calif., to learn the skills of becoming a basically trained Marine rifleman. He will then move on to his military occupational specialty school to become a Basic Metal Worker.