Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego --
Recruits come from all different
backgrounds. Some come from small farming towns and some from urban hot spots.
One new recruit recently traveled from the big city lights of Las Vegas to sunny
San Diego with dreams of becoming a Marine and carrying on a family tradition.
The 20 year old did not start out in Las Vegas though.
Private First Class Mason A. Davis was born in Virginia. When he was five
months old, his family moved to California then to Nevada when he was five. Once
there, the family decided to plant their roots in Vegas.
“It was fun growing up in Vegas,” said Davis. “I’m not
21, so I haven’t participated in much, but I still go to the main strip with my
friends and hang out. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived there, it’s still
beautiful to see every night.”
Davis
grew up in a military family. His father, grandfather and two uncles served in
the Marine Corps, so he knew his path would lead to serving his country. However,
it didn’t start out that way.
The athlete grew up hitting shoulder pads playing
football. Like tough Marines who defend their country, this linebacker fiercely
defended his quarterback. Once he reached the high school level, he decided to
put a hold on joining the military to pursue a football career.
“I trained hard to be the best I could be,” said Davis.
“There is a special feeling you get when you dig your cleats into a football
field and prove yourself better than the opposing player your clashing helmets
with all game.”
It wasn’t long before college offers filled up the
football player’s mailbox. One particular school caught his eye and sparked his
interest over the rest.
“Earlham University offered me a full ride with plenty of
money, so I decided to sign with them,” said Davis. “It’s located in Richmond,
Indiana, which was a fun area to go to school.”
Although Davis played well in his games and maintained a
high grade point average, he decided to cut his football career short for what
he described as his true calling.
“After playing my first year, I was awarded Defensive
Newcomer of the Year and voted team captain,” said the athlete. “There was
something else I needed to do though.”
The
college student left his school with a 3.5 grade point average and set off on a
new path to join the United States Marine Corps.
“When
I first got home, I immediately got a job at Home Depot to keep money in my
pocket,” said Davis. “I then went straight to a Marine recruiter, and within a
month I was on my way to recruit training.”
Now
that the new Marine has graduated with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training
Battalion, he will attend Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton to further
his combat skills. Once he graduates from there, he will attend school for his
military occupation specialty to become a motor transportion operator.
Davis
will be a Reserve Marine and plans to go back to college locally in Las Vegas
to earn a degree in criminal justice.
“Carrying
on the family tradition of serving this great country has a special meaning to
me,” said Davis. “I look forward to making them proud and giving back to my
country.”