Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego --
“Brothers
don’t let each other wander in the dark alone,” said author Jolene Perry.
Private Zachary R.
Ohmann and Pvt. Shelby L. Ohmann, Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit training
Battalion, are brothers who started a journey together to become United States
Marines and both accomplished that goal on March 31 when they received their
eagle globe and anchors that signified them as earing the title Marine.
At an early age, the
Ohmann brothers were split up due to their parents separation.
“My brother Shelby went
to stay with our mom, and I went to live with our dad,” said Zachary, the older
brother. “That didn’t last forever though. After a few years Shelby came to
live with me and our dad again. Our lives where intertwined again, and it felt
good to have my brother back.”
Both Zachary and Shelby
were outstanding athletes in sports growing up and motivated each other to
reach new limits in everything they did.
“Between me and my
brother, we have played lacrosse, karate, snowboarding, wake boarding and have
several years of martial arts experience,” said Zachary. “We are always looking
for the next big challenge to overcome and conquer.”
After getting a job
together at a pizza restaurant, the brothers had a life-changing conversation
during a short break.
“We knew there was
something bigger out there for both of us,” said Zachary. “We just needed to go
find it.”
With very little family
in the military, the brothers decided to accept a challenge that no one in
their family has ever done.
“We both decided that
we were going to attempt to become the first Marines in our family,” said
Shelby. “The challenge wasn’t going to be easy, but anything can be
accomplished through brotherhood.”
Although the brothers
were set on their decision, they had a hard time convincing their family.
“The trouble of getting
everyone onboard with this idea was a nightmare for both of us,” said the elder
brother. “They believe everyone is raised a certain way and you learn a trade
of some sort such as being a plumber, electrician or work construction of some
type. Once we sat down and had a talk with our dad, everything got a lot easier
because he supported our decision and helped us through the process of talking
to the recruiter.”
The Ohmann’s were on
their way to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego just one month later after
talking to their recruiter.
“We were nervous because
we weren’t sure what to expect,” said Zackary. “We had each other through
training along with a platoon full of brothers. Together we overcame and
conquered every challenge recruit training gave us.”
Now that the brothers
have both earned their title as Marines, they are left with an unforgettable
memory.
“Standing on top of the
Reaper during the Crucible hike receiving my eagle, globe and anchor alongside
my brother will be something I cherish for the rest of my life,” said ther
younger brother. “Words can’t describe that feeling.”
After graduation, both
of the new Marines will be sent to the School of Infantry at Marine Corps Base
Camp Pendleton, Calif., to further their training as an infantryman. Once they
graduate, they will go their separate ways to learn their primary jobs in the
Marine Corps. Zachary is going to be an assault amphibious vehicle crew member
while Shelby will be an expeditionary airfield systems technician.
“There are not many
brothers who can say they took on Marine Corps recruit training together,” said
Zachary. “Now that I’ve earned my title Marine, I realize that I am now
surrounded by brothers just like Shelby.”