Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Those with high aspirations strive to achieve greater accomplishments in life.
Lance Cpl. Bryce A. Graskemper, Platoon 3246, Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, was pursuing a successful career in college football, but he decided to leave it all behind to be a part of something bigger than himself.
“I’ve lived in the same house my whole with my parents who have been married for 28 years now,” said Graskemper. “I loved growing up in Liberty, Mo., because although it may not be a small farm town, it is still a pretty small town, and that makes living a simpler life style.”
Growing up, Graskemper was not only a committed student, but he was a committed athlete to three sports.
“I loved being an athlete,” said Graskemper. “I competed in a few sports, which were track, lacrosse and football. All three of which I helped me grow as not only an athlete, but as a person, too.”
After Graskemper graduated high school, his dedication as a student and his hard work as an athlete allowed him to further his career in football at the collegiate level at Illinois State University.
“I loved playing football above anything else,” said Graskemper. “Going into battle on the football field with your fellow teammates at your side sends an unexplainable feeling through your body.”
Although Graskemper enjoyed playing football, he soon realized that college wasn’t the path for him to take.
“I wanted something more in life,” said Graskemper. “I think the best thing anyone can do is serve their country. So I left college and walked into a recruiter’s office.”
After Graskemper realized the change in his life, he still faced a choice.
“I wasn’t sure which branch of service I wanted to join,” said Graskemper. “I first walked into an Army recruiting office, and then I walked into a Marine Corps recruiting office. I could immediately tell the difference, and made my decision to become a Marine.”
Once Graskemper made his decision to enlist, it wasn’t long before he was on his way to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego to begin recruit training.
“I’m a gung ho kid,” said Graskemper. “I was ready to go as soon as I made my decision to join the Marine Corps.”
His positive attitude and leadership showed during his time at recruit training and he was chosen to be the guide of his platoon on training day one.
The guides are is selected by the senior drill instructors and are who they believe will best lead the platoon.
“As soon as I got to recruit training I hit the ground running,” said Graskemper. “
Being the guide from day one of training is a great accomplishment, however, Graskemper explains his overall life accomplishment was something more than that.
“I’ve never earned anything in life like I have earned the Eagle, Globe and Anchor and the title United Stated Marine,” said Graskemper. “I won trophies and medals, but nothing compares to earning the title Marine. After hiking to the top of Reaper Mountain and having the Eagle, Globe and Anchor placed in my hand, I’ve never felt anything so meaning for me and my family. Although my family wasn’t there with me, I know what I have accomplished here is something that they will forever be proud of me for.”
Now that the new Marine has earned his place among United States Marines, he will continue his schooling at School of Infantry in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and then on to his military occupational specialty school to learn his profession as an infantryman.