MCRD San Diego -- New Year’s is a time to set goals and resolutions for the coming year, but it can also be a time to look back on dreams that have long been forgotten.
It took one such night for Pvt. Anthony Fontanetta, Platoon 2143, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, to realize a dream he left behind so long ago. With no new resolution, his wife asked what he regretted most in his life, to which he replied not joining the Marine Corps.
“She said, ‘Do it now or forever hold your peace, before we have kids,’” said Fontanetta, a Wauconda, Ill. native.
However, 10 years after high school, he was quickly loosing time and was at the age limit for new recruits. With a newfound purpose and the support of his wife of four years, Fontanetta set off on his path to become a U.S. Marine.
In high school, Fontanetta set aside that option when his grades started to slip. He decided to drop out of high school and pursue a career. With the help of a family friend he found work at a local hospital.
“It was so rewarding to help people,” said Fontanetta, 28. “I worked really hard. I became the senior radiology assistant in two years. I was the youngest in the hospital.”
It was at the hospital that he would meet his future wife. With varying hours, Fontanetta transferred to her department so they could spend more time together. She is the one who continues to push Fontanetta to meet his goals.
“I started my (general educational development), courses but didn’t finish until I met my wife,” said Fontanetta. “She inspired me to better myself and finish it.”
Fontanetta also completed his Certified Nursing Assistant Certification and began a nursing degree and hopes to continue going to school in his free time. Although still committed to health care, the draw of the Marine Corps was too strong to turn from a second time.
“The Marine Corps has a reputation of being the best, the elite” said Fontanetta. “I’ve always enjoyed a challenge. I like to shock and awe people.”
Throughout recruit training, Fontanetta held the billet of scribe and was responsible for keeping track of various physical training scores for the platoon.
“He’s not like your typical recruit,” said Sgt. Mark Garcia, senior drill instructor, Plt. 2143. “He really listens and understands. He’s smart and has a stronger sense of common sense.”
He often stood out to his drill instructors by using his experience to help guide the other recruits.
“(Fontanetta’s) confident and grasps everything,” said Garcia. “I think his age played a part in his maturity and confidence.”
Coming into recruit training, Fontanetta wasn’t in the best shape, but he did excel in other areas of training, he explained. After years of working in the hospital, Fontanetta is hoping to use his experiences to help him in the Marine Corps.
“Field week was my favorite part of training because when we were out there it was more like being a Marine,” said Fontanetta. “I enjoy training others and building people up, that’s what I did at the hospital.”
Fontanetta’s wife is driving from Illinois to attend his graduation, and they will be driving back together using the road trip to reconnect after three months apart.
“Right now we just want to concentrate on this new chapter,” said Fontanetta. “We’re both easily bored; the constant change will be good.”