Me? A MARINE??!

Hello, Knightdale! I'm sure you know I didn't join the Marines. But, I had an amazing experience with them in South Carolina a few months ago. It was such a life-changing experience, and I wanted to share the experience with you!

If you are a member of any branch of the U.S. military, or if you plan to enlist in the future, I want to sincerely say thank you so much for your service!

A Visit to Parris Island

Several months ago I was invited to travel with some local educators to visit Parris Island, South Carolina, to be a part of the Marine Corps Educator's Workshop experience. I didn't know how much of an experience this would truly be.

Mornings came early (5 AM!), but I was ready to learn. When we arrived at the base, we were "greeted" by the officers with yells and shouts to, “GET OFF THE BUS!" and "MOVE FASTER!" Training had begun!

When we got off the bus, we were asked to stand on what they called the “yellow footprints.” The officers explained that every new recruit who trained at Parris Island started by standing on those yellow footprints. It was humbling to think I was standing at the beginning of every Marine’s journey. It was the beginning of so many new opportunities and insights for them. I had a serious moment of connection, even before I had begun. I will forever remember standing in that spot.

The recruits then go through what they call the "Silver Doors." Once recruits enter those doors, they never exit back through them. This experience symbolizes their transition to becoming Marines for life. It was extremely powerful to witness.

From there, we visited the barracks and learned about daily life for marines-in-training. We participated in (or attempted, at least) the physical training, the shooting range, obstacle course and combat water survival.

I'm happy to report that I faced my fears during the obstacle course--the biggest of which was my fear of heights! I *may* have made a little noise (read:all-out screamed) the entire way down, but I MADE IT! And, I have to say...I believe I represented Knightdale very well. :)

During our visit, Laura Wright (Career Development Coordinator at Knightdale High School, right) and I met so many wonderful people, including Brigadier General Julie L. Nethercot. She is the commanding general for recruitment at Parris Island and the entire Eastern Recruiting Region. She has been serving in the Marine Corps for 27 years and is in charge of the well-being of all recruits at Parris Island.

It was interesting to learn that there are only 20 female Colonels right now in the entire Marine Corps. And can you imagine our luck when we realized TWO were at Parris Island during our visit! I'm grateful to have met Colonel Nash (left) and Colonel Boyette (right). All three women were willing to speak to us, share their experiences and provide a little wisdom.

The final step for the Marine recruits is the Crucible (Basic Warrior Training), which we also experienced. This is where recruits take everything they have learned and put it all to the test. For us participants, this was a teamwork exercise that taught us the value of bonding and working as one unit.This is an important lesson recruits learn, also.

Have you ever been in a gas chamber? Marines have to do this as part of their training for biological warfare.

Who would have thought one of the Golden Girls was a former Marine?? Indeed she was! We learned about so many celebrities who were Marines at the museum on the base.

Memories of the obstacle course activities will forever be ingrained in my mind.Overcoming these challenges is physical, but it's much more about having mental and emotional stamina.

LESSONS LEARNED AT PARRIS ISLAND

I now understand so much more why one of the Corps mantras is “the Few, The Proud, the Marines,” and why they are the first in and the last out of battle. My experience was tough and challenging throughout every moment, but I understand the pride of accomplishment they must feel when they make it to the end of their training–which is only the beginning of the challenges they will face.

The transformation these recruits go through is multifaceted. They gain discipline, confidence, synergy, trust, and a strong sense of community and connection with their Marine family. There’s such a spirit of excellence and discipline throughout all they learn. Everything they do is done with a purpose, down to the way they hold their cups. The Corps teaches that every action and small decision impacts what they do in some way. 

These lessons focused on intention and purpose are ones that resonate with me as a mayor. Nothing these Marines do, including what they do with their time, is wasted. I work with the Town administration and Council to ensure citizens’ time and resources aren’t wasted in any way. It’s a lesson in accountability that I strongly adhere to as a public servant.

We packed every minute with great activities and moved from one section to the next with urgency. Our leaders guided us with a little more grace than the average recruit, but they showed us how important it is to be efficient with our time and how much we can accomplish in a day (which seems so much longer when you start at 5 AM!)

The training was unlike any other I’ve ever done. I left the workshop elated about the opportunities and personal development that graduating high school students in our area can get with Marine Corps recruitment. And, while I have always believed America has the best military on the planet,  I left the program with an even stronger confidence in our nation’s security.

Service At Its "Corps"

I'm so grateful that I was able to have this experience. I want to say thank you to the Marine Corps Education Workshop, and I want to send an EXTRA special thank you to our leaders, Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. Miedzinski and Sgt. Lugo. I will carry the messages and lessons learned here with me for the rest of my life.

I also want to thank Sgt. Colvin (left) and Captain Brown (right) for coordinating this workshop for my particular class. You're both amazing! I am grateful for your dedication to our class and service to our country.

Also, THANK YOU to Laura Wright from Knightdale High School! I would never have known about this opportunity had it not been for her invitation. She challenged me to participate, and  I accepted (and I'm so glad I did)! It makes me feel good to know we have such forward-thinking professionals in our school system who always put our students' best interests at the forefront of potential opportunities. She is an asset to Knightdale, and I truly appreciate her leadership.

Finally, a special thank-you goes to Sgt Taylor and GySgt Ahearn of the U.S. Marine Corps. These officers made a special trip to Knightdale Town Hall to present my certificate of completion and letter of accreditation for participating in the Marine Corps Educator's Workshop. This was such an honor!

See It All For Yourself!

If you'd like to see a snapshot of the Marine Corps Education Workshop experience, check out the video below! (This wasn't my class, but the experience is the same.)

Honoring Our Military Heroes

I thoroughly enjoyed having the Sanderson High School Air Force JROTC support our Memorial Day Ceremony at Knightdale Station Park this past May. These young cadets were poised, professional and extremely patriotic, and we were grateful for their service. Thank you, Sanderson HS AFROTC!

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