Lance Corporal Orlando Ynares Jr

Chicago, IL

I was already 28 years old when I enlisted. I've always wanted to join the military, but my loved ones were hesitant about this fire I have in me. At 28, after 911, I realized that I cannot just sit and listen to the news about the tragedy of Sept 11, I wanted to do something and not just talk and listen about it. So without even having second thoughts about it, I put on my sweats and headed for the recruiting station. This recruiting station houses the recruiting station for all the services (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines). I remember going into each recruiting office and talking to the recruiters. I remember the Air Force and the Navy when they asked me what I really wanted from being in the military; I said I wanted to serve. I was disappointed because they were telling me how good it is to join their branch of service because of their "education benefits". I told them that I originally wanted to join the Marines, and their response was ... "would you rather stay in the field for weeks without a shower and good food, or would you prefer hot showers and hot meals?" then I heard this, I stood up, thanked them for their time and walked out. I was going to talk to the Army, but when I saw them talking, sitting on the desk, and throwing crumpled paper at each other, I passed and walked straight into the Marine Corps Recruiting office. I spoke to SSgt Frantz, and he laid out everything in front of me without sugar-coating anything. He told me right off the bat that once I sign up my civilian life ends and the things I normally do in my life will change. No hot meals, hot showers, comfy chairs, air-conditioned rooms, and cold refreshing drinks would be part of my life once I was in training and during field exercises for weeks, if I survived boot camp and became a Marine. He told me that a Marine's day-to-day activities and duties are not luxurious and fun. This is what I 'Wanted' to hear, THE TRUTH! I realized that the Marine Corps' truthfulness and integrity is what makes every Marine an HONORABLE and COURAGEOUS leader. Honor, Courage, Commitment becomes the life of every individual who accepts the challenge and opportunity of earning the title of "Marine". I took the challenge, and was given the honor of being called a "Marine". To this day, I have no regrets of joining the Marine Corps. The integrity, Honor, Courage, opportunities, camaraderie, challenges, and brotherhood with fellow Marines shaped every part of my soul. I am forever grateful to the Marine Corps for giving me a chance to earn the title of "Marine". "Once a Marine, ALWAYS a Marine" Semper Fi .... OOOORAAAHHHH!!!