Posted by
GunnyG© on Monday, January 22, 2007 9:01:33 AM
On 19 January 2007, the Marine Corps graduated another studwarrior into our ranks. How so you ask? Well, PFC Ryan Chandler, with a family legacy of serving in the Mighty Green Machine remained motivated enough to return to Marine Recruit Depot, San Diego, in order to accomplish his mission of becoming a Marine.
His family is full of service members. He has two uncles and a cousin who are Marines, and both of his grandfathers were in the Navy. His father is also an active duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The Chandler's have had a family member in every conflict the United States has fought in since the Revolutionary War." (NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL OWNERSHIP!)
Ryan grew up living the Marine Corps way of life.
Throughout high school, Ryan was among the top academically in his class. His family thought he would go to a university on a full-ride scholarship and were surprised when Ryan decided to join the military. He made the decision to join because he wanted to continue his family’s tradition and make a good life for himself. (Liberal's kids would have taken the easy way here.)
His father, mother and stepmother took him into each of the military recruiting offices so he could make an educated decision on which branch of service he wanted to join.
"He looked at us and said, ‘I want to be a Marine.’"
Ryan arrived at MCRD SD (Hollywood Marines!) Depot in July 2005 and started training but he developed a hernia and was dropped to the Medical Rehabilitation Platoon. Due to his surgery, he spent more than five months in MRP before picking up training with Co. M.
While Ryan was in MRP, his father came to visit him before he went on deployment to Iraq. "He told me no matter how long it took him, he would not stop until he was a Marine," said Master Gunnery Sgt. Chandler. Then, back in training, the hernia re-developed and Chandler was dropped to MRP once again. He was given the choice of staying at the depot for an additional six months or going home to recuperate. He chose to go home and spent a year in recovery. (How many kids would have said, SCREW IT!, at this point?)
When his injury healed, Ryan reenlisted in the Marine Corps and on 23 Oct 2006, Ryan returned to the depot for another try. He was given the guide position by his senior drill instructor the first day of training and maintained that position throughout his time at boot camp.
Ryan feels he has learned integrity and the traits of being a good leader. He also thinks these things, coupled with the continuing support of his family, will help him be successful in the Marine Corps and for the rest of his life.
(YER D*MN RIGHT IT WILL!)
Pfc. Ryan Chandler, Platoon 3245,
Company L, stands at parade rest
while holding his platoon guidon.
WELL DONE LEATHERNECK!