Posted on 08/19/2005 4:59:17 PM PDT by SandRat
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (August 19, 2005) -- Bedridden and dazed from medication, Travis D. Hall woke up surprised to see his sister enter the Naval Medical Center San Diego hospital room May 17. He knew she brought bad news.
"She told me straight," said 21-year-old Hall, who was sick from an allergic reaction to a penicillin shot he took when checking into Marine Corps recruit training three months ago.
Hall's sister, Tamara H. Mooradian, told him their father, Rudy G. Hall, 66, had died in his sleep a day before. Tamara hugged her brother and they wept. They discussed leave and funeral arrangements, for Hall wanted to return to his family.
While they embraced, Hall told his sister he would be the honor graduate of his company, a gesture to his father's honor.
After that night in the hospital, Hall flew to Virginia on emergency leave for a week. He visited his family and attended the funeral in his hometown, Annandale, Va. His father was buried in Quantico, Va.
"It's really scary to think that I almost lost a father and my baby brother in the same day," said Mooradian, whose brother's throat had swelled as he lay covered in hives in the hospital.
Hall's father served in the Army and worked for the Department of State as a foreign affairs officer, service that influenced Hall's decision to join the military.
"My father would have wanted me to graduate as a Marine," said Hall. "He backed my decision to join, and I wanted to give him something to be extremely proud of."
Veterans and State Department employees who revered Rudy Hall attended the funeral, according to widow Nancy D. Hall. She said the many veterans and people who knew Hall's father inspired him. "It ultimately gave him the motivation he needed," she said.
Hall still wanted to be a Marine, and on May 24, he was back in training.
"I was bothered by leaving my family to come back to training, but they have their methods for grieving and I have mine," said Hall. "I grieve by pushing myself to do the best I can."
Co. E drill instructor Staff Sgt. Arturo Blanco visited the receiving barracks, scouting a guide for his platoon. Hall stood out among the rest, and Blanco knew Hall was going to guide Platoon 2099.
"He was moving all the other recruits in receiving, telling them where to go or what to do, which is important to do when you're a guide," said Blanco.
Hall pushed through the mental and physical stresses of boot camp and used Sunday as his day of refuge.
"Monday through Saturday my focus is all on training and what I need to accomplish," said Hall. "Sundays are days to look back, reflect and reminisce."
Hall sought counseling to help him get through the rigorous training. He talked to a chaplain at Weapons and Field Training Battalion to prepare himself spiritually before the 54-hour Crucible. "(The chaplain) gave me words of reassurance, and his council definitely helped me," said Hall.
During the Crucible, Hall's performance solidified Blanco's choice.
"When we went up the Reaper, both my guide and myself were pulling recruits up," said Blanco. "It was good to see my guide help the slowest recruit instead of leaving him behind."
Blanco was further impressed when he learned that Hall returned to training after his father died.
"It wasn't until later that I found out he had gone home to his father's funeral, but once I did, it showed his determination to become a Marine," said Blanco.
His father was inspirational during obstacles and training events like the rifle range and the Crucible.
"Everything I do, I think about him," said Hall. "What would he do? How would he do this? But, there are no breaks in mourning - just coping by working hard."
Graduating today, Hall will enter the Marine Corps Reserves as a bulk fuel specialist.
As he determined to do, Hall finished at the top of his platoon. He competed in Co. E's honor man board, won, and earned a promotion to lance corporal.
A Tough Dedicated MArine.
I'm sure his dad is very proud of him as we all are.
Nice young man. Proud Marine. Proud son of a proud father, God rest his soul.
What a fine young man. Can tell he made it to where he is today because of the strong family upbrining he and his sister had. God bless him and may his dad's soul rest in peace. We all know his dad was looking down at his son graduating with top honors. Good job Marine!
BTTT!!!!!!
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