Posted on 11/26/2005 5:58:20 PM PST by SandRat
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (Nov. 25, 2005) -- From a young Eagle Scout to hardened Marine, he chose to take “the road less traveled” to become one of the “few and the proud.”
“College wasn’t really an option for me, once I got out of high school,” said Josh S. Wartchow, squad leader, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. “I wanted to do something for my country that would make people proud. I also wanted to build upon the leadership skills that I learned when I was an Eagle Scout, so I knew the military was right for me.”
Wartchow was originally interested in joining the Navy as a military police officer, but was turned onto the Marine Corps by one of his friends.
“My friend was joining the Marines and talked me into going into the Marine recruiter’s office and talking to him,” said Wartchow. “It seemed like a more hardcore thing to do -- like it was more my style. So I decided that’s where I needed to be instead of the Navy. I also wanted to be in the infantry, and the Navy doesn’t really have an infantry, so that was a deciding factor for me to sign the papers.”
Wartchow said that his parents were very proud of him when they found out he had joined the Marines, but were worried about his well-being.
“I was young and straight out of high school, so they didn’t know what to expect,” said the Doylestown, Penn. native. “I guess you could say I was still my parents little boy, and they didn’t want to see anything happen to me.”
Since Wartchow has joined the Marine Corps, he has traveled to many different places including Afghanistan, Japan, the Philippines and Australia.
“I went to a lot of places when we were with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit,” said 22-year-old. “My best deployment, and probably best time I’ve had in the Marine Corps, was when I was in Afghanistan from November 2004 until June 2005.”
Wartchow said he enjoyed Afghanistan so much because they got to work with other branches of military from different countries.
“It was cool getting to help the other military services train,” admitted the Archbishop Wood High School graduate. “We got to see the similarities and differences between how America’s military and their military is run.”
According to Wartchow, seeing Marines you’ve served with leave the Corps or change duty stations is difficult.
“I’ve met a lot of good people since I’ve been in the Marine Corps,” said Wartchow. “It’s rough -- because you meet these awesome people and you never know when they’re going to be deployed or stationed somewhere else. So I guess that can be one of the best and worst parts about being a Marine.”
Wartchow is currently training for his upcoming deployment to Iraq.
“Once I return from Iraq, I’m changing duty stations. I’ll be assigned to Quantico, Va., where I’ll be an Officer Candidate School instructor,” said Wartchow. “There’s a lot of things I want to do while I’m in the Marine Corps, but being a OCS instructor is what I want to do most. I also definitely want to be an instructor in the School of Infantry.”
Wartchow said he wanted to be assigned as a Marine Security Guard before he got married.
“I’m married now, so the MSG duty thing will have to wait until I’m a staff sergeant,” said Wartchow. “My wife is more important, and I figure I’m going to be in the Marines for 20 years, so I’ll get my chance to go MSG, eventually.”
Wartchow said his mentor is a staff sergeant who is assigned to 3/3, Weapons Platoon -- someone whom he has learned a lot from.
“This man epitomizes everything the Marines Corps stands for,” said Wartchow. “He’s taught me a lot, like how to deal with Marines. I strive everyday in the Marine Corps to be like him and hope someday I’ll be as good of a Marine as he is.”
From Eagle Scout to Marine!
Good for him. Makes me proud.
If my math is right, the combination of being an Eagle Scout and a US Marine means his chances of becoming a Liberal Democrat are less than one in ten thousand. Still, he should avoid Volvos, Subarus and Birkenstocks just to play it safe.
Got a feeling that his Marine Brothers will see to that.
You had to know this was coming --
I am a life-long Scout and Scouter.
My son is an Eagle Scout.
He drives a used Volvo.
My wife drives a Subaru.
You should see the looks we get (and the occaisional center-digit salute) when the OTHER Volvo and Subaru drivers see the "W" stickers adorning our rear windows.
grin
BTTT!
and the unofficial 13th Law is ---- A Scout is always Hungry.
I recently earned my Eagle rank, and with all the papers they gave me was pile of stuff on NESA. Why should I join it? Does it serve any lasting redeeming value?
It can. I am a high school biology teacher. It has only allowed me to participate in some fun events. It has also helped me keep up with some old friends. Many of the guys who are in the corporate world, find that it helps them make some good connections. It can give you a foot in the door, the rest is up to you. Oh yeah, Congrats!!!
Damn, straight! That is why the Scouts that stick around learn how to cook!!! I've had some of my best meals on the AT.\
Our oldest son earned his Eagle, our youngest is waiting on his district board of review. Very proud of them, and also very proud of our daughter. I have been involved in Scouting for over ten years, and have no intentions of quitting yet.
BTT
Thanks... I might have to sign up. Do you do the yearly membership, or did you do the lifelong membership?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.