Posted on 01/17/2006 6:11:14 PM PST by SandRat
MARINE CORPS RECRUITING STATION SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Jan. 17, 2006) -- Recruiters thought they were seeing double when a young man they sent to boot camp walked back into the office.
It was like déjà vu at Recruiting Sub-station Round Rock (Texas) when 23-year-old Jason K. Lewis walked into the office in late October.
“I saw Lewis walk in and I thought, ‘What is he doing back already?’” said Gunnery Sgt. Samuel R. Ybarra, former Staff NCOIC of RSS Round Rock. The Bertram, Texas, resident was supposed to be at his Military Occupational School learning how to be a military police officer at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
The Concordia University student said he had never been in the office before. It was then Ybarra said he realized who Lewis was. Jason’s identical twin brother, Justin D. Lewis, walked into the same recruiting station in April looking for a “total change” in his life, and Ybarra helped him find it.
“I found out Justin had a twin brother when I was working with him, but I never met Jason until he walked in my office,” said Ybarra.
Now, Jason and Justin are both dedicated to following their dreams of becoming police officers through the Marine Corps.
Growing up near Austin, Texas, the Lewis brothers come from an upper-middleclass family. Their father owns a construction company; their mother has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has encouraged each of her five children – all boys – to go to college as well.
Jason and Justin said they were typical of what most people think of twins. Their parents dressed them alike when they were very young. They did most everything together, and became very close.
Likewise, their attitudes are very similar, according to Ybarra, and they were both very quiet and introverted. Jason did say, however, Justin is more of a daredevil and seeks to try new things.
The young men graduated in 2001 from Burnet High School in Burnet, Texas, and began attending Concordia University in Austin together. However, Justin began working at his father’s construction company part-time and finally quit school after two years to work full-time.
“It just wasn’t working out,” said Justin. “I was tired of going to school.”
Justin said he lacked discipline and direction in his life. His life was also stagnating and he needed something to help him continue to grow, according to his father, Ronnie G. Lewis, who began encouraging Justin to join the military.
“I was ready to do something new,” Justin explained. “I thought, ‘If I’m going to change my life this drastically (by joining the military), then why not go for the top dog? I hadn’t done a lot in my life, and I wanted to start over, travel and see new places.”
Justin went to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., 10 days after joining the Corps to see if he had what it takes to be one of “America’s 9-1-1 Force.” He said it was difficult being separated from Jason for such a long period because they had always done things together, but he found the change he was looking for.
“Justin definitely has more discipline, direction and dedication, and he’s motivated to do well,” said Jason. “I thought he would come back brainwashed, but he still has the same personality.”
Ybarra said Justin also has a great deal more self-confidence and is more outgoing. Ronnie said his son is able “to grab ahold of life now” and is more focused with a real purpose in life.
Jason said his visit to the depot in San Diego for Justin’s graduation and the positive changes he saw in his brother made him consider his options in the Marine Corps as well. He stunned his family by joining the Corps at the end of October.
“Before he left for boot camp, Justin said his brother would never join the Corps,” said Ybarra.
Indeed, the twin’s parents were surprised at Jason’s decision, though very supportive.
“We were shocked when Jason decided to enlist,” said Ronnie. “I guess we just assumed he would finish college and go to work as a civilian.”
Jason is set to go to boot camp in July after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science. He will be the first of his siblings to finish college.
While many may think military service is not necessary for young men and women who finish college, Jason said the Marine Corps will help him greatly in the occupation he has set his sights on.
“Both the boys have always talked about law enforcement,” explained Ronnie. “All the police departments they talked to said military service would be very helpful in selecting them.”
“Even with my degree, I just felt I wouldn’t be prepared physically and I wouldn’t have the dedication to be a good police officer right out of school,” added Jason.
Jason may be following his brother’s lead into the Marine Corps and the police force, but the two say they are not worried about trying to get stationed together if it doesn’t work out. Private First Class Justin Lewis reported to his first assignment in late November and is stationed with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan.
As the two work toward their goal of being police officers, they said they agree the Marine Corps will help them be successful.
“We are all born with the same tools,” said Ybarra, “but through our lives, opportunities and challenges don’t always occur to test us and allow us to demonstrate our full abilities. The Marine Corps allows you to learn who you really are and show that to the world.”
PING for Twins
Back away from the computer, SR. This deserves a double ping!
:) HA!
Back away from the computer, SR. This deserves a double ping!
:) HA!
I have twin granddaughters (age 3). Maybe they'll both go in the Military....:-)
Hey! I'm only halfway through the list of threads I pulled for tonight.
Oh, God. Don't post the threads. Don't do it to me again. I'm begging you.
I'm done for tonight.
:)
Thanks for reading the satire and commenting. Often times you don't comment. So I really appreciate it and am glad you enjoyed it.
I have a feeling that tradition may continue.
Thanks to our best and brightest.
BTTT
Like you I get a heavy ping for the stuff I put up so I many times get around to replying to all.
We have twin brother and sister HS seniors who work at our local grocery store. She is going into the Marines and I'm not sure what he's going to do after graduation.
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