Why the need to re-enlist into your already established place with the United States Marine Crops?
When my contract with the United States Marine Corps ended in June of 2008, I decided not to re-enlist but to take a break and see how civilian life was. I got a job in sales until I started my college career. To get a little more money for school and to be part of the military again I tried to re-enlist into the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Upon talking to the Marine Recruiters I found out that at the time there were no more boat spaces (open slots), because of the recession too many people were enlisting into all branches of the military, so I decided to join the Texas Army National Guard Reserves. They fortunately had open slots at the time. If it wasn’t for my father, who is a former Marine as well, for my brother and two sisters, serving in the Texas Army National Guard, informing me about the Guard and its benefits I wouldn’t have joined. Soon after, through a mutual friend, I met my wife, Dahlia, the most beautiful, caring, amazing, artistically talented women. We began conversing, and found out that we had a lot in common, especially within the Fine Arts. After awhile of Dahlia and myself dating I asked her to marry me and to start a new chapter in our lives. We support each other’s work and goals. Upon receiving my degree in the Fine Arts, I plan on re-enlisting into the Marine Corps on active duty. I will return to my original military occupational specialty (MOS) to work on my portfolio to join the Marine Corps Combat Artists Program.
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Michael Martinez may be reached at michaelmartinez@dusty.tamiu.edu
Photo By: Michael Martinez Model: Sgt. Eddie Richmond