Knoxville, Tenn., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photo By Sgt. Caitlin Brink | Rct. Brittany Bilevich, an 18-year-old native of Knoxville, Tenn., is currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Bilevich is training with Platoon 4030, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Sept. 13, 2013. "I joined mainly for financial help and to do something I didn't think I could do. I like the pride and the belonging in the Marine Corps. None of my family is military. I'm the first one and they actually doubted me. So, this is to prove to them that I can do it and to prove to myself that I can do it too."  

PARRIS ISLAND, SC, UNITED STATES

07.18.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Brink 

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island           

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - We ask recruits currently in training why they decided to endure 13 weeks of boot camp to earn the title of United States Marine. Here’s what one said:

Rct. Brittany Bilevich, an 18-year-old native of Knoxville, Tenn., is currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Bilevich is training with Platoon 4030, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Sept. 13, 2013. “I joined mainly for financial help and to do something I didn’t think I could do. I like the pride and the belonging in the Marine Corps. None of my family is military. I’m the first one and they actually doubted me. So, this is to prove to them that I can do it and to prove to myself that I can do it too,” said Bilevich. Bilevich graduated Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tenn., in 2013. Approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent for females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink)

• Date Taken: 07.18.2013
• Date Posted: 07.18.2013 10:08
• Story ID: 110377
• Location: PARRIS ISLAND, SC, US
• Hometown: KNOXVILLE, TN, US