Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Robert Storm | Lance Cpl. Michael Autrey, data system specialist, RCT-6, teaches Marine Corps Martial...... read more read more
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Afghanistan - “I’ve always known what I wanted to do in my life,” said Lance Cpl. Michael Autrey, data system specialist, Regimental Combat Team 6, from Tatum, Texas.
Autrey, 19, is not your typical Marine. He joined the Marine Corps in June 2009 because of a promise from his great grandfather to serve at least one enlistment in the Marines to receive the discipline which would make him successful in life.
“He’s eager to learn. He tries hard at everything he does,” said Staff Sgt Stephen Dunmire, data chief, RCT-6, from Pittsburg, Pa. “He’s driven. If he’s not good at something he’ll keep trying at it; he’s not afraid to fail and learn from it.”
Though Autrey is constantly pushing himself to be a better Marine, he doesn’t plan to serve more than one tour of enlistment. One thing he does want to do is attend the Martial Arts Center of Excellence (MACE) and become a martial arts instructor before he gets out.
“I like the Marine Corps; I just have other plans,” Autrey said. “I got some training in weapons and martial arts, and I’ll get my college paid for. After that I plan to move to the next step in my life.”
Autrey smiled a lot but joked little. He already owns land and he plans to build a recreational vehicle park when he returns home from Afghanistan.
“I want to build a few RV parks – just enough to live comfortably while I focus on my other goals. I don’t need to be a millionaire,” Autrey said. “It’s a low investment, with a high profit and quick return.”
Before joining the Marines he worked on a ranch training horses and competing in rodeos and other horse related events. Autrey has a passion for horses, and he said his life plans include teaching people how to train horses, owning and running a ranch for special needs children and even becoming a Texas Ranger.
Since he was 5, Autrey has been learning to train horses. As he spoke, his enthusiasm grows with words and gestures. He told how his grandfather and a family friend, a native Cherokee Indian, taught him to treat horses as equals. Whereas most trainers use force applied techniques to train their horses, Autrey’s family techniques do not.
“I teach horse training to people 60 years old. They think they know everything and that someone my age can’t teach them anything. Then their jaws drop because they see what I can do,” Autrey said. “My goal is to teach training clinics on the rodeo circuit and in country towns.”
Autrey also wants to own a horse ranch for special needs or troubled children. He believes that teaching kids how to ride, giving them a bond with something, teaching responsibility and giving them something to look forward to can help kids grow.
“The Cherokee believe that the spirit of a horse can help guide you through life,” Autrey said.
After serving in the military, Autrey plans to finish college and get a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice so that he can become a Texas Ranger.
“I met Chuck Norris at my brother’s martial arts tournament when I was little and since then I’ve always wanted to be a Texas Ranger,” Autrey said. “Even when I grew older and learned more that goal never changed.”
“He pushes himself. We’re workout partners, so I see his intensity. He’s very driven,” said Lance Cpl. Isaac Ramos, data system specialist, RCT-6, from Boston, Mass. “He doesn’t like TV or video games, he doesn’t think about those things, he’s very focused.”
Autrey is married to Jaci D. Autrey, 19, with two boys, Macen M. Autrey, 1, and Ryder Gage Autrey, 2 months.
| Date Taken: | 01.27.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.27.2012 02:10 |
| Story ID: | 82911 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, AF |
| Web Views: | 315 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Tatum Marine dreams of horses, ranches and Texas Rangers, by GySgt Robert Storm, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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