Pine Apple, Ala., native training at Parris Island to become U.S. Marine

Photo By Sgt. Caitlin Brink | Rct. Zundrika Powell, an 18-year-old native of Pine Apple, Ala., is currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Powell is training with Platoon 4030, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Sept. 13, 2013. "I joined the Marine Corps to become a better person; to learn self discipline, honor, courage and commitment; to fight for my country; to protect our country, because everyone should have freedom. I want to help others who can't help themselves. I heard [the Marine Corps] was challenging, and I wanted the challenge. Life is not easy, and the easy way out is not always the best way out,” said Powell. Powell graduated Wilcox Central High School in Camden, Ala., 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)  

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. Zundrika Powell, an 18-year-old native of Pine Apple, Ala., is currently training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in hopes of earning the title of United States Marine. Powell is training with Platoon 4030, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, and is scheduled to graduate Sept. 13, 2013. “I joined the Marine Corps to become a better person; to learn self discipline, honor, courage and commitment; to fight for my country; to protect our country, because everyone should have freedom. I want to help others who can’t help themselves. I heard [the Marine Corps] was challenging, and I wanted the challenge. Life is not easy, and the easy way out is not always the best way out,” said Powell. Powell graduated Wilcox Central High School in Camden, Ala., 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 10:24
• Story ID: 110380
• Location: PARRIS ISLAND, SC, US
• Hometown: PINE APPLE, AL, US