Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher O'Quin | A U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard participates in the opening ceremony of the Cheez-It...... read more read more
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WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL, NY. – The smell of smoke from dozens of barbeque grills permeates the air as the summer sun beats down on the pavement. A narrow stretch of road called the midway is lined with stands selling everything from insurance, to food, to cosmetic surgery. One booth on the end is there to sell something too, the cost is a few pull-ups, but the value is a potential future in the United States Marine Corps.
For the 2015 Watkins Glen International Cheez-It 355 NASCAR race, Marines with Recruiting Station Buffalo set up a display from Aug. 7 - 9. Marine recruiters met with hundreds of men and women, discussing career opportunities, shared hobbies and education benefits.
"Watkins Glen International is proud to have the United States Marine Corps, along with all branches of our armed forces, involved in our race weekends and events,” said Chris Banker, public relations manager for Watkins Glen International. “We look forward to a continuing this rewarding partnership with USMC moving forward.”
The weekend featured numerous races, with the Cheez-It 355 NASCAR Sprint Cup being the culmination of the festivities. The Marines supported the race at a few key moments demonstrating their E ’spirit De Corps.
A Marine Color Guard, helped kick off the race and 14 future Marine recruits, called Poolees, stood on stage before a sold-out grandstand as they were sworn in by Maj. Christopher Kaprielian, commanding officer of RS Buffalo. The young men and women also met with NASCAR drivers as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Danica Patrick while 1st Marine Corps District’s Humvee drove a lap on the track.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be invited to do the oath of enlistment for the future Marines at Watkins Glen International, the staff has been nothing but supportive and we sincerely appreciate it, said Kaprielian. “ This is such a historic place for racing and I’m glad we get to be a part of an event as big and special as this.”
“These events are so important to us, especially the race here, because it enables us to meet a lot more qualified people than normally possible just walking around town,” said Sgt. William A. Garcia, recruiter with Recruiting Substation Horseheads and Fairfax, Virginia, native. “[The] more people you speak to, means more people you can follow up with later which translate to more people enlisting.”
The Marines set up featured a Light Armored Vehicle-Mortar Variant, two red Humvees and two tents where a team of Marines encouraged young men and women to do some pull-ups. Those who took the challenge earned lanyards, water bottles and T-Shirts, all emblazoned with the Marine name.
The recruiters with Recruiting Substation Horseheads spoke to young adults like coaches, challenging them to do some pull-ups and not quit. Many who passed by shook the Marines’ hands and thanked them for their service. Few of them were Leathernecks or prior service and used a few minutes to swap stories with the recruiters, trading laughs and parting on amicable smiles. In spite of the high temperatures and many hours standing, the recruiters kept their bearing.
“I’m always motivated because of the Marine Corps and every day I really live for the Marines I work with,” said Staff Sgt. David McDonald, commander of RSS Horseheads. “Seeing Marines every single day keeps me motivated. Then coming out here where people are showing all kinds of support for the Marines, you got to give them a smile in return.”
After three days at the racetrack, the Marines shook hands with thousands of people and a select few promised to meet again with the recruiters about a future in the United States Marines.
Finding the next generation of Marines will depend on the tireless work of these Marine recruiters. Events like this provide the Marines a means to show their E ’Spirit De Corps and find the most qualified young men and women who want to serve and continue the Leatherneck legacy.
| Date Taken: | 08.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2015 00:11 |
| Story ID: | 173006 |
| Location: | WATKINS GLEN, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 142 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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