What I've Learned: Heather Keasler

Photo By Staff Sgt. Connor Hancock | Sgt. Heather Keasler, platoon sergeant, Installation Personnel Administration Center, enjoys studying language and culture to broaden her understanding about the world. She hopes to become a drill instructor and help make Marines who will excel above the highest military standard.  

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

11.24.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Connor Hancock 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Sgt. Heather Keasler enjoys studying language and culture to broaden her understanding about the world. She hopes to become a drill instructor and help make Marines who will excel above the highest military standard.

What I’ve Learned: Heather Keasler
Sgt., platoon sergeant, Installation Personnel Administration Center
Jefferson, Texas
Age: 24
Interviewed and photographed by Lance Cpl. Connor Hancock

I grew up in Jefferson, Texas. It’s a small historical town. Growing up there made me passionate about history because there’s a lot to appreciate. I like looking at history because a single person’s small decisions can have a huge ripple effect on the future.

In my years before the Marine Corps, I got the opportunity to live on a ranch and earn my stay taking care of horses. I still keep a close relationship with the ranchers and my favorite horse, Jeffery.

I do a lot of outdoor activities like skateboarding, hiking, and running, but I also enjoy hobbies that challenge me mentally. I play violin and enjoy learning new languages.

I’m interested in culture and history. Looking back in the past, creativity was a requirement for survival. Nowadays, it’s easy to take technology for granted and lose creativity.

I have an older sister and a younger brother. When I visited my family after coming home from recruit training, my brother saw the pride I had. It had some influence on him becoming a Marine.

I spent my first enlistment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and have been at the Combat Center since. My goal is to return to Parris Island as a drill instructor after completing Sergeant’s Course.

During my free time I practice calligraphy and stationary. I’m an old school communicator and I rarely text message people. Anything that is meaningful is worth taking the time to write. I hand-make the envelopes and seal them with my own calligraphy signature stamp.

I want to keep motivation strong in the Fleet Marine Force. I’ve seen a lot of Marines nearing the end of their active service, who have dropped their packs. There will always be good and bad days, you just have to focus on what you’re grateful for.

I missed opportunities to be stationed in Guam and Okinawa, but I learned to take it as a blessing. There are a lot of opportunities the military gives us and I’m lucky to be stationed somewhere I can pursue good educational courses.

Being a Marine can be physically and mentally demanding at times, but it’s for your own good. A lot of side tasks some Marines complain about will only help them in the end. Whether you’re on a working party or standing a post, learning how to adapt to challenges is going to make you a better leader when you have Marines to instruct.

My advice is don’t get upset with the small obstacles life may throw at you. If you’re healthy and alive, you’ll always have something to be thankful for.

• Date Taken: 11.24.2015
• Date Posted: 11.24.2015 12:24
• Story ID: 182743
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US