Photo By Cpl. Samantha Foster | Timothy Rhodes, (center) poses with the Lt. Colonel Sean Henrickson and his family...... read more read more
Subscribe
MARINE CORPS AIR FORCE BEAFORT, S.C. - Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted the wish of 18 year old Timothy Rhodes Feb. 25-26. Rhodes had the opportunity to experience recruit training and Marine Corps life.
Becoming a Marine is a lot more than being physically strong. Before going to recruit training, a person has to be in excellent health before raising their right hand.
Being a United States Marine was just a dream for 18 year old Timothy Rhodes. Rhodes was ineligible to join the Corps because of an illness called cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, and causes long term breathing problems.
“I want to be a Marine for a couple of days to, in some little way give my services to my country and pay respect to soldiers that have gone before me and many that will go after me,” said Rhodes in a letter to Make-A-Wish.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children who are diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.
Rhodes began his visit as every recruit, on the yellow footprints. While on MCRD Parris Island, Rhodes completed the obstacles of the confidence course, earned his tan belt in Marine Corps Martial Arts, completed an entry level swim qualification, learned marksmanship, and rappelling. He also visited the Parris Island Museum and had the opportunity to learn about Marine Corps History.
Rhodes and his family attended a graduation ceremony aboard MCRD Parris Island before visiting MCAS Beaufort.
Upon arrival to MCAS Beaufort, Rhodes checked in with Sgt. Maj. Kecia Jordan, the sergeant major of MCAS Beaufort, and was welcomed by Lt. Col. Sean Henrickson, the executive officer of MCAS Beaufort.
He went on a ride along with the Provost Marshal’s aboard MCAS Beaufort, and was given a demonstration on how the military working dogs perform a traffic stop with an uncooperative suspect.
Rhodes also had the opportunity to be a part of the sounds of freedom over Beaufort as he flew the F/A-18 in a flight simulator.
He was given keepsakes from the Marines at almost every stop to thank him for his hard work and dedication while part of the MCAS Beaufort team.
At the end of his tour, Marines from MCAS Beaufort held an award ceremony, where Rhodes was given a certificate of appreciation signed by Col. Peter Buck, the commanding officer of MCAS Beaufort, for his contributions to the air station.
“This is something we will never forget in our life,” said Tracy Barb, Rhodes’ mother. “I just can’t express how grateful I am to everybody here and to Make-A-Wish for making this happen.”
| Date Taken: | 03.02.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2016 15:32 |
| Story ID: | 191741 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 226 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Wish granted: Teen trains with MCAS Beaufort for a day, by Cpl Samantha Foster, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
