Photo By Cpl. Krista James | Sgt. Christian Andino, a recruiter with Recruiting Sub Station Anniston, Ala., arrived...... read more read more
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ANNISTON, Ala. - “I am convinced there is no smarter, handier or more adaptable body of troops (U.S. Marines) in the world…always spick and span, ready at an instants notice for duty, the nation owes them a great debt.”
For many Marines, it is words like that of Winston Churchill that inspire them to become a part of the Marine Corps.
Sgt. Christian Andino, a recruiter with Recruiting Sub Station Anniston, Alabama, and Miami, Florida native, said he joined the Marine Corps for all of the intangibles.
“All services offer the same benefits, but the Marines were a challenge and I love the pride, the skills only Marines have, work ethic and the poise we carry,” Andino said.
Challenge, Andino said, is exactly what he got when he arrived at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in June 2009.
“Bootcamp was my biggest challenge. We have the reputation of being the hardest, physically and mentally,” Andino said. “After that achievement, I felt like I could accomplish anything.”
Andino said he had the chance of traveling the world with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit while attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotar Squadron 266 out of New River, North Carolina.
Andino also said that while on the 26th MEU he was able to aid in humanitarian assistance, crisis contingency and tactical landing zones in places such as Jordan, Oman and Djibouti.
“I wanted to travel. I got that chance with the Marines. Not many 18-19 year olds live in Japan for two years after growing up like I did and then go on a MEU,” Andino said. “I have grown as a human being. My knowledge and mindset has expanded beyond what a college or civilian job can do alone.”
Andino said that for anyone who is considering choosing the Marines, all you have to do is take the first step.
“What do you want to do and who do you want to be? Life is full of influencers, good and bad,” Andino said. “Take life by the horns and make your own decisions. Don’t ever regret not joining because someone else prevented you from it. Do what makes you happy and become a part of the finest organization in the world.”
| Date Taken: | 03.23.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.23.2016 09:59 |
| Story ID: | 193255 |
| Location: | ANNISTON, AL, US |
| Hometown: | MIAMI, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 421 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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