What I’ve Learned: Daniel Orosco

Photo By Cpl. Thomas Mudd | Lance Cpl. Daniel Orosco, light armored vehicle mechanic, Exercise Support Division, enjoys spending time surrounded by nature or doing his hobbies hunting, fishing and carpentering. When he was 14, he built his own muzzle-loaded weapon after receiving the pieces as a Christmas present. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Thomas Mudd/Released)  

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

07.14.2016

Story by Cpl. Thomas Mudd 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

Growing up, I loved spending time outside because I feel the most at home when I’m outdoors. I love being immersed in nature, which is why I have come to enjoy hunting and fishing so much. There is something about nature that makes you feel connected to your roots.

One of the best times I had fishing was when I caught a huge fish that really put up a fight and it was great being able to reel it in. Unfortunately, after I got it out of the water it squirmed off of my hook and flopped back into the water. It was really disappointing but it was still a fun experience.

I enjoy building and working on things. It’s the challenge of putting it together like I envision it in my head that I enjoy the most. My dad would do various maintenance projects or rebuild an engine or transmission on a vehicle we were working on. I learned a lot of my skills as a mechanic and carpenter from him.

My family is close, but my parents gave me the freedom to make my own decisions. It taught me to make my own decisions but still get help and advice when I needed it.

I have a brother that I became very close with. While we were growing up, he was diagnosed with leukemia. It was a hard time for everyone but through the hardship we became very close. Fortunately, he won the battle with cancer and is well today.

Spending time outdoors, fixing cars and woodworking have always been activities that we did in my family. When I was 14, my parents asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I told them I wanted a muzzled-loaded rifle.

When I woke up Christmas day, my parents had placed a block of oak and other pieces I needed to make the rifle under the tree. They told me if I wanted it, make it myself. They really taught me how to take care of myself.

When I was about to leave for boot camp, I caught [mononucleosis] and I was not allowed to go. By the time I recovered, I had been in the delayed entry program for too long and had to redo the whole process.

I really wanted to become a Marine so I signed for an open contract. I finally left for recruit training and was told later that I was going to be a [light armored vehicle] mechanic. It was funny, because I didn’t even know what a LAV was.

It turned out to be the perfect fit for me. Working on LAVs reminds me of all the time I spent working on cars; they’re just bigger.

After I finish my time with the Marine Corps, I want to become a game warden. Though I don’t know how long I’ll be in the Marine Corps yet.

Becoming a game warden will allow me to spend a lot of time outside and enjoy myself. I also want to become one because it will give me the ability to keep the places I love safe for future generations to enjoy.

• Date Taken: 07.14.2016
• Date Posted: 07.15.2016 12:42
• Story ID: 204087
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US