Lesollen Completes Recruit Training After 14 Months

Photo By Sgt. Anthony Leite | Private First Class Richard A. Lesollen, Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, provides security while recruits traverse an obstacle during the Crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. He spent an extra ten months aboard the depot while recovering from a knee injury. Following recruit training, Lesollen will report to the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and then to the Infantry Training Battalion to become an infantryman.  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

10.31.2016

Story by Lance Cpl. Anthony Leite 

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego     

PERSEVERANCE
“I had to focus,” said Private First Class Richard A. Lesollen. “If I kicked myself down or gave up, I would just imagine all the people I’m quitting on.”
After spending 14 months at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, the Lakewood, Colo., native found the strength to overcome his injuries and the mental warfare of recruit training through the love and support of his friends and family.
Lesollen grew up constantly on the move due to his step-father’s job in construction. While in school, he worked instead of playing traditional sports. He sought out as many hours of work as possible, eager to find success.
When the family moved to Panama City, Fla., Lesollen met Marine recruiters when they visited his school.
“After I talked to them I knew I wanted to join,” said Lesollen. “I was interested, inspired and wanted to be challenged.”
Shortly after graduating from Littleton High School, Lesollen enlisted with the Marine Corps in hopes of becoming an infantryman.
He arrived aboard the depot on September 14th, 2015, to start training with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. Lesollen came to recruit training ready for physical challenges, but wasn’t sure what to expect mentally.
He found success in many events which included achieving first class scores on his physical fitness and combat fitness tests while attaining an expert qualification on the rifle range.
During his third phase of training, Lesollen injured his knee. Shortly after his final pugil sticks bout on training day 51, Lesollen sustained a torn ACL, torn Meniscus and bone contusion while running.
Not wanting to quit, Lesollen was medically dropped from Mike Company and sent to the Medical Readiness Platoon, where he was assigned a physical therapist and training regimen to get him back to his physical peak. Lesollen received not one, but two surgeries on his knee. Prior to the treatment, he realized he would be spending extra time aboard the depot.
Lesollen found support from his family throughout his extensive time at recruit training.
“Family is what matters to me the most,” said Lesollen. “I was willing to do anything to see them again.”
After spending roughly ten months as an MRP recruit, Lesollen was persistent with his doctors until he was allowed to continue recruit training.
“I just showed them I wanted to be here,” said Lesellon. “I kept telling them I was ready to go. I just wanted to prove people wrong.”
He picked up training once more with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.
After months of training and being away from his family, friends and the outside world, Lesollen will be able to leave the depot and take his well-earned leave.
“The last 14 months have been tough, but I was taught to never give in and stay on the path to success,” Said Lesollen.
Following recruit training, Lesollen will report to the School of Infantry at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and then to the Infantry Training Battalion to become an infantryman.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2016
• Date Posted: 11.04.2016 13:43
• Story ID: 213852
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US