Photo By Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas | Staff Sgt. Stuart DiPaolo, a maintenance chief with 1st Marine Raider Support...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – On Oct. 5, 2015, Staff Sgt. Stuart DiPaolo, a maintenance chief with 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion, was conducting all-terrain vehicle training when his vehicle rolled over, causing severe damage to his brain, neck, and face. After three years of recovery, DiPaolo is back on active duty and preparing for the next chapter of his life by completing the Career Course Seminar on Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 31, 2018.
"I finished the Career Course because I want to be a gunny, I want to stay in," said DiPaolo. "Due to my accident I have to medically retire because I'm not fit for duty anymore, but that won't stop me from trying."
The Career Course Seminar is a rigorous 15-week program teaching staff sergeants how to be effective mentors and coaches, and to clearly identify their roles as staff non-commissioned officers in the Marine Corps.
"It was challenging, like anything else in the Marine Corps, but it has to be challenging for you to get anything out of it," said DiPaolo.
DiPaolo completed the course to learn leadership and mentoring skills he can use to assist injured veterans once he retires. Although he spent a few years of his life in various hospitals recovering from his injuries, he's making up that time by positively influencing the lives of others.
“All he's ever wanted is to stay in the Marine Corps until he's old and crusty," said Michelline DiPaolo, his wife. "Now he wants to inspire and help other injured servicemembers."
| Date Taken: | 05.31.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.04.2018 19:10 |
| Story ID: | 279123 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 1,507 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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