Photo By Sgt. Shellie Hall | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alejandro Guidry, a canvassing recruiter with Recruiting...... read more read more
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Honor, courage and commitment are the three core values of the Marine Corps. Commitment, which requires dedication to oneself, one’s family, and one’s country, can be defined as an obligation, pledge, or promise.
The commitments of each person are vastly different, but U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alejandro Guidry, a canvassing recruiter with Recruiting Substation Jackson, Recruiting Station Baton Rouge, and native of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, is committed to improving the lives of young men and women in his community, the lives of his family, and his own life.
In fact, Guidry volunteered for recruiting duty in hopes of receiving a meritorious promotion after recognizing the unlikelihood of getting promoted without it. Guidry had been a sergeant for five years – one quarter of the time required for retirement in the Marines – and still wasn’t in the regular promotion zone for his primary military occupational specialty of engineer equipment mechanic. Due to high retention of senior leadership compared to manpower needs in his specific job field, Guidry would have to explore other avenues for accelerated promotion.
“Recruiting duty has the most allocations for meritorious promotion, so I decided it was the best option for my career,” explained Guidry.
After serving 16 months on recruiting duty, Guidry’ received his reward. He was selected in May to be meritoriously promoted to staff sergeant. However, this promotion did not come without challenges. Marine Corps recruiters work in excess of 60 hours a week to find the next generation of Marines who meet strict standards and uphold the Corps’ values, giving recruiters less free time with their family.
”The most challenging part is trying to balance my time with my family and accomplish my mission as a canvassing recruiter,” said Guidry. “In order to be a successful recruiter, you have to grind 24/7. Many calls and messages I send throughout the day usually follow me home at night, during the time that is supposed to be for my family.”
His family understands his commitment as recruiter but takes pride in his recent achievement.
“I’m the only one who sees both sides – the struggles and success,” said Candace, Guidry’s wife. “He always pushed his way through the things that would break most. I am so proud of him and everything he continues to accomplish.”
Despite the hardships of the duty, Guidry remains honored to change the lives of the young men and women he meets on a daily basis. He and his fellow recruiters provide future Marines with tools and knowledge to become successful Marines and better citizens.
“[Recruiters] change people’s lives and give them an opportunity to do something great,” said Guidry.
“One of the first guys I recruited came from a very poor family and didn’t have the luxuries most people have.
This individual had no cell phone, no furniture in his house and had a pretty hard life growing up, but he wanted to better himself and change his current circumstances. This Marine now has his own place to call home and the luxuries we all take for granted.”
| Date Taken: | 05.30.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 06.02.2020 16:45 |
| Story ID: | 371173 |
| Location: | BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 597 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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