Photo By Sgt. Alexandria Nowell | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. James Lariccia, a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team 3/5,...... read more read more
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The U.S. Marine Corps is the keeper of some of the greatest leaders the United States has to offer. Cpl. James Lariccia, a team leader and assistant patrol leader with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, proves this to be true day-in and day-out.
“My dad was a Marine between 1994 and 1998,” said Lariccia. “As I was growing up, he would speak fondly of his memories and is very patriotic. When I first learned what a Marine even was, I knew that’s what I wanted to be.”
After graduating with a high school diploma, Lariccia signed the dotted line and encouraged his friends to do the same. Following 364 days of training and patiently waiting, he attended recruit training at the age of 18.
“To me, being a Marine means to be a protector,” says Lariccia. “It’s being always ready and willing to protect those who need me.”
During his time with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Lariccia attended the Advanced Infantry Marine Course for leading an infantry squad. Additionally, he has held a staff non-commissioned officer billet, as a platoon sergeant, during the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation leading up to a deployment with the 31st MEU.
“Cpl. Lariccia is arguably the number one NCO that we have in the company,” says Staff Sgt. Alfred Woods, the platoon sergeant with 3rd Platoon, BLT 3/5, 31st MEU. “His leadership style is one that effects the platoon in a positive manner. He constantly leads by example, he has a lot of junior Marines that want to emulate him when they become NCOs and is definitely one of the life lines of the platoon. When there is friction and uncertainty, we look to him in order to get things done successfully.”
Lariccia’s peers and junior Marines look to him for guidance and direction. According to his command, he has a reputation for successfully accomplishing any challenge presented to him.
“Having the opportunity to lead men with respect is one of the things that I love about my job,” says Lariccia. “What I love most is seeing the reward of being a good leader. I think the highest honor is when my guys listen to my instructions out of sheer respect, because they know that I am going to make the decisions that are best for them. That feeling fulfills me.”
Woods also stated that the impact that Lariccia made on the platoon are significant and his shoes will be difficult to fill when he leaves.
“As my time in the Marine Corps comes to a close, my main focus is on training the Marines under me,” Says Lariccia. “I want to leave a legacy of men who are confident and resilient, who work hard and strive to be phenomenal leaders.”
The future is bright for Lariccia as he plans to be a police officer to serve and protect the community.
“I undoubtedly believe that the man that the Marine Corps has influenced me to be will ensure success in my next phase of life,” says Lariccia. “Giving back to my nation and my community is the least I could do.”
Cpl. Lariccia is just one of many phenomenal members shaped by the Marine Corps; all with the same goal in mind - to protect and serve those who need us and to accomplish every mission with success.
Cpl Lariccia is currently attached to the 31st Marines Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Expeditionary Strike Group in the 7th fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
| Date Taken: | 07.14.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2021 01:18 |
| Story ID: | 403201 |
| Location: | SOLOMON SEA |
| Hometown: | STRATFORD, CT, US |
| Web Views: | 921 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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