Photo By Sgt. Scott Jenkins | U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Lee Chen, an automotive maintenance technician with Combat...... read more read more
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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — From the bustling streets of New York city to annual training in the sun-scorched ranges of the Mojave Desert, Pfc. Lee Chen’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the unique opportunities found in the Marine Corps Reserve.
Chen recently participated in Integrated Training Exercise 3-25 (ITX 3-25) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California as part of his annual training requirements for the Marine Corps Reserve. ITX is a critical Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise for the Marine Forces Reserve's training cycle, confirming unit readiness through live-fire and combined arms integration.
Chen, a motor transport mechanic with Combat Logistics Battalion 25, spends his training days inspecting and maintaining tactical vehicles, the lifeline of any convoy and logistical operation. “Day to day, we do quality checks before any of these trucks roll out,” said Chen. “We make sure there’s no obvious damage so they can carry troops, food, water, weapons, and everything needed out there. Without mechanics, a truck is just a piece of metal. If it goes down, so does the mission.”
Born in China, Chen moved to the United States with his family during middle school, settling in New York City. Adapting was not easy at first, but the diverse culture and opportunities in America inspired him to aim higher.
“I got bullied a bit in school, but over time I adjusted,” said Chen. “I learned about the military and thought the Marines did the toughest stuff. I wanted to be a part of that.”
Today, Chen balances his Marine Corps Reserve commitment with civilian life, working part-time in a doctor’s office and studying business management at Stony Brook University as a full-time college student. The Marine Corps gives him more than just mechanical skills; it has built his confidence and developed the leadership traits he knows he’ll need to move up the ranks and succeed in any career.
“As you serve longer, you’re expected to be a leader,” said Chen. “You have to be ready to make the best decision at the right time and communicate well. It’s something I’m still learning, but it’s part of why I joined.”
Chen only recently joined the Marine Corps Reserve, graduating from motor transport maintainer school only a few months ago. So far, he believes this experience is hard to find anywhere else, and one that will leave him with stories to tell for years.
“It might suck now, working on trucks in the desert, but looking back I know I’ll say, ‘Wow, I did that,’” he said. “If you’re thinking about it, just do it. It’s hard, but when you look back, it’s worth it.”
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2025 19:34 |
| Story ID: | 500655 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | NEW YORK, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 124 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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