Photo By Cpl. Isaiah Smith | U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Kaipuokauhanemaluhia Torres-Pestana, a rifleman with 1st...... read more read more
Subscribe
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Kaipuokauhanemaluhia Torres-Pestana carries on his family’s legacy in the Marine Corps Reserve while also pursuing his passion in the film industry.
Torres-Pestana serves as a rifleman with Apollo Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, based out of Houston, Texas.
Torres-Pestana 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.
“Two days a month, it’s not a lot,” Torres-Pestana said. “Getting to come out to Twentynine Palms for two weeks, it’s really great. Sharpens up on our skills and get better. Teamwork, communication, and just be better riflemen overall.”
When he’s not holding a rifle, Torres-Pestana is behind a camera working as a focus puller or a camera assistant.
“I had always loved movies,” he said. “I saw the movie How to Train Your Dragon when I was a kid. Ever since, I knew I wanted to make movies one day. That’s what I’m working towards.”
When Torres-Pestana grew older, he also realized he had a passion for serving his country like many others in his family who served in the Marine Corps before him.
“Joining the Reserves gave me the best of both worlds,” Torres-Pestana said. “I get to work my civilian job, which I love. It’s my passion. And I also get to come out here and have fun with the guys and train.”
The Marine Corps has benefited Torres-Pestana in ways that translate to his civilian career as well. “I’m more confident at work,” he said. "I am able to stay calm in what other people would find a stressful situation. I’m better at communicating with those above me, overall confidence and physical ability.”
Torres-Pestana urges those who have a career or passion but are interested in achieving more in their life to consider the Reserves.
“I’d say, do it,” Torres-Pestana said. “It's definitely difficult to balance the time that it does take to be a Reservist, but you’re still able to live that quote, unquote normal civilian life. If you’re looking for a challenge or a way to improve yourself, the Reserves could be an option for you.”
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2025 15:39 |
| Story ID: | 500670 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | HOUSTON, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 894 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Kaipuokauhanemaluhia Torres-Pestana Puts His Future into Focus, by Sgt Scott Jenkins, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
