Photo By Sgt. Alexis Moradian | Kakai, left, Andrew, center, and Kana Mabongar, right, poolees with Recruiting Station...... read more read more
RECRUITING STATION KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – For the Mabongor siblings, they always leaned on each other with unrelenting support and pride. The three siblings always knew they would remain closely bonded, but now will be embarking on a new journey all together - earning the title, United States Marine.
Kakai, 21, Andrew, 18, and Kana Mabongor, 19, all grew up in a family where service to the community and faith were core values. The Mabongor siblings grew up serving through a missionary with their parents to assist in medical aid. All born in different locations, with their mother’s family bringing them to Stockton, Mo., in 2023, inevitably brought them to their choice to join the United States Marine Corps.
Kakai always had a desire to serve, inspired by her father’s desire in his own upbringing.
Originally being uncertain as to how the process worked, Kakai received a mailer for a Request For Information about the United States Marine Corps, and jumped at the opportunity and lightheartedly made sure to have her brother, Andrew, there with her as she scheduled her interview.
Soon enough, Staff Sgt. Dedrik Marler, a recruiter with Recruiting Substation Joplin, arrived at their home to meet them and their mother.
“It was so cool, we were speechless seeing him get out of the van in his dress blues,” said Kakai.
Kakai and Andrew invested in an interview with Staff Sgt. Marler, as their youngest sibling, Kana, realized how many more job opportunities there could be in the Marines.
After some weeks of prayer and family discussions,, over the next few weeks the Mabongor siblings gained support for their decision from their mother and father. Their father, still residing in Uganda, used his faith from a distance to help support their three children in making the decision to serve their country, side by side.
“I wouldn't be where I am without my parents. Our Dad was loving but stern and our Mom was our teacher through life - ‘Be kind and honor God and integrity’,” expressed Kakai.
Within one week, all three siblings enlisted and began preparing for their shipping date to Recruit Training, June 16th, 2025.
The siblings will be carrying on their great uncle's legacy, a retired U.S. Marine. In 2019, they were able to meet their great uncle and were inspired by the way he carried himself with strength, respect, and kindness.
“People look at the job they want, but I am joining the Marines because it will make me the person I want to become,” exclaimed Kakai.
All siblings said that they aren't super competitive with each other, however they are building each other up.
“Growing up in Uganda we went to boarding schools, and we had no option to be there for each other,” expressed Kana.
Each sibling has their own goals and interests - whether that be fashion or acting, these future Marines aspire to build their foundation through their service.
Kana expressed that her siblings and her never considered joining another branch - they saw the Marines knew the challenge was for them.
Growing up, this family used faith, unity, and service to make it through adversity and are ready to challenge themselves and move into their future, as a team.
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2025 09:33 |
| Story ID: | 501247 |
| Location: | NEVADA, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 10 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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