Every Marine has a story on why they raised their right hand and made the commitment to be a part of something greater than themselves. From a childhood riddled with instability to being a poolee awaiting his turn to earn the title Marine, Poolee Justin Irving’s path to the Marine Corps was something he had to fight for. His journey shows that perseverance, resilience, and unwavering determination can rewrite any story. When life stacked the odds against him, he decided to stack his wins.
Growing up without a father and family members who battled homelessness and addiction, Irving’s early life was riddled with challenges that could have easily pulled him down the wrong path. He refused to allow his circumstances to define him. Irving knew he wanted to be a Marine since he was a kid. He had been talking to recruiters since his freshman year of high school, waiting until the day he was finally old enough to enlist.
Irving knew that if he wanted to become a Marine, he would have to first put in the work to become eligible.
“Everything I wanted, I would have to earn it,” he said. “Even if I couldn’t yet, I would still try.”
Irving cut back on unhealthy eating habits, took up running, and made changes to his daily routine. The change wasn’t immediate, but it was steady. Over the course of three years, Irving was able to lose 55 pounds. By this time, he was finally old enough - and healthy enough - to pursue his dream. First win was achieved.
Convincing his family to support his enlistment was an uphill battle. Being 17, Irving needed his parents’ signature to join the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). His mother was against the idea, worried about the risks and skeptical of the recruiters. Eventually, she agreed to meet at a local restaurant with his recruiter, Staff Sgt. Christopher Jordan. Though the conversation was long, Irving walked away with the signature he needed to begin his journey. For Irving, it was a good feeling to have someone believe in his potential. Second win.
“It felt like the first time someone who didn’t need to invest in me…did,” said Irving.
Jordan said Irving stood out. He possessed characteristics of someone he would want to serve with in the future. He became an official poolee on July 25, 2025. A third win to add to the collection.
“Ever since I first met him, he was energetic and goal driven, and he wasn’t going to let anyone stop him,” he said.
Jordan says Irving has an unwavering positive attitude that is infectious to the other poolees. He says he encourages his team and refuses to let anyone give up on themselves. Soon after joining the delayed entry program, he was made a squad leader. Fourth win.
“When people told me I couldn’t do it, that’s when I knew I had to,” Irving said. “I don’t like when people doubt me. That just makes me work harder.”
There was no one that could dull his ambition, he said. Now, as he prepares for recruit training, Irving is focused on improving his physical fitness and Marine Corps knowledge. He says he prefers to focus on future goals, rather than any past failures.
“What happens to someone else doesn’t define you,” he said.
For Irving, the Marine Corps represents structure, discipline, and a life purpose - a future he can build on his own terms.
“I want to be part of something bigger than myself,” he said. “I believe the Marine Corps will give me that. It’s not just a job; it’s a brotherhood and a way to become the best version of myself.”
Justin’s decision to join the Marine Corps is more than a personal achievement; it is a statement about resilience and self-belief. He recognizes that the values of honor, courage, and commitment align with his desire to rise above adversity and build a future defined by purpose. He chose to focus on successes rather than failures. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles, perseverance and determination will pave the way to success.
To learn more about becoming a Marine, visit the link in our bio.
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.06.2025 15:49 |
| Story ID: | 550482 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Hometown: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 119 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Stacking Wins: The Journey of Poolee Justin Irving, by Sgt Symira Bostic, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
