Photo By Sgt. Tyler Vernaza | Lance Cpl. Jordan Chicano, armorer for the staff non-commissioned officer academy on...... read more read more
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CAMP HANSEN, Japan - Lance Cpl. Jordan Chicano joined the Marine Corps at 17. Anxious to earn the title of Marine, and ready to become the man the Marine Corps would mold him in to, Chicano wasted no time enlisting.
Two months after graduating high school, Chicano left his hometown in Wolcott, Conn., for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.
“I definitely felt excited about getting out and seeing the world for myself,” said Chicano, armorer for the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “I wanted everything that came with being a Marine: the camaraderie, the mental strength and just being a part of something.”
In school, Chicano loved being challenged. Playing football, soccer and running track gave him a competitive outlet to focus most of his time.
Although Chicano works long, varying hours, he never compromises his core values.
“Chicano is all about military appearance,” said Lance Cpl. Frank Becerra, a SNCOA supply clerk. “Anything he does, he does with pride.”
With Chicano’s responsibilities as the only armorer for the SNCOA and his list of odd jobs, he believes experience is the best teacher.
“In an average day, I could drive the safety vehicle for the Sergeants Course’s physical training in the mornings, issue laundry to incoming students, pick up mail, clean the warehouse, do limited technical weapons inspections, room inspections or any number of things,” he said. “I’m always doing something, so I’m always getting better. That’s the way I see it.”
Chicano is most known for his work ethic and dedication to his duty, recognized not only by his peers but by many of those senior to him.
“Chicano is my 'fire and forget' Marine. I can task him with multiple things and not have to worry about them getting done,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. John McGrath, SNCOA deputy director.
After his first enlistment, Chicano plans to apply to college at the University of Connecticut in his hometown. Chicano hopes to major in Criminal Justice and become a law enforcement officer.
| Date Taken: | 08.11.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.10.2011 23:41 |
| Story ID: | 75161 |
| Location: | CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 104 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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