Mr. Osvaldo Ruiz Garces

I joined the Marine Corps with a sense of duty. From the moment I stepped into MCRD for Basic Training, I knew this would be one of the biggest challenges I would face. From the relentless Drill Instructors pushing us to our limits daily to the intense physical demands and the mental strain we would get put under, sometimes I felt like I couldn't go on, but I remembered the advice I always kept telling myself: "Do It For Your Momma".
Despite the hardships, I made some incredible memories and forged an amazing brotherhood. My fellow Recruits/Marines and I bonded over shared experiences, from grueling I.T sessions to ordinary stories about our old lives back home as civilians. We learned to rely on each other, and that camaraderie became the foundation of our strength. Together we laughed, struggled, got in trouble, and celebrated every small victory.
As I graduated from Basic Training and earned the title of a United States Marine, I felt an immense sense of pride. I had not only survived but thrived in an environment designed to break the weak, but in a single year, I would graduate twice. I know that the journey that still waits ahead will still be challenging, but I was ready to face it head-on. I was determined to be a good Marine and to uphold the core values of (Honor, Courage, and Commitment), and continue making memories and friendships that would last a lifetime.