Every year juniors and seniors across the country begin to determine what their next step is after they graduate from high school. Some will be lucky enough to play sports on scholarship, while other will attend college or a technical trade school. A small percentage will embark on a journey that will take them to places they have only seen on television.
SSgt Zachary Travis is a recruiter for the United States Marine Corps in the Wichita area and the most common questions he receives from potential recruits is, “What is it like being a Marine?”
“The answer to that question is rather complex. It’s fun and exciting, no two days are ever the same. There are days where it is incredibly difficult, but when you overcome whatever task, it is you have to accomplish you feel a since of pride and accomplishment. Once you become a Marine, you feel as though anything else life can throw at you will be easy. You learn to be efficient in all that you do, and you come out the other side as a person who can be relied upon and respected,” said SSgt Travis.
SSgt Travis said there are many traits that make a good recruit, including the willingness to help others.
“A recruit who makes a good Marine is a recruit willing to go out of their way to help others overcome the challenges each recruit faces. They don’t have to be the most physically fit or the best at anything in particular. As long as they rise to the challenge and bring others up with them as they overcome the obstacles faced by Marine Corps recruits, they are an ideal recruit,” said SSgt Travis.
Within his recruit station area of coverage (Wichita Schools, El Dorado, Flint Hills, Leon, Andover, Ark City, Rose Hill, Derby, Mulvane, Eureka, Winfield, Caldwell, Udall, Douglass, Haysville, Argonia, Belle Plaine, South Haven, Conway Springs) SSgt Travis and his staff come in contact with many high school students who want to know more about the benefits you receive while serving. SSgt Travis said the first benefit upon graduating boot camp is the honor of calling yourself a United State Marine.
“They will receive approximately 12 college credit hours, full medical and dental coverage, steady income and some lifelong friends,” said SSgt Travis.
The 11-year veteran of the Marines added, “My best advice to someone who is interested in the military, is to reach out. If you are unsure about what branch to look into, take the same approach you would, to buying a car; See what everyone has to offer and see which one fits you best. What has worked for someone in the past may not work the same for you, so see which branch appeals to you the most.
If you’re interested in continuing this discussion with SSgt Travis, you can reach him at (316)682-3173. They can also be reached on Facebook at Marine Corps Recruiting Station Wichita-South and finally, www.Marines.com.
