Some people just know what they want to do when they grow up. That was the case for Belle Plaine High School graduate Skyler Stinnett.

“I decided to join the Marines because it has been a goal of mine since I was two years old,” said the former football and baseball player.

A recent graduate, Stinnett shipped off to basic training and began his journey into the Marine Corps fresh out of high school. Like many of his peers, Stinnett enjoyed life as a student-athlete, but the calling to become a Marine and further his place in the world was too much. In the Marine Corps, Stinnett will serve as a 2111 or Small Arms Technician. Serving in the Marines is somewhat of a family tradition.

“My uncle was a U.S. Marine and that also helped lead me to my decision on becoming a Marine,” said Stinnett. “I did not check into another branch of service, as soon as I had the chance I went straight to my recruiter and signed on with the Marines. I knew there was no other branch for me other than the Marines as soon as I stepped into the recruiting station for the first time.”

For Stinnett, the recruiting process was an easy one and knowing he was fulling his dream made it that much sweeter.

“The recruiting process was really smooth for me. My recruiter, SSgt Crouch helped me in multiple ways. He always went above and beyond to make sure his poolees (recruits) were in check and answered any questions that any of us had,” said Stinnett.

Now that he is in the Marine Corps, Stinnett is looking forward to utilizing his GI Bill to help pay for college.

He offers this advice to anyone looking to join the U.S. Marines.

“My advice to any other students planning on joining the military is to go above and beyond, stay loud and motivated and to always volunteer for everything no matter how bad it is,” said Stinnett.