Growing Up In A Marine Corps Family Has Changed My Life

Growing up as the son of a career Naval Officer, I have experienced a background that varies greatly from that of an applicant who has grown up in a strictly civilian family. The constant relocation, the exciting places I have lived, and the countless great, unique people I have met, have all contributed that that he unique childhood I have enjoyed. While at times my identity as a military child has made life challenging and difficult, I strongly believe that it has made me a stronger, more adaptable person because I have been molded by past experiences and I don't think that my application would be complete without this information.

Ideal- The Marines Embody more of my personal views and ideals then the other branches of the armed services.

There are many different cultures or social groups that have a language barrier whether that is because of religion, race, or social differences. These language barriers eventually will have to be overcome so that we can all communicate with each other. Out of these social groups, comes the greatest fighting force in the World, The Marine Corps. Marines have a very unique language dialog that has been preserved for hundreds of years Unfortunately, there comes a point in time when a Marine must transition out of the Marine Corps into the “Civilian World” (as we call it). Transitioning is a very exciting time for Marines but it also is very difficult time due to the strong language community that we belong to.

After much thought and discussion with a mentor in my community, I walked up to my parents when they were relaxing in the living rooms and blurted “I am enlisting in the Marine Corps”. It came out rushed and my dad’s first response was “no you are not”, and of course I replied, “Yes I am”. A big argument broke out after that and it took a few weeks for the waters to settle. My parents really wanted me to go to college, and I really wanted to join the military. Oak Park tends to produce a lot of college-bound graduates, and for those who do not go to college, they become Marines. A deal was settled, my dad knew of NROTC, and he convinced me that it was in my best interest to become an officer. After a lot of stubbornness on my end, I agreed

I, Cpl Nathaniel K. Bouffard was born on June 15, 1996 in Burlington, Vermont. Where I then went to Flynn Elementary School from kindergarten to 5th grade. After that I went to City Middle school. Then for high school I went to Bellows Free Academy, where I graduate from. I decided to join the Marine Corps half way through my senior year in high school. I decided I was not ready for college, I figured I would be focusing more on social life then schooling. So I thought the military was the best option. I chose the Marine Corps over all the other branches because in my eyes and to this day the Corps is the elite fighting force of the world. I also am a fourth generation Marine in my family my great grandfather was a Sergeant in the Marine corps in WWII. My grandfather was a Sergeant during the Korean War, he later changed branches into the Airforce and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. His brother my great uncle was a Marine Sergeant during the Korean War as

Moving all the way to Texas, has had a significant impact on my life. For the first time I was living by myself. Every decision I make is my alone. This was and still is a test of self-discipline. While my parents weren't overly controlling, there isn't any outside factor influencing my decisions. I, and

It was the year of 2023 I just got out of San diego Marine corps Infantry training. I work with the L.A.V squad team. I shot the light machine gun on the top of are vehicle Some what known as a rifleman. We are the first to go into a war zone to check it out before we all go into fight.

Today I would not be the strong devoted person I am if I did not grow up the way I did. I have a different outlook on life. I came from a country torn by war and genocide. The aftermath of war is not pleasant, however, I also came to the land of freedom, where my family and I were given the right to live the American dream. I came not knowing a word of English. I was devoted so I learned English and now I speak it

Life experiences, thus far, have taught me the importance of adaptability, patience, perseverance, and understanding. I was raised in a culture which is very different from the mainstream norms and was financially unstable for the first half of my life. By fully integrating myself within the diverse nature of the United States, I was able to ordinary member of society.

I was brought up in a broken family where education was not a priority. I was shipped around from relative to relative and eventually I ended up in being place a couple of group homes. I was what some might call a problem child. I once went to a wilderness camp, there I learned a lot about surviving of the land and team work. This started my love affair with the great outdoors. I am grateful for the lessons that were taught to me. I learned to hunt, fish, and live off of the land. There are all things that I continue to love in my life now.

I enlisted in the Marine Corps so that I could better myself and give back to my country. I truly believe that the Marine Corps will always do more for me than I can give back. However, I will do all I can to contribute to the Marine Corps. And, I believe that one thing I can do to contribute to the Marine Corps is to improve myself as much as I possibly can so that I have more to give. I believe that I have a good starting point from which I will only better myself and become a better leader for the Marine Corps. I have experience being a leader in sports. I have been playing baseball since I was about five and I have never been satisfied with my abilities. If I was not doing well I worked as hard as I possibly could to improve myself. On

Ever since I can remember I have admired the way Mother Nature conducts herself in that monumental struggle called life. At the very moment in which the spark of life ignites everything has an even chance to make it, or fail. And so it was with the United States Marine Corps in what proved to be a long hot summer for South Carolina, in the year 1966 Anno Domini.

I joined the Marine Corps looking for a challenge. I wanted to open doors for a new career and longed to have a positive impact on the world around me. Looking back five years later, I realize I found all that I originally sought, but I’ve also found something profoundly satisfying and meaningful that I never knew I was missing.

The environment, family, and community I have grown up in has shaped me as a person. So far, I grew up in the same house all seventeen years of my life. My personality has grown and molded over the years of middle school and high school based off the lessons I have learned and the things I’ve been through.

As a teenager who had everything in life, I had an attitude. I was full of myself. My parents always gave me more than what I really deserved, and I thought I could do basically anything. I had no fear whatsoever of getting into trouble. When I decided to leave the country to attend college, everything changed for me. Not only did I experience life alone in a different country, with a different culture and a different language, but also I had to embrace humility in order to make new