Photo By Staff Sgt. Brittney Vella | Sailors with Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Waterfront Operations, teach cadets how to...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Cadets who are members of the Ambridge Area High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program in Pennsylvania arrived at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 28, 2015 to get a glimpse of Marine life. The cadets, who concluded their visit April 3, 2015, learned what it would be like to attend boot camp for a week.
Three noncommissioned officers stationed with Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay volunteered to spend the week with the cadets to ensure they’re getting an authentic Marine Corps experience. The Marines have been leading the 47 cadets in physical training each morning, and supervising their daily activities to ensure they’re being respectful to superiors, following Marine Corps customs and courtesies and instilling an instant willing obedience to all orders.
“I want to be a Marine after high school and the drill instructors are letting me get that experience,” said Ahjani Williams, an Aliquippa, Pa., native. “This experience is a blessing. Even if I end up crying one time during this experience I know that I have knowledge on (what to expect), and knowledge is power.”
Williams started the program this year and has earned the rank of lance corporal, he said. He is a sophomore and is aspiring to be an infantryman and eventually a Navy SEAL.
The cadets spent March 21, 2015, with Sailors who work at Waterfront Operations. The students split up into groups to learn about combat first aid, knot tying and how to properly throw buoys. They were also able to help patrol the waters of Kaneohe Bay to ensure everyone on the water is being safe and responsible.
“(Waterfront Ops) has been the most fun the kids have had yet,” said Thomas Short, a retired Marine master sergeant, and SNCOIC of the cadets. “This opportunity teaches (the students) discipline, (time management), organization and how to conduct every day operations. (Ordinary) high school students don’t get opportunities like this.”
Williams said this training and experience has helped him become a better leader and has made him more confident as a person.
“I have the most ribbons out of all the first year cadets,” Williams said. “I was also the second one picked for the color guard. Without joining the center, I wouldn’t be who I am today. This program is helping me improve myself and setting me up for my future.”
Sgt. Alex Blackwell, a Marine with Aircraft, Rescue and Firefighting, MCAS, and an acting drill instructor for the cadets, said volunteering helped remind him of all the responsibilities that come with being a leader.
“I am happy I volunteered because there’s more to leading than telling people what to do,” said Blackwell, an Eaton Rapids, Mich., native. “This reminds me that I need to lead by example and make sure I am also squared away.”
This was a learning experience for the cadets, Marines and Sailors who were involved. The group was able to do many activities such as hike Koko Head Crater Trail, visit the USS Arizona Memorial and spend a week in the life of a Marine.
“This is our third time to MCB Hawaii and the support when we come here is outstanding,” Short said. “Everyone bends over backwards to make our stay here as comfortable as possible.”
| Date Taken: | 03.31.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2015 16:33 |
| Story ID: | 159124 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HAWAII, US |
| Hometown: | ALIQUIPPA, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Hometown: | EATON RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, US |
| Hometown: | PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 137 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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