Photo By Lance Cpl. Jack Chen | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Freeman L. Whitley, an administrative specialist with Fleet...... read more read more
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NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – Where a person begins does not always indicate where they will go or how they will get there. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Freeman L. Whitley, an administration specialist with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, origins began in Little Rock, Arkansas. According to Whitley, Little Rock was known as a hostile neighborhood where tensions were high and he was wary that his future there was ominous and limited. A deficiency with communication in the neighborhood led everyone to mistrust and alienate each other.
“Tension in my hometown rose to where nobody is working together to make the town flourish.” Whitley stated, “My upbringing was definitely full of poverty and a hostile environment, however, there were some good times.”
Whitley grew up in a bustling home of nine siblings, all under the care of his hard-working single mother. Inspired by his mother’s work ethic, Whitley decided to help by working in various fast food restaurants while his siblings assisted in chores back at home. Together, they helped ease their mother's burden.
“I started working at Sonic and other fast food restaurants during the summer.” Whitley continued, “My mother was a single mother living off of minimum wage, which definitely made it challenging, but we made it through.”
After returning home from work, Whitley routinely looked after his siblings and took charge in the house. That self-imposed responsibility and initiative revealed his potential to be a leader. Despite his desire to grow as a leader, Whitley faced persistent financial challenges that limited his ability to pursue his educational goals. Whitley had to get creative to advance his leadership skills and educational goals within the limit of his budget.
Whitley stated, “I know what I wanted to do, however, opportunities weren’t provided for me. I saw everyone in school all participating in some kind of extracurricular activities, and it made me want to try doing something.”
Whitley’s aspiration to accomplish more led him into trying out the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps and Air force ROTC. The ROTC program trains young adults in mentorship and management skills to become officers in the U.S. Military. The program served as an opportunity for Whitley to further his education and continue challenging himself as a leader. During his Air Force ROTC he had the opportunity to meet a Marine recruiter, and encounter that changed his life forever.
“I saw the uniform the recruiter was wearing and thought, the uniform will definitely look good on me.” Whitley stated, “Me and the recruiter sat down and he told me ‘I think you are a smart kid, let me help you get to where you want in life. Do you want to play Varsity or Junior Varsity… just sign that dotted line.’”
Whitley joined the Marine Corps at a young age of 17. By enlisting, he was able to relieve some of his family's financial stress because he could finally support himself. Whitley now has time for the personal experience and studies that he always wanted to pursue. He is able to take advantage of what the Marine Corps provided for him and enjoys doing what he has missed earlier in life.
“The Marine Corps provided me many opportunities, like traveling, establishing a credit, and deployments.” Whitley continued, “Most importantly was education. I always enjoyed learning, but while growing up there were just too many outside factors and distractions.”
Regardless of setbacks, Whitley continues to value education because he believes it develops him personally and positively impacts those around him. During his enlistment, he became a husband and father of two children. He believes that being a good father and leader both require continuing his pursuit of knowledge and remaining physically fit.
“Now, being a leader of Marines I want to not only be fit but also be educated to lead my Marines.” Whitley continued, “Being the leader of a household and the father of two daughters, I wanted to set the right examples for their future.”
Whitley credits the Marine Corps for shaping him into who he is today. Being from a humble upbringing, he appreciates the opportunity to chart his own course that the Marine Corps provided him. Whitley commits to sharing the advantages of serving in the Marine Corps and the accomplishments that his perseverance and experience earned him with those who follow him.
“It’s always a good thing to further your education. Use every resource you can around you, because once you get out, these resources won't be available to you afterwards.” Whitley continued, “I love the Marine Corps, because everything that I have accomplished is due to the Marine Corps.”
| Date Taken: | 03.16.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 03.17.2023 10:11 |
| Story ID: | 440537 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 93 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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