Photo By Cpl. Anthony Ramsey | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Haley G. Gillrivera, a motor vehicle operator at The Basic...... read more read more
TRIANGLE, Va. – As the sun crested over the treetops of Quantico, illuminating the National Museum of the Marine Corps, joyous cheers erupted as two Marines reenlisted and embarked on another four-year journey together. For these Marines, this was more than a recommitment to the Marine Corps. It was a commitment to each other – as they represent a small and unique population of dual-military service members.
With their eyes set on their family’s future, Cpl. Brandon Gillrivera, a motor vehicle operator at Officer Candidates School, and Sgt. Haley Gillrivera, a motor vehicle operator at The Basic School, aim to take advantage of what the Marine Corps has to offer by reenlisting together and continuing their development in their respective careers. The Gillriveras raised their right hands proudly and reaffirmed their commitment to service.
“The military, in general, can be more family-oriented than people think, with life insurance, health insurance, benefits, and just being able to provide in today’s economy,” the Gillriveras remarked.
For Sgt. Haley Gillrivera, this meant committing another four years with a lateral move into the career planner field, continuing her development as a leader, and sharing her love of service with her husband. For Cpl. Brandon Gillrivera, it was about inspiring his family by providing them with someone to look up to and continuing to be a good example for his younger siblings.
“It feels good,” Sgt. Haley Gillrivera said. “I went back and forth on whether to stay in or get out, and reenlisting together isn’t just a commitment to the Marine Corps. It’s a commitment to each other and our family.”
The Gillriveras are a shining example of what dual-military families are capable of. Moments before the couple swore in for another four years, Sgt. Haley Gillrivera was promoted to sergeant making the occasion even more momentous with a promotion and reenlistment ceremony all in the same day. Ceremonies such as this are rare within the Marine Corps.
Sacrifices and balance have allowed the Gillriveras to reach this point. The couple stated the Marine Corps takes up a lot of time, but it hasn’t stopped them from making their young daughter and relationship a priority.
Balancing personal life and the Marine Corps can be a challenge and requires dedication and mutual understanding between both service members. Despite these challenges, the Gillriveras continue to grow as Marines and became successful within their military occupational specialties. From balancing family life to performing their duties as Marines, they proved it is not impossible.
“Being able to spend time with your family after a long day feels really good,” Sgt. Haley Gillrivera said.
Moving around was another struggle for the couple, but the Marine Corps understood and adapted a plan that would allow them to continue serving together in the same geographic location. Both agreed that another challenge, aside from balancing work and their relationship, was time apart. The couple said their key to success is to make every moment they have together count.
Being a dual-military couple does have its perks. Both Gillriveras agreed they can relate to life as service members and the trials that come with being active-duty Marines.
Having that level of understanding can be vital for successful communication. “It makes you better appreciate when you do see your family and highlights the importance of spending time with your children because you’re working and having other commitments at the end of the day,” the couple expressed.
“The military is a great steppingstone, or it can be a career if you want it to be, stated Cpl. Brandon Gillrivera. “Reenlist, I’d say, because the grass is greener on this side.”
The Gillriveras’ reenlistments come at a time when the Marine Corps is working diligently to ensure dual-military service members can continue serving within the same geographic location. The recent creation of a dual-military coordinator billet highlights the service’s dedication to supporting dual-military couples and their families.
The dual-military coordinator helps talented Marines stay in uniform while keeping their family together. It’s a professional and personal win for Marines. It demonstrates the service’s dedication to refining policies and processes to best serve the individual Marine and optimize the capability of the force.
Staff Sgt. Nancy Acuna, the Marine appointed as the dual-military coordinator within Manpower Management Enlisted Assignments, provides resources for dual-military families, offers guidance on career options for geolocation selection, advises on execution timelines, and processes information on available programs.
“My job is to ensure that dual-military families feel supported by the service,” declared Acuna. “They’ve made the commitment to the Marine Corps, and we recognize them by making the orders assignments process as concise and easy as possible.”
Reenlisting as a dual-military couple has set this small family up for success now and in the long run. Whatever challenges await, they’ll have the comfort of knowing the Marine Corps understands and offers support for dual-military service members like them.
“Use everything the military has to offer to the best of your advantage,” Sgt. Haley Gillrivera advised.
| Date Taken: | 08.27.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.29.2024 10:11 |
| Story ID: | 479560 |
| Location: | TRIANGLE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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