Photo By Sgt. Symira Bostic | U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Shawn Kurcsics, a newly graduated Marine, takes a photo in...... read more read more
MESA, Ariz. – Private First Class (Pfc.) Shawn Kurcsics always knew he wanted to join the military. From a very young age, he dreamt of becoming a member of the armed forces, although he didn’t know just which branch it was that he wanted to join. He participated in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program at Queen Creek high school and worked his way up to the position of battalion commander. In his junior year, he began to visit with recruiters from the different branches to explore his options.
For Kurcsics, there was only one branch that stood out: the Marines. He felt inspired by the Marine recruiters’ professional demeanor and well-rounded leadership style. They possessed a sense of mentorship and pride that he was looking for.
“[The Marines] had weight behind their words and a different sense of pride that I connected with,” Kurcsics said.
The Marine recruiters’ unwavering support and consistent presence at JROTC events left an impact on Kurcsics. He often saw Marines at his school, which is where he met canvassing recruiter, Staff Sgt. Luis Ramirez, who helped him begin his journey to becoming a Marine.
Staff Sgt. Ramirez of Recruiting Sub-Station Queen Creek saw that Kurcsics stood out amongst his peers and displayed the qualities he looked for in future Marines.
“I was impressed [by Kurcsics],” said Ramirez. “He was one of the top athletic students at the school and everyone knew him. I had to ask myself what made this kid so motivated.”
From their first conversation, Kurcsics was convinced he had found his career path. He felt that Ramirez showed genuine interest in his goals and wanted to help him reach them. Ramirez’s dedication exemplified the sense of belonging he was looking for from the military. Kurcsics became Ramirez’s first ever poolee when he joined the Delayed Entry Program his
senior year. From the start, he stood out as leader.
“He was always pushing and motivating other poolees,” said Ramirez. “While other kids were running with nothing, he would run with gear and ammo cans at the front of the formation; always leading by example.”
Kurcsics graduated bootcamp on September 6, 2024, with Platoon 3226, Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. Their platoon was named Honor Platoon for their performance in six competitive events: Initial Drill, Final Drill, Written Exam, Rifle Range, and Physical Fitness and Combat Fitness Tests.
“We wanted to be the best,” said Kurcsics. “We had the drive to win… we were loud, proud, and hungry.”
Despite being away from the comforts of home, Kurcsics remembers his bootcamp experience positively, reflecting on the camaraderie he built with fellow recruits and the brotherhood they formed as they became Marines. He now sets his sights on his next goal and the challenges
that come with it: attend the basic reconnaissance course in pursuit of becoming a reconnaissance Marine.
“I want to make a name for myself, something my future family can be proud of, and be part of the ‘less than one percent,’” he said. Kurcsics’ drive comes from the philosophy that you ‘train how you perform’. The efforts you put into small details reflect how you perform larger tasks. He also believes that success starts with support at home and encourages parents and mentors to support their children in their pursuits – especially when building a career path as he did.
“The Marine Corps will transform your child into someone stronger mentally and physically,” said Kurcsics. “Encourage them to pursue success. Don’t shy them away because of preconceived notions… fear kills more dreams than failure ever will.”
The Marine Corps seeks those with a diverse array of capabilities to serve amongst its ranks. With over 300 available military occupations available, the opportunities are limitless. In every specialty, you’re guaranteed the tools to become an exceptional leader and gain the knowledge to succeed in your career field.
To learn more about where you belong in the Marine Corps, visit marines.com/rsphx
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.02.2024 11:48 |
| Story ID: | 482134 |
| Location: | QUEEN CREEK, ARIZONA, US |
| Hometown: | MESA, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 224 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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