PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. Oct. 3, 2024 – In just a few months, Lance Cpl. Madison Hamby has transformed from a fresh recruit to a determined Marine. We met her just before Christmas when she was Recruit Hamby. Now back in Arizona on recruiters’ assistance (RA), she reflects on what she has learned so far.
Hamby graduated bootcamp in February 2024. After graduation, new Marines go home for 10 days of well-deserved leave. The first place Hamby went was her mother’s, where a large family dinner was waiting for her. They showed her the video messages they made for her while she was in training, and it warmed her to see the amount of support she had from her family. While being home was refreshing, it was an entirely new transition.
“It was weird, I was in such recruit mode, I had to deprogram myself a bit.”, Hamby recalled.
Hamby talked about walking into her room again for the first time and how it brought a whole new realization for her. She was no longer the high schooler that had left home only three months ago.
“You feel changed – you see everything you used to do and realize you have this drive for more.”
According to Hamby’s family, the most noticeable change was her confidence. When asked about her overall thoughts, Hamby confessed that boot camp challenged her more mentally than physically. Homesickness being one of her biggest obstacles.
“Your brain likes to give up on you before your body does,” she explained. “You have to push past that mental barrier, push past the homesickness, and focus on the task at hand. Once I figured that out, everything got easier.”
The support from home made all the difference during the toughest days. Her mother sent letters almost daily, providing a grounding reminder of who she was while going through these challenges.
“It helped with the homesickness. Having that physical evidence of their support while in isolation made a huge difference. It reassured me that they were doing okay.”
The Marine Corps has also introduced Hamby to an entirely new support system. The Marines she built bonds with during her training have become an extension of her family.
“You hear about the brotherhood and sisterhood, but you don’t really know until you experience it,” she said.
These relationships have become foundational for Hamby, transforming the way she views teamwork and trust.
“I didn’t really rely on anyone outside my family; in the Marine Corps you find people you want to spend every minute with – people you couldn’t imagine doing your job without.”
Hamby now has just a couple weeks left on RA, but the thought of learning and advancing in her career fills her with anticipation. After her time, she will return to the training pipeline to learn the mechanical side of being on a CH-53 aircrew. A dream come true, she says. Though, prior to speaking with a recruiter, she had never considered the Marine Corps as a means to realize her dream.
“I was going to go to college for aerospace engineering,” she remembered. “I always loved flying, and when I found out the Marines would allow me to be a part of an aircrew, I jumped at the opportunity. No one my age is flying around in helicopters.”
Hamby recommends others who have never considered joining to have the conversation same as she did. You never know the opportunities available until you ask.
“Do your own research. Think outside the box and don’t just do what everyone tells you to do. Make decisions based on what you want,” she said.
As Hamby looks toward her future in the Marine Corps, she reflects on the guiding principles that have helped her on her journey.
“Don’t give up on yourself. You can go so much further than you think, especially with the right people around you.”
Whether it’s her family or her fellow Marines, the support Hamby received has strengthened her to push through any challenges. For now, she is focused on learning her job, growing as a person, and taking advantage of every opportunity the Marine Corps offers her to excel. While she hasn’t decided if the Marine Corps will be a lifelong thing, she said she is certain it’s all going to be worth it in the end.
If you are interested in learning more about how the Marine Corps can support you in pursuing your dreams, visit rmi.marines.com/rsphoenix.
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.31.2024 19:17 |
| Story ID: | 484261 |
| Location: | SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA, US |
| Hometown: | SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 154 |
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