RECRUITING STATION FORT WORTH, TEXAS — U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Mason S. Wells, an infantryman with Recruiting Sub-Station (RSS) Irving, Recruiting Station Fort Worth, 8th Marine Corps District, always dreamed of joining the military, but for years prior, it felt out of reach. Weighing at his highest of almost 300 pounds at the age of 16, Wells struggled with obesity, a lack of discipline, and little motivation to change. Yet today, the 17-year-old Marine stands tall in his uniform, proud of the transformation that made his dream a reality.
“I was honestly just tired of being lazy and insecure my whole life,” Wells said. “So I figured there’s no better way to change that than to serve my country and become a Marine.”
Wells credits his turnaround to a life-changing conversation with U.S. Marine Corps Recruiter Sgt. Rachel A. Elliott with RSS Irving. After his senior year of high school, Elliott made Wells aware of the challenges ahead, making it clear that meeting the Corps’ strict physical standards would require immense effort.
“After our initial interview I had no doubt in my mind that he was going to make a great Marine,” Elliott said. “I told him all of the physical requirements and standards the Marine Corps has in place, where he was sitting at compared to those standards, and he told me, ‘I got it, I'll get there.’"
Determined to enlist, Wells began making drastic changes to his lifestyle. He swapped fast food for lean proteins and vegetables, started running daily, and committed to the weekly RSS workout routines. He and his recruiter set small-achievable goals, celebrating every pound shed and every improvement in his endurance.
“I learned to really push through when things got hard,” he said. “I realized that motivation alone is not enough — I had to develop the discipline to stick to my diet and training regardless of how I felt in the moment because I knew I wanted this.”
By the time Wells was ready for boot camp, he had shed nearly 50 pounds, weighing in at 195 pounds. His transformation wasn’t just physical; he also gained the mental toughness and discipline that prepared him for the challenges he would face on Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Boot camp pushed Wells to his limits, but the discipline and habits he developed during his weight-loss journey helped him meet the challenges head-on. His performance during training set him apart from his peers, earning him the role of squad leader.
Wells’ leadership and dedication were further recognized when he was meritoriously promoted upon graduation—an honor awarded to recruits who demonstrate exceptional ability and commitment.
“It’s crazy to look back on boot camp,” Wells recalled. “To think only a few months ago I was fat, lazy, and undisciplined. I would have never even thought that I could make it through.”
Now, as a new basic trained Marine, Wells carries a new sense of purpose. He has developed healthy habits, a strong work ethic, and a drive to excel in his career.
“The Marine Corps changed my life,” he said. “I’ve become a lot more confident in everything I do. I get compliments from my peers, friends, family, and it’s a great feeling to feel recognized. I’m more aware of my healthy eating and fitness habits.”
Wells hopes his story will inspire others who feel like their goals are out of reach. He emphasizes that transformation doesn’t happen overnight but starts with a single decision to change.
“There’s always going to be time for you to do something,” Wells said. “Don’t ever think that it’s too late or you’re out of time. You just have to stay consistent and believe in what you’re working for.”
As he looks ahead to his future in the Marine Corps, Wells is eager to continue challenging himself and serving his country. For him, the journey from an overweight teenager to a disciplined Marine is just the beginning.
(U.S. Marine Corps feature story by Sgt. Jaiden O. Sangster)
| Date Taken: | 01.21.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.05.2025 10:48 |
| Story ID: | 489395 |
| Location: | FORT WORTH, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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