RECRUITING STATION FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Twin sisters Mayra and Kimberly Diaz, Irving, Texas Natives, shipped out to Marine Corps Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot (MCRD) San Diego from Recruiting Sub-Station (RSS) Irving, Recruiting Station Fort Worth, Texas, April 1, 2024.
Born just minutes apart, Mayra and Kimberly shared more than just a birthday; they shared dreams, aspirations, and an unyielding determination to conquer life’s challenges together. From childhood adventures to high school and college triumphs, these twins epitomized the essence of sisterhood. Their competitive spirits fueling their every endeavor. Growing up, they were often mistaken for mirror images, their similarities extending beyond physical appearance to their unwavering commitment to each other.
Their journey was inspired when their younger brother, Lance Cpl. Jesus Diaz, a motor transport operator, enlisted in the Marine Corps on August 21, 2023. Jesus started a legacy of honor and duty, graduating Marine Corps boot camp on November 17, 2023, and becoming the first Marine in their family. Inspired by his actions, Mayra and Kimberly found a new calling. Together, they made a pact to follow in his footsteps, embarking on a path that would test their physical and mental endurance like never before.
“We were able to go see our brother’s graduation in San Diego,” Mayra recalls. “Once we’ve seen the graduation and the museum, we could tell how much honor, pride, and discipline that the Marines had. Not only the Marines, but how proud the families were too. I wanted something like that.”
After speaking with United States Marine Corps Staff Sgt. John Cano, a Recruiter with Recruiting Sub-Station (RSS) Irving , who had previously contracted their younger brother, the twins had set their goals and ambitions to become better than themselves.
“I look for three things when finding individuals who want to be Marines,” said Cano. “Those who desire to be different, desire to be surrounded with like-minded people, and those who desire to perform above average tasks that are outside of the social norm.”
After joining the Delayed Entry Program, the twins had become determined Poolees at RSS Irving. Now more motivated than ever to overcome their shortcomings. They embarked on a rigorous training regimen, pushing each other to the limits and beyond. From pre-dawn workouts to post-dusk runs, they stood side by side to propel forward.
“They brought a ton of energy to the RSS,” Cano remarked. “They were always in high spirit. When they showed up to Physical Training, they always brought something different each time. Motivation and high energy. Their mindset was unmatched.”
As the weeks turned into months, Mayra and Kimberly felt their mind and bodies transform. Where there was once hesitation, there was now confidence. When there was once weakness, there was now strength. Mile after mile, they pushed not only each other, but other Poolees in the RSS.
“It’s intense,” said Kimberly. “It’s definitely a challenge but it’s fun. It’s a lot of teamwork and it’s the people to the left and right of you who make it better. If I see my sister push past me when I’m struggling, then I tell myself I can do it too.”
As the twin sisters shipped out to MCRD San Diego for Recruit Training, they will embody the Marine Corps’ core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Through preparation for physical training and sacrifices made, they demonstrated dedication and commitment. With these values, they will embrace the challenges that lay ahead of the “Yellow Footprints” together.
| Date Taken: | 02.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.14.2025 13:34 |
| Story ID: | 490168 |
| Location: | IRVING, US |
| Hometown: | IRVING, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Twin Sisters Forge Ahead in the Marine Corps, by Cpl Jaiden Sangster, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
