U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Channel O. Barrow had always known that his little brother, James Seigle, looked up to him. Ever since SSgt Barrow enlisted in the Marine Corps. James had admired the uniform, the discipline, the life and opportunities that came with being a Marine.
But Barrow never thought he’d be the one sitting across from James at a recruiter’s desk, handing him a pen.
Assigned to recruiting duty a little over a year ago, Barrow was stationed back in his hometown. Recruiting was a job he never imagined himself doing—he had always preferred the grit of the fleet Marine Corps, the adrenaline of deployments. Yet here he was, back in a crisp dress uniform, shaking hands, giving speeches, and signing young men and women into the same life he had chosen.
When James walked into the office that day, Barrow felt a strange mix of emotions. Pride, concern, disbelief.
The two brothers had always been close, despite the five-year age gap. Barrow had enlisted right after high school, becoming the first in their family to wear the uniform. James, on the other hand, had always been different—quieter, more thoughtful.
“You sure about this?” Barrow asked, his voice steady, professional.
James replied. “Yeah. I’ve thought about it for a long time, I want to provide a better life for my family.”
Barrow and his brother both grew up playing football, loving being a part of a team.
Barrow said. “The Marine Corps gave me opportunities and a way out of our small town, I know it will do the same for my brother and his family.”
Channel slid the paperwork across the desk. “Then let’s do this.”
James picked up the pen and signed his name.
When it was done, Barrow stood up and held out his hand. James shook it, he had a firm grip, steady eyes. No longer just his younger brother.
Now, he was a future Marine.
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.27.2025 04:43 |
| Story ID: | 491050 |
| Location: | SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 8 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Brothers, by Sgt Max Noel, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
