Photo By Cpl. Abigail Brown | Brothers, Staff Sgt. Winston Clarke, the legal chief for 3rd Marine Division, III...... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan - Staff Sgt. Winston Clarke, the legal chief for 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, left his home in Jamaica in 1997 to live with his father in New York.
He joined the Marine Corps at 18 because he saw it as an opportunity to excel since many of his friends dropped out of high school.
So far he has completed two years of college and is working to finish his degree, he said.
“I first chose the Marine Corps because of the dress blues,” Winston said with a laugh. “I thought I could look good in that uniform one day, and nobody thought I could do it, so I wanted to take the challenge.”
After completing basic training and military occupational specialty school, Winston applied for orders to Okinawa, he said.
“I spent two years on Camp Foster working at Legal Service Support Section,” he said. “At that time, the tours for single people were one year long, and I was so glad to be here and away from New York City that I extended another year.”
From there, Winston said he was stationed at Parris Island, S.C., served on recruiting duty in San Diego, and then requested orders back Okinawa.
Almost 10 years later, Winston’s younger brother, Jubarie, now an administration clerk, G-1, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, followed in his footsteps.
“I wanted to get away from some bad influences that I had around me in Jamaica, so I came to the [United] States to be with my dad,” the private first class said. “My inspiration to join the Corps was my brother. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and do something good with my life.”
Winston's service was the Clarke family's first exposure to the military Jubarie said.
“When Jubarie joined he was only 17, so I was able to talk our parents into signing for him,” Winston said. “I was able to explain to them that he would have options for his future if he joined the Corps.”
After completing training, Jubarie said he applied for orders to Okinawa to be with his brother.
“People have always compared the two of us and talked about all the good things Winston has been doing,” Jubarie commented. “I wanted to come here like he did and be near him.”
The brothers say they are glad to be together after 10 years of separation.
“Now that Jubarie is stationed here, we can make up for the lost time,” Winston said. “I really think brothers should grow up together, so we have some time to catch up on.”
“I’m glad to be with him because I have a good role model,” Jubarie said. “If I ever have problems or questions, I can ask my brother since he’s been around the Marine Corps for a while.”
Winston said his service in the Corps set a bar Jubarie should strive to surpass.
“I’m very proud he decided to not only be military, but also be a Marine,” Winston commented. “Now, I want him to exceed my accomplishments.”
Jubarie commented that he would like to pursue a commissioning program.
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.01.2010 02:09 |
| Story ID: | 52205 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 86 |
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