The 37th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, talks with attendees of the USS Harrisburg Christening breakfast in Pascagoula, Mississippi on Jan. 11, 2025. Gen. Mahoney served as the senior Marine representative for the USS Harrisburg Christening Ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Juaquin Greaves)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Benjamin Smith, known in the ring as “El Salvaje,” has overcome a childhood of foster care and loss to become both a successful Marine and mixed martial artist. Growing up in Idaho, Smith lost both parents before age five and bounced between foster homes, often using physical activity to cope with adversity. After being adopted, he developed a strong work ethic and later joined the Marine Corps at 17.
While...
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Benjamin Smith, known in the ring as “El Salvaje,” has overcome a childhood of foster care and loss to become both a successful Marine and mixed martial artist. Growing up in Idaho, Smith lost both parents before age five and bounced between foster homes, often using physical activity to cope with adversity. After being adopted, he developed a strong work ethic and later joined the Marine Corps at 17.
While...
