Recruits come from all different
backgrounds. Some come from small farming towns and some from urban hot spots.
One new Marine Corps recruit recently traveled from the big city lights of Las
Vegas to sunny San Diego with dreams of becoming a Marine and carrying on a
family tradition.
Pfc. Mason A. Davis, 20, was born in
Virginia. When he was five months old, his family moved to California, and then
to Nevada when he was five. Once there, his family decided to plant their roots
in Vegas.
“It was fun growing up in Vegas,” Davis
said. “I’m not 21, so I haven’t participated in much, but I still go to the
main strip with my friends and hang out. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve
lived there, it’s still beautiful to see every night.”
Family
Tradition of Military Service
Davis grew up in a military family. His
father, grandfather and two uncles served in the Marine Corps, so he knew his
path would lead to serving his country. However, it didn’t start out that way.
He grew up playing football. Like tough
Marines who defend their country, this lineman fiercely defended his
quarterback. Once Davis reached the high school level, he decided to put a hold
on joining the military to pursue a football career.
“I trained hard to be the best I could
be,” Davis said. “There is a special feeling you get when you dig your cleats
into a football field and prove yourself better than the opposing player you’re
clashing helmets with all game.”
It wasn’t long before college offers
filled up the football player’s mailbox. One particular school caught his eye
and sparked his interest over the rest.
Plays
Football, Joins Marine Corps
“Earlham University offered me a full
ride with plenty of money, so I decided to sign with them,” Davis said. “It’s
located in Richmond, Indiana, which was a fun area to go to school.”
Although Davis played well in his games
and maintained a high grade point average, he decided to cut his football
career short for what he described as his true calling.
“After playing my first year, I was
awarded Defensive Newcomer of the Year and voted team captain,” he said. “There
was something else I needed to do, though.”
The college student left his school
with a 3.5 grade point average and set off to join the United States Marine
Corps.
“When I first got home, I immediately
got a job at Home Depot to keep money in my pocket,” Davis said. “I then went
straight to a Marine recruiter, and within a month I was on my way to recruit
training.”
Graduates
Boot Camp
Now that the new Marine has graduated
with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, he will attend Marine
Combat Training at Camp Pendleton to further his combat skills. Once he
graduates from there, he will attend school for his military occupation
specialty to become a motor transportation operator.
Davis will be a Marine Corps Reservist
and plans to go back to college in Las Vegas to earn a degree in criminal
justice.
“Carrying on the family tradition of
serving this great country has a special meaning to me,” Davis said. “I look
forward to making them proud and giving back to my country.”