Now that Whitener has completed the initial indoctrination into the Corps he anticipates a new challenge at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California’s School of Infantry.The Battle of Belleau Wood raged through most of June 1918. "His initiative will help him get far in his Marine Corps career, and I think he will do very well." Celestino Casias, drill instructor, Platoon 2125, Company F. "He has a lot of good characteristics,"said Gunnery Sgt. Whitener’s prior experience as a firefighter helped his senior drill instructor see his potential. "He always told his friends and everyone he knew you need to become a Marine." "Ever since he was young he’s wanted to become a Marine,"said Whitener’s mother, Connie. The life change that Whitener saw in his great uncle, and the stories from his cousin, propelled Whitener to see Marines as men who provide for their family and uphold justice. After his enlistment, his uncle became focused and carried himself with conviction and morals. "He was always a good kid so I know he will do well, and I’m honored that I had something to do with why he joined."Īccording to Whitener, his great uncle was a problem child early in life before the Corps. "I didn’t really know that it sank in when I told him about my experiences that long ago,"said Whitener’s cousin Steven W. He admired and respected the character and stature his cousin and great uncle developed by being Marines. He dreamed of enlisting since the third grade when his cousin returned home from his tour in the Corps. Whitener follows the footsteps of his great uncle and cousin who were Marines. "Being able to aid people who need help is great and that is the Marine Corps." "I wanted to be part of something big,"said Whitener. He originally sought to become a member of an Interagency Hot Shot Crew-a group of firefighters that combat blazes throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico-but instead he decided on the Marine Corps. Whitener said the teamwork and brotherhood he experienced during that fire helped solidify the notion that his calling was to help people and give back to his county. He and the other volunteer firemen snuffed the flames in a three-hour struggle. He ran home to get his gear and headed for the scene to combat the blaze. One evening while returning home with his father, Whitener noticed the soft glow of a fire in the distance. I feel an obligation to help wherever I can." "But it was a small price to pay to help my community. "It was aggravating that I had to retake classes,"he said.
Despite his initial disappointments, he eventually became a Federal Emergency Management Agency certified volunteer firefighter. Whitener continued to work toward becoming a firefighter after his 18th birthday. What Whitener didn’t realize was that according to Arkansas law the classes didn’t count unless he was 18. Whitener, Platoon 2125, grew up wanting to be a member of a team and earn a sense of doing his part for his home in Cove, Ark., and his country.Īt age 17, Whitener became involved with the Cove Volunteer Fire Department and began taking classes to become a firefighter. Coordinating Instructions Administration and Logisticsįrom fighting fires to fighting for his country, one Company F Marine has lived a life of service since he was young.Assistant for Officer Procurement Course.
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