• Branch of service: United States Marine Corps
  • Highest Rank: Lance Corporal
  • Location(s) of service: Camp Lejeune, NC
  • What is your job title at Mountaire Farms? Community Relations Manager
  • How long have you been with Mountaire? 1 year 5 months
  • What motivated you to join the military? I’m blessed to be an American and I have always wanted to serve even as a child, to give back and be a part of something bigger than myself.
  • Why did you choose the service branch you joined? I always wanted to join the military; first it was the Army and then Navy, but when the Marine Corps recruiter came to my house in those dress blues saying I could be one of the few and the proud, I was sold. I decided if I was going to join the military I would be one of the best, a Marine.
  • What was the most valuable lesson you learned? The most valuable lesson I learned as a Marine was to work as a team but most importantly know your job and do it to the best of your ability. Working in small units, everyone has to pull their load; doing your part means everyone else is able to do theirs and it will all end in mission accomplishment.
  • What was the best and worst “military food” you were served? I don’t care what anyone says, give me a chili-mac MRE and I will be happy any day of the week. I will say, being in the field, any food tastes good especially those liquid eggs and bacon!
  • Tell us about a funny, poignant, or moving story you experienced during your service. Sometimes you’re given opportunities that open your eyes about things. My unit participated in Operation African Lion in Morocco in the summer of 2010. I had the opportunity to work and train with the Morocco military, I noticed the soldiers wasn’t the best trained or best equipped and the tanks they used were U.S. Army tanks from the Vietnam era but they did not know that. The Morocco soldiers were so proud of being able to work and train with US Marines that they gave their best and they never missed a step. Made me realize even more how blessed I was to be a Marine and how we are looked up to by those around the world that have never even met us. That’s an experience I will never forget, it was hot but I had the time of my life!
  • Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. Marines have to qualify with their rifle every year and I had to qualify with my pistol as well. I was expert in both every single year!