Leader of the pack - Pride, determination inspires Marine to excellence

[thedrifter]

Leader of the pack - Pride, determination inspires Marine to excellence
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 20031017124223
Story by Lance Cpl. Jess Levens



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(October 17, 2003) -- Most recruits come to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego with one goal; to graduate and earn the title "Marine." Others aren't satisfied with just graduating.

They are destined for greater things. Recruits with an extra desire have a fire inside that burns too bright to deny. These heated few excel, but there can be only one company honorman.

Lance Cpl. Christian E. Riley, guide, Platoon 2015, Company E, said he always knew he had a destiny. His father, uncle and aunt all served as Marines and he said the blood couldn't run thicker in him.

"I have always wanted to be a Marine," said Riley. "I was around Marines my whole life and I knew I had to be one. It's like a gut feeling I've always had."

Born on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Riley is no stranger to the Corps.

"My whole family has been involved in the military," said Riley. "It's a lifestyle I'm used to."

While in high school in Los Angeles, Riley ran track and played football for his school. Outside of school, he said he was constantly active.

"I've always loved to stay in shape," said Riley. "My favorite thing to do is run, but as long as I'm improving myself physically, I'm happy."

Riley also enjoys skateboarding, dirt biking, and almost any other physical activity.

Becoming a Marine was part of Riley's long-term plan, so he wanted to be physically prepared when the time came.

"I felt mentally prepared for the Corps," said Riley. "My family life got me used to the military lifestyle, so I knew what to expect."

With Riley's family history, the seed was planted early, but he didn't make a final decision until his sophomore year in high school.

After classes, Riley and his best friend would sit atop a hill near his home and talk about the Marine Corps for hours at a time, according to Riley.

"We would sit on that hill and just daydream about being Marines," said Riley. "We finally both made the decision to enlist after high school."

Once he turned 18, Riley went to his nearest recruiting office and told the recruiter he was ready. Riley immediately began to excel while he was in the Delayed Entry Program.

"My recruiter said he knew I was special," said Riley. "I competed really well in the pool events and the recruiter told me I have what it takes to be the company honorman. I made it my goal."

The 18-year-old Marine arrived at the Depot ready to train and was made the guide of his platoon early on in training.

"I saw something in him early on," said Staff Sgt. Justin Ezell, senior drill instructor, Platoon 2015, Co. E. "His recruiter put the idea of company honorman in his head and he came prepared."

Riley said he took charge early and established leadership with his platoon. Besides being physically fit, assertive and motivated, Riley had to become someone the other recruits trusted.

"I did everything I could to help the other recruits," said Riley. "I'd stay up late and help people with pull-ups and sit-ups or talk about their problems with them. Anything I could to help, I did."

While at Edson Range for weapons and field training, Platoon 2015 picked up another recruit. That far into training, it can be difficult to gel with a platoon and fit in.

"When I was picked up, Riley was the first person I talked to," said PFC Jerrell Chance, Platoon 2015, Co. E. "He told me how the platoon worked and made sure I was squared away. He made me feel very welcome."

Riley showed great leadership ability throughout the cycle and excelled on his physical fitness test and qualified as an expert on the rifle range, according Ezell.

"Riley scored well on his tests," said Ezell. "The reason I think he was picked as honorman is his confidence and military bearing."

Being a Marine was part of his future, but according to Riley, he wanted more than that. He wanted to be the best.

"He came here with a goal," said Ezell. "To come here and graduate is a great thing; but to go above and beyond to be the company honorman is what he wanted."



Lance Cpl. Christian E. Riley, guide, Platoon 2015, Company E, bears his platoon's guidon, which he has carried for throughout the majority of recruit training. Riley accomplished his goal of graduating as Company Honorman for Co. E.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jess Levens

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...1?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger

[BLUEHAWK]

Congratulations Lance Corporal Riley!

Who knows, maybe one day Marine Sargeant Major Riley!

p.s. I carried our Flight's guidon too, quite an honor.