thedrifter
04-03-06, 10:10 AM
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (April 3, 2006) -- “My father, a former Marine, served in Vietnam,” said Pfc. Daniel M. Knight, a Marine from Greenville, S.C. “He would tell me stories of combat, but I never understood what it was really like. In a few months, I will begin to realize what he was talking about.”
The 19-year-old nuclear, biological and chemical defense specialist will deploy to Iraq for the first time with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment in a few short months.
“Ever since I was a kid, it’s been a dream of mine to be a Marine,” said the 2005 graduate of Woodmont High School. “Actually becoming a Marine has been the greatest accomplishment in my life.”
When Knight deploys this summer, he will be a member of the battalion commander’s personal security detachment, providing security for the unit’s leaders anytime they leave the safety of their base.
“I’m extremely excited about deploying,” he said. “I joined the Corps because Marines are the first on the front lines. This is what I live for, and I can’t wait to get over there.”
Knight’s father shares his son’s excitement about his upcoming deployment, but he still is a little worried. Morris L. Knight served almost a year in Vietnam as a Marine lance corporal and understands the dangers of a combat zone.
“I feel proud and honored that my son is serving his country,” said Morris, now living in Simpsonville, S.C. “I’m a little concerned, but I know that he’s well trained and ready to go. Daniel has wanted to be a Marine since he was five or six years old. This is what he wants to do and I support him in his decisions.”
“He told me that if he didn’t worry, he wouldn’t be a father,” Daniel explained. “He said that he is confident in my abilities and told me to just keep my head on my shoulders.”
His father is not the only person giving him advice. Knight’s leaders, who deployed to Al Qa’im, Iraq in February 2005 have been preparing him for his first combat tour.
“I explained to him that the number one thing that matters out there is the Marine on your left and right,” explained Cpl. Benjamin P. Barron, Knight’s immediate supervisor.
Knight, who arrived at Camp Lejeune at the beginning of March 2006, said he has mixed feelings about his personal readiness to deploy.
“Do I feel that I am ready?” he said. “Yes and no. I know that some things will be different than what I expected when I get out there. I don’t know the feeling of being in combat, but at the same time, I know I’ll be able to get through it.”
The former wildcat football defensive back has a lot of emotions running through him as he prepares to start training for Iraq in a few days.
“I feel anticipation, curiosity of what it will be like and a little bit of fear,” he continued. “Fear is what ultimately drives you.”
With only a few months left until deployment, this young Marine from upstate South Carolina is motivated and ready for whatever comes his way.
“Seeing my father and watching Marines on television, I knew that this was the life for me,” he said. “Iraq will be another journey along the way.”
His father explained how it feels to have his son following in his footsteps, serving his country in a time of war.
“I’m very proud of my son following what I did, but I think he’ll do better than I did,” Morris said. “He loves being a Marine and he’ll probably stay in a lot longer than I did. I’m as proud as a dad can be.”
Ellie
The 19-year-old nuclear, biological and chemical defense specialist will deploy to Iraq for the first time with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment in a few short months.
“Ever since I was a kid, it’s been a dream of mine to be a Marine,” said the 2005 graduate of Woodmont High School. “Actually becoming a Marine has been the greatest accomplishment in my life.”
When Knight deploys this summer, he will be a member of the battalion commander’s personal security detachment, providing security for the unit’s leaders anytime they leave the safety of their base.
“I’m extremely excited about deploying,” he said. “I joined the Corps because Marines are the first on the front lines. This is what I live for, and I can’t wait to get over there.”
Knight’s father shares his son’s excitement about his upcoming deployment, but he still is a little worried. Morris L. Knight served almost a year in Vietnam as a Marine lance corporal and understands the dangers of a combat zone.
“I feel proud and honored that my son is serving his country,” said Morris, now living in Simpsonville, S.C. “I’m a little concerned, but I know that he’s well trained and ready to go. Daniel has wanted to be a Marine since he was five or six years old. This is what he wants to do and I support him in his decisions.”
“He told me that if he didn’t worry, he wouldn’t be a father,” Daniel explained. “He said that he is confident in my abilities and told me to just keep my head on my shoulders.”
His father is not the only person giving him advice. Knight’s leaders, who deployed to Al Qa’im, Iraq in February 2005 have been preparing him for his first combat tour.
“I explained to him that the number one thing that matters out there is the Marine on your left and right,” explained Cpl. Benjamin P. Barron, Knight’s immediate supervisor.
Knight, who arrived at Camp Lejeune at the beginning of March 2006, said he has mixed feelings about his personal readiness to deploy.
“Do I feel that I am ready?” he said. “Yes and no. I know that some things will be different than what I expected when I get out there. I don’t know the feeling of being in combat, but at the same time, I know I’ll be able to get through it.”
The former wildcat football defensive back has a lot of emotions running through him as he prepares to start training for Iraq in a few days.
“I feel anticipation, curiosity of what it will be like and a little bit of fear,” he continued. “Fear is what ultimately drives you.”
With only a few months left until deployment, this young Marine from upstate South Carolina is motivated and ready for whatever comes his way.
“Seeing my father and watching Marines on television, I knew that this was the life for me,” he said. “Iraq will be another journey along the way.”
His father explained how it feels to have his son following in his footsteps, serving his country in a time of war.
“I’m very proud of my son following what I did, but I think he’ll do better than I did,” Morris said. “He loves being a Marine and he’ll probably stay in a lot longer than I did. I’m as proud as a dad can be.”
Ellie