thedrifter
08-31-07, 08:32 AM
Marion Man Named Top Marine Recruit
By Josh Hinkle, Reporter
MARION - Watching a home video from a week ago in their living room is the closest Dennis and Jennifer Egel will ever again come to the civilian version of their son, Rodney.
Jennifer says, "Rodney said one night after supper he had something he wanted to talk to us about."
Dennis laughs, "I think both our jaws dropped."
Their youngest of four children had made up his mind to join the Marines. After three months of boot camp in San Diego, he knew he'd made the right decision. He was his company's top recruit.
He says, "You still have to maintain your military stance, and your bearing. I couldn't scream or yell, just state straight ahead. My only reply was ‘aye, aye, sir’."
Being Company Honorman meant this 23-year-old’s leadership skills surpassed the other 360 recruits in the Fox Company. It also came with a promotion to Lance Corporal.
Jennifer recalls, "I could only get a lump in my throat, and of course tears flowed at that point."
Her husband adds, “Three or four times during different ceremonies, his name was announced that he was from Marion, Iowa."
Rodney’s recruiter says the honor will set an example for future recruits. It certainly helped set his parents' minds at ease about sending their son into this potentially dangerous career.
Jennifer says, "Ultimately I feel that the good lord will take charge no matter where our children are or what they're choosing to do."
Rodney plans to serve at least five years in the Marines. Then he plans to use his degree from the University of Northern Iowa to teach history at a high school in eastern Iowa. Monday, he leaves for Marine combat training.
www.kcrg.com/news/local/9492352.html?video=YHI&t=a
Ellie
By Josh Hinkle, Reporter
MARION - Watching a home video from a week ago in their living room is the closest Dennis and Jennifer Egel will ever again come to the civilian version of their son, Rodney.
Jennifer says, "Rodney said one night after supper he had something he wanted to talk to us about."
Dennis laughs, "I think both our jaws dropped."
Their youngest of four children had made up his mind to join the Marines. After three months of boot camp in San Diego, he knew he'd made the right decision. He was his company's top recruit.
He says, "You still have to maintain your military stance, and your bearing. I couldn't scream or yell, just state straight ahead. My only reply was ‘aye, aye, sir’."
Being Company Honorman meant this 23-year-old’s leadership skills surpassed the other 360 recruits in the Fox Company. It also came with a promotion to Lance Corporal.
Jennifer recalls, "I could only get a lump in my throat, and of course tears flowed at that point."
Her husband adds, “Three or four times during different ceremonies, his name was announced that he was from Marion, Iowa."
Rodney’s recruiter says the honor will set an example for future recruits. It certainly helped set his parents' minds at ease about sending their son into this potentially dangerous career.
Jennifer says, "Ultimately I feel that the good lord will take charge no matter where our children are or what they're choosing to do."
Rodney plans to serve at least five years in the Marines. Then he plans to use his degree from the University of Northern Iowa to teach history at a high school in eastern Iowa. Monday, he leaves for Marine combat training.
www.kcrg.com/news/local/9492352.html?video=YHI&t=a
Ellie