thedrifter
06-17-08, 08:09 AM
Husband joins wife as Marine officer
By J.D. STETSON, News-Record Writer jstetson@gillettenewsrecord.net
Published: Monday, June 16, 2008 12:52 PM MDT
It was a proud moment for Rhys Haugen on Saturday as his wife, Capt. Kitt Haugen, pinned the stripes on his collar designating him a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
Six years earlier at Texas A&M University, she had been in his same shoes when another officer pinned the same ornaments to her collar. Afterward, the two left for Camp Pendleton in San Diego.
But at that time, Rhys hadn’t decided to join the Marines yet. He was just a bearded guy with an earring who lived at the base and went to college while Kitt did her job. But at a Marine Corps ball, Rhys noticed something.
“These guys looked good,” Rhys told family and friends as all eyes were on him during his commissioning ceremony Saturday at Lasting Legacy Park. Rhys, 28, his wife Kitt, 27, and the commissioning officer wore the traditional blue coat and white pants that identify a Marine.
“I think the Marines are a good fit for him,” Kitt said as she explained his interest in history, weapons and places the Marines travel.
The new officer graduated from Campbell County High School in 1999. He is the son of Marvin and Mary Haugen of Gillette. His wife, is the daughter of former Campbell County School District Superintendent Mark Higdon and Toni Brown-Kemerling.
Rhys undertook the Platoon Leadership program, a multi-year program during college that breaks up two, six-month training sessions in Quantico, Va., He was guaranteed a commission after graduating from the program and college.
For Capt. Matt Hager, the Marine Corps commissioning officer for Rhys, the ceremony meant more to him than others. He had gotten to know the Haugens over the past six years when he served alongside Kitt at Camp Pendleton. He’s also been one of Rhys’ closest friends during that time.
Rhys is the only new officer from Wyoming �” out of the 1,975 nationally �” to be sworn into the Marines this year, Hager said. Since taking the role two years ago, Hager has seldom performed a commissioning ceremony in Wyoming �” and never in Gillette.
But for Rhys, the true adventure is only beginning.
After being commissioned, Rhys is now ready for six months of the Basic School in Quantico, where he will work to attain a military occupational specialty. About 90 percent of the graduates at the school leave with the specialty of their choice.
“I’d love to be an infantry officer or a combat engineer,” Rhys said. “You’re getting out and doing stuff.”
But his wife said she would worry about him if he did attain the infantry specialty, because of the risk. But as a fellow Marine, she knows he would be great at the job.
“He cares about people ... and he’s going to do everything he can to take care of them (Marines under his command) and make sure they’re trained to take care of themselves.”
Men like Rhys are what Hager looks for as he recruits future officers.
“This program takes someone who wants to take on the challenge of a lifetime, and wants to strive for more and is determined, and Rhys is one of the most determined persons I know,” Hager said.
HOW TO BECOME AN OFFICER
Here are the two basic ways to become a United State's Marine Corps officer:
- Platoon Leaders Class: College freshman and sophomores complete two six-week trainings between years at Officer Candidate School, a grueling physical and mental ordeal that tests leadership capability and teamwork. College juniors complete one 10-week training. An officer’s commission is guaranteed upon completion of the program. It also provides financial aid while in school and higher pay after being commissioned.
- Officers Candidate Course: College Seniors or graduates complete one 10-week session of Officer Candidate School. Commissions are guaranteed after successful completion.
- More Information: Visit www.westernmarineofficer.com or contact Capt. Matt Hager at (970) 484-8971 or (303) 912-3763, e-mail hagerml@marines.usmc.mil.
By J.D. STETSON, News-Record Writer jstetson@gillettenewsrecord.net
Published: Monday, June 16, 2008 12:52 PM MDT
It was a proud moment for Rhys Haugen on Saturday as his wife, Capt. Kitt Haugen, pinned the stripes on his collar designating him a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
Six years earlier at Texas A&M University, she had been in his same shoes when another officer pinned the same ornaments to her collar. Afterward, the two left for Camp Pendleton in San Diego.
But at that time, Rhys hadn’t decided to join the Marines yet. He was just a bearded guy with an earring who lived at the base and went to college while Kitt did her job. But at a Marine Corps ball, Rhys noticed something.
“These guys looked good,” Rhys told family and friends as all eyes were on him during his commissioning ceremony Saturday at Lasting Legacy Park. Rhys, 28, his wife Kitt, 27, and the commissioning officer wore the traditional blue coat and white pants that identify a Marine.
“I think the Marines are a good fit for him,” Kitt said as she explained his interest in history, weapons and places the Marines travel.
The new officer graduated from Campbell County High School in 1999. He is the son of Marvin and Mary Haugen of Gillette. His wife, is the daughter of former Campbell County School District Superintendent Mark Higdon and Toni Brown-Kemerling.
Rhys undertook the Platoon Leadership program, a multi-year program during college that breaks up two, six-month training sessions in Quantico, Va., He was guaranteed a commission after graduating from the program and college.
For Capt. Matt Hager, the Marine Corps commissioning officer for Rhys, the ceremony meant more to him than others. He had gotten to know the Haugens over the past six years when he served alongside Kitt at Camp Pendleton. He’s also been one of Rhys’ closest friends during that time.
Rhys is the only new officer from Wyoming �” out of the 1,975 nationally �” to be sworn into the Marines this year, Hager said. Since taking the role two years ago, Hager has seldom performed a commissioning ceremony in Wyoming �” and never in Gillette.
But for Rhys, the true adventure is only beginning.
After being commissioned, Rhys is now ready for six months of the Basic School in Quantico, where he will work to attain a military occupational specialty. About 90 percent of the graduates at the school leave with the specialty of their choice.
“I’d love to be an infantry officer or a combat engineer,” Rhys said. “You’re getting out and doing stuff.”
But his wife said she would worry about him if he did attain the infantry specialty, because of the risk. But as a fellow Marine, she knows he would be great at the job.
“He cares about people ... and he’s going to do everything he can to take care of them (Marines under his command) and make sure they’re trained to take care of themselves.”
Men like Rhys are what Hager looks for as he recruits future officers.
“This program takes someone who wants to take on the challenge of a lifetime, and wants to strive for more and is determined, and Rhys is one of the most determined persons I know,” Hager said.
HOW TO BECOME AN OFFICER
Here are the two basic ways to become a United State's Marine Corps officer:
- Platoon Leaders Class: College freshman and sophomores complete two six-week trainings between years at Officer Candidate School, a grueling physical and mental ordeal that tests leadership capability and teamwork. College juniors complete one 10-week training. An officer’s commission is guaranteed upon completion of the program. It also provides financial aid while in school and higher pay after being commissioned.
- Officers Candidate Course: College Seniors or graduates complete one 10-week session of Officer Candidate School. Commissions are guaranteed after successful completion.
- More Information: Visit www.westernmarineofficer.com or contact Capt. Matt Hager at (970) 484-8971 or (303) 912-3763, e-mail hagerml@marines.usmc.mil.