PS 175Q ThinkQuest Presents:

Military Memories

ARMY

“I always like a challenge.” Lance Corporal Carmona said in an interview during the first week of November 2005. He is a brave young man who has served in the war in Iraq for 2 years. He has two more years left before he gets the opportunity to decide whether he wants to stay in the Marines or choose another career. When the opportunity comes, he says he might become a teacher or work for the NYPD.

Like any average person, Lance Corporal Carmona felt very sad when he had to say good-bye to his family since he wasn’t going to see them in a long time. Imagine not seeing your family for many years. Well, that’s what many people in the Marines had to do. No calling, e-mailing or even writing for months at a time.

Lance Corporal Carmona chose the Marines because they do everything. “I want to serve my country. I joined all by myself,” he says. You must take many tests and go through a lot of training to be a part of the Marines. Marine boot camp is 12 weeks which is the longest camp compared to the Navy which is only 8 weeks.

After training, not all Marines go to Iraq. Marines get sent all over the world. Lance Corporal Carmona was one of the many Marines that went to Iraq. He told us that it took 16 hours to get there. They barely slept but when they did, it was on the floor, not like the warm beds we have. I was tired for Sergeant Carmona once he told us that he has to wake up at 3:00 A.M.! They get up every morning and try to make the world a better place.

They would sometimes wake up and hear bombs exploding. It’s frightening but they deal with it.

Lance Corporal Carmona confessed that he has never hurt a soul but has been injured. A bomb exploded next to him and damaged his eardrum. Fighting in a war is a big risk but sometimes all the effort they put in makes a difference.

Lance Corporal Carmona has made many friends from the Marines as well as the Army. It is almost impossible not to make friends since you are with them 24/7. They keep you going.                                    

You may think the Marines are only involved with fighting but really, they help more families and kids have a better life. This type of generosity gives them pride.

What about the women? Unfortunately and fortunately, usually women do not fight. However, they do have important jobs.

You know those fancy uniforms Marines wear with fancy symbols? It consists of seven season trousers, a blood stripe for battle, 7 buttons for the seven seas, and ribbons. Each person has a different number of medals and ribbons according to their rank.

 After making a school full of friends, Lance Corporal Carmona walks out of the room with pride knowing that he is doing something worthwhile and we agree.   

2006/2007 ThinkQuest Competition-- The Lynn Gross Discovery School- 64-35 102nd Street Rego Park, New York 11374