On August 11th Xavier arrived at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. This was a significant move for Xavier who had spent most of his young life in the care of the Department of Children & Family Services. The rigors of boot camp were much more than Xavier had ever experienced while living in the Transitional Living Program at UMCH. Xavier’s mornings started in full swing at 4:30am with a mere 5 minutes to get dressed and “make racks.” After a day filled with marching drills, cleaning barracks, physical training, assembling / dissembling rifles, learning Marine Corp history, one hour “square-away” (free time), and evening devotions, it was lights out at 9:30pm. Xavier shared that the “Crucible", a week of training in the field, was the most difficult challenge. He also noted that it took some time to get used to living with so many people from various backgrounds and beliefs.

After 3 long months of rigorous training, Xavier proudly received his Eagle, Globe and Anchor – the official U.S. Marines insignia at the graduation ceremony on November 7th. Tyrone Harris, a UMCH Mental Health Specialist was able to attend the ceremony. Xavier shared that this meant a lot to him, stating “Tyrone was always there for me when I lived at UMCH. He was a big influence in getting me to consider joining the Marines because I don’t think I would have even thought about it.” Tyrone is also a Marine who has served as a staff sergeant (and Xavier will quickly remind you “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”). Tyrone provided a lot of encouragement to Xavier and helped him become physically fit (losing almost 100 lbs) prior to entering the Marines.

Xavier returned “home” to UMCH on November 8th for a couple of days. There was many staff on hand proudly and eagerly waiting to see him in his official uniform. Xavier shared that he will be returning to San Diego in early December and will be stationed at Camp Pendleton for another 3 weeks of intense physical training. He then plans to go to Fort Lee in Virginia to attend culinary arts school. Xavier stated “I will be an honor cook and I will cook for important people of the nation.”

Xavier was grateful for the numerous cards & letters that he received from UMCH staff and supporters. He was surprised that he received cards and gifts from people “I didn’t even know.” When asked if he had something he would like others to think about, Xavier stated “If you want to make your life better then you need to stop sitting around and do something with your life.” He encourages others to consider joining the armed services. UMCH is very proud of Xavier and his accomplishments!