Mark Soto
November 09, 2018 - 08:14 PM
Lance Corporal (E-3)
United States Marine Corps
4 Years of Service
Mt. SAC Alumni
I was born at La Puente Community Hospital, born and raised in La Puente. I enlisted in the Marine Corps in the delayed entry program in Oct, 1984 when I was a senior in high school. I always dreamed of being a green beret, ranger as a child. However, as the time came to pick a branch to enlist in, the Marine Corps seemed to be the biggest challenge for me. My reason to serve was an easy one, for my father and 5 older brothers all have serve and seen combat.So the choice was easy for me, it is my time to serve with the world’s finest fighting force, U.S. Marines.
I earned the title Marine on Dec 13, 1985 with Lima Co. 3099 at M.C.R.D. San Diego (Hollywood Marine). After graduation I went T.A.D. on recruiters’ duty at La Puente recruiters’ station on Azusa Blvd. I enlisted three of my friends and got a meritorious promotion for LCPL.
I went to North Carolina for school after my recruiters duty finished. I was given orders to 2ndMarine Division. Upon arriving at division, the NCOIC asked for two volunteers to go to Recon, my hand shot up so fast, I got the guy next to me volunteer also. Soon I was getting picked up and heading to Onslow Beach, home of 2d Recon Bn.
I learned a lot about a lot, yet not enough to be the best. Here I learned about leadership, dedication, and never forget to “watch your six” or your fellow Marines six. I can honestly say my years in the Marine Corps helped me to be the man I am today.
I am currently getting ready to transfer to La Verne University with a major in business. Currently, I will graduate with my second degree in June with an AS in business. I owe a lot of my success to Gunny Harmon for being my mentor and example of how to succeed. Gunny also guided me to VOC REHAB, Mark Smith who made it possible for me to get a four year degree. Thanks to all the staff at the VRC, to many to name. Just want to say if any of you are first generation college students? I cannot emphasize how important the ACES program is, it is on the third floor over the VRC bldg. Check it out I promise you won’t be disappointed, they have a caring staff and the benefits of being a member are outstanding.
