By Corporal Jocelyn Ontiveros, USMC
Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command
Iwas born in Guaymas, Sonora, MX, and moved to the United States
when I was seven years old. My parents wanted me to have
the opportunity to have a better life and chase the American dream.
I struggled to learn English, and my first-grade teacher warned my
parents that there was a high possibility I would be held back in first
grade because of the language barrier. After hearing about this, my
determination and desire to succeed pushed me to learn enough
English to move on to second grade. From there, it was a constant battle
uphill to continue learning a second language, but my determination
allowed me to be an honor roll student throughout my time in school.
Embassy, Kuwait, a Letter of Appreciation
for taking and editing photographs in the
raising and lowering of two American flags
during a time when I was incredibly busy
accomplishing my mission in support of the
SPMAGT-CR-CC, and another Letter of
Appreciation for assisting with the
Commandant of the Marine Corps’ visit. My
work has been featured on the official Marine
Corps Facebook page and Instagram page,
and one of my photos was nominated for
the Marine Corps’ photo of the year.
Now, being 22-years-old and two years into
my service, I see how the military has allowed
me to grow as a person. Being on deployment
and away from family is rough and at times
stressful. But now I’m setting an example to
my siblings to be altruistic and to help those in
need in whatever way they can. I’m teaching
them that being a magnanimous person is
one of the most humbling feelings. I’m not
here to change the world, but if I can inspire
someone and change their life, when it’s my
time to leave this world, I know my actions
will transcend my passing.
Jocelyn Ontiveros, Middle East,
November 8, 2017.
In high school I took all AP
classes and was involved in theater,
student council, and the basketball
team. In addition to school and
extracurricular activities, I took
care of my two younger siblings,
Emiliano and Rakel. There is a
Latina Letters From the Front!
10-year difference between Emiliano and
me and a 13-year difference between Rakel
and me, so I have also been a second mom
to them.
I kept working hard to be successful and go
to college. I received the Dean’s Scholarship to
Grand Canyon University, a private Christian
school, where I attended for two semesters.
It was there that I was contacted by a Marine
recruiter and realized that I wanted to be
able to help people and to give back to a
country that had given me so much. I believed
there was no better way to show my gratitude
for the opportunities I was granted than to
join the military. I chose the Marines because
I wanted to prove to myself that I could
overcome any challenge and obstacle
thrown my way.
On November 18, 2014, I enlisted into the
delayed entry program and left for boot
camp on October 13, 2015. After my military
training was completed, I was given the military
occupational specialty of 4341, Combat Mass
Communicator. I attended a three-month
course at the Defense Information School
in Fort Meade, MD. Upon my graduation I
received orders to Marine Expeditionary Force
at Marine Corps Base in Camp Pendleton, CA,
and was sent to work at 1st Marine Logistics
Group. While there, I served as a photographer,
videographer and writer.
As a lance corporal, I was in charge of two
other Marines. Due to my conduct and
proficiency I was given the billet of social media
assistant manager, which is typically held
by a corporal. My work ethic and reliability
LS
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Miriam and Jocelyn Ontiveros before Thanksgiving
dinner at their home in Phoenix, AZ. November 2016.
highlighted me and put me above the other
Marines in the office to be selected to go on
deployment for the Special Purpose Marine
Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response
– Central Command 17.2. It was on this
deployment that I was able to improve my
skills as a Combat Mass Communicator.
While deployed, I received a Certificate of
Appreciation for my contributions to the
Children’s Health Fair at the American
Rakel and Jocelyn Ontiveros
going to Build-A-Bear on Rakel’s
birthday. September 25, 2015.
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