Front
the I am motivated daily by the fact that I
am the first woman in my family to
join the military and become a
From United States Marine. I was born in Texas
and when my parents divorced, my mom
remarried and moved us to Colorado.
Being the youngest of three, it was a
Letters struggle to gain the support of my
family to pursue a career in the Marine
Corps because we come from an Army
family, and they believed the Marine
Corps mistreated women. However,
I disregarded their feelings and when I
Latina turned 18, I enlisted because I wanted a
challenge and to be a part of something
bigger than myself.
After three years of service, I have
achieved being the highest shooter
in boot camp, meritoriously promoted
to Lance Corporal and Corporal, I
graduated top of my class in the
schoolhouse and top 10 in a recent training
Upon return from deployment, VMFA-251
course, deployed to Bahrain, won a Board as Marine
disbanded and I had to learn and grow with a new
of the Quarter, was recognized as the “Pacesetter of
command. Soon after checking into 6th District,
the Month”, and earned my Green Belt in the
the Marine I was replacing had separated, leaving
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
me the sole person in charge of the legal section.
Like an iceberg, everyone notices all the
Extinguishing hidden fires and patching up holes
achievements, but no one realizes the challenges
was my main priority to help turn the once critical
I’ve had overcome to be where I am. During my
condition section into a noteworthy section. Although
deployment, my dad was diagnosed with congestive
these challenges at times were overwhelming, I feel
heart failure, and it was also the beginning of the
extremely rewarded at the end of each day knowing
COVID-19 outbreak. It was the most stressed
that I gave my all.
I’ve ever been, and because of the overwhelming
Although unsupportive in the beginning, my
support from my chain of command, I was able to
family has been my rock throughout these past
receive updates on my dad’s condition while still
three years. Without their love and support, I feel I
contributing to the mission.
wouldn’t have accomplished everything I have. My
42 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 27, No. 6, 2021 family’s continued support has helped me to always
see the bigger picture. During a recent course,
I found out that I was pregnant, it scared me. I used
that fear to motivate me and use my experience to
be open-minded and supportive of any opportunity
my child may require of me.
My next step is to re-enlist in May 2022, and in
the future, when I get promoted to Sergeant, I will
volunteer for recruiting duty. The Marine Corps has
provided me with amazing opportunities, blessings,
and life lessons. Becoming a Marine has been my
greatest achievement and no matter what the future
holds, I will always know that I achieved one of my
greatest life goals.
Drill Instructor Sergeant Jeffries (L) and PFC
Isabelle Anaya (R) during boot camp
graduation. January 2019.
LCpl Isabelle Anaya and spouse Albert
Berroteran, Mess Night. September 2019.
LCpl Isabelle Anaya is promoted to Corporal, 2020.
LCpl Isabelle Anaya in Bahrain. March 2020.
By Corporal Isabelle Anaya
U.S. Marine Corps
LS
Want to comment or have any questions on this
article? Email us at info@latinastyle.com