The Trailblazer sat down with Justin Negron, one of PHHS’s more fascinating seniors, and we believe that our readers will learn a lot from the recently enlisted U.S. Marine.

Immediately, our first question was why. Negron clarified, “I enlisted in the Marines because I want to pay for college myself and wanted to be independent (at least financially).”

In terms of college enrollment, Negron considered the massive debt he would acquire for a bachelor’s degree. “By joining any branch of the military,” Negron explained, “[one] qualifies for the post 9/11 GI Bill, which helps [soldiers] pay for college either while in or out of service. The GI Bill can be used for anyone in the immediate soldier’s family only once, but it can pay up to 100% of college [costs].”

He was influenced by a local recruiter, who provided Negron with all of this information. Smiling, Negron described that it was at that moment that “I knew that this is what I wanted to do.”

Negron was not only influenced by the recruiter, but also by his father. “I was able to see what my father has done for my family and one day I want to be as courageous and strong as he is. [I want to] make him as proud to have me as a son as I am to have him as a father.

Beyond external influences, Negron “enlisted to learn discipline and join a brotherhood for life… the marines will help later in life because they will teach [him] combat skills.”

Negron expanded on the work he would do once he arrived on base. “I took a job placement test, which is what all recruits complete. I did extremely well and qualified for working on tanks and driving amphibious assault vehicle, even navigating UAV drones.

“The combat learned in the Marines is the most hardcore than any of the other branches of the military. They train harder and longer, and they are the first people in the combat zone. Each Marine learns martial arts and basic training before graduation… plus Marine boot camp lasts 12 weeks, which is more than any other armed service boot camp.”

Negron hopes to be involved in law enforcement or work in private security after finishing with college; he may even consider staying with the military after his college experience. We wish Justin the best of luck!