Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue --
To
be a Marine is a way of life. For some, it provides the chance achieve unique
goals. The Corps provides thousands of people, like Cpl. Abraham Ostosmendoza,
countless opportunities, while instilling the Marine Corps values passed down
from the previous generations of Marines.
Ostosmendoza,
a water support technician assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 271,
graduated from high school and enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he planned
to pursue a multitude of opportunities afforded to service members.
The
Marine Corps has provided Ostosmendoza with opportunities that he said seemed
impossible to obtain otherwise. The Corps allowed him to see the world, gain
his citizenship, and further his education.
As
a water support technician, Ostosmendoza’s responsibilities are to install,
operate, inspect, and perform preventive and corrective maintenance on: pumps,
water purification equipment, water storage/distribution systems, laundry and
shower facilities.
“We
utilize our gear called TWPS,” said Ostosmendoza. “It’s a tactical water purification
system, which is capable of purifying salt water to fresh water. We set it up,
run it and within seconds we have drinkable water.”
Ostosmendoza
has been given the opportunity to see the world while using his skills as a
water support technician.
“I
had the chance to travel around the world, meet a lot of people and enjoy
different cultures,” said Ostosmendoza. “I was in Okinawa, Japan. I’ve been to
the Philippines twice, Thailand, and Panama. I was in the Philippines for
humanitarian assistance in 2013 and went back in 2014 to build a school. In
Thailand I was in support of [2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment] and I was
just working with [infantry Marines].”
Ostosmendoza
is grateful for the benefit of a paid college education given to him, because
of his service.
“I have a chance to get a free education,”
said Ostosmendoza. “I would go to college and study Marine biology. I would
like to volunteer with a group and travel to research animals.”
The
Marine Corps has had a big impact on Ostosmendoza’s life so far.
“The
Marine Corps has done a lot for me,” said Ostosmendoza. “I was born and raised
in Peru. I received my citizenship, thanks to the Marine Corps. I want to
eventually pick up rank and another goal of mine is to become a Marine Corps
Instructor of Water Survival.”
Ostosmendoza
has a different perspective on the Marine Corps that he hopes everyone will
understand one day.
“The Marines Corps isn’t just about killing,” said
Ostosmendoza. “There is a lot of other things to do like providing water and
energy to people. It’s not just about killing. It’s more than that.”