Today’s 11 QUESTIONS come to us from Marine Corps veteran and Student Veterans of America member Gabriel Torres. Originally from Brooklyn, Gabe served in the Marines from 2008 to 2013, before attending Pace University. He’s currently working for Manhattan Beer, and quickly rising through the ranks!
- WHY DID YOU JOIN THE MILITARY?
One of the main reasons I joined was to get out of the situation I was in. My high school pushed many students toward college without offering choices on how to pay for it. I also was not sure what I wanted to do; I lacked discipline and wanted to explore my choices. - DO YOU HAVE VETERANS IN YOUR FAMILY?
I currently have one cousin who is still serving in the Marine Corps. Both her I joined at the same time, went to the same Boot Camp at Parris Island and graduated together. We even managed to get stationed on the same island of Okinawa, Japan! - WHERE DID YOU ENLIST?
I enlisted at a recruiting station in Brooklyn, NY, in Canarsie; my recruiter was there every step of the way… - WHAT WAS YOUR PRIMARY MOS?
My MOS was 3051 Warehouse Clerk. - DO YOU REMEMBER THE NAME OF YOUR FIRST DRILL INSTRUCTOR?
SSGT Michael, Quebec Company! - WHAT WAS THE WORST THING YOU ATE IN THE MILITARY?
Pudding….dry pudding - WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE DAY IN THE MILITARY?
The day I was handed the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. I still have that same EGA locked away! - IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO THE DAY YOU GOT OUT OF THE MILITARY, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Start school immediately, and do not take any class for granted. Study like your life depends on it and go to every tutor you can! - DID YOU HAVE ANY VETERAN MENTORS?
I had one but lost touch after I got out in 2013. A few years ago I had another mentor through American Corporate Partners. - WHAT WAS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A VETERAN?
Joining the Student Veteran Association. I can’t get over how many programs veterans put together! That sense of belonging never goes away, when you work and help support programs that serve veterans. - WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE/LEAST FAVORITE MOVIES ABOUT THE MILITARY?
Full Metal Jacket & Generation Kill (HBO Series)… What better depiction of the daily life of Marines than these two films?!