Broad Channel Salutes One of their Own

Semper Fi, Kevin Conklin

Kevin Conklin (center, white tank top), is joined by his proud parents, Vicky and Bill Boden (just in front of him), as the community of Broad Channel celebrates his enlistment.The hall at the Broad Channel VFW Post #260 was jumping last Saturday, as family, friends and neighbors of Kevin Conklin gathered together to celebrate his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps.

Kevin will be leaving this Sunday for three months of training at Parris Island, South Carolina, which has been the site of Marine Corps Recruit Training since November 1, 1915.

Upon his arrival at the training center, a Drill Instructor will step aboard his bus and very loudly tell him to disembark and step on one of the many “yellow footprints” on the ground outside that thousands of recruits before him have also stood upon to begin their careers as a United States Marine.

Upon completion of his boot camp training, Kevin will receive his “eagle, globe and anchor” insignia and with it, the title of United States Marine which he will carry with him for the rest of his life.

After recruit training, Kevin will be temporarily assigned to Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, home of the Corps’ Expeditionary Forces, where he will receive several weeks advanced combat training and then head south to Pensacola, Florida for training and certification in his military occupational specialty (MOS), Aviation Technician for Rotary wing aircraft.

Those gathered had just one thing to say:

“Semper Fi Kevin! Broad Channel is proud of you and all our best wishes go with you!
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