by Sergeant Aaron Mora
USMC Recruiter
Marines are a part of something bigger than a branch of military service; a part of something greater than themselves; a part of something older than the very nation they defend. The Marine Corps is a brotherhood, and a team, unlike any other in the world.
[media id=13 width=320 height=240]
At a very early age Colton Robert Smith, a proud native of West Wendover, was fascinated by the United States military. But in the summer of 2010, the seventeen year old took a particular interest in the United States Marine Corps. He was drawn to the Marines for numerous reasons but mainly for their ability to overcome both mental and physical obstacles, and for their talent of mastering their own fears. Therefore after a series of initial mental and physical tests Colton enlisted in the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program. He successfully graduated from West Wendover high school in June 2011 and shortly after he reported to Marine Basic Training (Boot Camp).
[media id=2 width=320 height=240]
The thirteen week long boot camp is the indisputably the longest and toughest training our country provides only to a very few selected number of young men and women from all corners of the Nation.
Some of the many challenges Colton encountered at basic training were sky-towering obstacles, swimming in thirty feet deep water with over seventy pounds of equipment on his body, skillfully and accurately shooting at targets from a distance equal to five football fields away with plain iron sights, and the Crucible which is a three-day culminating event where recruits undergo sleep and food deprivation and are tested in a series of combat courses and obstacles.
Colton successfully endured the physical and mental challenges during the last three months of boot camp.
“I am proud but not really surprized about Colton,” said his track oach at WWHS Tyler Peterson. “I never saw a more dedicated young man. He would come to practice and run with injury and pain all the time.”
Friday, September 23rd he will become a part of the most disciplined and elite military force the world has ever witnessed as he graduates from Marine basic training. He will continue on to a technical career and grow to be a strong leader of men and women. Whether he serves four years actively or retires from the Marine Corps one thing is for sure, he will always proudly carry the title of United States Marine. Semper Fi.
Sergeant Mora can be reached at 775 753.4531 Office 775 340.5709 Cell.
Colton is the son of Donnie and Kris Andersen and Stacy Smith.