Edgar Orozco:
U.S. Marine!
June 6, 2008
What a great day for Exceeding
Expectations and the Orozco family. Long-time team member Edgar
Orozco graduated boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot
(MCRD) in San Diego, California.
And he did it in style, too. You might
recall that last year Edgar graduated high school with high
distinction. (story here).
Well, he didn't stop there. He was one of only six of the 76
members of Alpha Company Platoon 1005 to be named a
"Meritorious Promotee" and achieve the rank of Private
First Class.
A group of Edgar's EE teammates traveled
down to San Diego to cheer him on during the moving ceremony. |
* * *
* * *
Stephanie, Isi, Marlene and Marvin show you just
how big a
15-inch round is. Packed with 150 pounds of explosives (the shells,
not the kids), they travel at Mach 2 and make a crater 20 feet deep.
You could land the Shuttle on the enormous parade
grounds of MCRD.
That's Coach Cherie and the girls heading for the reviewing stands.
Honoring the colors
Entertainment from the Marine Band.
Mighty good bunch of musicians, too.
Edgar's platoon entering the parade grounds
That's him in the middle.
Cherie looking on proudly, along with great
friend of the program
Don Reilly and his friend, Kevin Kelley, a retired Marine.
Edgar, not a chunky guy to begin with, lost
fifteen pounds
during the thirteen weeks of boot camp. Never looked fitter, though.
Edgar's drill instructor. (OMG)
A hug from girlfriend Maria
Congrats from the coach.
Exceeding Expectations co-founders with the star
team member of the day.
As optimistic as Jacque and Cherie were when they started the program,
they never envisioned an event like this one.
Don Reilly, Edgar, Kevin Kelley and Mike Reilly.
Mike "Voice of Ironman" Reilly
(Don's brother) has always been a fan of the EE kids and came to
show his support for Edgar and the program. As it happens, Mike
was on the grounds of MCRD less than a week ago calling the
finish of the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon, and renewed his
acquaintance with Brigadier General Angela
"Angie" Salinas, the highest ranking female Hispanic
in the Marine Corps and the first Latina to achieve the rank of
Brigadier General. |
Cherie brought some photos of the Arizona Ironman,
which Edgar
couldn't attend because he was busy becoming a Marine.
Don Reilly is one of those guys who puts
his money where his heart his. One of the biggest contributors
to Exceeding Expectations, this was his first chance to actually
meet some of the kids face to face. Next week we'll tell you
about the significant role he's playing in ensuring that team
members with special talents get the support and training they
need to fulfill their potential and "exceed
expectations." |
A splendid time was had by all,
and congratulations, Edgar!
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