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PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - Timothy Rhodes, an 18-year-old native
of Edinburg, Va., has wanted to serve in the military ever
since he was a little boy. However, Rhodes suffers from
cystic fibrosis, which precludes him from enlisting.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, in conjunction
with the
Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Marine Corps Air
Station Beaufort helped Rhodes fulfill his dream and
experience some of what it takes to earn the title Marine
during a visit Feb. 25-26, 2016.
Timothy Rhodes uses a simulator to practice the fundamentals of marksmanship during his Make-A-Wish visit to Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 25, 2016. Parris Island, in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort helped Rhodes fulfill his dream and experience some of what it takes to earn the title Marine during a visit Feb. 25-26, 2016.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schubert) |
"Being a Marine has always been what I want to do with my
life," Rhodes wrote in a February 2015 letter to the
foundation. "I want to be a Marine for a couple days to, in
some little way give my services to my country and pay
respect to soldier (sic) that have gone before me and many
that will go after me."
Rhodes' experience started
where every recruit starts - Parris Island's famous yellow
footprints. Throughout his visit, he also got to learn some
of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and tackle some of
the Confidence Course obstacles as well as the swim tank,
rappel tower and the fundamentals of marksmanship.
"This is something we
will never forget in our life," said Tracy Barb, Rhodes'
mother. "I just can't express how grateful I am to everybody
here and to Make-A-Wish for making this happen."
Rhodes also attended a morning colors ceremony and
graduation aboard Parris Island before completing his wish
at MCAS Beaufort.
More photos available below
By U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Greg Thomas
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
The U.S. Marines
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