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
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