Patriotic Article
Military

Pfc. Christopher Lee Falls, guide, Platoon 3249, Company L, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, stands tall among the recruits in his platoon during the battalion commanders inspection aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Nov. 27, 2012. After enduing the 12 weeks of recruit training and completing the Crucible, Falls earned the title United States Marine. Photo by USMC Cpl. Matheus Hernandez

SAN DIEGO (11/29/2012) - What lies within a man can be different from what lies within a warrior. A warrior contains a code of conduct within himself—a code that embodies a life where integrity, loyalty, honor, selflessness and courage are one's guide. Many people believe they can follow this code, but others know the warrior ethos is the only way of life for them. This was the attitude that drove one recruit to making a life-changing step, which brought him to recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. “I've always been sort of a history guy and the more I looked into it, I saw that history is based off the battles that have been fought by warriors,” said Pfc. Christopher Lee Falls, guide, Platoon 3249, Company L, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. “Growing up I felt the warrior in me, and honestly, the warrior ethos is what drew me to the Marine Corps.” Falls, a Tempe, Ariz., native, believes he found his calling when he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps. Prior to his departure to recruit training, he was working an honest job, but not something he believed he was meant for. “I was working a dead-end job as a butcher,” said Falls. “No disrespect to butchers at all, but I knew I wanted more. As a man, I wanted more in life and I knew what that meant. Individuals that are motivated and seized the opportunity are what shaped this world today.” Although the average age for recruits going into recruit training is 19, Falls' situation was slightly different. Not only was he enlisting at the age of 27, but he was also leaving behind his family for a short while, his wife Heileigh and their 4-year-old daughter, Lilly.

“At first my wife didn't understand why I wanted to enlist, but she eventually came around,” said Falls. “She expressed how she felt about it, but still stood by my side and supported me. I also wanted to give my daughter a reason to be proud of me.”

Immediately after Falls succumbed to the demanding lifestyle of recruit training, he became the image of his platoon as the guide, a leader that stood out amongst them all, according to Gunnery Sgt. Marshall Rojas, senior drill instructor, Plt. 3249, Co. L.

“I've had 7 cycles as a drill instructor and he is the best guide I've had. He's very dedicated and loyal to the platoon and his drill instructors,” said Rojas. “He's a natural born leader and you can see it. Recruits just gravitate toward him. He's like the big brother of the platoon.”

Having a background of playing sports, Falls understood the team factor and lead his platoon throughout recruit training. He took what he learned as a leader and used his skills which helped him out significantly.

“I think he is going to make a great Marine,” said Rojas, an Aurora, Ill., native. “He has the moral strength to withstand any type of hardship that comes his way and all around he's a good individual. I believe he will be a good addition to the Marine Corps.”

By USMC Cpl. Matheus Hernandez
Provided through DVIDS
Copyright 2012

Comment on this article