|
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (8/10/2012) – At only 5
years old, Jorge Solis has dreamed of becoming a Marine for more
than half his life.
|
Jorge Solis, 5, shows Officer Benjamin Maple, kennel master at the K-9 kennels here, the challenge coins he's
received
throughout his tour of the base, Aug. 10, 2012. Solis, who has
retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, wished to be a Marine for a day. Photo by
USMC Cpl. Jovane Henry
|
|
Jorge, who suffers from retinoblastoma, a rare type of eye cancer,
got the chance to live his dream when the Make-A-Wish Foundation of
Orange County and the Inland Empire partnered with Camp Pendleton to
conduct a hands-on tour for Jorge and his family, Aug. 10.
Dressed in a tan Marine Corps camouflage uniform complete with
cover, backpack, tan boots and a blue button identifying him as a
Make-A-Wish child, Jorge looked the part when he arrived at the main
gate in a white limousine with his parents and three brothers, who
all wore Marine Corps t-shirts.
“This is a dream come true
for Jorge, and we're so glad to be here,” said Carmen Reyes, Jorge's
mother. “He's loved the military since he was 2 years old- playing
soldiers, yelling ‘move out, move out' at his brothers, watching all
the Rambo movies- it's just in his blood.” |
Jorge's family was accompanied by several representatives
from the Orange County and Inland Empire Make-A-Wish
offices, including chief executive officer Stephanie
McCormick, Jorge's wish coordinator Michelle Cuellar, and
chairman of the board Michael Rapacz.
Jorge's first
stop was the South Mesa Club, where he was greeted by Brig.
Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese, commanding general of Marine
Corps Installations-West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
and Sgt. Maj. Derrick Christovale, Marine Corps
Installations-West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
sergeant major.
During the meeting, Coglianese and
Christovale presented Jorge with a duffel bag of Marine
Corps goodies, promoted him to general, and taught him how
to march and salute.
“I only have one order for you
Jorge,” said Coglianese, saluting the new young general as
the meeting ended. “Have a good time.”
“Yes, sir,”
said Jorge, saluting.
Throughout the day, Jorge and
his family participated in various activities across the
base: riding amphibious assault vehicles, shooting rifles
and pistols at the Individual Simulated Marksmanship
Trainer, learning a boxing lesson from instructors at the
new Marine Corps Martial Arts Program dojo, eating lunch
with Coglianese at the 24 Area chow hall, flying the
helicopter simulator on Marine Corps Air Station Camp
Pendleton, controlling an explosive ordinance disposal robot
at the EOD Museum, taking photos in vintage military
vehicles at the Mechanized Museum and watching a demo and
petting the dogs at the K-9 kennels.
At every
location he was saluted and presented coins, badges and
other gifts from the Marines.
Seeing Jorge's wish
granted touched not only the family, but the Marines he came
into contact with throughout the day as well.
While
waiting in line at the chow hall for a cheeseburger, he was
approached by a Marine who offered him a handshake and his
boot bands so he could blouse his boots.
“He's just a
brave little guy, full of life and energy,” said Sgt. Daniel
Mullis, a formal marksmanship training course instructor at
the ISMT. “We really enjoyed having him here with us today.”
At the end of the day, Jorge settled back into the limo
with his family for the ride home, arms full of coins,
stickers and t-shirts, an ear-to-ear smile still plastered
across his face.
“I've had a lot of fun today,” said
Jorge. “I like playing Marines with my brothers, and we
liked all the things we got to do.”
In the end, it is
that smile that lets everyone know the mission was
accomplished, said McCormick.
“Never underestimate
the smile of a wish child,” said McCormick. That's what it
is all about. Jorge will remember this day for the rest of
his life, and his smile today has transformed all our
lives.”
More photos available below
By USMC Cpl. Jovane Henry
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
Comment on this article |
