Joe's Early History

  • Marine getting a vaccine

    Day #2 of Bootcamp Starts With A Metallic Crash

    December 10, 2025

    I sucked in my breath as if I had just been thrown into an icy river. Gasping, I scrambled out of my upper rack. My bare feet hit the cold concrete…

  • Group showers in the military

    My First Day of Bootcamp Comes to an End

    November 26, 2025

    Following our first session of close order drill, Gunnery Sergeant Barker marched the platoon to the mess hall for evening chow.

  • Joe Dillon Military Base

    Survival of the Fittest

    November 11, 2025

    Gunnery Sergeant Barker marched us back to our platoon area, correcting us as we attempted to carry out his orders.

  • Early History - Joe Dillon

    You’re done! Get out of my chowhall NOW!

    October 27, 2025

    As we performed a sad rendition of marching, hunched over with our seabag, the first light of dawn began to come up. We “marched” into what turned out to be a vast array of Quonset huts.

  • Get In My Truck NOW!

    Get in my truck NOW!

    October 13, 2025

    We marched toward an unknown destination. We were ravenously hungry. We were exhausted. And, with the first signs of dawn, it appeared we were just starting our day.

  • Leaving For Marine Corps Bootcamp in San Diego

    Leaving For Marine Corps Bootcamp in San Diego

    September 29, 2025

    I had signed the contract. I had taken the oath. Now my Fate was in the hands of Marine Corps drill instructors. They were ready for me. The big question: was I ready for Marine Corps Drill Instructors?