Marine Corps Pfc. Mario Diaz, Pfc. Austin Hargrove, Pvt. Mitchell Klarich and Pvt. Cody Thompson have earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C.
For 13 weeks, they stayed committed during some of the world’s most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment.
Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies.
One week prior to graduation, they endured the Crucible, a 54-hour final test of recruits’ minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.
Diaz is a 2006 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School.
Hargrove is the son of Darla and Gerald Hargrove of Loxahatchee and a 2010 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School.
Klarich is a 2012 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School.
Thompson is the son of Beky and Thomas Thompson of Loxahatchee.
