Marine Corps Pvt. Tyler Vickens, son of Lori and Robert Vickens of Wellington, earned the title United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C.
For 13 weeks, Vickens and other recruits stayed committed during some of the world’s most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilians to Marines, and instilled with a sense of 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, Vickens 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.
Vickens is a 2012 graduate of Wellington High School.
