Recruit graduates from same company as DI brother
Submitted by: MCRD Parris Island
Story Identification #: 2005413112621
Story by Cpl. Jennifer Brofer
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Staff Sgt. Juan Morales, a drill instructor for Bravo Co., 1st RTBn., stands next to his brother, then recruit Benjamin Morales, who graduated as a meritorious private first class from Platoon 1030, Bravo Co., 1st RTBn., April 8. Private First Class Morales graduated from the same company and series that his brother did in 1996. Photo by: Cpl. Jennifer Brofer
MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (April 14, 2005) -- When Pfc. Benjamin Morales decided to join the Marine Corps, it was because he wanted to make a better life for himself and his family, acquire discipline and because of the opportunities his older brother had as a Marine as well.
What Morales did not expect was that, due to a flight problem, he would end up being assigned to the same battalion, company and series his older brother graduated from nine years earlier. His brother also just happened to be a drill instructor in the same company.
"It's a crazy coincidence," said Staff Sgt. Juan Morales, who was a drill instructor for Platoon 1025, Bravo Co., 1st RTBn., noting that his brother trained on the same deck that he did in 1996.
He also said although his brother was in the same company, it did not affect their relationship as drill instructor and recruit.
"He was just a recruit," said the elder Morales brother, who has been a drill instructor since June 2004. "He treated me just like a drill instructor."
Although Benjamin was not one of the recruits in his platoon, he did remember a time when he had to correct his younger brother because of an infraction. In this case, he gave the words "brotherly love" a whole new meaning.
"He went by me without giving me a greeting," said Staff Sgt. Morales, who shortly after corrected the recruit in the warm way only a drill instructor can.
As recruit training progressed, Staff Sgt. Morales said he noticed a big change in his brother, who lacked discipline when he was a civilian.
"He changed a lot as far as discipline and focus," said the Buffalo, N.Y., native. "Even from when I knew him back home, I've seen a lot of changes."
Morales also admitted his younger brother "did a whole lot better than I did in recruit training."
"I used to get with the experienced drill instructor to find out how he was doing," he said. "He was somewhat above average from what I hear. He did better than I did."
In fact, Benjamin was meritoriously promoted to the rank of private first class for being a squad leader during recruit training.
At age 25, only one year his brother's junior, Pfc. Morales admitted his brother was one of the reasons he joined the band of brothers.
"I wanted to be a Marine to better my life and to do something with my life because I have kids of my own," he said. "I needed the discipline badly. Also, my brother accomplished many things in his life as a Marine that I haven't been able to."
During recruit training, Pfc. Morales said he was treated no differently than other recruits simply because his brother was a drill instructor.
"I wasn't treated differently at all from the other recruits," he said. "If anything, I was expected to do more because of the situation."
One of the benefits of having his brother as a Marine is, "We're going to have even more contact now," said the older Morales brother.
Private First Class Benjamin Morales carried on the proud tradition his brother started by graduating from Platoon 1030 (follow series), Bravo Co., 1st RTBn., April 8.
"I'm very honored to have been placed in Bravo Co., where my brother was," said Pfc. Morales.
Staff Sgt. Morales said he is just proud that his younger brother was able to earn the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, "whether he joined because of me or not."
As for the uncanny coincidence between the two brothers, Pfc. Morales' only explanation was that "everything happens for a reason."