ASHTABULA — Aileen and Charles Debevec are starting a new family tradition.
The siblings, Aileen, a senior at Lakeside High School, and Charles, a freshman at Kent State University-Ashtabula Campus, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps together. The Debevecs were sworn in together at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), Monday.
Staff Sgt. Eric Yahnel, local Marine Corps recruiter, said he began talking with Aileen about enlisting and learned her brother had worked with former recruiter Sgt. Andres Burgos, having interest in enlisting for about a year.
The siblings are only a year apart in age and have always been very close. This is one more milestone they are able to share together.
“My dad was in the Marines and I wanted to follow the family tradition,” Aileen said.
Charles disagreed with it being a family tradition, though.
“Well we’re making it one,” Aileen said.
Charles’ reasons for joining are a little different. He is ready to see the world and can’t wait to get started.
“I want to get out and travel and continue my education,” he said. “I want to get out and see something that’s not Ashtabula.”
Both Aileen and Charles scored very high on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
and have already selected which jobs they will pursue during their military career.
Aileen has decided to begin her military career as an intelligence specialist while Charles will either take on air traffic control, air control, air support or anti-air warfare. Since neither enlisted as infantry, they are hoping not to be deployed to Iraq, but Yahnel made no promises.
“Any recruiter that says ‘No, you’re not going to go or it’s not likely you will go,’ is a liar,” he said. “We do two things in the Marines, win battles and make Marines.”
Neither Aileen nor Charles are looking forward to the intense months that await them at Marine Corps Boot Camp.
“It’s going to be hard,” Aileen said.
To physically prepare herself, Aileen plans to exercise a lot. She said she doesn’t feel she needs to mentally prepare herself.
Since both Charles and Aileen are in the Delayed Entry Program, Yahnel works with them to get them mentally and physically prepared.
Charles said he is most looking forward to seeing new places and broadening himself from the small town he grew up in.
“I’ve been all over the U.S.,” he said. “I’m ready to see other things to help educate myself further and do things I’m not used to doing.”
Charles said after he completes his military training, he is requesting to be stationed over seas. Aileen said she wants to stay in the states but would like to be stationed somewhere in the south.
The siblings will not go through boot camp together as they have different ship dates. Aileen will leave first, a little less than a month after she graduates from high school on May 29. Aileen leaves for boot camp on June 23.
Charles will finish up this semester at KSU-A and spend the summer working and getting into the best shape he can before he leaves on Sept. 8.
Both are very excited about what the future holds for them.
“I’m starting out my life as far as my future goes,” Aileen said. “I think the Marines is a good stepping block.”
Local News
THE FAMILY THAT SERVES TOGETHER...Siblings make Marines a family tradition
Aileen and Charles Debevec enlist together
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