A year ago at this time Dillon Akin was a new Marine recruit at MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) San Diego, CA.  Far from Dexter, MO, he was homesick, lonely, and wondering if he was going to make it. Today he is self-confident, happy, and anxiously looking forward to beginning his military career.

Dillon recently completed Osprey school in Jacksonville, NC, and is now on a 30-day leave before heading back to California where he will be stationed at MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station) Miramar.

He is an air-framer and will work on the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. An air-framer services the aircraft’s frame, outer skin, and hydraulics. Dillon says that he is excited to get to his new post and finally begin to do what he has been training for the past nine months. He expects to be stationed at Miramar at least three years.

When asked about his decision to enter the military a week and a half after high school graduation, Dillon said that he knew from a young age that the military would be a part of his life.

“My grandfather Akin was an ambulance driver in Korea, and I admired him very much. When he passed away shortly before my ninth birthday, I decided then that I would honor him by serving my country.”

Dillon explains that as a youngster, he didn’t really understand the various branches of service, but that as he grew older, he began to study about them.

“Everything I read said that the Marines were tough--the best of the best. I had to give it a try.”



“It hasn’t been easy. I can’t say that it has. Basic training especially, was difficult. The Marines take the person you are, and transform you completely. You become a Marine.” He says, however, that after three months of separation from family and friends, the happiest day of his life was family day, which preceded graduation from boot camp.

“We were in formation on one side, and there were our families on the other side. We had to maintain composure and complete our drill, but when we were given the OK, I couldn’t get across that field fast enough!”

After a year, Dillon is not sure whether the Marines will be his life-time career. He signed-on for five years, so that decision is still a way off. He admits that at some point in his life he would like to pursue an education degree and teach English/Literature, and serving in the Marine Corps will make that dream a possibility due to the education benefit of military service.

Asked what advice he would give to those who are considering the military, he quickly said that they should prepare themselves and know what they are getting into. “My recruiter was a big help in getting me prepared, but during my senior year in high school I had to write a research paper. I chose Marine Corps boot camp, so I had a pretty good idea of what I was in for. Of course, the experience, the feelings have to be lived to fully understand, but at least I was not in shock, like some. Anyone who is thinking about the military--research and stay close to your family. Spend time with them before you go because those three months of separation and isolation will seem like an eternity.”

To you Lance Corporal. E-3 Dillon Joseph James Akin, Godspeed and good luck.