Pvt. Sean Chilson by Vickie Grinder
Pvt. Sean Chilson
I interviewed Mr. Chilson three days after graduating from the US Marine Corp. I asked Sean when he first knew he wanted to become a Marine. “There was never a defining moment, I was attending FCC and talked with Sgt. Armstrong of the Frederick Recruiting Office and decided this is what I wanted to do.” I always believed in fighting for our country and now I was ready to make the commitment.” I continued asking Pvt. Chilson, why the Marines? Without hesitation Sean replied, “I needed to challenge myself. The Marine Corp is prestigious in addition to the discipline instilled into your thought process.” I asked Sean if there was ever a time during his training where he felt he had made a mistake by joining the Marine Corp. Sean had a big smile and said, “Yes! Before I got off the bus.” I starting laughing as was Pvt. Chilson as he continued, “The instructor starts yelling at you before you even get off the bus. I thought [what did I get myself into!] But on a serious note, the first day was a culture shock; you are completely out of your element.” I continued by asking Pvt. Chilson if there was ever a time where he felt he would bottom out and not make it through the training. Pvt. Chilson seriously replied, “I knew I was in good physical condition and could respond to that part of the training. But in addition to physical endurance, you are spiritually and mentally challenged as well. You learn to overcome the challenges placed before you.” I asked Sean if there a time when his spirits became deflated. His answer just like Pvt. Rej, “Christmas was the hardest time. Believe me, it wasn’t a Merry Christmas! It was the first time I had been away from my family.” But the reality is I have to accept that as a part of my Marine career.” I ask Sean what his thoughts were on the last hurdle to becoming a Marine-the Crucible. Pvt. Chilson in a serious connotation said, “Once you forget about individualism and start working as a team during the Crucible it becomes much more tolerable.” Working as a team created thinking outside the box and ideas came together; that’s when you realize what the training is all about. It is no longer about I, it’s about we.” Pvt. Chilson continued to say, “No one liked the hiking and that was the worst part.” I proceeded to ask him about the blisters and he sternly said, “Yes! Blisters everywhere but I refused first aid and just kept going.” Pvt. Chilson said the best part of the Crucible was about one mile before completing they starting singing cadence, “I knew I was almost there; it’s amazing because from that point on I never felt the blisters, adrenaline kicked in!” I asked Sean what was the first thing he thought upon completion of the Crucible? With a big grin and a laugh he commented, “The Warriors Breakfast!” “It was the breakfast of all breakfasts!” I ended my interview with Pvt. Chilson by asking what goal he has set for himself and proudly said, “I signed up knowing the world is at war and I will fight for honor and tradition, but above all to be the best Marine I can be.” Pvt. Chilson left Monday March 8th for combat training at Camp Geiger. Congratulations Private Sean Chilson and to your family, you truly are an inspiration!
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