Back to where it all started
Staff writer
Marine Major Louis Holt returned Monday to the high school he graduated from 15 years ago to talk to students about careers in the Marines.
About 20 students visited the high school library to ask him questions.
Holt told students he had been to more than 35 countries. He rarely is able to speak the languages in these locations, so he needs a translator.
Marines have a job for almost any interest a person might have, he said, pointing out he has served as a helicopter pilot and as intelligence adviser among other things.
“It doesn’t matter your shape or size,” he said. “There is a place for you in the Marine Corps. The opportunities are boundless. For me, it’s worth it.”
When asked how he handles being away from family for extended amounts of time when deployed, Holt said that when he is home, he doesn’t waste time.
“I can tell you that it works,” he said. “You choose your mark now or later.”
Movies and books about Marines in combat are just that, as in his 15 years of service he has never seen combat or been shot at.
He said there are 250 jobs that don’t involve shooting and blowing things up, but those jobs also are available for people interested in that kind of work.
Staff Sgt. Manuel Hernandez said bases he has worked at are near the coast.
“We get all of the holidays off,” he said. “There is more than what you see. If you are interested, we can talk later.”
Holt stressed to the students he was not a recruiter and was just telling them his experiences.
After meeting with students, Holt said he wanted to return to the high school he attended to tell more students about the opportunities they have.