On Friday, Dec. 8, Battle Mountain native Bryan Chavira graduated from Marine Corp. basic training. The former Battle Mountain High School (BMHS) student-athlete now uses his skills to serve the United States.
Chavira graduated from BMHS on June 9, 2017. After taking some time after school to work, he decided to join the Marine Corps on Sept. 11. Basic training is only the first step for Chavira, who is now and forever will be a United States Marine.
The rigorous Marine Corps Basic Training challenges and forms recruits for approximately three months. During his training, Chavira faced both mental and physical challenges. Chavira was required to pass several tests, including: swimming qualifications, firearm qualification, the Marine Corps martial arts program, academic testing, combat fitness evaluation and a final challenge called The Crucible.
According to www.Marines.mil, The Crucible is a grueling, 54-hour exercise in which recruits apply everything they have learned throughout recruit training.
Chavira was able to pass each test and graduate as a Marine. Chavira was a star athlete at BMHS and played baseball, basketball and football for the Longhorns. When he was the Longhorn quarterback, Chavira threw for 34 touchdown passes during his high school career, according to maxpreps.com. He now hones his athletic skills to become a stronger Marine.
“Bryan never really planned on becoming a Marine,” explained his brother, Roy Chavira, “He wanted to be a lineman, but out of nowhere he decided he wanted to become a Marine.”
After graduating from basic training, Chavira will be able to have 10 days of leave before heading to School of Infantry training and occupational schooling. It will be a long road for the active-duty Marine, but he has already made his family and hometown proud.
“Each year on September 11 some Americans fly flags, some thank first responders and service members, but Bryan Chavira chose to honor September 11, differently,” exclaimed an Elko Marine recruiter on social media, “These fine young Americans ship to Marine Corps recruit training and will set the example for their peers.”
