Pfc. Kyle K. Peterkin
PARRIS ISLAND, SC – Pfc. Kyle K. Peterkin, a graduate in the Truman High School class of 2015 recently enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and graduated from Recruit Training on October 14, 2016. He was selected as the “Honor Graduate” for Platoon 2077, Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion.
“Kyle doesn’t know the meaning of ‘can’t’ or ‘won’t.’ He works incredibly hard on everything he does,” according to guidance counselor Andrea Joubert.
“I knew going into boot camp I wanted to bring something home unlike everyone else,” Peterkin says. “I wanted to be better than just the usual.”
To be selected for this distinction, Peterkin served as the “guide” for his platoon. In addition, he achieved top scores in marksmanship, physical fitness and exhibited the Marine Corps’ core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. The honor graduate also exhibits strong initiative and leadership potential throughout the recruit training process. It is a title earned by only one of over 70 recruits in the platoon.
Joubert went on to say that despite many challenges in his life, Peterkin always perseveres and thrives. “Always smiling, always cheerful, always able to take constructive criticism to his advantage. I’m so proud of him.”
Peterkin added, that it was something a Marine Corps Chaplain said to him during his first week on Parris Island that helped him achieve his goal: “He said if your mind can perceive it, your heart can believe it, then your body can achieve it!”
Peterkin now goes on to Camp Lejune, NC for the next steps in his training. Peterkin was also a four-year member of Truman’s Media Communication program.