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Once he finished, his family came to come see him in San Diego where he graduated from boot camp. DeLeon said this was one of the happiest moments of his life. His father agreed. “It had been three months since we had seen him,” his father said emotionally. “I was proud. I was real proud that he had made it through and I knew that he had the same will I had, strong-willed.” DeLeon started as a private and became a radio operator. He finished the rest of his training in California by conducting schooling for his position and Marine Combat training. After training, he was deployed to Okinawa for humanitarian work for seven months. After that, he was deployed to Afghanistan in April 2010. DeLeon said he was nervous and excited, but he did the training and was prepared to do his job. He was a part of the 3rd battalion first Marines, which was considered one of the most decorated units at the time. Their battalion conducted three major missions and was stationed in the Garmsir district. Their main duty was to protect the people from Al-Qaeda and Taliban groups. During that time, he said he went through a lot of ups and downs but remembers specific moments that stick with him to this day. ‘I remember saving people and the guys that got hurt,” he said while wiping tears from his eyes. “Just being able to help save someone’s life and the good that comes from that.” He served six months and his deployment ended in November. DeLeon considered deploying again but because of the death of his mother, he decided to go home in March 2011. Along with his sister and a brand new car he bought, they took turns driving about 21 hours from California to Victoria. He didn’t know this family was planning a surprise when he was back home “When I knew he was coming back, I had a homecoming party for him,” his father said. “I had some friends who conduct motorcycle rides for servicemen. There were 25-30 motorcycles waiting there for him. The local sheriff at the time gave him an escort to the house.” DeLeon said he was happy to be home to see his family after being away for so long. “It was nice seeing everybody,” he said. ‘When I was over there, I didn’t think that I would make it back sometimes.” Nowadays, he works for the GuadalupeBlanco River Authority as a water tender. He was a first generation college student to receive a degree in process technology from Victoria College in May. When he isn’t working, he spends time with his 2-year-old son. He also plays the guitar. DeLeon said he enjoys his new position and he would redo his service again with no regrets. He’ll be celebrating the Marine Corps’
248th birthday Friday and Veterans Day this weekend by cracking open a beer and reminiscing on his time served with his fellow soldiers. His father talked about how much his son means to him and how much of an honor it
was to see him serve his country. “I feel proud that he was a soldier and that he served his country,” he said while holding back his emotions. “I’m glad that he went over there to fight for our freedom. That makes me really proud. I look up to him.”
WE HONOR OUR VETERANS 11 11 2023
This Veterans Day, we are ever grateful for your sacrifice and service to this great nation. Thank you. Pol. Ad Paid for by Geanie Morrison Campaign P.O. Box 4642 Victoria