“GET OFF THE BUS!” were the first words Michael Foote heard as he arrived at Parris Island in South Carolina for boot camp. This was the start of Michael’s military career. He didn’t know what to expect but he was ready for whatever came his way.

When Michael became a teenager he thought about joining the United States Marine Corps. He had always been a fast learner and was good under pressure, so he thought the Marine Corps was the right path for him. On March, 18th, 2009 he enlisted, and that’s when it all started. 

Michael is the oldest of five children. He has two younger brothers and two younger sisters. He’s always been someone they looked up to, the same way children look up to superheroes and wish that they could be just like them when they’re older. Like that, Michael was always a role model for his younger siblings. Michael loved being around friends and family and it was hard for him to leave them, but he knew he wanted to serve his country and make a difference in the world. 

When Michael was younger, he and two of his siblings, Jonathan and Brittany, used to play soccer. One time they were outside passing the soccer ball when Brittany kicked the ball and it almost went through the basement window. Luckily Michael dove down in the grass and stopped the ball before it shattered the window. They were all so thankful that Michael was fast enough to stop the ball because they didn’t know how they would’ve told their parents that the window broke.

As Michael grew up he always knew he wanted to do something hands-on. When the recruiter came to his high school and talked about options for enlisting, Michael realized that would be something he would want to do. He went home and talked it over with his parents as well as talking to his Grandfather who served in the United States Air Force. Everyone supported Michael with his decision. 

In October of 2009, that’s when he heard the famous words “Get off the bus”. This was the start of his boot camp experience. For 13 weeks he would be training to become a United States Marine. He wasn’t allowed to use his phone, and the only way he could talk to his family back home in Pennsylvania was by writing letters. 

After the 13 weeks of boot camp was over was his graduation. He graduated on January 9th, 2010. His family and some of his friends came to his graduation down in South Carolina. He was very happy to see them all again and he was glad to be able to talk face to face with them.