News : Birker and Gray Graduate from Marine Bootcamp

PFC Madi Gray

PFC Amelia Birker

Area Marines Amelia Birker and Madi Gray are among the 8% of women enlisted in the Marines today

Only 8% of the Marine Corps is made up of active enlisted women. Of that 8%, two of Vinton-Shellsburg's graduates have enlisted and have recently graduated from the Marine Bootcamp Base in Parris Island, South Carolina.

Madi Gray, daughter of Steve and Shelly Gray is one of those enlistees. Gray said that her experiences have been amazing so far. "I have met so many great people along the way that have taught me so many different things," she said. "I've had the opportunity to go through bootcamp, Marine combat training." In three weeks she will graduate from her "job school" and will then be an engineer equipment operator.

"Bootcamp," she explained "was very intense physically and mentally. The parts that I thought I would struggle with I got through easier than I thought." She said that there were other training exercises that really put her to the test.

Gray said that there have been many highs and a few lows in her experience. She feels like she's met several people who will be lifelong friends and mentors that will be there to help her along her journey in the Marines.

One of the most difficult parts of being in the Marines is being away from her family. The only thing that has made her doubt her choice has been knowing and seeing how much that she is missing out on at home. "But," she said, "I know that home will always be there for me if I decide to go back."

"I had no clue what I wanted to do, and did not see myself going to college. Now I've gotten to travel to 4 states, I had never been to and will soon be going to Okinawa, Japan," said Gray. "It is great to be moving across the country and experience life and a different culture on my own."

She encourages anyone who is considering joining to do it. "Whether it is to serve your country, the good benefits, or to have the opportunity to travel, it is worth it."

Amelia, daughter of Jeff and Leah Birker was introduced to the idea of enlisting by Madi. The two were able to work out together at the Marine offices and during their sophomore year at Vinton-Shellsburg, they went to a 2 day (mock boot camp) training in Des Moines.

Both Amelia and Madi started out on the same Matrix (training schedule) until Birker became sick with COVID. Because Birker was put into the medical platoon for a while, "all things work together for good." and it allowed her to be able to call home on her sister and brother's birthday. In addition, it put her in a new platoon she said, "to meet and spread God's love and light to others!"

Birker said that there is nothing that she can complain about as she serves with the Marines. She said, "They implement so much teamwork, selflessness, leadership, integrity and honor in boot camp. They train you mentally, physically and check your heart, making sure its genuine and pure." She went on to say, "The Marines is something I am so thankful to be a part of because it's the few the proud! Female or male, we're family!" Birker is currently serving in MCT (Marine Combat Training). She explained that the platoons are integrated so she works with males more than she was in recruit training. She said that she enjoys that more because the men bring so much energy and push the women to "do bigger things!"

"As females, we're always giving 110%. I don't let female and male diversity affect our work we're all Marines. Simple as that - we're Marines. Gender doesn't mean anything," she said, "and some guys will admit that some of the females are stronger or can do things they can't, visa versa too, it's a balance."

For Birker, she said she has a personal mission while she's there. She said that she wants to be a light and spread the gospel to others that she might come in contact with. She said that her journey has been amazing. In her notes to me, her excitement just oozed from the screen. "I was able to be with 30 other girls just meeting more beautiful hearts hearing more amazing stories! Birker and Gray were able to be in the same company, and Birker said that, "a big hug from a familiar face is all I needed to get me through the first phase."

Birker has begun her Military Occupational Specialties training in Camp Lejuene, North Carolina. Birker concluded by saying, "I'm so happy, thankful and grateful for this experience and title as a United States Marine!"

With their daughters both in the Marines I was curious to see what their mothers thought. Leah said of Amelia's joining up, "She did it as a mission field to spread the name of Jesus so...ALL IN!"

Shelly said of Madi's enlistment that she first was made aware of Madi's desire to serve when she was still in high school. Shelly said she wasn't sure if that commitment would stay with her until she finished school two years later but it did. "I was always very supportive of her joining the Marine Corps on the outside while feeling nervous on the inside," she said.

Shelly explained that "Bootcamp was a CRAZY roller coaster as a parent. You know the Corps is breaking them down to build them up and you just pray your child is grinding each day out successfully. They say no news is good news but it's so hard not knowing. The crucible is the ultimate defining test to pass in order to become a US Marine. When we got that call from Madi to tell us she passed, it took us all to a level of pride beyond words!"

Congratulations ladies and thank you for serving!