Dennis Torres served with the Marine Corps Reserves in Fallujah, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, he is the Veteran Outreach Specialist at Queens College. Born in Jamaica, NY in 1985, Torres is the youngest of three siblings. His parents were from Ecuador and his father was part of U.S. special forces near the end of the Vietnam War to gain citizenship. “I grew up hearing stories of camaraderie. [My father] went to Cambodia for a little bit, and, hearing his stories, [it] made me want to experience it,” Torres said. Inspired by his father’s tales, Torres enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves after graduating from St. Mary’s High School…
-
-
College Students in The Military
Since the 2007 recession, military active services and reserves have met or exceeded their Fiscal Year recruitment goals and college students’ interest has also increased, according to Marine Corps Capt. Elan Greenberg. “We have seen an increase in currently enrolled college students inquiring about the benefits service to our nation as a commissioned Marine Corps officer,” Greenberg said. “Anecdotal evidence suggests that the economy is making people consider us for the tangible benefits, but experience shows us that only someone truly committed to becoming a Marine officer will complete the process.” Military branches vary in the benefits they provide, but some factors like salary while receiving education and military training,…