MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- It was dark outside when recruits Nancy and Frank Gianguzi stepped off a bus and onto Parris Island three months ago. The brother and sister pair took on the challenge of becoming Marines ... together.
The siblings knew there was no turning back once they got off the bus.
The Marines shared a common desire to join the Marine Corps: to provide financial support to their mother.
After Frank graduated from high school and Nancy graduated from beauty school, the two made the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps and endure the challenges of recruit training.
The 19- and 20-year-old brother and sister pair will graduate today as Marines and can both reflect on the transformations of each other while supporting their mother.
Both of the siblings wanted to become Marines, however, not at the same time.
"I wasn't going to join until [Nancy] completed all of her training, including her [military occupational specialty] school," Frank said.
However, the two agreed it would be more convenient for the family to make one trip to a graduation instead of two.
Nancy received training in Platoon 4021, Oscar Co., 4th RTBn., while her brother received training in Platoon 3061, India Co., 3rd RTBn.
Nancy completed the exact training Frank did. They both experienced the same obstacles such as the rifle range, the confidence course and the Crucible while in recruit training.
Frank said the hardest part of recruit training was Basic Warrior Training and the Crucible. The sleep deprivation and physical aspects caused him to be sick and his body to be weak, he said.
"There were times when it was hard to keep going," Frank said, "but at that exact moment, I would think of my sister and continue on."
From time to time, the two would meet in church on Sundays and were able to sneak glimpses of each other, Nancy said.
That occasional glimpse helped them stay motivated and continue through the hardships of recruit training.
Knowing Nancy was there on Parris Island with him was exceptional motivation, Frank said.
"Boot camp was hard," Frank said. "It was so stressful, but I couldn't quit knowing my sister was doing everything I was doing. The fact we were going through the same things, motivated me not to quit."
The Lehigh, Penn., natives knew after 13 weeks they would walk across the Peatross Parade Deck together, where only a few hundred feet would separate them.
"We are closer than most sisters and brothers," Frank said.
The pair has plans to take care of their mother while in the Marine Corps, so Nancy enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in order to spend time with her.
Other than helping their mother, the duo also looks forward to spending their time in the Marine Corps.
"The Marine Corps makes you look at the little things in the big picture and realize that without the little things, there would be no picture," Frank said.