MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, SC -- Staff Sgt. Jason Port, a drill instructor with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, has accomplished what few Marines ever do ... obtained two degrees while on the drill field.
It wasn't easy for Port, who is from Camp Hill, Pa., to get these degrees. He made many personal sacrifices, hired tutors to help him study and took advantage of everything the Corps and Lifelong Learning had to offer.
After a short time on the Depot, Port finished his bachelor's degree and then completed his master's degree, but he didn't do it alone, he said.
"No man is a self-made man," Port said, meaning everyone needs help. "The people at Lifelong Learning gave me constant assistance. There was a willingness to work with me as I plodded along."
Port said he pursued his education as hard as he did because everybody thought he was a lagging in his education after going from one school to another. Educators didn't think he would make much of himself and said he shouldn't even bother continuing his education, Port added.
However, he had different plans.
Port joined the Corps in 1996. He graduated from recruit training and found himself at Camp Pendleton, Calif. where he began his goal of attaining his degree.
The new Marine began taking college classes at Saddleback Community College and was still working on his bachelor's degree when he volunteered for drill instructor duty.
Most Marines would think the drill field is too demanding to take classes. However, he saw it as an opportunity.
"We have Marines come in here all the time to check in, and we hear many of them say 'I don't have the time for classes,'" said Rebecca Salazar, an education Services Specialist with Lifelong Learning. "Jason took advantage of every benefit there was to offer. People say 'I can't, I can't, I can't,' but Jason said 'I can,' and he did."
Port's attitude and determination have left a lasting impression on the staff at Lifelong Learning.
"He was an outstanding student and is an outstanding Marine," Salazar said. "He has worked so hard for this and worked many extra hours to obtain what he wanted. He never quit, and his perseverance never waivered. He had a positive outlook all the time."
The staff sergeant is now working toward his second goal - becoming an officer.
"I want to lead Marines from a different angle with a unique leadership style and be able to influence policy later on," Port explained. "I also want to maximize that hard work I've put into my education."
Those who worked with him on his education are expecting great things.
"I think he is going to be an outstanding leader," Salazar said. "His leadership abilities will truly enrich the lives of his Marines."
Port left Parris Island Jan. 17 to begin his training at Officer Candidates School at Quantico, Va., and said he is looking forward to the challenges ahead.