Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. -- 1st Sgt. Shonnell E. Horn stood proudly in her immaculate woodland utilities as she watched over her company during a Battalion Commander's Inspection, Saturday.
Horn, first sergeant of November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, stands as a pillar of strength and is an influential leader within the unit, said Capt. Christine D. Bariletti, November Co.'s company commander.
"Being responsible is her nature as a leader," Bariletti said. "She takes a lot of initiative, and she's very hands-on with her drill instructors."
Horn said she wants her life experiences to provide a good role model for young African Americans.
"So many Marines have led before me and have done great things," Horn said. "Knowing that I have influenced someone to get out an achieve something they thought they couldn't makes me feel good.
"A lot of kids just think there is nothing else out there for them," she added. "For young African Americans, seeing me gives them hope for the future. We've come so far."
Horn said good leadership means mentoring and guiding young Marines, as well as family. She claimed her leadership came from a solid upbringing.
Horn grew up in Baltimore. She has always answered to the call of friends and family in need.
"I've always been a family person," Horn said. "I have a very close family."
But as a young woman, Horn wasn't sure of what she wanted to do with her life. Horn was a part of her school's track team and earned several track scholarships. However, she had second thoughts about enrolling because she was afraid of failing.
"I wasn't that keen in my school work," Horn said.
A close friend enlisted into the Marine Corps and mentioned it to her, igniting her interest and curiosity.
"At the time, I absolutely knew nothing about the Marine Corps or the military," Horn explained.
Before she knew it, Horn was standing on the yellow footprints in September 1989. During her first week on the island, she realized what her calling was in the Marines.
"The moment I saw my drill instructors, I knew I wanted to be one," Horn explained. It was her drill instructors' presence that hooked Horn to the Corps.
After she graduated recruit training, Horn didn't hesitate to make her mark in the Marines. She was meritoriously promoted to corporal after her promotion to lance corporal. When the chance came to turn in her drill instructor package, she jumped on it. Her hard work and determination has not gone unrecognized.
Horn had an excellent impact on the Marines in the drill field, said Staff Sgt. Celita L. Williams, drill instructor, November Co., 4th RTBn.
"She's demanding, but she's fair," Williams said. "Everything she does is justified, and she always has our best interests at heart."
Horn keeps her Marines on their toes and ready for action, said Staff Sgt. Robyn A. Brown, operations chief, November Co., 4th RTBn.
"She takes care of the drill instructors in and out of work," Brown explained.
Part of caring for the drill instructors under her charge includes instilling the same sense of personal leadership that influenced her years as a drill instructor.
"I'm proud to influence the drill instructors. Guiding them helps the them instill the core values to the recruits," Horn said. "Being a drill instructor was my favorite experience in the Corps."
Horn continues to look forward, even as she remembered experiences now behind her. She plans to reach the rank of sergeant major and serve more time in the operating forces before retiring. After completing her military career, she plans to one day open a gym.
No matter what the future may hold, Horn said she will always remain proud of her accomplishments at Parris Island. "I didn't just get the chance to make better Marines, but better people," she said.