PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Hotel Company drill instructor Sgt. Timothy Peterson has marched two platoons of Marines across the Peatross Parade Deck, but the graduation he will witness today alongside his wife, Brandy, holds special significance.
He’s not yet graduating his third platoon, and she’s not watching another cycle he’s trained. Instead, they are observing her younger brother, Pvt. Max Buffkin, become one of the few and the proud.
“I haven’t talked to him face-to-face while he’s been here,” said Peterson, Buffkin’s brother-in-law. “I have talked to his drill instructors though.”
Peterson said he never pushed Buffkin toward the Marine Corps. The idea was one his brother came up with on his own.
“I never told him to or not to. The Marine Corps isn’t for everyone,” said Peterson, of Sanford, Fla. Service in the Corps is serious buisness, and Peterson said he wanted Buffkin to decide for himself.
Peterson said Buffkin was 14 years old when they first met, and he was like any other kid.
Buffkin loved football while in high school, eventually turning down a scholarship offer after his father passed away, Peterson said.
“I guess he just felt like he had to be the man of the house. I know he did it to take care of his mom.”
Buffkin’s older sister said he’s continuing a legacy of service in their family. Their father served as a Marine, their oldest brother is a Navy pilot and both their grandfathers were also in the service.
“I’m really excited about him joining the Marine Corps,” said Brandy, of Winter Springs, Fla. “I knew it was going to happen. It was just a matter of time.”
Brandy also said she has driven around the base at times trying to catch a glimpse of her brother in training.
“I’m super proud of him and so is our mom,” added Brandy. “I’m sure our father is looking down on him from above, and he’s proud of him too.”
Although his father was a Marine, and his brother-in-law is a drill instructor, Buffkin said he didn’t just join to follow in their footsteps. He also wants to make his own path.
Even through all the rigors of recruit training, Buffkin always found the inspiration to keep going.
“My father motivated me through boot camp,” Buffkin added. “I always think about him whenever I need to get through something.”
Although Buffkin’s career has barely begun, he is determined to make the most of his journey in the Marine Corps.
“I’m excited to serve my country,” said Buffkin. “Only a few people can do it, that’s another reason why I joined.”