MARINE CORPS RECURIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Since he was a young child, Recruit Michael Gams was fascinated with flight and dreamed of becoming a pilot.
“He really loved airplanes and space shuttles, so his father and I would buy him model rockets that he could assemble,” said his mother, Jennifer Landis. “He also loved the movie October Sky and was interested in building a rocket.”
One Sunday morning while his mother was at church, Gams decided to go on the Internet and research how to build his own rocket. Sure enough, he found a website that explained the process step-by-step. Gams then searched his house for the appropriate supplies, which included a metal pipe and gunpowder from 12 shotgun shells.
After putting the makeshift rocket together, Gams lit the fuse, but instead of the concoction acting as a rocket, it exploded like a pipe bomb and shrapnel penetrated his lung.
Gams was conscious long enough to dial 911, but passed out soon after. Because he lived in the rural town of Newberry, S.C. he had to be airlifted to the nearest hospital. On the way, his lung collapsed, and he flat-lined for 37 seconds.
“It was a traumatic experience for the entire family,” said his mother.
When Gams arrived at the hospital, he had to undergo emergency surgery where he had half of his right lung removed. His mother was told he only had a 30 percent chance of survival. Gams was released from the hospital four weeks later.
“It was a close call,” said Gams. “That entire experience made me appreciate life a lot more because now I realize tomorrow isn’t always guaranteed.”
Gams continued his life as a normal teenager, and said that he didn’t notice a difference in his physical abilities. As high school graduation approached, he began thinking about what career he wanted to pursue.
Gams had a cousin who was a Marine and was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in Fallujah, Iraq, and was severely injured. His cousin told him how much he loved the Marine Corps, despite his injury, and served as Gams’ motivation to enlist in the Marine Corps.
“He has always wanted to be in the military,” said his mother who recalled the first time her son approached her and said he wanted to be a Marine.
“He told me he wanted to join because he believed that if he could accomplish that training, then he could do anything,” she said. “I was worried, but I supported his decision.”
Gams joined the Delayed Entry Program in March. On June 17, he left for boot camp where he picked up with Platoon 1010, Company A.
Staff Sgt. Nathan Schoemer, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1010, Company A, said that Gams was a recruit that stayed out of the lime light.
“He did what he was supposed to do, when he was told, and didn’t have much trouble following directions,” said Schoemer. “He never struggled at the physical fitness portion of training, so I would have never thought that he had a medical condition.”
Gams admits the hikes they had to complete were very difficult, but said he didn’t have problems breathing.
He enlisted in the military occupational specialty of public affairs. Gams has always been interested in photojournalism, and he wants to deploy and tell the Marine Corps story.
After graduating recruit training, Gams will report to the School of Infantry at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., for Marine Combat Training.
“Four years ago I was careless and didn’t think through the decisions I was making,” said Gams. “Now I am ready to make the most out of my life and serve my country in the Marine Corps.”