Band of Brothers

15 Apr 2001 | Sgt Amanda Hay Marine Corps Recruiting Command

The Marine Corps is known as a band of brothers. For the Malfavon family of Escondido, Calif., that phrase has taken on a whole new meaning.

Arturo was the first to join and spent eight years as an LAV crewman. Juan has been in for 13 years and is currently a gunnery sergeant and the NCOIC of RSS Jersey City. Jerardo spent four years as a Sea/Air Rescue crewman. Francisco is currently a corporal and serving his fourth year in aviation ordnance.

For 19-year-old Nando Malfavon, the Marine Corps stood out to him because he saw how much his brothers had changed.

"They had better attitudes, and had a lot more poise and confidence in themselves after recruit training," said the Escondido, Calif. native. "I see this as a step in the right direction. I can have a unique experience, become self-reliant and more disciplined."

Following his graduation from Escondido High School, Escondido, Calif., Nando journeyed across the United States to New Jersey to enlist at his older brother's recruiting sub-station. According to Gunnery Sgt. Malfavon, joining the Marine Corps is not a pre-planned Malfavon tradition.

"The positive impact it had on our lives was obvious and we all knew that," said the older Malfavon of himself and his Leatherneck brothers. "We chose this as a chance to better ourselves. We're all supportive of Nando and think it's great that he made this choice on his own."

Nando shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif. in early April. Before leaving, his brothers gave him plenty of details about boot camp; though, Nando doesn't expect to have things any easier while undergoing recruit training.

"They told me what to expect, but I don't think you can ever be really prepared," he said.
"This is one experience that you never know how you're going to react to until you're actually there."

Knowing the types of challenges he will face at recruit training, Nando says he eagerly looks forward to the next few months. Already he feels he has done the right thing.

"Good judgment leads to overall success," he said.

Marine Corps Recruiting Command