8th Marine Corps District

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Peter Lopez, a recruiter with the 8th Marine Corps District, oversees a spectator operating the marksmanship trainer during the Esports Winter Invitational at Esports Stadium Arlington, in Arlington, Texas, February 8, 2020. The winter invitational further solidified prominent parallels between the esports community and the Marine Corps by highlighting the competitive determination and drive both organizations use to succeed. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by GySgt. Jessica Smith).

Attendees of Ultimatum II, a Smash Ultimate Tournament hosted by Esports Stadium Arlington compete against one another in Arlington, Texas, December 27-29, 2019. The event provided an opportunity to showcase the parallels between esports competitors, and the Marine Corps: fierce competition, skill, communication and teamwork. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Sgt. Anthony Morales).

Julio Garcia, center, an enlistee in the U.S. Marine Corps, celebrates with Marine Gunnery Sgt. Angel Gonzalez, a recruiter with Recruiting Station San Antonio, and Ron Nirenberg, the mayor of San Antonio, following his enlistment ceremony at Joint-Base San Antonio Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on Dec. 10, 2019. Nirenberg attended the enlistment ceremony to support his nephew, Garcia, in his decision to join the Marine Corps.

Candidate Caleb Ramirez, the honor graduate of Platoon Leaders Course Combined 20, was awarded the Marine Corps Commandants Trophy during the Arizona Cardinals' football game in Glendale, Arizona, on Dec. 1, 2019. Brigadier General Ryan P. Heritage, the commanding general of the Marine Corps Western Recruiting Region, presented the trophy to both Ramirez and the University of Arizona. The Platoon Leaders Course Combined is a 10-week training event designed to screen and evaluate potential Marine Corps Officers. Those who successfully complete the period of instruction are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps.

Major Courtney Boston, the Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Houston, 8th Marine Corps District, was recognized as one of the newest members of the Sam Houston State University Hall of Honor during a ceremony held at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, on Nov. 21, 2019. During the ceremony, Boston was one of seven former student athletes who were inducted into the Hall of Honor for their impact to the athletic program during and after their time at the university. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Erick J. ClarosVillalta)