Corps seeking a few good seniors?

[unhappycamper]

Corps seeking a few good seniors?
Staff report
Posted : Friday Mar 6, 2009 14:33:57 EST

At 79, Opal Blackwell Walker is gearing up to retire from her job as a newspaper carrier in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. However, the Marine Corps has some ideas for her next career move.

In late February, Walker received a letter — marked “extremely urgent” — from the sergeant major of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, The Northwest Florida Daily News reported March 4.

“It says ‘Dear Opal, Do you think you have what it takes to be a Marine? Are you prepared for one of the most demanding challenges you will ever face? The fact is, if you have the fortitude, confidence and will to improve yourself, then the Marine Corps may be right for you,’ ” Walker told the newspaper.

She was surprised, to say the least. The soon-to-be octogenarian — Walker will turn 80 in April — told the newspaper that she has never considered military service and that she can’t imagine what role she might fill in the Corps.

“What am I gonna do,” she asked, “wash their feet when they go on maneuvers?”


Article at: http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/03/marine_senior_recruit_030609w/%2e