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The following is an interview with Martin Apolinar, a 2009 graduate of LBJ High School and a member of the Austin Voices for Education and Youth Stand Up Club.
La Voz: I met you when you were a student at Lanier High School. What led to join the United States Marines?
Martin: Ever since I was little I saw videos of the military and I always thought of myself trying to do something like that. Over time the idea of being in the military just grew on me.
La Voz: You graduated from LBJ High School in what year?
Martin: This year, in 2009.
La Voz: Had you already signed up for military service before your graduated?
Martin: Yes. I signed up in the summer of 2008.
La Voz: Now. I imagine you had your choice of which military branch to go with. How is it that you chose the United States Marines?
Martin: I wanted to go with the best and for me that meant the United States Marines.
La Voz: OK. Now when did you first report for duty?
Martin: It was on June 15th of this year in San Antonio, Texas
La Voz: So you went to San Antonio first.
Martin: Yes, first to San Antonio and then they flew us to San Diego, California and then straight to boot camp.
La Voz: So how long have you been in boot camp?
Martin: Three months.
La Voz: And so now you are back in Austin to visit your parents?
Martin: Yes. For ten days and then I 'm going back to California.
La Voz: For more training?
Martin: Yes, more training.
La Voz: So if you were to be asked how have you changed? What would be your answer?
Martin: I believe I am more disciplined. I pay more attention to detail.
La Voz: And if you were to be asked what did you miss the most during your three months of training what would you say?
Martin: I would say Olive Garden Restaurants and the Orange Chicken of Panda Express.
La Voz: What about your mother's home cooking?
Martin: Oh, well, her green enchiladas!
La Voz: Se avienta pa los green enchiladas?
Martin: Oh yes!
La Voz: Now when you were in boot camp, you didn't get any leave did you?
Martin: No. The only leave we would get was 4 hours a week for church services.
La Voz: So you were confined to base during your entire time in boot camp.
Martin: That is correct. La Voz: So this trip home is first time being "free?"
Martin: Yes
La Voz: What have you been doing since you have been home?
Martin: I visited my old high school LBJ High School. I saw my former principal, Mr. Patrick Patterson.
La Voz: Well, we wish you best in this new adventure in the Marines.
Martin: Thank you for interviewing me.
