GARDEN CITY, N.Y.(April 9, 2002) -- Sergeant Major Anthony
Hope graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island,
S.C. in 1978 as his recruit company's Honor Grad. Twenty-three
years later his son, Joseph, did the same.
"I was more proud seeing my son march across the parade
deck than I was the day I marched across if that could be possible,"
said Hope, currently serving as the sergeant major for Recruiting
Station Buffalo, N.Y. Private First Class Joseph Hope graduated
from Marine Corps recruit training Jan. 4, and is currently
at Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic School at Fort Leonard Wood,
Mo. He is set to graduate Friday with orders for Marine Corps
Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
According to the senior Hope, the decision to become a Marine
was entirely his son's idea.
"I never pushed him to become a Marine," said the sergeant
major. "He was on his way to Auto Diesel College in Nashville,
when he decided he could learn as much in the Marines and be
able to carry the title United States Marine."
Though he had graduated from recruit training as the Honor
Graduate, Hope says he didn't hold it to his son to do the same.
"Never in a million years did I expect him to graduate as
an honor grad," Hope said. "I know that he lived through 18
years of boot camp with me and knew the discipline and the drive
to succeed was there ... I just never expected him to be the
honor grad."
Since the younger Hope's graduation, the sergeant major
says the bond between father and son has strengthened with the
relationship between Marines.
"There isn't a day that goes by when we're not on the phone
with each other. If he has a question, I am the first person
he calls and that makes me feel good," said Hope. "There is
an indescribable bond between my son and myself."
Recruiting Station Buffalo's sergeant major says his son
is enjoying his time in the Corps so far, and looks forward
to getting to his next duty station. As for Sgt Maj. Hope, he
hopes for one more event to culminate the father-son Marine
Corps experience. "We hope to be stationed on the same base
before I have to retire."
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