Administering the Enlistment Oath—Marine Recruit Brandon A. Clifner and Colonel Dennis J. Rensel, USAF (ret). Photo contributed
Brandon A. Clifner, 18, of Reston, joined the United States Marine Corps on Monday July 22. The ceremony was held at Fort Meade, Md. Brandon recited the enlistment oath administered by his step-dad, Dennis Rensel, USAF colonel (retired). Also in attendance were his mother, Kimberly Clifner and his sister, Katherine Rensel. Shortly after the ceremony Brandon left by bus to Parris Island, S.C. to begin Boot Camp and his Marine career. He will graduate from Boot Camp on Oct. 18th. His plans are to become an aircraft mechanic.
Brandon was born n 1995 in Colorado Springs, Colo. and moved to Reston in 1999 with his family. He attended Hunters Woods Elementary School, Langston Hughes Middle School and South Lakes High School before graduating from Massanutten Military Academy this past Memorial Day Weekend. Brandon worked hard these past 12 months to meet the Marine acceptance requirements. With the help of the Sterling, Va. USMC Recruiting Office, Brandon was well prepared for entry into the Marines.
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