Journey to Becoming a Marine: Oluwagbemiga Omotoye’s Inspirational Path

Staring out the window, Oluwagbemiga Omotoye saw the skyline of Washington, D.C. as his plane landed at Dulles International Airport. He and his family had traveled nearly 8,000 miles from South Africa, and the city was a welcome sight. The United States represented change and new opportunities for 17-year-old Omotoye. His family’s desire for coming to America was simple—to gain prosperity and share it with their relatives back in South Africa.

The family spent a few years in the metropolitan areas around Washington, D.C., before moving to Boston. Omotoye began working various jobs, trying to climb the ladder, but felt unfulfilled. Seeking a challenge, he looked to the military. Growing up in South Africa, Omotoye idolized the American military for its reputation as one of the best in the world.

“Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being in special operations, crawling through the deep of the night and executing missions,” said Omotoye. “I knew the Marine Corps was a very hardcore branch and I believed the [Marine Corps] would get me to that dream.”

Deciding to enlist in the Marine Corps, Omotoye learned about the Marine Corps Expedited Naturalization program, which accelerates the naturalization process for entry-level servicemembers. Just before his 28th birthday, he was notified of his approval to continue the naturalization process and was set to ship to recruit training. Three days later, Omotoye stood on the yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

“Just being able to stand on the yellow footprints was enlightening,” said Omotoye. The initial moments of recruit training, often the most challenging, were inspiring for him. “As we walked through the silver doors, I realized this is something that’s different from anything I’ve ever experienced,” he said. “The drill instructors training us on how to conduct ourselves really helped me stay focused and I realized this is the type of person I want to be.”

Throughout recruit training, Omotoye found strength in two things: the belief that he was making a difference in his family’s life and his wife Alexis. She sent him motivational quotes, prayers, and photos, which he looked at daily for inspiration. “She helped me not quit,” said Omotoye. “She motivated me to get up the next day, every day.”

On June 28, 2024, Omotoye completed the grueling 54-hour Crucible and was awarded the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor by his drill instructor, Sgt. Devon Evoldi. The ceremony was emotional, and many Marines teared up as they received their EGA. “He gave me a speech about how he saw me sort of grow up throughout recruit training,” Omotoye recalled. “That’s something that will probably stick with me the rest of my career.”

Following the ceremony, Omotoye and his fellow Marines recited the Oath of Enlistment, reaffirming their promise to defend the nation and its values. The oath served as a reminder of why his family came to the U.S. “To me, earning the title of United States Marine means being able to fight for freedoms others aren’t able to, to lend a hand when others can’t, to reach new heights for future generations, and to continue the honor and legacy of my family,” said Omotoye.