Mexico City native serves in Iraq, helps less fortunate

27 Mar 2005 | Cpl. Tom Sloan 2nd Marine Division

While growing up in Mexico City, he watched Marines on TV providing food and humanitarian aid to starving, less fortunate people in his and other countries around the world. After witnessing the great things Marines were doing, his heart was set on becoming one himself.

Private first class Carl H. Name, a rifleman with 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Division, was born in Irving, Texas, but his parents, both Mexican citizens, took him to their home south of the border while he was still in diapers.

"I lived most of my life in Mexico," explained the 21-year-old who holds dual citizenship. "I would see the Marines doing good things for others on TV, and I knew I had to be a part of that team. I've wanted to be a Marine from an early age."

The 2004 Angel Maria Garibay High School graduate, turned his dreams of wearing the Eagle, Globe and Anchor into reality when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after school.

Signing the dotted line would require him to leave Mexico and head north to Texas.

"I joined in Plano and went straight to boot camp."

Name attended Marine Corps Recruit Training at the depot in San Diego and was trained as an infantryman at his military occupational school, Infantry Training Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Soon after MOS school, Name got his chance to help others in need. His infantry battalion deployed to Iraq to conduct security and stabilization operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His typical week includes conducting patrols in the city here with his fellow leathernecks as they search for insurgents and weapons caches. Name and his Marines also hand out soccer balls, pens and paper, candy and other gifts to the Iraqi children who run out to greet them in the streets.

"It feels good interacting with the children," said Name, who will be promoted to the rank of lance corporal the first of April. "I realize that not everyone is as fortunate as some. I'm glad we are helping these people, they need it."

Name added being a Marine is rewarding in more way than one.

"The Marines has given me discipline and has made me a better person."

Name has a thick Mexican accent, but that doesn't affect his mission accomplishment, according to Lance Cpl. Jaryd W. Hoar, a rifleman with 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.

"He speaks English well," said the 20-year-old from Tacoma, Wash. "He knows his job and is someone you can trust on the battlefield. He came from a different country to join the Marines, which says he's determined."

Name plans on attending college to pursue a higher education after his four-year enlistment in the Corps.

"I want to get a business degree and open my own Mexican food restaurant," he said. "I plan on calling it "Fame."