CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ -- Serving for 30 years in the Indian Army, his grandfather is and always will be his hero in life. Lance Cpl. Amarinder Grewal, a Sterling Heights, Mich., native, is the first one in his family to join a United States Armed Forces.
A mortarman with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team-1, Grewal grew up having military history in his family, and a grandfather who inspired him to be a student of history as well as join the military to do his part as an American citizen.
"I am the first in my family to join a service in the United States," explained the 2001 Hazel Park High School graduate. "My grandfather served 30 years in the army back in India, and has been my inspiration for everything I am doing in life."
Following his dreams and aspirations, Grewal joined the Corps and attended basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. Prior to enlisting, he went to college and earned an associates degree in general studies, which qualified him for Officer Candidate School. He opted to go enlisted, the same as his grandfather did many years ago.
"I wanted to do it the same way my grandfather did when he joined; by starting enlisted and moving as high up as I can," he stated.
His grandfather joined the India military as a private and moved through the enlisted ranks, warrant officer ranks, and officer ranks achieving the rank of captain. Giving 30 years of faithful service, Grewal looked at his grandfather's example and decided to give his part for his family's new country.
"I feel it is necessary to give back to a country which has given so much to me," he explained.
His family questioned his motives on joining the military upon learning his intentions. An explanation and his graduation from basic training soon changed their minds.
"My family didn't want me to join the military, but coming to my graduation and seeing in my uniform, they understood," Grewal explained. "My mother saw me in my uniform and began crying telling me I reminded her of her father when he was in the military."
Currently serving in Iraq with the battalion, Grewal is not sure where his future will take him, considering his desire to teach history. His love for military history has him torn on his plans for the future as his reenlistment approaches.
"I am growing to really love what we are doing here and how I can relate to the culture of Iraq," Grewal stated. "But yet I plan to get further my education and one day teach at a junior college level."
Grewal also speaks four different languages, all originating from the Middle Eastern region. His knowledge of these languages and the cultures behind them ahs helped him understand the Arabic culture more than most.
"The Urdu language uses Arabic script and of the languages I know is closely related to what the Iraqi's use here," Grewal stated. "I have been able to learn some of the modern Arabic with the knowledge I have along with some books."
Knowing about different regions in which he is deployed is a tool he is using to help him better understand Iraq. Having been to many of these countries, he is able to focus on certain things with which others are not familiar. He passes this information on to his command while he and his fellow Marines fight the Global War on Terrorism.