United States Marine Corps Private Tabetha Solorio.

2008 Fillmore High School Graduate Tabetha Solorio, 18 years, has entered United States Marine Corps Boot Camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Parris Island, South Carolina. Tabetha left for Parris Island on August 25, 2008 for a challenging thirteen weeks of military training. In addition to FHS Tabetha also attended Sespe Elementary and Fillmore Middle Schools and enjoyed playing basketball.

Private Tabetha Solorio is the daughter of Maria Barragan of Fillmore and Guillermo Solorio of Arizona. She is the granddaughter of Trinidad Barragan of Palmdale, California and the late Guadalupe Barragan. Private Tabetha Solorio has two brothers; Robert Solorio, 21 years, of Arizona, Adam Solorio, 20 years, of Fillmore and one sister Samantha Valdez, 22 years, of Fillmore. Her Cousin Monique, 2 years old, Fillmore misses her auntie very much and can’t wait to see her after her graduation. She also has seven uncles, 4 aunts and too many cousins to mention that all miss Private Tabetha Solorio very much and are extremely proud of her service.

MCRD Parris Island is the only location for the training of women Marines. MCRD Parris Island is generally the location for the Recruit Training of new Recruits who enlist from states east of the Mississippi River. Recruits living west of the Mississippi River receive their Recruit Training, as I did, at MCRD San Diego. Recruit training is divided into three phases: Phase 1 is Basic Learning; physical and mental, Phase 2 is Rifle Training, Phase 3 is Field Training. The Training Matrix represents the best training in the world. It is a methodical and time-tested process. Every hour of every day for 13 weeks culminating with the 54-hour Crucible is designed for just one purpose...To make the highest quality basically trained United States Marine.

The first part of week one is called "forming." The Drill Instructors "form" new recruits by a process known as "total immersion." Without a doubt, Marine boot camp is more challenging -- physically and mentally -- than the basic training programs of any of the other military services. Not only are these requirements much higher, but recruits are required to learn and adhere to the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.< !--break-->

The Crucible is the 54-hour culmination to the transformation of recruit training. It is a physically and mentally challenging event that involves food and sleep deprivation and the completion of various obstacles for the potential Marine to negotiate. It has been said time and time again by former Marines that Marine Corps recruit training was the most difficult thing they ever had to do in their entire lives. In order to train the world's most elite fighting force... It has to be that way.

Basic Facts about the Crucible:
1. Recruits will travel 42 miles on foot during the event.
2. There are 29 problem-solving exercises during the Crucible.
3. It consists of 36 different stations.
4. The recruits will have three meals, ready-to-eat (MREs) during the 54 hours.
5. The recruits will be required to carry ammunition cans up to 50 pounds and dummies up to 100 pounds during the Crucible, in addition to combat (782) gear, uniform and M16 A2 service rifle weight.

After Recruit Training Private Tabetha Solorio will receive technical training in Shipping and Receiving.

All of us here in the Santa Clara Valley are especially proud of Private Tabetha Solorio and her commitment to serving her Country. As a former Marine myself I am especially proud to have her join the ranks of the Marines. We wish her safe travel and thank Private Tabetha Solorio and her family for their sacrifices now and others sure to come to keep the United States of America strong.