Creel graduates from Marine basic training

U.S. Marine Pvt. Joshua M. Creel, 21, of Culpeper graduated from the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot in Parris Island, S.C. June 5.

After enjoying a 10-day leave with family and friends, he reported to Camp Lejeune in N.C. June 16 where he will serve as a squad leader.

After 29 days of Marine combat training he will go to Oklahoma City for military occupational specialty school for artillery training.

Creel is a 2005 graduate of Rappahannock County High School and is a member of the Culpeper County Volunteer Fire Department.

He is the son of Ginny Carter and brother of John David and Jacob Early Mardeusy. He is also the father of Wyatt Michael Creel-Sieber.

Twenty-one family members and friends attended his graduation at Parris Island.

They included his mom and brothers, girlfriend Jessica Sieber, grandparents Rachel and Mahlon McAlister, aunt Ginger McAlister, nephews Jordyn Washington and Justin Corbin, aunt Audrey Hinton, nieces Rachel and Cristy Hinton, nephew Matthew Hinton, aunt Natalie Colley, nieces Jessica and Makaila Colley, aunt Sonja and uncle Salon Betts and Cristie and Larry Terry.

Also aunt Velvet McAlister joined via phone while serving as a sergeant in the United States Air Force.