MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- "It all started when I wanted to be a Navy Seal," said Sgt. Kristin A. Vining, ammunition technician, Base Ordnance, Headquarters Battalion, here. "I was in my sophomore year in high school when I realized I couldn't be a Seal so I figured joining the Marine Corps would be the closest thing to that dream."
Vining, a Salem High School graduate said she didn't want to be like all of the other girls in her town and always wanted to have an exciting job where she could do things civilians can't do.
"I really wanted to be close to explosives and weapons," said the Ray, Mich. native. "Earning the title of Marine was something I knew my whole family would be proud of me for doing. When my dad found out, he just said 'keep your head down,' and my mom was very proud of what I decided to do. Me being a Marine gave my grandfather, who is a World War II veteran, reasons to brag and every time I see him or my grandmother they're always bragging to people about me. "
Vining left for basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 25, 2002, and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., for her first enlistment.
"My main goal for my first enlistment was to be promoted to sergeant within three years," Vining said. "It was really the highlight of my military career so far. It felt really good to know that I was promoted before the majority of the people who were in my class during MOS (military occupational specialty) school."
During her career, Vining has been deployed to Iraq on two occasions and said she enjoyed both deployments.
"I love being in the field so much," said the 22-year-old. "I mean, Iraq had its ups and downs, but my Marines kept me going, especially when I decided to extend my tour in Iraq and four other Marines did just to be by my side. We were a really close group of Marines out there and I miss it."
Upon completion of her first enlistment, Vining received orders to Hawaii and checked into Headquarters Battalion, where she began her second enlistment April 29.
"For my main duties, now I'm responsible for accountability of all of the ammunition, and I make sure units are issuing and receiving their ammo," explained Vining.
According to Sgt. Casey O. Pater, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Base Ordnance, Vining is very professional and knows her job well.
"When I need something done, her's is the first name to pop into my mind," said Pater. "She's very dependable, and I know the job will get done correctly."
Pater also mentioned Vining's dedication to her work and her mentorship to junior Marines.
"She takes time out of her schedule to help her junior Marines, and I think that's something that a lot of NCOs no longer do," said Pater. "I totally see her staying in the Corps for 30 years and being a master gunnery sergeant."
Vining said she plans to continue her career in the Marine Corps and beginning college to work toward being a pediatrician.
"I'm hoping to stay in as long as the Marine Corps wants me," Vining said. "I've enjoyed my time in so far and have come to realize if you want something in the Marines you can let no one stand in your way. I just want to instill that trait on my junior Marines."