Noah Irvin’s banner hanging in front of the auto shop on Pennsylvania Avenue
Noah Irvin – US Marine Corps, 2019-Present
Tyrone High School Class of 2019 graduate Noah Irvin is currently serving in the United States Marines Corps as Marine Security at the Marine Barracks Washington. Irvin is the son of Randell and Dawn Irvin of Tyrone.
While a student at Tyrone High School, Irvin was a member of the tennis team, swim team, and FFA.
Irvin knew in high school that he wanted to serve in the armed forces, and when it came time to decide which branch, his choice was clear.
“I wanted to serve my country and to be a part of the world’s finest fighting force,” said Irvin.
He began his Marine Corps service in June 2019, just a few days after graduating from Tyrone Area High School.
Irvin completed the 13-week boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina.
The toughest part of basic training for Irvin and his fellow recruits was week 10, also known as the Crucible. It is the final training challenge for men and women who want to be Marines.
The Crucible is a 54-hour challenge that tests the recruit’s physical, mental, and moral strength.
Throughout the Crucible, recruits march over 48 miles, navigating numerous obstacle courses, day and night assault simulations, land navigation tests, individual rushes up steep hills, martial arts challenges, and countless patrols. Teamwork is stressed, and leadership is expected of the recruits.
It was difficult, but according to Irvin, one thought helped him to keep going: “being with my brothers and knowing that they were going through the same pain as I was motivated me to push through,” said Irvin.
Not only did Irvin complete the Crucible, but he did so with distinction. He earned the rank of Private 1st Class after coming out of boot camp. A couple of months later, he achieved the Lance Corporal (LCpl).
To be ranked as a Lance Corporal was an enormous accomplishment for Irvin. The promotion was evidence that the sergeants believed that Irvin showed a great degree of leadership during the training and that Irvin was an exceptional role model for the other recruits.
Since beginning active duty, Irvin has earned several other awards, including the National Defense Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, and a Letter of Appreciation from the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.
Irvin has had to sacrifice a lot, and he misses his family and hometown, but in the end, Irvin is proud to serve his country and it’s something he would recommend to others.
“It is a great way to start off your adult life and will set you up for success. You will also make tons of lifelong friends,” said Irvin.
After he completes his five-year enlistment, Irvin plans to start a family and work in a trade.