From a 17-year-old Marine recruit to a lifetime of service

This Veterans Day, we're proud to recognize one of our own, Kristine Overacker, and share the story of how a childhood experience inspired her to become a United States Marine.

Kristine's decision to serve her country began long before she was old enough to enlist. As a young girl, she attended the funeral of a cousin who had been killed in action. The military honors he received left a lasting impression on her. She remembers thinking that he must have been doing something incredibly important to be remembered and honored in such a powerful way. That experience planted a seed that would ultimately shape her future.

When Kristine entered her senior year of high school, she followed through on that childhood decision and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at just 17 years old.

As the oldest of four daughters raised by a single mother, Kristine was no stranger to responsibility. However, she had never even been camping, much less experienced anything resembling the challenges of Marine Corps boot camp. To say she had no idea what she was getting herself into would be an understatement!

Despite suffering an injury during boot camp, Kristine persevered, completed her training, and graduated alongside her platoon. She even made it home in time for her own high school graduation, where she stood out as the only graduate wearing Marine Corps dress blues.

Following boot camp, Kristine attended Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) school, where she trained as an HVAC technician. Over the next four years, she maintained and repaired industrial air-conditioning systems attached to equipment trailers supporting air traffic control operations.

Her military service took her overseas and across the United States for various training missions. Along the way, she formed more friendships than she could count, experienced things she never could have imagined growing up, and learned lessons that would stay with her for a lifetime.

Although her active-duty service eventually came to an end, Kristine's commitment to serving others never did.

Today, she continues to give back to her community through organizations and programs such as Veterans in the Classroom and the Marine Corps League. Through Veterans in the Classroom, she shares her experiences with students, helping the next generation better understand military service, sacrifice, and the importance of honoring those who have served.

For Kristine, becoming a Marine was about much more than wearing a uniform. It was about honoring a legacy, challenging herself, building lifelong relationships, and discovering the true meaning of service.

This Veterans Day, we thank Kristine and all the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform. Your courage, sacrifices, and dedication to our country will never be forgotten.

Semper Fidelis!