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5 sisters from two families graduate Marine Corps training together

Congratulations, ladies!

Five sisters - Amber and Ashley Valentine and Maria, Melissa and Vanessa Placido Jaramillo - graduated from MCRD Parris Island Nov. 13, 2020. Now they not only share the bond of sisterhood, but the pride of becoming United States Marines side-by-side. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dana Beesley)

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – Sisters by blood, now sisters-in-arms.

Two sets of sisters graduated from Marine Corps training together this weekend, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. said.

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Three days before her grandfather passed away, Ashley Valentine, 19, made a promise to carry on his legacy in the United States armed services. After deciding to join the Marine Corps, her sister Amber, 22, made the decision to enlist as well.

The two will not be attending Marine Combat Training together, however, Ashley suffered a hip fracture prior to graduation and will be remaining on the island while she heals.

The three other sisters, Maria, 21, identical twins Melissa and Vanessa, 22, were also in the ROTC program exploring their options of different branches, but it was their younger sister who first spoke with a Marine Corps recruiter.

“When one of us is lacking and the other is strong in that area, we always push each other to become to best we can be,” Melissa said.

You can read more below.

Sisters by blood, now sisters-in-arms: Two sets of sisters graduate recruit training Three days before her grandfather...

Posted by Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. on Saturday, November 14, 2020