2nd Lt. Rebecca Carlson, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, graduated The Basic School with the Gung Ho award on July 24, 2013. The 23-year-old Newberry, S.C., native likes many sports including basketball, swimming and tennis and watching football. She also enjoys going to the lake and beach, and spending time with her family.

After admiring some of her Marine instructors at the Naval Academy, she decided to join the Marine Corps.

“I admire the traditions and what the Corps stands for,” said Carlson. “The Marines are the elite of our nation’s military. I wanted to have influence on others like some of my Marine mentors had on me.”

Carlson will be serving as an adjutant at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

2nd Lt. Christopher O’Neil, a native of Birmingham, Ala., enjoys baseball games, wakeboarding, skiing, reading and olympic weight lifting.

“I had a buddy who went through Officer Candidates School,” said O’Neil.

 He earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Accounting from Auburn University, then following a friend’s choice to become a Marine Corps officer, also earned his commission in December of 2012. O’Neil will be continuing his career as a flight school student in Pensacola, Fla.

“I wanted to serve, but also wanted the challenge,” said O’Neil. “I want to be an officer as long as I can and do my best.”

    2nd Lt. Alicia Peterson, native of Malta, Idaho, graduated in the top 10 percent of Bravo Co., The Basic School, on July 24, 2013. The Wayland Baptist University graduate served 13 years as an enlisted Marine, reaching the rank of staff sergeant before becoming a Marine officer. Peterson was graduated from TBS as an air intelligence officer and will be serving in Iwakuni, Japan after completing the Air Intelligence Officers Course in Virginia Beach. She likes working out, and playing basketball and volleyball.

“Ultimately, you have the greatest influence on lives,” said Peterson.

2nd Lt. Michael Choate, a native of Wichita Falls, Texas, graduated from The Basic School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico on July 24, 2013, with the Gen. John A. Lejeune Leadership Award. Choate started his career as an enlisted Marine, serving eight years as an administrative assistant and drill instructor.

Once he reached the rank of staff sergeant, Choate decided to pursue a career as an officer. Having completed OCS and TBS, the combat engineer officer is going to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. where he will attend the Engineer Officer’s Course for 4 1/2 months. After completing the course, Choate will be stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Choate enjoys surfing, martial arts and spending time with his kids.

 “I wanted to be able to influence Marines at a greater level,” said Choate.