Semper Fi. It means “always faithful,” and it’s the phrase Marines use when saying goodbye or hello to one another. It’s a phrase senior Kathleen Ioerger will be using often when she attends Marine Corps basic training in San Diego this summer. Kathleen is an enlisted poolee and plans to start as a logistic specialist in this branch of the service. She hopes to work her way up to an EOD (explosives ordnance disposal) officer. This is someone who locates, identifies, disables, and disposes of bombs, mines, and other explosive devices. It’s dangerous work, but Kathleen looks forward to the challenge and is glad to do it in defense of her country. She was drawn to the Marines because she has many family and friends who have enrolled in the Armed Services.

Kathleen is a busy student! She attends PT (physical training) every Wednesday and second Saturday to prepare her for the Marines. She also works over twenty hours a week making pizzas at Monical’s. She is a four-year member of the basketball team and a three-year participant in track and field. This spring, you may see her competing in long jump, triple jump, and various relays. This is all in addition to her classwork. “It’s fun keeping busy,” she explained, “but sometimes I could use more sleep.” Lilly Heilmann, a senior and friend of Kathleen, noted, “Kathleen is kind and compassionate. When I first moved here, she was one of the first people to talk to me.” Kathleen’s advice to underclassmen is this: “Don’t be scared to do the things she wants to.”