USMC - I would've been a Marine, but I was too FAT

My father was from Syria and my mother was from Lebanon and they decided on moving to the jungle of the United States of America in 1981; Los Angeles.  Years later we had moved 4 hours north to Madera, CA.   I was 16 years old and it was my junior year of high school.  This was the first time that I had realized there was life after graduation.  As I started to pay attention to what was going on around me I noticed a bunch of students getting ready for college.  My parents had never told me about college; how would they know what it was like to get into an American college?  After all, they were Armenian immigrants.    One thing was certain my family LOVED the United States and felt very American.

I drove to the Marine Corps recruiting office in Fresno, CA and ran into two interesting characters.  One man was Sergeant Vernon and the other one was Gunnery Sergeant Gorsky.  Now, mind you..... I was interested in the Marine Corps because I had heard about 1,000 helicopter pilot stories from my friend's dad; Captain Terry Lewis.  He had encouraged me and motivated me about the American military.  When I walked into the USMC recruiting station I heard,"Ahhhh shit!" Then they started laughing quietly.  I walked further into the recruiting station and I heard,"Wassup my man, Ahahahaha..... Ya man, right here."  Sergeant Vernon was pointing at the weight scale while Gunnery Sergeant Gorsky chimed in with,"You're probably gonna be too fat, but I'll get down your basic info anyways."  He asked many random questions, like my address, phone number, and medical history......but he never asked me my name.

These comments had not bothered me in the least bit.  I was just surprised that the Marines weren't super human like I had been taught.  This was my first time having any interaction with Marines, besides from the neighborhood heroes.  I immediately started to assess my situation and decided that this is not the type of people I want to be around.  Sergeant Vernon spoke as if he was an announcer with a drum roll from Gunnery Sergeant Gorsky,"Twoooooo Hundreeeeeeeed and Thirt Teeeeeeee Fiiiiivvveee pounds!!!!"  I put my shoes back on and without uttering a word I slowly walked out of their office and looked toward the other recruiting stations.  It was 9:00pm and the other stations were already shut down for the evening so I went to Taco Bell and stuffed my fat face before going home.

While I was at home the remarks of the recruiters started to bother me.  I knew I was fat.  I knew I needed help.  I knew I wasn't ready to be a Marine, that's why I was there........and my fu*kin name is George Ohan sir.  At 11:15pm I heard a knock at my door at home and when I answered it Sergeant Vernon stood there with a packet of paperwork in his hands ready to be filled out.  I did not invite him in because I was confused of his arrival.  He told us that the USMC had opened up a few slots with weight waivers, blah, blah, blah.  He started getting very aggressive and rude.  A few minutes later my father asked him to leave and Sergeant Vernon said in a very stern voice,"Sir you need to understand that this is America and this is how the system is.  He needs to come with me to Sacramento tonight."  Sergeant Vernon would rather have me go to the Military Entrance Processing Station and fail the height and weight requirements than to disqualify me as an applicant.  Needless to say, my father was not happy and kicked him out of our home.

The next day I went to the Army recruiting station and came across a Soldier by the name of Staff Sergeant Shenefelt.  I'm not going to say he was the best guy or Soldier in the world, but I can say that he took the time to help me.   I walked into the recruiting station and before he asked me any questions about weight, medical, or law violations he asked about my interests and educational goals.  He KNEW I was fat, just like I did.  He also knew to look past that for a moment.  By the time the meeting was done we had put together a workout plan and assessed that I had to lose 65 pounds to qualify for the Army.   I showed up the next afternoon after school and he took me for a run that nearly killed me.  It was just what I needed.

I lost the weight.  I joined the Army.  All I needed was some motivation from a LEADER outside of my family or close circle of friends.  If you are a person in a power position it is imperative to always be the LEADER.  It took a 10 minute conversation for an Army recruiter to recognize my potential and he gave me a shot.  I strived in the military to be named as "Top Soldier" on many occasions and went on to earn numerous awards and commendations while serving active duty in the U.S. Army.  I had also reached the rank of Staff Sergeant (P) promotable before deciding to become a civilian again.

The point I'd like to make is that I did not let the actions of a couple of people that were not representing the Marine Corps the way they should've been determine my future path.  My reactions to their less than honorable behavior is what set the tone to my future success.  I KNEW I was fat, that's why I went to the Marines......for help.  If someone comes to you and expresses a need, it's probably true and worth further investigation.  This can apply for any situation.  Sometimes people just want to talk.  Someone may suffer from PTSD, low self-esteem, depression, etc... If they're reaching out to you please be a friend, be a mentor, be a leader.......just be there.

Sergeant Vernon and Gunnery Sergeant Gorsky, You were right.  My weight prevented me from wearing the same uniform as you.  No hard feelings though.  I served this country honorably for eight years active duty as an Army Soldier and I feel very privileged for having an opportunity to do that.  Currently I help ALL military branches find work in the Film & Television field through an organization called Vets on Set.  I am also the alumni president for veterans at Los Angeles Film School.  Oh ya, I also belong to a group called Veterans in Film & Television located in Hollywood, CA..... not bad for a FAT boy huh?

Thank you for taking a moment to read some of my thoughts.

Very Respectfully,

George Ohan
George@SignatureXavier.com


@Fresno_Famous

OhanGeorge on YouTube

About Hollywood top producer George Ohan

My interests include forward thinkers, producing film, and self growth. I am a positive person that enjoys building a team with like-minded individuals. If you are looking to network, my work ethic is second to none. Please contact me at George@SignatureXaver.com Veteran- U.S. Army - 8 years Active Duty Positive vibes and Energy to everyone!!!! - George Ohan - - - - *"I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia." - William Saroyan - - - - A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.-Kahlil Gibran

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Positive energy only please

I never know what obstacle will be thrown in front of me at any given moment.  The one thing that I do know is that I do not respond to negativity with negativity.   In the last month my van has been vandalized with graffiti, my iphone4 was dropped & cracked, and a studio that we shot at mysteriously couldn't find two of my C-stands when we wrapped up our shoot (filmmaking equipment - value $350 LOST).   Each time I have a mis-fortune in my life I use it to make myself a sharper producer and person.  It forces me to be in a state of chaos, so I MUST figure out what to do in a very little amount of time.  For instance, today my phone was stolen and now I have an iPhone4 again because I had to figure out a way to communicate immediately.  If my phone didn't get stolen maybe I wouldn't have taken the initiative to figure out how I can get my iPhone4 fixed for an affordable price?  Thank you very mucho to www.LAiPhoneRepair.com - Jonathan was on his job!  3169 W. Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (323) 883-0838. 


 "A force this strong and powerful cannot be stopped by small time negative energy.  If my parents are forced to continue working their raggedy jobs, then I am forced to figure out a way to save them."


Very Respectfully,

George Ohan
Creative Producer
Hollywood, Ca

www.SignatureXavier.com - My professional work
www.Twitter.com/Fresno_Famous
www.YouTube.com/OhanGeorge


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Excuses are irrelevant

It is now 12:38am.  I have been up since 5am, but who cares?  I just edited and posted to You Tube a 4:00 minute video for Hip Hop artist Poca.  After that I started editing a new 1:00 minute promotional video for the Rock Star Djs out of Las Vegas, NV.  Tomorrow morning class is at 8:00am, but who cares?  I still need to get my taxes in order, do my laundry, read 3 scripts, and thats just tonight..........but, who cares?  My friend Erin Soto just started up TheDailyActor.com and I wish her great success with that project.  My very good friend Xavier Ybarra has been doing a lot of interesting things with photoshop for emmy award winner Craig Huxley.  We also just released a new music video called "La Pastilla" for Spanish Rock Band "Vida Tinta."  So far the response has been very positive.  ALL of this going on and more.  The point I'm trying to make is this..... There are a lot of people doing a lot of things.  Are you doing enough to get to where you want to go?  Do you actually believe you can reach your goals?  I hope so.  Look in the mirror and ask yourself.

Very Respectfully,

George Ohan

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