TRANSFORMING STORIES
FORMER MARINES COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE OF HIGHER EDuCATION Article by Sharon Mervin | Photography by Rhonda Jessup Jesse Martinez and Victorio Basbas argue about everything. Basbas describes Martinez as, “grouchy and set in his ways.” Martinez describes Basbas as, “disciplined, strong minded, and loyal.” They both laugh, and then admit to being best friends… the admiration and respect between the pair is obvious. Martinez and Basbas are both former Marines. Both are currently employed as Marine Corps Police Officers with the Camp Lejeune Provost Marshalls Office and both are recent graduates of Mount Olive College at Jacksonville. Victorio Basbas and Jesse Martinez
“Returning to school was the most important step in reaching my second career goal. It has given me more confidence in everything I do: work or home...Between work and family, it became very challenging. However, I remained focused and dedicated to my studies, because I knew in the end it would pay off.” - Victorio Basbas
Always an element of healthy competition between them, the friends promised each other, while still serving in the military, that they would go to college if they ever had the chance. In May, 46-year-old Basbas and 50-yearold Martinez earned their degrees in criminal justice and criminology from Mount Olive College. Martinez served in the Marine Corps for 25 years. He lives in Jacksonville with his wife, Barbara. Together, they have four children: Corina-32, Juanita-30, Jesse, Jr.-28, and Brenda-21. “My wife has been my biggest inspiration and support while at Mount Olive College.” Martinez plans to use his degree to work within the probation system. “I want to work with young people and families, especially troubled youth. My education at Mount Olive College has opened the door to a different view on life.” Basbas, who was born in Guam and raised in Illinois, was in the Marine Corps for 23 years. He lives in Jacksonville and is engaged to be married to his fiancée, Erica. Basbas has two children: Joanna-23, and Andrew-20. Though Basbas admits that Martinez inspired him to continue his education, he says that his children motivated him. “They kept me on my toes. They gave me the drive I needed to continue,” he admits. “I wanted them to understand that it’s never too late to continue your education.” His efforts did not go unnoticed. “My son is currently enrolled in Grayslake College in Illinois earning his associate’s degree in criminal justice, and my daughter plans to enroll at Mount Olive College in Jacksonville next semester.” Basbas believes that his travel to different countries helped him appreciate obtaining an education. “I’ve been in places where education holds no priority. I believe that getting a higher education gives a person a big advantage.” Basbas says that Mount Olive College transformed his life in many ways. “Returning to school was the most important step in reaching my second career goal. It has given me more confidence in everything I do: work or home.” Like Martinez, Basbas worked full-time while attending college. “Between work and family, it became very challenging. However, I remained focused and dedicated to my studies, because I knew in the end it would pay off.” Basbas’ future goals include applying for a higher position within the Department of Defense. “I would also like to continue working with Marines either in the educational field or law enforcement,” he said. In the end, their bitter-sweet relationship, their families, and the promise that these two former Marines made years ago gave them the drive they needed to fulfill their educational mission.
18 | TODAY | SUMMER 2012