Marine Corporal Samantha ‘Sammy’ Preston

By Andrea Busche

Atjust 23 years old, Marine Corporal Samantha

“Sammy” Preston has experienced a more exciting life than she had perhaps expected. Born and raised on Minnesota’s Iron Range, she enlisted in the military at a young age, which expanded her horizons well beyond her small hometown community.

The U.S. Marines have provided Preston with plenty of interesting opportunities for growth and continued maturity. While she doesn’t plan to make the military her lifelong career, Preston will no doubt carry the skills and life lessons the Marines have taught her into everything she does.

Home on the Range

Preston and her younger brother, Joseph, grew up in Virginia, Minn. Their dad worked at Minntac, and their mother was a Postmaster for the U.S. Postal Service. Preston was active in the environmental and science clubs, as well as the archery team during high school. She graduated in the class of 2015 from Mountain Iron-Buhl High School.

Preston also participated in the Upward Bound program, which supports students in their preparation to enter college. As such, she believed her next logical step was to attend college.

“I figured I should take the college route; after all, that’s what I was groomed for,” she said. “So, I attended Mesabi Range Community College for a year. But I felt like I needed more life experience. I had always wanted to do something with the military, but I was unsure of what. I was thinking about the Air Force initially, but my boyfriend (now husband) had enlisted with the Marine Corps, and I really liked how they were so hands-on.”

So, Preston decided to enlist.

Boot camp

Preston explained a bit about her boot camp experience, which lasted for three months.

“The first week is very disorienting,” she said. “You’re fresh in the military and still learning. You have no contact with your family, and everyone is screaming at you. But by the end of the first month, you know you’re here for a reason.

“By the second month,” she continued, “I started getting more comfortable and well- adjusted. I could talk to my family, and began learning firearms training.

“But in the third month, it’s hard to think. You’re ‘doing drill’ the entire time, and getting ready for ‘The Crucible,’ which is a test consisting of long hikes with a heavy pack, team building, and obstacle courses – all on much less sleep.”

Marine life

But she made it, graduated from boot camp, and became a United States Marine. When it came time to be stationed, Preston was asked a question.

“They ask you, ‘Do you want to be stationed on the East Coast, the West Coast, or overseas?’ My husband, Chayse, and I were already married by that point, and he was stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina, so I chose the East Coast.”

The two settled into a home off-base in New Bern, N.C., where they live with their two dogs, Oliver and Logan. Interestingly, Preston’s brother, Joseph, enlisted with the Marine Corps shortly after Preston, and is also stationed in North Carolina.

Preston’s next step was to enter the School of Infantry, followed by attending additional military training in Missouri. She ultimately became a Motor Transport Operator, which is the job title she holds today. In this role, Preston is required to know a vast array of details about military vehicles – including Humvees, trucks, buses and “7-tons” (a type of military truck) – including their serial numbers, how much weight they should carry, and how to drive them.

During her time off-duty, Preston enjoys giving back. She volunteers at least once per month for a food drive organized by the United States Marines. And, when she isn’t working or volunteering, Preston enjoys painting, drawing, camping, playing video games and walking her dogs.

Life beyond the military

At this point, Preston has served about 3 ½ years of her four-year commitment to the Marines. Her military service will be complete as of January 16, 2021.

Chayse, who is from Embarrass, Minn., has already finished his enlistment, and chose to exit the military. His next step is to pursue a college education. Preston plans to do the same; the couple plan to eventually move to the Duluth area to pursue their post-secondary schooling.

“I’ve really enjoyed the military experience, but it’s not something I can see myself doing for life,”

Preston said. “I plan to go back to school. I want to earn my associate’s degree and then pursue becoming a dental hygienist.

Throughout my time with the Marines, I’ve done some schooling, but it’s been hard to manage both.”

Sammy and Chayse would eventually like to add children to their family, as well.

One thing is for certain: Preston and her husband are grateful to be able to use the generous benefits provided to military personnel through the GI Bill. The young couple will both have access to a cost-free college education.\

Advice

Preston would recommend military service to anyone asking for her opinion.

“I think everyone should experience the military,” she said. “Being in the Marines has taught me how to handle most situations. I gained skills I didn’t even know existed, and it gave me a lot of confidence.

“It gave me a lot more structure as a person, and made me more responsible,” she added. “The Marine Corps definitely gives you a good set of core values.

“It’s definitely worth it, hands-down. Some days are hard, but you’ll get through it.” D