Marine Private Named 'Super-Boot Of The Year'
CAMP PENDLETON, CA — In his senior year of high school, Anthony Smith decided he wanted to be a Marine. He had a high-and-tight before ever stepping on the yellow footprints, and he greeted his classmates with "Ooh-rah" instead of hello.
After the completion of his basic training, he realized he wanted even more.
"It's always been a dream of mine to be in the Corps and to be the top Marine," said Private Smith, "whether that be Marine of the Year or some award like that."
He hasn't yet earned the Marine of the Year award but he's gotten another distinction from the leaders at 1st Platoon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines: Super-Boot Of The Year.
The term "Boot" is rumored to come from the Vietnam era, meaning "Beginning Of One's Tour." It's generally thought to be derogatory, but Pvt. Smith doesn't think so.
"It's really exciting to win an award. Does this mean I get to wear another ribbon? I'm going to call my mom to tell her I have a two-stack now. I'm really getting there!"
His squa…
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