This man SSGT Nichols is a motivational speaker and it’s no wonder he became a drill instructor because the man is a natural leader and inspires others even when some have given up on themselves. Semper Fidelis
The Marine Corp kept me out of prison, I was homeless, had a pregnant girlfriend, no highschool diploma, life going nowhere......I called a recruiter, he helped me get my GED, and got me in the Marines.......saved my life.
Thank you for not giving up on him!! The Marine Corp gave him a purpose and in boot camp he found out that people really cared about him, thru discipline and accountability. Semper Fi!!
The Marine Corps gave me a golden opportunity. I used to sell gum at the San Ysidro border. Now, oldest daughter graduated from UC Berkeley and this last Friday my little began attending UCLA. And I get to keep all the lessons learned and experience. SEMPER FI!
Ssgt. Nichols, you are an amazing man. You are living up to my lifelong experience of Marines, that they are rough and tough on the outside, and amazingly kind and giving men on the inside. My hat is off to you, sir.
You're doing a great service helping these young men get their lives straight. Sometimes they just need someone to genuinely care about them & point them in the right direction. I wish you & your family well. I also have had many family members in the Armed forces. Dad and an uncle were in the Navy and a couple of his brothers were in the Army. Several male and female cousins were in the Corps, Navy & the Coast Guard. My son just left for Ft Benning for BCT. Keep on with your good work.
I would have to whole-heartedly agree with you. Before I joined the Marines back in 2000 I was going nowhere and getting into a lot of trouble. The first sense of accomplishment I ever had was at graduation day at MCRSD. Now I have the discipline and drive to be a successful and good human being. Without the Marines, I wouldn't have had the discipline to finish grad school. Thanks for posting your experience.
I am proud of this DI and his dedication to his recruit and then a fellow Marine. I am proud of the Marine he is telling the story about as well because inside of that individual LIVES the "Marine Corp" spirit and all that the tradition it stands for. Once a Marine ALWAYS a Marine. Semper Fi
This is Drill Instructor Staff Seargant Nicholes. I a recruit in San Diego when he was a third hat. Man he was crazy then but a damn good drill instructor. Semper Fi Staff Seargant. Former Marine Sgt. Noah
He got out lucky. Anyone facing those kinds of charges. A choice to join the military and possibly become a very respected individual is like being acquitted entirely.
I had a friend who was almost sent to prison. But they judge gave him a option. 2 years in prison or 4 years Marine Corps? He chose the 4 years and said it was the best decision he's ever made.
It's kinda hard to imagine this same nice-sounding guy chewing out recruits and all that. That's why you can never talk crap about Marines. Very professional people, in and out of uniform.
This looks like SSGT Nichols... I apologize for the spelling if it's wrong but this guy has a youtube channel for when he was a Drill Instructor, if It's him then that's really awesome.
This story is what being a Marine is all about. This DI is showing the world what SEMPER FI means. Leadership by example, Honor, Courage and Committment are NOT just words. They are what separate Marines from everyone else on the battle field and in life.
I remember this guy. He was with C co. He was a Senior D.I. when I was a new hat. Him along with another D.I. named Sgt. Thompson were the 2 hats from C co. I looked up to because of there intensity. very professional.
To continue, later in life I became a Police Officer and instead of arresting troubled youth, I would take them to the recruiting station for the Marines and told them my story. I still remember the day I graduated boot camp....My grandfather, a retired Marine of 30 years was there. When we walked off the parade deck after we were dismissed, my mother said that was the first time in her life she saw her father cry. God bless the Marines! I have three boys of my own who are ready to join the Corp
He lied. Literally everyone I know including myself, all were told not to tell meps anything that could disqualify us. We were told this by current enlisted, prior service, and recruiters. “Meps doesn’t know what you don’t let them know” granted there’s other factors though.
Military is amazing for the unfortunate. They can live, get education, have a career in anything just by joining as soon as they come of age. And in war. They have the power of 10 conscripts of any enemy army making use of mandatory conscription.
A lot of times, kids join gangs for a sense of belonging and/or brotherhood, while at the same time getting a chance to prove themselves as better than, respected or feared by (in their eyes) others they may have grown up around. The military can provide a positive atmosphere with the same time of brotherhood while having a sense of accomplishment. While never a part of a gang, I did a lot of stupid things trying to fit in before joining the corps.
I barely made it through MEPS with a prior surgery that was literally 2 cuts on my elbow from a baseball injury..... got accepted into the US ARMY and won soldier of the quarter in FT. Sill....
They are all great. This was a story about a life turned around - his brother marines didn't give up on him. When others still couldn't believe in him, his SDI stepped in again to help. A complex issue that tells something about human nature and society. Not all stories turn out well. People who do well and don't have a black mark against them can move forward without being disqualified, and their stories are just as good and important as this one. If you have one of those, please tell it.
I haven't done any drugs or get in to trouble but the Corps won't let me join because I'm 29 yrs. This doesn't make much sence to me God bless SSgt. for helping this young men.
It's funny to see how the standards flip flop depending on the recruitment demands and the person. I knew a kid who got a DUI and his dreams were shattered when they told him he couldn't be accepted. We also now know that there has been a surge of various types of gangs that have recently been uncovered in the military.
Sure - and he doesn't forget. He lifts up anyone who needs it. He is always promoting other people, Marines especially. He has a gift and skills and contacts, but I didn't see him big noting himself to the detriment of others, he put others first. Thanks for commenting.
Awesome story. I'm always bewildered when a person on the street can't join because of a criminal record, but a gang banger with felonies, drug dealing and attempted murder can join. How does that work?
The one common thread in the video and all the comments is the positive results of pride discipline and a sense of belonging to a brotherhood. SEMPER FI 🇺🇸
this is a good video pretty motivatin me.. almost brought tears to my eyes one day imma be marine and help ppl feel motivate them when they feel down...
@cfig24 This is why I had to apologize to you. This is good. The guy said something about not giving up on people. This is what they do in the civilian world so you have something great. You truly are blessed.
is that SSgt Nichols from the "ears, open...eye balls, click"?? also the military wont take anyone with that courtroom deal. "go to jail or the military"
This video doesn't show all the soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors who wash out because they can't take orders or they get into fights. Offering someone military service instead of prison time is great. But that doesn't mean they'll successfully complete training. It's a problem when the military needs huge numbers of troops.
@atucc2 no, it possible the judge gives you option of joining USMC if you're lucky with your trials, someone from last year's 2nd BN MCRD platoon had a convict which turned his life around
Oo-fucking-rah, stories like that motivate me and as a wannabe Marine Corps Recruiter I hope to someday change the life of a shit bag and make him a Marine!
His ass should have been gone from training! Wartime allows for enlistees to come into boot camp under lowered standards. Good that he made Marine of the Year, I guess patience was needed.
He might have been suspected of felonies, but if ever convicted, he isn't getting into the Corps. 1 maybe and that is a huge maybe like on the last day of the month and you need one to make mission on the recruiting end and he better be spot clean with written references. A judge giving the ultimatum? No way, that has been considered illegal for many many years. Recruiters used to hang out in courthouses and police stations for that purpose, but that practice has been dead for quite some time. If you even have gang related tattoos, you are not getting in.
Attempted murder is a serious charge to get dumped into the marine corps. However, I am not against giving opportunities to those with criminal records. When they are in prison, they are useless to us, and using our tax dollars. On top of that, the US has one of the worst judicial systems in the western world. We focus on punishment rather than rehabilitation. And those stuck in it, get caught in the loop. If you are caught once, you are screwed for life, you will pay dearly and likely never fully recover, so it is nice to be able to give opportunities to those who just need a little guidance in life.
This man SSGT Nichols is a motivational speaker and it’s no wonder he became a drill instructor because the man is a natural leader and inspires others even when some have given up on themselves. Semper Fidelis
This man is clearly a REAL human being. They make the best DIs. The world needs more people like him.
The Marine Corp kept me out of prison, I was homeless, had a pregnant girlfriend, no highschool diploma, life going nowhere......I called a recruiter, he helped me get my GED, and got me in the Marines.......saved my life.
Semper Fi Brother
That’s good. The marines used me up like a sponge and I became homeless when I got out
Congratulations to you mate. Well done.
That's awesome man
How could I get into the army or marine with a felony back round . I already tryed to sign up but they turned me around at the recruiter office
I am Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. White and I APPROVE this video
Thank you for your service, Sergeant !
Thank you for not giving up on him!! The Marine Corp gave him a purpose and in boot camp he found out that people really cared about him, thru discipline and accountability. Semper Fi!!
his family was the gang, then the Marine Corps became his family.
Rah!
Here's the catch the Marine Corps is a gang.
@@brettgast aye don’t tell no one 😂😂😂🦅🌎⚓️❤️
Cult. Marines are a cult.
@@brettgastmarines is a cult. Army is a gang.
The Marine Corps gave me a golden opportunity. I used to sell gum at the San Ysidro border. Now, oldest daughter graduated from UC Berkeley and this last Friday my little began attending UCLA. And I get to keep all the lessons learned and experience. SEMPER FI!
Ssgt. Nichols, you are an amazing man. You are living up to my lifelong experience of Marines, that they are rough and tough on the outside, and amazingly kind and giving men on the inside. My hat is off to you, sir.
Thank you SSGT. Nichols, thank you Sir !
You're doing a great service helping these young men get their lives straight. Sometimes they just need someone to genuinely care about them & point them in the right direction. I wish you & your family well. I also have had many family members in the Armed forces. Dad and an uncle were in the Navy and a couple of his brothers were in the Army. Several male and female cousins were in the Corps, Navy & the Coast Guard. My son just left for Ft Benning for BCT. Keep on with your good work.
I would have to whole-heartedly agree with you. Before I joined the Marines back in 2000 I was going nowhere and getting into a lot of trouble. The first sense of accomplishment I ever had was at graduation day at MCRSD. Now I have the discipline and drive to be a successful and good human being. Without the Marines, I wouldn't have had the discipline to finish grad school. Thanks for posting your experience.
I am proud of this DI and his dedication to his recruit and then a fellow Marine. I am proud of the Marine he is telling the story about as well because inside of that individual LIVES the "Marine Corp" spirit and all that the tradition it stands for. Once a Marine ALWAYS a Marine. Semper Fi
This is Drill Instructor Staff Seargant Nicholes. I a recruit in San Diego when he was a third hat. Man he was crazy then but a damn good drill instructor. Semper Fi Staff Seargant. Former Marine Sgt. Noah
This is why I want my youngest nephew to join the Corps. He’s smart and tough, but driving the wrong way.
He got out lucky. Anyone facing those kinds of charges. A choice to join the military and possibly become a very respected individual is like being acquitted entirely.
ssgt Nichols is a amazing individual and a even more amazing Marine. God bless him!
Ssgt Nichols, you are a outstanding example of what my Marine Corps is and can be. Semper Fidelis.
I had a friend who was almost sent to prison. But they judge gave him a option. 2 years in prison or 4 years Marine Corps? He chose the 4 years and said it was the best decision he's ever made.
It's kinda hard to imagine this same nice-sounding guy chewing out recruits and all that. That's why you can never talk crap about Marines. Very professional people, in and out of uniform.
This looks like SSGT Nichols... I apologize for the spelling if it's wrong but this guy has a youtube channel for when he was a Drill Instructor, if It's him then that's really awesome.
Yes, Anthony, that's the same DI SSGT. Nichols. Here is a link to his channel: ua-cam.com/users/SDISSGTNICHOLS
This story is what being a Marine is all about. This DI is showing the world what SEMPER FI means. Leadership by example, Honor, Courage and Committment are NOT just words. They are what separate Marines from everyone else on the battle field and in life.
I remember this guy. He was with C co. He was a Senior D.I. when I was a new hat. Him along with another D.I. named Sgt. Thompson were the 2 hats from C co. I looked up to because of there intensity. very professional.
I was Army 50 years ago. You never forget your Drill Instructors/Sargents names.
Wow! That is so awesome, God bless the both of you, I pray it all turned out great for the both of you!
Keep up the good work Sir...not too many will do what you did for this particular gentlemen..and God Bless America and her MARINES
San Diego plt 2007 Ssgt Egelhoff,Sgt Matthews,Sgt Rodgers,Sgt Reeves. Sept 85. They are still bouncing around my head. I will never forget them.
To continue, later in life I became a Police Officer and instead of arresting troubled youth, I would take them to the recruiting station for the Marines and told them my story. I still remember the day I graduated boot camp....My grandfather, a retired Marine of 30 years was there. When we walked off the parade deck after we were dismissed, my mother said that was the first time in her life she saw her father cry. God bless the Marines! I have three boys of my own who are ready to join the Corp
MIKEL0352 great story brother! The marine Corp did the same thing for me.
You are an amazing brother. Wish there was more hard core people like you. God bless you and your endeavours. Wow!
How does one make it through meps with that record
Giving the year this video was posted (2008) they didn’t care they needed bodies for the war and there’s no draft gotta do what you gotta do
He lied. Literally everyone I know including myself, all were told not to tell meps anything that could disqualify us. We were told this by current enlisted, prior service, and recruiters. “Meps doesn’t know what you don’t let them know” granted there’s other factors though.
lol dude really
@@chaosmanor8743 he didn’t lie, he got waivers and probably some assistance from the court system. The judge gave him an ultimatum.
@@ericb5666 That's what I meant by other factors.
Nowadays, recruiters wouldn't even consider someone with that kind of record much less make it through MEPS. Different times.
Military is amazing for the unfortunate. They can live, get education, have a career in anything just by joining as soon as they come of age.
And in war. They have the power of 10 conscripts of any enemy army making use of mandatory conscription.
MCRD San Diego Cadence Run & Drilling and Chow Hall are two videos that have this same drill instructor.
That myspace plug in the description hit a little different.
I would have given my life if someone would have given me this chance
A lot of times, kids join gangs for a sense of belonging and/or brotherhood, while at the same time getting a chance to prove themselves as better than, respected or feared by (in their eyes) others they may have grown up around. The military can provide a positive atmosphere with the same time of brotherhood while having a sense of accomplishment. While never a part of a gang, I did a lot of stupid things trying to fit in before joining the corps.
your a good man for helping this individual
one of the BEST D.Is ever I was not a recruit of his but had the pleasure of serving with him
yo this is a good video man.... this DI reminds me like my SDI keep da good job bro!!!
I barely made it through MEPS with a prior surgery that was literally 2 cuts on my elbow from a baseball injury..... got accepted into the US ARMY and won soldier of the quarter in FT. Sill....
If I was offered this when I was young my life would been so much different. Once I was arrested at 18 the marines turned me down vehemently.
That was a really positive Drill Instructor.
They are all great. This was a story about a life turned around - his brother marines didn't give up on him. When others still couldn't believe in him, his SDI stepped in again to help. A complex issue that tells something about human nature and society. Not all stories turn out well.
People who do well and don't have a black mark against them can move forward without being disqualified, and their stories are just as good and important as this one.
If you have one of those, please tell it.
He looks like John Cena
Is this the DI from the movie "ears open, eyeballs click"? looks like him.
Is he one of the drill instructors from Ears Open Eyeballs Click? I watched that like 1000 times before I went to Boot Camp.
Good job bro! Stay humble. The military does great things for ppl. Hope you make it big! Much thanks to your DI
Outstanding. Congratulations on turning your life around.
You can barely get in with a misdemeanor now a days. Kid had felonies and a murder charge, was still able to join.
Woah, Staff Sergeant Nichols with hair! Awsome....
This is very motivational. Well done Marine. Semper Fi.
Staff Sergeant Nichols is the man!
Semper Fi...
Great actions taken by the DI...
Best of the luck...
So you went to boot camp right after the September 11 attacks? Pretty crazy. How long did you serve before you had to be discharged?
I haven't done any drugs or get in to trouble but the Corps won't let me join because I'm 29 yrs. This doesn't make much sence to me God bless SSgt. for helping this young men.
It's funny to see how the standards flip flop depending on the recruitment demands and the person. I knew a kid who got a DUI and his dreams were shattered when they told him he couldn't be accepted. We also now know that there has been a surge of various types of gangs that have recently been uncovered in the military.
this inspires me to join the marines!. it looks like the marines have more discipline than the army
I knew who this was even before I started the video. Now THAT’S presence.
He said at the beginning that a JUDGE gave him a choice between the sentences: Jail or MC
Great Inspiration!
Ssgt Nichols ?
That's him
+Kristen Trim Take your shirt off
This man is a hero to me, simply amazing.
Excellent story.
Well who is he?! I wanna hear his music!
Sure - and he doesn't forget. He lifts up anyone who needs it. He is always promoting other people, Marines especially. He has a gift and skills and contacts, but I didn't see him big noting himself to the detriment of others, he put others first.
Thanks for commenting.
Gotta ask, what is trial training?
They gave him a chance to stop acting up, or go to prison.
SSgt. Nichols is every thing thats good about the Corps.
people actually dislike the fact that somebody turned their life around for the better? wow...
it was a different time, over 5 years ago, things changed, a lot has changed
I thought they didn't allow people to choose the military over jail anymore....
This is awesome.
Awesome story. I'm always bewildered when a person on the street can't join because of a criminal record, but a gang banger with felonies, drug dealing and attempted murder can join. How does that work?
bravo. ty ssgt nichols
is that the drill sergent from ears open eye balls click ?? because he looks so familiar for some reason
Thank you sir
Hi Chris,
Congratulations on everything.
Any time you need to get a story out, NewsBlaze is here for you.
You are an inspiration to many.
Alan.
The one common thread in the video and all the comments is the positive results of pride discipline and a sense of belonging to a brotherhood. SEMPER FI 🇺🇸
13 years and only 299k views that’s sad.
Thank you for visiting and sharing the video
This DI was in Ears Open, Eyeballs Click. A great movie/documentary.
yes
this is a good video pretty motivatin me.. almost brought tears to my eyes one day imma be marine and help ppl feel motivate them when they feel down...
It's been 10 years. What has happened since your post?
@cfig24 This is why I had to apologize to you. This is good. The guy said something about not giving up on people. This is what they do in the civilian world so you have something great. You truly are blessed.
is that the drill sargeant from ears open eye ball click ? he looks so familiar
Excellent example of the intangible benefits of joining the military.
Thank you Marines for the Incredible journey you take!!! My son just began today @ Parris Island. Yes there are a lot of %itches on youtube!!
is that SSgt Nichols from the "ears, open...eye balls, click"??
also the military wont take anyone with that courtroom deal. "go to jail or the military"
God bless sgt. Nicholos
I can agree to that.
This video doesn't show all the soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors who wash out because they can't take orders or they get into fights.
Offering someone military service instead of prison time is great. But that doesn't mean they'll successfully complete training. It's a problem when the military needs huge numbers of troops.
@atucc2
no, it possible
the judge gives you option of joining USMC if you're lucky with your trials, someone from last year's 2nd BN MCRD platoon had a convict which turned his life around
How the fuck was that guy allowed to even join the Marine Corps???
This was years ago.
awesome keep up the good work
Great story.
Oo-fucking-rah, stories like that motivate me and as a wannabe Marine Corps Recruiter I hope to someday change the life of a shit bag and make him a Marine!
This. DI was absolutely awesome.
thank u sir!!! SEMPER FIII
depends on felony. u cant be like someone who has committed a mass murder and then asks to join
His ass should have been gone from training!
Wartime allows for enlistees to come into boot camp under lowered standards.
Good that he made Marine of the Year, I guess patience was needed.
He might have been suspected of felonies, but if ever convicted, he isn't getting into the Corps. 1 maybe and that is a huge maybe like on the last day of the month and you need one to make mission on the recruiting end and he better be spot clean with written references. A judge giving the ultimatum? No way, that has been considered illegal for many many years. Recruiters used to hang out in courthouses and police stations for that purpose, but that practice has been dead for quite some time. If you even have gang related tattoos, you are not getting in.
Attempted murder is a serious charge to get dumped into the marine corps. However, I am not against giving opportunities to those with criminal records. When they are in prison, they are useless to us, and using our tax dollars. On top of that, the US has one of the worst judicial systems in the western world. We focus on punishment rather than rehabilitation. And those stuck in it, get caught in the loop. If you are caught once, you are screwed for life, you will pay dearly and likely never fully recover, so it is nice to be able to give opportunities to those who just need a little guidance in life.
If you have a GED, you need 15 college credits to enlist.
its a different time back then
Semper Fi... You both are Bad Ass!
Wow~ Very inspirational.