SOCRS111- Demetrius Thigpen- "Motown Marine: Against All Odds"

Demetrius' story is no different than many youths, born in a metropolitan area riddled with drugs, crime, and plagued with addiction.  He was the middle child of three siblings raised by a single mother due to the absence of his father. Demetrius had to experience at an early age just how detrimental addiction was and the damage it can do to a family. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, drugs, crime, addiction, and violence were the norm; and it was a life expected for most. With the lack of jobs and the poverty this city had to offer; Demetrius’s mother did the best she could in raising her two young children all on her own.

With the loss of her job combined with the recession, the trajectory of their lives would shift from barely getting by to barely being able to keep the lights on. By the time Demetrius was graduating high school, a majority of the kids he grew up with had already begun to employ the lessons our environment had taught them; and many had already received the outcome. Demetrius was faced with the cruel realization about his future and what he could get out of this city. Eventually, this led him to make a tough decision at the tender age of 18; join the United States Marine Corps upon graduating high school.

The time came and he enlisted in 2009. Demetrius has served 10 faithful years. Throughout his service he has faced obstacles and overcame adversity; he also deployed to different countries in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force. These tours along with many other challenges would go on to transform him into the man he is today. A Sergeant and Martial Arts Instructor Trainer within the United States Marine Corps, Demetrius has had the privilege to train, lead, guide, and mentor fellow Marines.