The Third Marine
Third Marine 1

In Mario Busalacchi’s household, service to Country is a family affair. His two older brothers and two uncles are Marines, his father is a police officer, and his mother served in the U.S. Army. This photo-essay documents his transition from teenager into U.S. Marine.
Third Marine 2

Pictures of Marines are displayed on the wall at Mario’s recruitment station in San Bruno, Calif.
Third Marine 3

Mario’s mother, Libia Busalacchi, watches Mario perform drills during a recruitment luncheon.
Third Marine 4

Mario stands with his recruiter, Staff Sgt. Inboden, at his high school graduation celebration. “I don’t really care, of there’s a war, put me there,” he says.
Third Marine 5

Mario’s uncles, Dennis Bernasconi, left, and Robert Bernasconi pose at the Marine memorial in Santa Clara, Calif. The uncles both served as Marines during the Vietnam War and had a great influence on the three brother’s decisions to become U.S. Marines.
Third Marine 6

Mario and his girlfriend, Chelsy Hodge, watches the eldest Busalacchi brother, Frank, do pull ups at the recruitment station the day of Mario’s departure to boot camp.
Third Marine 7

Marines entering boot camp receive instruction about being prepared for the tests and trials in their transition.
Third Marine 8

Mario’s company stands at parade rest at the Marine Recruit Training Depot in San Diego, Calif.
Third Marine 9

Mario is handed his rifle during infantry training at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Third Marine 10

While Mario was in training, the middle Busalcchi brother, Dominic, returned home from a seven month tour in Iraq. American flags are passed out during the homecoming celebration.
Third Marine 11

Dominic Busalacchi touches a welcoming sign held by his aunt, Janice Bernasconi.
Third Marine 13

The middle Busalacchi brother, Dominic, stands in his room the day he returned from a seven month tour in Iraq. Mario was in infantry training during the homecoming.
Third Marine 14

Chelsea prepares to see Mario after not seeing him for three months during boot camp.
Third Marine 15

Mario goes through infantry training at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, Calif. “You’re feeling the weight of that pack, your feeling the pain in your ankles and all you can do is keep pushing.”
Third Marine 16

Mario’s girlfriend, Chelsea Hodge, touches the medal he just received after completing boot camp.
Third Marine 17

Mario’s eldest brother, Frank, is promoted to an officer during a ceremony in Redwood City, Calif. Now a U.S. Marine, Mario can participate in the ceremony.
Third Marine 18

Mario gets ready for his Marine Corps Ball in Reno, NV.
Third Marine 19

Pete Busalacchi sits with the Marine portraits of his three sons, from left Dominic, 21, Mario, 18, and Frank, 24. Mario just graduated from boot camp and his portrait is not yet framed.
Third Marine 20

Mario stands at his Marine Corps Ball in Reno, NV. “Honestly, I don’t know the likelihood that I will go to Iraq…honestly I just don’t know.”