Semper Fidelis

“Some People spend and entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference, Marines don’t have that problem.”  — President Ronald Reagan

In August of 1966, my father, then only 18 years-old, enlisted in the Marines.  Six months later,  he was on his way to serve  in Viet Nam.  On December 7th, a Marine and a the Parish Priest arrived at my grandparents front door to inform them that their son had been seriously injured in a fierce battle. He was eventually flown home to Chelsea Naval Base in Massachusetts where he spent nearly a year recovering from his wounds.

My father, John LaPensee, receiving one of his three Purple Hearts.

My father’s experience as a Marine is something that has always fascinated me.  I admire him for making a choice to serve our country during such a turbulent political time.  I know that his time in Viet Nam shaped my dad in many ways.   As his daughter, I am incredibly proud of my father.

You may wonder, now, where a story about my father fits into a blog about pizza.  I’d like to introduce you to two of our most special employees – William (Billy) Sewell and Jordan Rael.

Billy Sewell and Jordan Rael

They are best friends, and both have enlisted in the Marines.  In June, after graduating from High School, they will become property of the Marines and will be serving our country.  (And, believe it or not, Jordan has a twin brother who is also entering the Marines!)

Billy and Jordan are fantastic employees.  They are friendly, polite, punctual, funny and respectful.  They are a “dream team” in many ways.  They work together on a lot of our pizza parties and they move together seamlessly.

How did you first learn about Fresh Brothers?

Billy: I met Adam and Debbie at the Lobster Fest 2009. I was working at Ruby’s’ Diner and they said if I ever needed a job to come on by!

Jordan: I applied for Fresh Brothers once in March of 2010, and turned in a second application in May. Having your best friend work at a pizza place was very convenient. William Sewell introduced me to Fresh Brothers pizza early into his employment. I fell in love. Once he told me there was an available position, I went for it.

What is the best part about working at FB?

Billy: I love our customers. I enjoy spending time talking to them and I love when we get compliments about a pizza that I recommended.

Jordan: The best part about working at Fresh Brothers for me is the atmosphere. Fresh Brothers being my second part time job, it became something I really enjoyed. I loved everyone I worked with. I love the conversations and bonding I’ve had with customers, and the building of friendships. I love the energy, the great vibes, and LOVE my yellow hat. When at home, I use it as my video-gamer hat. The management and owners are nothing like I was used to. I felt appreciated and automatically was part of the team.

Favorite item on the menu at Fresh Brothers?

Billy: Medium deep dish half Fresh Mama’s Favorite with chicken and bacon and half Da’ Works, with ranch for the crust!!!

Jordan: The worst thing about Fresh Brothers narrows down to one thing:  the constant need I have to eat pizza!  My favorite on the menu, and the item most purchased, has to be the Miller Pizza Special. It’s amazing!

Tell us about your life aside from Fresh Brothers.  What do you like to do in your spare time?

Billy: I do a lot of work for the JROTC program at my high school. I also spend time with my friend helping to fix up his 1964 Plymouth Valiant. Also I play Call of Duty: Black Ops.

Jordan:  Outside of work, I’m a normal high school student. I’m the Cadet Battalion Commanding Officer of the JROTC program at Redondo Union High School. Aside from my responsibilities in work and school, I enjoy playing Call of Duty: Black Ops, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, and working out.

When and why did you join the ROTC?

Billy: I moved to California from Minnesota and I met Jordan Rael’s Brother in the office and he said it’s a fun class to join. So I took his advice!

Jordan: I joined JROTC my freshman year in order to receive training that would better prepare me for the actual United States Marine Corps.

Tell about what you do with the ROTC:

Billy: I am the Cadet Sergeant Major or 2nd in command of the battalion. I work hand in hand with Jordan who is the Commanding Officer to guide the cadets in all aspects of ROTC – like Physical Training, Drill Teams, etc.  And, we make sure all of our community services are staffed and carried out.

Jordan: Throughout the years, my role in ROTC has changed. I went from being a regular squad member, to Battalion Guide, the Armed Drill Team Commander, and am currently the most senior cadet (student) in the program. My job is to oversee the activities and conduct of the cadets. I receive information on events, and am responsible for ensuring the task is completed. Mission Accomplishment is primary objective of leadership, and that is what I am responsible for.

How does school work fit in with all that you do with ROTC and Fresh Brothers?

Billy: It’s my senior year and I have had a job since my freshman year. I am very good at doing my work before, after work or on my breaks.

Jordan:  School work is something that I have to coordinate into my schedule. Being a senior, the courses give less homework than that of my previous years,  but studying is a must. I make time either before or after work to do my homework.

What is it about the Marines that is so appealing to you?

Billy: I have always wanted to be the best! I also always wanted to be in the military. Being in a Marine Corps ROTC I learned about the history of the Marine Corps; and I really want to be the one carrying on the legacy of being “The First to Fight” and “Semper Fidelis” which means “Always Faithful.”

Jordan: What really appealed to me about the Marines was that they were the most difficult to get into. I wanted to join the military either way, and the challenge of becoming a United States Marine is what caught my eye. I find there is no true value in life without challenges, sacrifice, and service. The Marines posses those three factors among many. The Marines are the best. A common quote my recruiter Staff Sergeant Chanmugam told me was that, “The Army has tanks, the Air Force has planes, and the Navy, ships. The Marines have all of those. Do you think that the United States needs the Marines? No. The United States WANTS the Marines because the Marines do everything the best.” It went something like that anyways.

How do you feel that this is your last year at home?  Are you scared about what you might face as a Marine?

Billy: I wish this year went faster. I am extremely exited for Recruit Training. I know its going to be hard but it will be worth it! I am willing to go over seas and fight for the country that I love.

Jordan: This last year at home has been the same as the others. I have no fear in leaving home, my family, friends, or civilian life. I don’t fear the possibility of going to combat or death because death is just another part of life. As a believer, for those who understand, this life here is temporary. I have the opportunity to fight and, if need be, die for this country which God blessed me to live in. I have no other passion but serving.

How do your parents and families feel about your commitment to the Marines?

Billy: My Mom and Dad are extremely proud me and my decisions. My brother is a Marine and he paved the way for me.

Jordan: My family is very proud of my brother, Billy, and me for making this commitment. My Mom has been so strong and supportive my entire life and she has faith and trust that God is in control.

Do you know where you’ll go and what you’ll be doing in June?

Billy: I will be in Boot Camp in MCRD San Diego. I will be becoming a basically trained Marine. I will learn and be qualified to shoot a rifle from 500 yards away, and I will be earning the title Marine

Jordan: On June 27, my brother, Billy, and I will be boarding a bus destined for Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA. For 13 weeks, we will be challenged mentally, physically, and emotionally as we continue down our path to becoming United States Marines. 13 weeks of hell is what we will face. We will go in as pieces of coal, being pressed and burned until we finally emerge as diamonds, as Marines.

Billy Sewell, Josh Rael, & Jordan Rael

That we hate to lose them as employees goes without saying.  There will be big shoes to fill when these guys stop working at Fresh Brothers.  We, as a family, cannot help but be in awe of the choice that these two young men have made to serve this great country.  Regardless of your political leanings, you must appreciate the dedication and sense of service these two gentlemen have for our country.