The final graduating class of 2014 from Skyview High School continues to display Panther Pride and service to our country. Recently home from completing boot camp with the U.S. Marine Corp. Pvt. Matthew McDowell is proud to be a Marine and Hometown Hero. “When I was at Skyview my friends started talking with me about joining the Marine Corp. and I started coming to some of the Poolee functions and talking with Sgt. Denton and I decided that it was what I wanted to do,” McDowell told the Dispatch in an interview. While at Skyview he played football in his freshman and sophomore year then turned toward academics and college prep classes which he says gave him a good background for becoming a Marine. “Boot camp was not what I anticipated, I don’t think anything can really prepare you for boot camp, which knowing the Marine Corp. is probably a good thing because the comradery that develops with your fellow Marines is like no other. As I anticipate my future I’m most looking forward to the brotherhood and the competition that comes from being a Marine. I enjoy being challenged and that is something that is readily available in the Marine Corp. As I went through boot camp it started to sink in how proud I am of this country and all the men and women who have served,” he said. McDowell’s M.O.S. is to train as a 2311 which is an ammunition technician. McDowell says it’s too early to tell but making the Marine Corp. a lifetime career is a possibility. Congratulations Matthew McDowell: Home Town Hero.
