TWINS SERVE IN THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Carried side by side in the womb, Sergeant Simone Mercedes and Corporal Sonny Powers, were born in Houma, Louisiana, but raised in the Metro Atlanta area. Today, they proudly, serve in the USMC. Mercedes and Powers are the youngest of five. The family faced and overcame many challenges in their young lives.  Both are Christian, with a love for God, family, and country.

WRITTEN BY DIANE M. LANDRY

Each had decided early on, that he/she wanted to do something positive with his/her life. They seemed to challenge each other to do his/her best.  The Bible says, "iron sharpens iron," which is something they have done for each other.

Their brothers, Stephen and Shawn reside in the Metro Atlanta area, as well as their sister, Stacie, along with nieces and nephews. Stepbrother Damioin and stepsister, Destani reside in South Georgia.

Sgt. Mercedes just celebrated five years of service in the United States Marine Corps, where she served two tours, one in Iraq, another in Afghanistan, and is currently stationed in Japan. She will be returning to the Metro Atlanta area, for some rest and relaxation with family and friends, before returning to Japan to complete her two years, with her new husband.

On April 4, she became the wife of Staff Sergeant Julio Mercedes, who she met while serving. He joined the Marine Corps in response to 9/11, giving up a successful career to serve. They hope to have the big wedding she’s always dreamed of, once they return stateside, which they were unable to do as a result of  their current orders.

Cpl. Sonny Powers, on the other hand joined the Marine Corps, just over two years. Stationed in Twenty-Nine Palms, he is currently on a tour of four countries aboard a Navy Ship.

He had begun his college career to become a teacher and wrestling coach. The decision to do so came after he enjoyed a successful high school wrestling career, with his twin, Mercedes, serving as a manager for the team. His career path changed, as he answered the call to serve in the United States Marine Corps, instead.

She was the inspiration for the poem, “My Child, My Marine!.” The poem can be found by following the link below:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6156530/my_child_my_marine.html?cat=10

The poem Cpl. Powers inspired can be found by following the link below, as well:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8100191/the_heart_of_a_us_marines_mom.html?cat=7

VISIT DIANE LANDRY'S WEBSITE HERE

MY CHILD, MY MARINE!

A POEM TO HER UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS DAUGHTER

by

DIANE M. LANDRY

This poem poured out of me after prayer.   One of my daughters, is a US Marine.

She was serving a tour in Afghanistan.  We had IM-ed each other the previous night.  

I learned that she was at work, and would be there for extremely long hours.  I could not escape the thought of how we, here at home, in the states, when we are tired, are generally able, at will to go to bed.  

Our military is not afforded that luxury.  They work long hours, going without sleep,  to keep us safe, and fight for our freedoms.   The next morning, after prayer, I got up, and ran quickly to my computer to type the poem, "My Child, My Marine."   The final lines say, "How could I know, you would choose to do for strangers, What I did for you, My Child, My Marine!

There you stand


So straight, so tall,

One of the few,

One of the proud,

A United States Marine!

So proud, yet so humble too!

Serving our country,

Giving no thought to you!

Going without sleep,

Watching all through the night,

Willing to make the ultimate sacrifice,

If duty so calls,

That countless others may be free.

Though some would dare

To spit in your face!

Yet you proudly say,

"It's what we do,

It's who we are!"

In this life you've chosen,

Sweet child of mine,

A life of service,

A life of honor,

Putting God first,

Country second,

And yourself last!

All the sacrifices you make,

You make to keep us safe!

As a child, I kept you safe,

Watching all through the night,

Going without sleep, So you could be safe!

How could I know, You would choose a life,

That demanded you do for strangers,

What I did for you,

My child, My Marine!

VISIT DIANE LANDRY'S WEBSITE HERE!