How this child with a heart condition became a Marine for a day

At only 13 years old, Wyatt has a serious heart condition. Although his condition is treatable, it will prevent him from achieving his dream of following his older sister into the Marine Corps when he grows up. That’s where the Make-A-Wish Foundation comes in.

Two United States Marine Corps members in uniform stand in front of a metal door with the Marine Corps emblem. One Marine is facing the door with hands clasped behind their back, while the other Marine is holding the door open. Above the door, an arch displays the text "THROUGH THIS PORTAL WALKS THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS. — *Wyatt begins the receiving process at MCRD San Diego (U.S. Marine Corps)*

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit that works to make the dreams of children with critical illnesses come true. The organization has granted over 480,000 wishes since 2020 including trips to Disney World and meeting superheroes. Wyatt’s wish was to earn the coveted Marine Corps Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.

A group of uniformed Marines is marching down a tree-lined pathway. One Marine at the front is holding a red flag with yellow text and emblem. Other Marines stand on either side of the path, clapping as the group passes by. The scene is shaded by dense green foliage overhead. — *Wyatt carries the Support Battalion guidon as he leads a hike during his experience at MCRD San Diego (U.S. Marine Corps)*

The 13 year old didn’t want to be handed an EGA and ride around in a tank. Like his sister, Wyatt wanted to attend boot camp and prove his worth. When COVID restrictions initially prevented Wyatt’s wish from coming true, Make-A-Wish offered him other things like trips and 4-wheelers. But, he was determined to earn his EGA. So, Make-A-Wish and Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego worked together to make his dream come true. Although his wish was delayed, Wyatt made it to MCRD San Diego in 2022.

Two individuals wearing protective boxing gear, including headgear, gloves, and groin protectors, are engaged in a boxing training session outdoors. One person in a green shirt and camouflage pants is delivering a punch, while the other person, also in a green shirt and camouflage pants, is defending against the punch with black gloves and headgear. A third person in the background is observing the session. The setting appears to be a training area with padded walls and an outdoor environment. — *Wyatt demonstrated his Warrior spirit during his day as a Marine (U.S. Marine Corps)*

From March 30 to April 1, Wyatt got to be a Marine for a day with Support Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, MCRD San Diego. He was picked up at the base gate by a Humvee and brought to the iconic yellow footprints where all Marines begin their transition into the Corps. Wyatt was issued a full set of cammies with his name on them and his own dogtags.

A person is getting their head shaved with electric clippers, with most of the hair already removed except for a strip on the top. The person has their eyes closed and is wearing a black cape. In the background, two people stand against a yellow wall, slightly out of focus.

With permission from his parents, Wyatt also received a standard recruit haircut, learned how to drill, had a class on swim qualification, and even did pugil sticks with his sister.

A group of people in military camouflage uniforms standing outdoors on a paved area. One soldier wearing a campaign hat is shaking hands with a young person also in uniform. Other soldiers and civilians are visible in the background near a yellow building with multiple windows. Trees and a palm tree are also present. — “In this photo, I’m congratulating Wyatt with a SgtMaj coin, telling him how proud we are of his spirit, determination, and being a role model to everyone, and no matter what life throws at you, use today as a reminder anything is possible.” (Matthew Dorsey/LinkedIn)

The Support Battalion Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Matthew Dorsey, shared his experience hosting Wyatt on LinkedIn. “No matter what we threw at him, he exemplified the true Warrior spirit! We culminated the event with a mock crucible hike that ended with Wyatt carrying the Battlion guidon and he was [received] by over 150 Marines and Sailors at the end to applaud him, and watch his official Eagle, Globe, and Anchor ceremony where he was certified, ‘Marine for a Day,'” Dorsey wrote. “To see this young man’s face, the expressions throughout this day not only from him, his family, but the staff that made this happen, was monumental!” Dorsey said that hosting Wyatt may have been the pinnacle of his 24 years as a Marine. Semper Fi Wyatt!