Marine Week in Cleveland

Note to the Reader: Below is an interview with Corporal Lockhart, from Titusville, FL, who was stationed on a ship that traveled to 9 different countries and LCPL Bajusz from Middleburg Heights, OH, who was stationed in Afghanistan.

Are you a baseball fan?
LCPL Bajusz: I played it since I was little. I always loved it, always loved going to the games.

What are your impressions of Cleveland?
LCPL Bajusz: It’s home. I love it. Great people.
Corporal Lockhart: It’s nice. The weather is really nice compared to Florida. It’s been raining in Florida like it’s going out of style. The people are really nice.

What has been your favorite part of spending time in Cleveland this week?
LCPL Bajusz: Seeing all the people come out and thank us for what we do and check out all the stuff we have. Seeing the little kids seeing stuff that they don’t get to see or do was nice.

Are there similarities between Marines and baseball players?
LCPL Bajusz: In a way, yes. We are both looked up to, but the crowds may be different. Baseball players are looked up to by the young ones, who want to be like them. We are looked up to as the guys that protect our freedom.
Corporal Lockhart: Yes, we are both the best at what we do. We all have to work hard to get where we’re at, plus constant training and stuff like that.

What qualities make a good marine?
Corporal Lockhart: Honor, courage, commitment. Be able to think quickly and also follow orders from senior enlisted Marines or officers. Another important quality is being able to do the right thing when no one’s looking.

Do you follow baseball during war time?
LCPL Bajusz: One of my best friends is from Texas, and while we were out in Afghanistan last year, [The Rangers] played in the World Series. He was throwing things at the TV. It was a great time. That was his home team, and it brought him memories from home.
Corporal Lockhart: It was actually basketball season when I was deployed. It was the Magic versus the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. I remember watching it on the ship when LeBron James hit that 3-pointer at the buzzer. The Magic ended up beating them and going to the Finals.

In your opinion, what is the best way for people to honor Marines?
LCPL Bajusz: Just the simple thank yous. That’s what we do it for, that’s what shows their appreciation for us, and that’s what keeps us going.