Oklahoma Marine Serves as Role Model for Squad In Afghanistan

NewsOn6.com and DVIS

PATROL BASE SHARK, Afghanistan – A U.S. Marine from Oklahoma leads his fellow Marines in Afghanistan.  

Tulsa-native Cpl. Daniel Blesi, an infantry squad leader with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, uses his experience and knowledge to lead his squad through the unit's area of operations and serves as a role model for his Marines.

Cpl. Blesi was born and raised in Tulsa and after graduating from Union High School in 2007, he attended a local community college, where he suddenly realized he wanted to do something important in his life.

"It kind of just happened out of the blue," said Blesi. "I just thought it would be something good to do. Instead of graduating high school and doing something just for myself, I wanted something bigger than that."

Blesi said he is making his dreams a reality in the Marine Corps every day, leading his Marines as they selflessly risk their lives for their country.

"(These guys) know that our country and the country of Afghanistan rely on us, and I really do feel like we're making a difference out here," explained Blesi.

Blesi goes out of his way to be there for his Marines, but he also makes sure they are doing the right things. The hunting and outdoor enthusiast tries his best to make sure things are done correctly.

The "Thundering 3/4" Marines recently arrived to Afghanistan and Blesi's number-one goal is to make sure his Marines return the way they left the U.S.

"I think the biggest thing is they realize that they are my main concern over anything else. I tell them often that my number-one goal while I'm here is to make sure everyone goes back the way they came," said Blesi. "I can live with not killing any bad guys, but it would be a lot harder knowing that one of my Marines got hurt on my watch."

The battalion is currently assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division.