Marine recruit loses nearly 100 pounds, graduates from Parris Island boot camp

Published Aug 5, 05:31 PM UTC

Private Michael Guzman, a 22-year-old from Clermont, Florida, graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island after losing nearly 100 pounds. Inspired by his uncle's service, Guzman had dreamed of becoming a Marine since age 5 but weighed nearly 270 pounds after high school. After receiving a text from recruiter Staff Sgt. Luis Cervantes, Guzman began a rigorous training regimen of daily running, evening workouts, and healthier eating. He shipped to boot camp on April 14, 2026, and continued extra workouts during training. His senior drill instructor stopped calling him 'Meatball' after his transformation. During the Crucible, the final test, he kept pace with lifelong athletes. Guzman will next attend Marine Combat Training and then military police training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, with hopes of becoming a Marine recruiter.