Morehead High School grad finishes boot camp

Pfc. Sam Galloway was one of the graduates who walked across the stage of the Morehead High School auditorium to receive his diploma on Saturday morning.

Unlike most of the students, the 18-year-old has not had a traditional senior year of high school. He finished his coursework at Morehead in December and went on to U.S. Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, S.C.

Galloway graduated from boot camp June 5, just in time to attend the baccalaureate services with his high school classmates June 7.

That same day, Galloway was recognized along with the other high-school graduates at his church, Leaksville United Methodist. Galloway’s mother, Eden City Planner Debbie Galloway, said she was glad her son was back for the pre-graduation activities.

“We’re real proud of him,” Debbie Galloway said.

Sam Galloway said it feels good to be back in his hometown and see his family and friends. After 13 weeks of strictly structured days at boot camp, Galloway said it feels strange “being out on your own, not having something to do every second of the day.”

The new Marine thinks it’s ironic that he has been through one of the toughest challenges a person can ever face and he’s just now graduating from high school.

“I’ve seen a lot and done a lot more than most people will ever do,” Galloway said.

Galloway said he always knew he wanted to be in the military. He recalls watching military and war movies as a child and thinking it would be fun to be part of the action. He was a member of the ROTC at Morehead High School. But it wasn’t until last year that Galloway decided to join the Marine Corps.

“It was the toughest of all the branches to get into. I guess I wanted the challenge, to see if I could do it,” Galloway said.

“He’s always been interested in history and military stuff,” Debbie Galloway said. “He does Civil War reenactments and World War II re-enactments.”

Debbie Galloway said her father was in the Army in the late 1940s and early 50s and Sam’s paternal grandfather was in the Air Force. Sam is the first family member to join the Marine Corps.

Debbie Galloway said her son will report to Camp Geiger (adjacent to Camp Lejeune) in July for infantry training. She doesn’t know where her son will be stationed after infantry training, but she said her pride in his accomplishment outweighs her fear of the unknown elements in his career as a Marine.

Sam Galloway said he is prepared to face the challenges ahead of him. He feels that going through boot camp has made him a stronger person.

“It makes you more disciplined; it matures you a lot,” he said.

• Contact Baines at or 349-4331, ext. 35.