Rancho Penasquitos teen Sophia Righthouse joined the local Young Marines service program as one of the youngest recruits when she was 8 years old with an eye on becoming a military officer one day.
Not too surprising since Sophia’s family has served in various branches of the military the Marines, Air Force and Army going back to the American Revolution. But what really got her inspired was her grandfather’s stories of his missions as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, stories of bravery and perseverance.
“He truly inspired me to give back to my country,” Sophia, 17, said.
Since joining the Miramar unit of the national Young Marines program nine years ago, Sophia has distinguished herself in her quest to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps.