Marine recruiter enlists wife

Marine Sgt. Carlos Quintana didn't have to look far for one of his latest recruits.

The recruiter enlisted his wife, Maricela, who will serve an eight-year contract with the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

"I am proud of him. I wanted my kids to be proud of me, too," said Maricela. "I think for both of us it is just going to be a great experience."

"At first it was hard to think about her being away, me having to switch roles," said Marine Sgt. Quintana, who is a full-time recruiter in DuPage.

Quintana has been deployed a number of times, including to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maricela says she is not afraid of being deployed.

"I have seen my husband go back and fourth, and we've been OK with it. We've been strong," said Maricela.

The Glen Ellen couple has a 5-year-old, Aiden, and a 7-year -old, Katelyn. They just broke the news to their children.

"At first she was like, 'I don't want you to leave like my dad,'" said Maricela.

"My mom is a Marine serving our country. (It's) something they can talk about," said Carlos.

"I am very proud of this country. I am doing it for my family and for the country," said Maricela.

"We are committed to what we do on a daily basis and making American better. This is our way to show others it can be done," said Carlos.

Carlos said he will treat his wife like any other recruit as he prepares her for boot camp.

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