Nuñez Given Banner in Colton

Anthony A. Nuñez, currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, recently had a banner raised at the northwestern corner of Rancho Avenue and Valley Blvd. in Colton, in his honor. Nuñez is stationed at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in Oceanside, Calif. “I wanted to do something to make a difference," Nuñez said. "Growing up in high school, [I] didn’t have a lot of positive role models in my life.” He shares that because of being in ROTC during his time in high school, he wanted to do something that would have a positive influence on the future. He grew up in San Bernardino and graduated from Colton High School in 2011 and shortly after, joined the marines. Nuñez said being part of the military is being part of something that’s bigger than himself. "It opened my eyes to the good and bad in mankind and helping those who can’t help themselves,” he said. "I was promoted to corporal on my two year mark, which is extremely hard to do, and looking to pick up sergeant before my third year mark." He shares that the people to most influenced his life's decisions are his parents. "They showed me what hard work can accomplish," he said. "They turned their lives around overnight, and I have a strong faith in Christianity.” His experience with ROTC made him realize he would like to help children and people. His future career goals include two enlistments and then Nuñez would like to switch to reserves and join a police department with a SWAT team. He would like to sign up for 10 more years, eventually join a three-letter agency and teach ROTC or history. “It was actually a surprise," he said about the banner. "I’m not one to brag about myself, so to see my picture where everyone can see it is very humbling."