Marine veteran Charlene Corpuz’s journey is one of quiet strength, technical skill, and unexpected motherhood — a story that highlights the resilience often required both in uniform and in life. Her decade-long service in the United States Marine Corps, beginning in 2013, was marked by a deep commitment to something larger than herself and a series of personal challenges that tested her endurance in ways she never anticipated. For those interested in military motherhood, women in the Marine Corps, or stories of resilience and service, Corpuz’s experience offers a powerful perspective.

Corpuz joined the Marines as an engineer equipment electrical systems technician, a role that demands both mental acuity and hands-on expertise. She described her duties as diagnosing and repairing power generators, engines, and any equipment with electrical circuits. "Anything with an electrical circuit, we kind of basically are able to go in there and figure out what’s wrong with it, and try to fix it," she explained. Her technical proficiency and leadership later earned her one of the Marine Corps’ notable distinctions: the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

While her professional accomplishments are significant, it was her personal path that added a profound layer to her story. During her time in service, Corpuz experienced two surprise pregnancies — both of which unfolded in dramatic and life-altering ways. The first came with little warning and culminated in a moment that she vividly recalled. "I was in the ambulance, and I couldn’t open my eyes from the pain... I heard a POP. And fluid rushed out of me, and I thought I was going to die," she recounted. Upon arrival at the emergency room, medical staff discovered she was giving birth. Her daughter was born prematurely at just 25 weeks, weighing only 1 pound 13 ounces.

Years later, another unexpected pregnancy brought a different kind of shock. "I went to the doctor, and lo and behold I was already six months along and she was like congratulations, it’s a boy," she said. For many, the idea of navigating the demands of military service while managing motherhood — especially under such surprising circumstances — would be daunting. But Corpuz approached it with the same resolve she brought to her professional duties.

What stood out in her reflections was the way she credited the Marine Corps for instilling in her the resilience to face such challenges. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a Marine or not, in all aspects of life, to be able to be resilient, to be able to continue to just live your life,” she said. This sentiment reveals a broader truth about military service: while the training is designed to prepare individuals for combat and crisis, those same skills often translate into personal strength during life’s most unpredictable moments.

Her recognition with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal was not just a nod to her technical capabilities, but also to her leadership. She played a key role in Battalion 4, where she implemented a licensing program and helped improve maintenance readiness. "This was one of my highest awards," she said, underscoring the pride she took in her contributions. Her accomplishments in a male-dominated field reflect the growing presence and impact of women in the Marine Corps and the broader military community.

I found this detail striking: despite the intensity of her experiences — from the physical demands of her job to the emotional toll of premature birth — Corpuz maintained a steady focus on service and growth. Her story is not only about the challenges she faced, but also about the systems of support and inner strength that helped her persevere.

For readers looking to understand the multifaceted lives of military women or the realities of balancing service and family, Corpuz’s journey offers a compelling example. Her resilience, both in uniform and as a mother, serves as a testament to the strength of those who serve — and the unexpected paths life can take, even in the most structured of environments.

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