Two Grads Commissioned into Marine Corps
Two recent Trinity Christian College graduates were commissioned into the Marine Corps on July 17. The ceremony, attended by family and friends, was held in the Ozinga Chapel Grand Lobby.
After their commissioning documents were read by an enlisted Marine, Paul Jasperse ’12 and Raymond Zaagman ’12 were sworn in as 2nd Lieutenants and received their first salute.
“It meant a lot to the parents and other family members,” said Zaagman. “For Paul and me, it was great to finally be considered officers after the intense summer at Officer Candidate School we had gone through in Quantico, Virginia.”
Jasperse is from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is the son of Neil and Ruth Jasperse and the grandson of Gordon and Margaret Van Wylen. Gordon is a former Trinity board of trustees member and former president of Hope College. Neil, senior pastor of West Leonard CRC in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offered words of reflection and encouragement.
Zaagman is from Mokena, Illinois, and double majored in political science and history. He is the son of Raymond ’86 and Jolee ’85 Zaagman. His sister Kimberly is a junior at Trinity, and his sister Kristin will be a freshman.
They will be returning to Quantico for an intense six-month program at The Basic School.
“Setting a Christ-like example while leading will be a challenge, but also an opportunity for witnessing while I serve,” said Zaagman. “I am sure that God wants me to be a Marine. My Christian faith has already given me strength in tense times and will give me even more in the future.”