The Few, the Proud, the Inspiring.
Andrew Starr II may be only 7-years-old, but the chronically ill boy is already a Marine, just like his father. Andrew was awarded the title “Honorary Marine” in a ceremony Monday at the Starr’s home.
Less than 100 people have received this honor since its creation in 1992 and Andrew is only the second person to receive the title in 2014.
“I’m just so happy,” the boy told The Today Show. “I’m a Marine like my dad.”
Becoming a marine was a lifelong dream of Andrew’s. His father served as a Marine colonel and his great-grandfather fought in WWI. Unfortunately, this dream seemed impossible until this week. Words like “chemotherapy” and “tumor” are no stranger to Andrew, who was diagnosed at 9 months with neurofibromatosis type 1, a genetic disorder that causes tumors along nerves in the skin and brain.
But Andrew is not defined by his illness. Andrew is “a gregarious young man who is very focused on others and the needs of others,” said Maj. Gen. Frederick Padilla, a friend of Andrew’s father who officiated Monday’s ceremony.
“And for me the legacy continues on for our family,” said Stacy Starr, Andrew’s mother.
It’s no easy feat to become an honorary marine, as recipients must first be nominated, and then officially designated by the commandant of the Marine Corps. Stacy praised Padilla, who endorsed the honorary package which Andrew received, for making Andrew’s dream came true. “As a mom, it makes me proud that Maj. Gen. Padilla…worked to accomplish this task and fought for a child,” she said.
