The Biography of Erin Carrillo by Ally Otte and Eliana Weber

“Being able to do what you want and what makes you happy,” is the meaning of freedom to Marine Erin Carrillo, Ally Otte’s first cousin. Erin knows a lot about freedom due to her service in the U.S. Marines. We are honored to tell her story.

Erin was born on July 2, 1997, in California, to her parents Terry Louthan and Cynthia Louthan; she was the youngest in the family and has four siblings: Kristin, Michelle, Doug, and Scott. When she was young, her family moved to Andover, Kansas, where she started her education. School was enjoyable for Erin, and she was a well-behaved student. Growing up, Erin also enjoyed sports including soccer, horseback riding, and cross country.

Erin later graduated high school from Andover Central and then went to college at Newman University in Wichita. After graduating from college, she decided to join the Marines because Erin wanted to, “make a positive impact on the world around her.” Erin said she, ”. . . loves helping people, and the Marines gave her an opportunity to make a difference on a bigger scale.”

First, Erin went to Parris Island, South Carolina, for her basic training. Erin remarked, “This experience changed my life and toughened me up.” Her boot camp consisted of a three-month-long program where she requested supply and logistics as her job. During this time she woke at 3:00 - 5:00 A.M. and went to bed around 8:00 - 9:00 P.M. Additionally, the Marines had to sleep in squad bays (big rooms of bunk beds). Erin said, “The food was healthy, and a step up from cafeteria food.” For boot camp, the Marines wore cammies (camouflage) and nice uniforms. During her training, she had to talk in third person to her commanding officers and be respectful. In her free time, she wrote letters to her family and friends; she mostly wrote to her sister Kristin and her parents. She also organized her items, and she did her hair.

After basic training, Erin went on to advanced training in Jacksonville, North Carolina. First, she went to combat school where she learned survival skills in the wilderness and had to learn how to shoot a gun, throw hand grenades, and the basic skills to survive. During combat school, the Marines ate Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). Next, Erin went to supply school. In supply school, she was able to pick any meal from the chow hall, but the options were still healthy.

While in the Marines, Erin met new people. For starters, she made three best friends; their names are Asia, Romina, and Brandon. Erin often went to the beach with her friends during her free time. She also met her spouse in the Marines; his name is Ozzy. The Marines had long hours, and as Erin put it, . . .“Long hours with friends bonding through misery.” Erin also said that she had two commanding officers who cared about the Marines and always made sure that everything was running smoothly.

Later on, Erin was stationed in San Diego, California. She received her final job: 3043 Supply Administration and Operation Specialist. This means she was responsible for ordering supplies and distributing equipment to other units. She was the Marine who ordered and received new equipment and gave it to other units.

During Erin’s four years in the Marines, she earned many medals. The first medal was the National Defense Medal, earned by enlisting during a time of war against Iraq and Afghanistan. The second medal she received was the Good Conduct Medal, earned by having three or more years of honorable service. The third medal she received was the Global War on Terrorism Medal, earned by supporting operations to counter-terrorism. She also received two Letters of Appreciation for exemplary work. Her last award is a Certificate of Appreciation, earned for exemplary work and mission achievement during her time in the Marines.

After the Marines, Erin moved to Newton, Kansas, with her spouse Ozzy. Later on, she was blessed with two children, Dominic and Isabella. Erin currently works as a stay-at-home mom while her husband works as a diesel mechanic. She enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs, Danger and Athena.

Erin wants this generation to know that Marines are hard-working people. Erin explained, “They are trying to make a difference in the world right now. Marines are trying to protect the American people's freedom and way of life.”

Erin is a hardworking, honorable Marine and mother, who is making a difference in the world. We thank her for her service.