MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. -- Corporal Anthony Villalobos started his career as an infantryman, now he rides for the Mounted Color Guard the only horse-mounted ceremonial unit left in the Corps and stationed aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.
The native of Los Angeles enlisted in the Corps in 2004, for patriotic reasons.
“I joined the Marine Corps to help serve this country,” Villalobos said.
The corporal began his career at Camp Lejeune, N.C., with the Weapons Training Battalion until his deployment.
“I was at Camp Lejeune for about three years before I first deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom,” he said.
Villalobos returned with combat experience and went back to work in the States, preparing for the next time he would be deployed.
In 2008, Villalobos re-upped so he could return to his home state.
“When I reenlisted, I requested orders to California for a change. I was hoping for a better schedule when I came over here” the Los Angeles native said.
When Villalobos came to MCLB Barstow in July 2008, he had no idea what to expect at his new station and unit, the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard.
“I didn’t have a clue what I was going to be doing. I just knew the unit I was going to consisted of grunts who took care of horses,” Villalobos said.
Being from the streets of LA, Villalobos had absolutely no prior experience with horses. He said he had never even touched one before.
Former members of the elite unit, such as Sgt. Nicholas Cox and Cpl. Gregory Pihs helped Villalobos get use to handling, riding and maintaining the horses.
“Sergeant Cox had me really confused when I first got here,” Villalobos said.
“It was really hard to learn the ropes and it took a long time to get use to things here. It was entirely different from what I was use to,” he added.
Members of the MCG have come and gone but Villalobos has remained with the unique unit to become its longest serving member currently. He now helps in mentoring new members, regardless of rank.
“Villalobos helped me out a lot when I got here to the stables,” fellow stableman Sgt. Edgar Torrealba said.
“He showed me what to do with the horses, what to do during parades and how to do the paperwork for our job,” the fellow Los Angelino explained.
The work ethic displayed by Villalobos has impressed his superiors including his staff noncommissioned officer at the stables.
“I’ve only worked with Villalobos for a short time now but from what I’ve seen already, he’s a really hard worker,” said Gunnery Sgt. Michael Bate, SNCO in charge of the MCG.
“If you didn’t know he was from the city, you couldn’t tell because of his confidence with the horses,” he added.
Villalobos has become a well trained rifleman, horse handler and rider because of the Marine Corps and hopes those who precede him benefit from the same kind of experience.
“I hope the Marines who come to the Mounted Color Guard after me appreciate it as much as I did. It’s really something to do this job and see how much the American people enjoy it,” he said.