Area native, Pvt. Philip C. Donovan, 22, earned the title “U.S. Marine” upon graduating from Marine Corps recruit training in San Diego on March 9.

Donovan, a 2009 graduate of Austin High School, enters into a lifelong brotherhood composed of the select few men and women who have earned their place in the Corps’ ranks.

Donovan faced the physically and mentally rigorous challenges packed into the 13 weeks of Marine Corps boot camp. The training was designed to enhance raw talent and to create the morale and discipline required of all Marines, according to a press release.

During recruit training, Donovan joined others from across the country to undertake the quest to be among the world’s military elite. He learned time-honored military customs and courtesies and mastered close-order drill. The training honed vital military skills such as marksmanship, first-aid, martial arts and leadership.

Following about 10 days of leave, Donovan will attend school to learn his occupational specialty. Then Donovan will report to his first duty station to gain further knowledge and experience serving with a Marine Corps unit.

Donovan he son of Teresa and Timothy Donovan of Austin. Donovan was enlisted by Staff Sgt. Paul W. Schmotter from the Marine Corps recruiting station in Rochester.