Warrior of the Week: Bree Lynn Strazzella

Independent. Caring. Levelheaded. Mature.

Those are some of the words that have been used to describe this week’s Warrior of the Week: Lance Corporal Bree Lynn Strazzella.

Currently stationed in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, 26-year-old L.Cpl. Strazzella works for the administration and Light Attack Helicopter Unit.

Lori Strazzella, her mother, said that she nominated Bree Lynn as a “warrior” because of the pride she has in her daughter’s accomplishments.

L.Cpl. Strazzella has been in the military since March 2013.

Graduating Toms River East in 2006, she went on to nursing school but later decided to pursue the Marine Corps because “she was looking for something more.”

Her mother, Lori Strazzella, said boot camp was difficult for her daughter at first.

Strazzella said that L.Cpl. Strazzella slept in trenches, jumped off buildings, and learned to shoot a rifle during training in North Carolina.

“It was scary at first,” said Strazzella. “But slowly the letters home got more excited about the things she was doing.”

L.Cpl. Strazzella’s grandmother, Kitty Corduan, said that she remembers when Strazzella first trained to join the military.

Corduan said that she stuck to a strict diet plan and worked out everyday; working hard to make sure she would be eligible for enrollment.

“She was so dedicated,” said Corduan. “She went through so much just to get where she is today.”

After her graduation from basic training, her grandmother said she’s never been more proud to see all of those accomplished and regimented men and women.

L.Cpl. Lazzella plans on completing her military nursing degree in the future to further her education and career plans.

“When she gets something in her head to do, she does it,” said Strazzella.