Hillsborough HS Grad Sage Blanks Honored For Graduating Marine Corps Basic Training

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Sage Blanks, a Hillsborough High School graduate, was honored by the Township Committee for graduating from the Marine Corps Basic Training.

"It takes a lot of courage to serve your fellow people. You’ve gone through a lot so I am proud of you man," said Mayor Robert Britting, Jr. before reading a proclamation for Blanks at the Dec. 10 Committee meeting.

"I'm glad to be serving you all. It's what I've always wanted to do. I've always wanted to make a difference and do something important and I am glad I finally am making that come true," said Blanks.

When Blanks was a child, he made a pact with his cousin Liam Werrlein that they would enter the Marine Corps together.

They both entered the Marine Corps and this year they completed Marine Basic Training at Parris Island, South Carolina partaking in the Buddy System wherein they were placed in the same platoon.

Blanks earned the highest badge of expert shooter and was part of First Battalion Delta Company Platoon 1086. This platoon was awarded Honor Platoon.

He graduated on Dec. 6 and will now be going to Camp Geiger, North Carolina next to complete his combat training and will then attend his Military Occupational Specialty School in 29 Palms California for training as a Ground Maintenance Electrician.

Blanks' favorite part of basic training was the camaraderie and lifelong relationships he made.

"Sage serves as an example to the youth of Hillsborough Township through his service to his country; we are very proud that he is a member of our community," according to the proclamation.

"The Mayor and Hillsborough Township Committee, do hereby extend our sincere congratulations to Private Sage Blanks for graduating from the Marine Corps Basic Training and wish him luck as he serves our country," continued the proclamation.

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