PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. — H. Cole Thacker, of Oxford, graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island boot camp on Friday, July 22, officially becoming a third generation Marine. 

Thacker is the son of Richard and Allyson Thacker. He graduated from Social Circle High School in May 2021. 

Richard Thacker is currently a sergeant at Georgia State Patrol Post 46. He graduated Parris Island in February 1994.

H. Cole’s grandfather, Covington resident Sydney Thacker, is a Vietnam veteran who graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego in 1967.

H. Cole’s brother, Lance, also intends to be a Marine, their mother said. Lance is currently a senior at Social Circle High School.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an 8,095-acre military installation located within Port Royal, South Carolina, approximately five miles south of Beaufort. Only 3,262 acres are habitable. The remaining acres are primarily salt marsh. 

Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915.