When we turn on our televisions or smart phones we are bombarded with news that brings us down. Where are all the good stories? They’re still there. Here’s one that we hope will bless you.

One of Ashley Valentine’s last words to her grandfather was a promise to carry on his legacy of serving in the United States military. He died three days later. 

Not only did Ashley, 19, join the Marine Corps, her sister, Amber, 22, decided to enlist too. “After talking with the recruiter about how it would impact my life, I was committed,” Amber told Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina. “I was ready to go no matter what.”

Having a sister go through recruit training at the same time was helpful. “I went through a moment during first phase where I received some bad news in a letter, and she was there to be a shoulder for me to lean on,” Amber said.

Ashley and Amber won’t attend Marine Combat Training together, though. Ashley fractured a hip and will take time on the island to heal. Once they’re finished with the training, they’ll pursue different paths: Ashley will be a Motor Transportation Operator while Amber will pursue her career in Communications. “I know she’s going to be ok,” Ashley said. “She’s always been independent and I know she’s going to succeed in her career.”

Ashley and Amber weren’t the only set of sisters to graduate that day. Maria, 21, and Vanessa and Melissa Placido Jaramillo, 22-year-old identical twins, also graduated from recruit training in the Marine Corps. 

As small children, the girls promised each other that they would join the military together. Born in Panama, the girls moved to Las Vegas when they were young. Maria loved military movies and after she watched Tears of the Sun, she decided to join the military. The three girls joined the ROTC program and eventually all decided to join the Marines.

“We have an unbreakable bond,” said Maria. “We are always together, but we know how to live separately. I know that my sisters will always be there for me, even when they are not physically with me.” The three will become nationalized as American citizens.

The young women do not yet know what Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) they will be assigned. But they’re excited for their future with the Marine Corps.

Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.