Ep. 39 ”Best Shot in The Marines”-Julia‘s American Story

Julia Watson Carlson was born and raised in Utah.  She is the second of seven children; both parents were school teachers.  Both of Julia's grandfathers served in WW2.

Julia began shooting as a junior in high school in small bore and high power rifles.  This experience introduced Julia to the military shooting community.

Julia attended the National Junior Rifle Competition at age 17.  She also participated in the Marine Corps. Junior Clinic.

Julia enlisted in the Marines through the delayed entry program in February of her senior year in high school.

October 1994, Julia spent 13 weeks at boot camp located in Paris Island, SC.  If frustration began to settle in, Julia concentrated on her ultimate goal; the title of marine.

Julia made her way to Camp Lejeune, NC to begin her career in the enginnering field via heavy equipment.

She earned a spot on the shooting team at Camp Pendleton.

Julia showed her skills with shooting, winning several competitions.  She shot well enough, winning a spot on the 1996 Marine Corps. Summer Team; receiving permanent orders to the Rifle Team for 3 years.

In 2001, Julia married, had two beautiful daughters, and moved back to Utah as a member of the Army Reserves.

In 2006 Julia was deployed to Iraq to support Civil Affairs out of Camp Pendleton.  As public affairs, Julia worked with media and rehabilitating the local area.

Julia's second deployment was Afghanistan where she focused more on helping Afghan women and children.  

Between and after deployments, Julia found time to become the first woman to win the National Shooting Championship.

Julia retired from the Marines in 2016.  She is the mother of 2 daughters; stepmother to 7 children; and grandma to 3 beautiful, little girls.

Today, Julia is the mentor coordinator for the 4th District Veterans Treatment Court.

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