Coleman, left, and Payton Hays. The brothers and eighth-generation Bailey Islanders graduated from U.S. Marine Corps boot camp within three months of each other. (Photos courtesy Brandi Bernier)
Bailey Island brothers Coleman and Payton Hays graduated from U.S. Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island in South Carolina fewer than three months apart.
Coleman, 20, graduated on Dec. 20, 2023, while Payton, 18, graduated on March 1, 2024. The brothers’ time in boot camp overlapped for 15 days in December 2023, although they only saw each other in passing, according to their mother, Brandi Bernier.
The boys attended local schools before graduating through Merrymeeting Adult Education. They are eighth-generation islanders, according to Bernier. Their father is Justin Hays, of Freeport and Bailey Island.
“I wanted to join because I needed a sense of direction, and I didn’t know what to do about it,” Coleman said. “I looked toward the military, and it helped me feel a purpose again.”
Payton said he joined at his older brother’s urging. “After he took me to the recruiter’s office, I realized that joining the Marines was a better option for my future than I had envisioned for myself,” he said.
Both brothers said they chose the Marine Corps, instead of another branch, “because it is the hardest!”
“As their parents, we are both beyond proud and supportive of the decision they made to join the U.S. Marines,” Bernier said.
Since boot camp, Coleman has completed infantry training at Camp Geiger in North Carolina. He is now at nearby Camp Lejeune, where he will undergo training for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as grounds management.
Payton reported for infantry training at Camp Geiger on March 12. After infantry training, he will join his brother at Camp Lejeune. He plans to train as an HVAC technician and electrician.
The brothers will learn where they will be stationed after completing their occupational training.
