Debbie Erwin | 210SA contributor

Name: Marcel Stevens, 26

Location: North Star Mall

Bio: Marcel is in the Army and is currently at Fort Sam Houston for Advanced Individual Training.

What exactly are you training for?

I’m studying to be a medic. I’ll be here another 12 weeks.

Where will you go then?

Wherever the Army wants me. The Army could send me over to the sandbox — Iraq.

So you have to wear a uniform during the week. Tell me about your style when you’re not at work.

I don’t think of it as a style. I just put it on if it looks nice. But I guess maybe you could call it casual urban.

Is what you’re wearing today typical of what you usually wear outside of work?

Yes, ma’am. An overshirt, a T-shirt, jeans.

Oh, please don’t call me ma’am. You’ll make me feel old. That must be from being in the Army.

Yes ma’am. Uh, I mean yes.

You’re wearing a hat today. Do you usually wear a hat?

No, not usually. It depends on what I have on.

Tell me about your shoes.

They’re Levi’s. They’re (like) Converse, Chuck Taylors.

I didn’t know Levi’s made shoes.

I didn’t either until I saw these.

You’re wearing long sleeves. Doesn’t that get too hot here in the San Antonio summer?

It’s light enough if I get warm I can take it off and throw it over my shoulder.

I notice your hat says ‘L.A.’ Does that mean you’re a Lakers fan?

Oh, yes, anything to do with California. I’m from California. I lived in San Diego, but I stayed in L.A. for a number of years. It’s a home away from home.
 
Well, you know this is Spurs territory, but we’ll let you pass since you’re serving our country.

Debbie Erwin | 210SA contributor