On Saturday afternoon, Cody Stonestreet was actively punting the ball for a struggling Los Medanos College football team. But it wasn’t too long ago that he used to wear a uniform that held much more significance to him.

The Washington native had the honor of being a member of the United States Marine Corps. His main job being was part of an artillery unit where he served as a Motor T operator, transporting many officer students but more impressively important politicians from one location to the other, in some cases through the pentagon.

It was a job that allowed him to travel all around the United States to places like Virginia and Hawaii, even internationally to Japan. In addition to travel and gain a lot of field experience, it prepared him for the life he had ahead.

“I learned self development, in boot camp you learn about yourself. It prepared me for life as it is  now.” said Stonestreet. “You gain a lot more responsibility, like finances and taking care of your own business.”  

But it was in Virginia where he was able to meet his wife, and essentially the turning point in his life that found the Burbank, Wash. native found his way to East Contra Costa County.

One of the aspects of LMC that caught the eye of Stonestreet was its strong automotive program, he thought it was by far stronger than most of the community colleges in his native state, Washington.

Sports has always been been a huge part of Stonestreet’s life. Anywhere, anyplace and at any level, if there are sports around, Stonestreet will step up and play. In this case he found the specialist role with the Mustangs.

At 25 years old, Stonestreet was one of the more older, or in better words, mature players. And his teammates and coaches took note of it.

“Being older, he was definitely mature and never messed around or didn’t take things serious when it was time to go to work.” said LMC defensive back Brooklyn Hardiman. “When things weren’t going out way in the games, he would stay calm and handle adversity.”

“Cody’s presence in the locker room was huge for us. Yes he was older, he was also married with a child, and his background in the military were just some of that things that stood out.” said LMC Head coach Chris Shipe.

And while Stonestreet has had all these jobs, from a member of the USMC to roles in multiple sports teams, and looks forward to opening his own automotive business in the future, there is one role he will always find the best out of them all.

Being a dad.

Stonestreet has a two-year-old son, Aleq, who in his words has been the biggest gift in his life. In fact, one of Stonestreet’s main reason to get discharged from the military was in order to spend more time with Aleq. In fact, Stonestreet said that if LMC had a playoff game and his son had to be taken care of, the Mustangs would need to find someone else to punt the ball.

However, Aleq and his mom came to California, while Stonestreet stayed in Virginia. He was away from his son for an entire year, something he says was one of the most difficult challenges in his life.

“It was hard not having him here and seeing him everyday, I can’t really explain how it feels, but it’s something I never want to do again” said Stonestreet “This is the best job in the world.”

But, due to his military duties, Stonestreet had to spend an entire year away from his son.

But now Stonestreet’s family is united. His wife serves as a dog groomer, working full time while Stonestreet is a full time student at LMC in the automotive program, it is a step by step process to opening his own business with the passion he loves.