"Everything that we do to prepare the deceased is done with great honor, respect and dignity."

Halisky says he was well-trained in mortuary affairs by the government, but says his Catholic Faith may be what makes him consider the job one of the highest honors he could ever know.

"The human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We're trained to treat every human remains with respect in that manner, as if it was our own."

Halisky's grandfather retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army. He remembers always wanting to follow the path. But first, a childhood dream called.

"A try out in front of a Major League scout from the Baltimore Orioles. I signed with them as a free agent in 1999 and played for a summer season."

That's when an injury forced Halisky to put his dreams on hold. Dejected and unsure of his next steps, Halisky joined the Marines, knowing it would offer the life direction he was looking for.

"I did bring my baseball glove with me and a couple baseballs. Whenever I can get to the gym or find someone around to throw the baseball with I do."

In fact, the Lance Corporal admits sometimes a game of catch could break out with a grapefruit from the canteen, whatever may be accessible at the moment.

"Growing up thinking and wanting to play baseball from the time I was nine onwards, and if that didn't work out I had always intended on joining the military."

Now, Halisky says he could be looking at the best of both worlds, with plans to shoot for pro after his hitch ends.