First Letter from Son at Parris Island

[6kidsdad]

I do not post here, since I did not serve, but like to read the posts. Well, my oldest son went off a week ago to USMC boot camp, and we got our first letter. It was just a form letter from the Gunnery Sgt, with the boots address. They were allowed to write a short note on the letter. His said, "It's terrible, but in high morale". I know he will make it through though. Once he makes it through, sounds like he will feel invincible!

[SMOKEY]

:icon_salut:

[6kidsdad]

Thanks!

[IditarodJoe]

Congratulations, you must have done a good job raising that boy. We sent our oldest son off to Navy boot camp about seven years ago. When we drove out to GL for his graduation we hardly recognized him. He was half a foot taller, his back was ramrod straight, muscles like steel, and he radiated a confidence and pride we'd never seen before. He's career Navy now and is still every bit as fit and, if anything, even more self-confident than he was on graduation day.

[phil441]

Our best to him.

I think you're gonna be surprised by the young man you get back from Parris Island. Friends of the wife had a son go there. I almost didn't recognize him when he came to visit upon his return. The soft, skinny dweeb was now a buff self confident young man. Amazing transformation.

Keep us posted!

[m1ashooter]

Well done. Thank you for sharing.

[6kidsdad]

Appreciate all of the good wishes. I think he will do well. He went to all of the physical training sessions, twice a week, that the recruiters offered, for 7 months. We saw a change just from that. He has been responsible for the most part. I told him that he needs to take us out to the range when he gets back and teach us how to shoot the Marine way. His younger siblings miss him, but they are excited to go to graduation at Parris Island, just like we parents are!

[Litt'le Lee]

DECEMBER 1959

That was when I became a USMC grad--56 years ago--one of the greatest days of my life--your son will never forget the day he gets to pin on the Eagle Globe and Anchor--

[cplnorton]

I have to say the proudest day of my life was the day I earned my EGA. I served five years and still consider it the best time of my life.

With that being said, now that I have two sons, I don't know how I feel about them joining. They are 3 and 6 and I'm pretty attached to them. :)

[6kidsdad]

We finally received his first real letter, written by him. He had a lot to say, and seems ok. He let us know that it is extremely hard, and many of the guys are depressed, but emphasized that his spirits and morale are very high. He emphasized to us to keep praying for him and to send him letters; that is what keeps them going. Said the food was very good and high quality, and I am surprised, since he was always a picky eater. Did mention that the meanist DI knows him by name, and has singled him out now numerous times. I don't know if that is good or bad! Anyway, it was great to hear from him.

[Litt'le Lee]

He has to step up and perform--maybe he can do well at the rifle qual.--that's what got me over the edge--I was then made a
(house mouse) Slave where I had to prep the DI's gear..

[6kidsdad]

Recently got another letter, and seems to be pretty tough. Last couple of days have been rough, platoon punished because of him, so he says. He says he feels like Gomer. He has never been a quitter, so he will make it through. We have been pondering what would be a proper graduation gift. Any ideas?

[6kidsdad]

Well, over 1/2 way there now. Seems to be actually enjoying boot camp. Letters are positive, and is excelling at everything thrown his way, even though it is difficult. Just got the latest news, and surprise, qualified as expert on the range. I guess some of the work we did here helped, but I have to give credit to the recruiters who were very diligent in prepping all of them for boot camp. Looking forward to graduation.

[p246]

Well I bought my son a gift. However he said that me and the wife driving 14 hours to his graduation and spending the weekend with him was all he cared about. W ehave been fortunate as we got to go to about half his events. If you can pull it off go.

[6kidsdad]

We live about 5 hours driving time from Parris Island, so not a bad drive. Never been to any kind of military base, looking forward to it. His younger brothers are pretty excited about it, and I know missing a couple of days of school doesn't hurt!

[p246]

My trip was to Benning different branch same topic. The graduation was very well done, and was impressive. The only ceremony that trumped it was when Jr got his Ranger Tab. During both ceremonies I was allowed to place items on Jr's uniform (Blue Infantry Badge/Ranger Tab). Hopefully the Corps allows family participation to as it was a very rewarding experience. Regardless congratulations to you and yours. He is setting a great example for his younger siblings.

[oldbrk42]

Our grandson, a little guy 6'4", expressed a desire to join the Ohio State Patrol a couple years ago. He trained and applied shortly after that. He went through the back round check, physical test and lie detector with flying colors. He was accepted as a recruit in a class of 40+. He started his six month schooling and training the 30th of Sept. Not my choice for a career for him but he considered all the hazards and stayed the course. Makes me proud!

[6kidsdad]

Well, just to update the post. He graduated, along with 87 others in his platoon. Home now for 10 days of leave, than off to Combat training school. He looks good! Impressive and well done ceremony. Very well organized by the Marines. I was impressed at the smoothness of it all, and was impressed by how clean the base was. Every detail just looked like it was well taken care of. I even saw recruits cleaning/polishing bells in front of a building. Once again, very nice!

[IditarodJoe]

Congratulations!, both to your son and to you and your family. Boot prepared him for the road ahead, schools will give him the tools he needs, then the real adventure begins. By the end of four years, he'll likely have seen and done more of real significance than most of today's young men will see and do in a lifetime.

[holdover]

give your son a Semper Fi from an old Marine. The experience of boot camp and being a Marine is something that will always be with him. He earned the title, it was not given to him. And may the Lord keep him and the others safe.

VN '68-69 0331

[M1Tommy]

I am late here but my congratulations!

Our son enlisted in the USAF and shipped out to boot camp in July. I got his arrival phone call and had serious USN boot camp flashbacks at hearing all the background noises, which were mostly yelling from MTIs (USAF Military Training Instructors, i.e. DI's, or CC's in the Navy). His, "I'm doing OK, they haven't killed me yet!" got him some immediate attention, and a good laugh from me after he suddenly, "... had to go now!" and hung up the phone.

Again, my congrats and thanks.
Tommy