May 2008 Marine Graduation

In May we made the trip to San Diego, specifically to the MRSD. To see our oldest son graduate from Marine Recruit Training otherwise known as boot camp. It was a great trip, nice flight out on Southwest, smooth and uneventful. We stayed on base at billeting not the most luxurious accommodations but adequate and comfortable. And you can’t beat the price. What’s nice about staying on base is your there at 7am when the events start.

United States Marine Graduation is a two day event:

Thursday is "Family Day" and Graduation is on Friday.

"Family Day" includes the "Motivational Run", the final run for the company of recruits. I believe it’s a five mile run, and I didn’t see any Marine breathing hard at the end. Then while the Marines go back to their barracks and change into their uniforms, we got to meet the Drill Instructors, After an hour or so we went out to the Deck (aka the grinder) where the platoons formed up and the Marines are allowed "Liberty" from about 1:00 PM on until 6:00 p.m. to visit with family and friends, so we had lunch and walked around the non-restricted areas of the Depot. This consists of a Museum, restaurants, convenience store and an assortment of gift, electronic and clothing stores. The recruits hadn’t been on this side of the base before today. Take into account they had been cut off from the world for the last three months, they enjoyed the change of pace.
Graduation takes place on Friday and is the culmination of Recruit Training (though they became Marines about a week before when they completed the Crucible). So it’s up early, watch the raising of the colors, which is inspiring. Stop at, of all places Starbucks, yes there is one right on base and the easiest place to grab a cup that early. Head over to the bleachers on the other side of the deck (you walk around the deck it’s sacred ground for the Corp.). The Marine Band plays a few tunes and then five Platoons march out and around the deck and form up in front of the stands, a speech and then there are dismissed. The Marines get a 10 day leave and then have to report to Camp Pendleton for further training.

We got through the 10 day leave in record time, it did seem to fly. Sven was home (Wisconsin) with us for a few days and then went down to Chicago (previous home) for a few days to hang out with friends and see his Recruiter. Before he left I told him to stay out of trouble. He replied "Dad, I'm a Marine I'm held to a higher standard." with that I knew I didn't have worry, so I said keep your brother out of trouble.

You see he took his brother Connor,

who is finishing High school this year,

To Chicago (actually western suburbs),

To meet his Recruiter,

The Recruiter asked him what he wanted to be,

Connor said "I want to be a Marine",

The Recruiter said "Sign here",

Now Connor leaves January 2009.

And all is safe and secure in this Marine home.

Connor has wanted to join for years; it’s a path he decided on early in life. So, they got back from their trip a few days before Sven had to go to Camp Pendleton, and they did some yard work and we just relaxed.I have started to drive my wife crazy, you see Sven bought this Cadence CD, that of course I made a copy for the truck. And I have a habit of playing it a lot, like all the time and loud real loud. And I often sing along, it makes me feel good. Can't wait to get the top off the jeep and crank it up. I do like to share.