He Did It!

Well, it's official. Chris became a United States Marine at approximately 9:00 a.m. yesterday morning. That is when his Drill Instructor presented him with his Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and congratulated him. Then he and his new "brothers" got to eat the biggest -and probably best - meal of their lives. Brad and I are brimming with pride. The next step is Graduation Day on the 27th.

OOOHRAHH!

Week 12

Happy Easter to all. Well - two more weeks to go! Today, the Company is traveling back up to Camp Pendelton to complete the Crucible - the last test before the recruits become Marines. Tomorrow, Chris will face the Confidence (Gas) Chamber. The guys have to go into a brick room with gas masks and then the gas is released. They then must "sweep" their masks several times (they are well trained on how to do this by now) and then they have to take them off and remain in the room for a short while. I'm sure it feels like an eternity to them. They they are allowed to leave the chamber and go into the fresh air. It basically empties their whole head of any sinus stuff. One Marine who had a bad cold was quoted as saying "I wish I could go into the Confidence Chamber right now. That would clear me right up!"

The Crucible begins on Tuesday, at about 3:00 a.m. The Crucible is a 54 hour test of everything they have learned up to this point. They must work as a team to overcome obstacles and situations that they may one day face in real life as a Marine. They hike approx. 40 miles, only eat 2.5 MREs (Meals Ready to Eat or backpacking food) during this entire time and only get 8 hours of sleep. It is a true test of their stamina, courage and leadership skills. Upon completion, about 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning, they experience the Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony where they will receive their Marine emblem from their Drill Instructors. This is the moment they become Marines! After the ceremony, they are treated to the biggest all-you-can-eat meal since they got to Boot Camp called the Warrior Breakfast. Ooorahhh!

The picture above is from the platoon video shot on April 10, 2009. The first glimpse of my baby in three months! It's not very clear because it was shot with my cell phone camera from my laptop screen. You can get a better glimpse of it at www.recruitparents.com - click on Photos/Videos (on left), Golf Company, and then 2155. He's on the top row, 5th face you see.

Next week, they get sqared away with their uniforms, paperwork and final medical exams. Thursday, the 23rd, we get to go spend the day on the base with him and then Friday, he graduates! So cool!

Did You Know

I didn't write this poem but it sums it all up perfectly.

Did You Know
by Janet Butterworth-Caldwell
When you went to boot camp, I went to one too.
It's the one where moms worry over all you go through.
I couldn't eat dessert, knowing that you had no treats.
I felt guilty for wanting a pedicure, when you had tired feet.
I anguished over every tough moment, I thought you had.
I cried when I missed you, I cried when I was sad.
I cried over your letters that declared your love for "Mom".
I cried over thinking about the day you would come home.
I cringed if I thought someone was yelling at you
Even though I knew it's what they had to do.
I lost sleep just wondering how you are.
I prayed and thought and even wished upon a star.

When you awoke this morning to begin the Crucible
Did you know I walked every step with you that was possible?
When you humped all those miles over rough terrain,
Did you know I was by your side again?
When your rations were low and your belly was hungry,
Did you know that I wished it wasn't you, but instead, it was me?
When your feet ached and blistered from stress,
Did you know that I was carrying you deep in my chest?
When you were tired and sore and almost ready to fall,
Did you realize I would have carried it all?
When you had little sleep and your eyes were red,
Did you know I would have given you my bed?
When you had to push and pull for that extra mile,
Did you know that I was so proud and so tall, with such a big smile?

Now you’re almost through and soon you will be
One of The Few, The Proud, a New MARINE.
I get an Honor too for going through the boot camp for Moms.
I get to hug you and hold you in my arms.
I get to see how handsome you are.
I get my bright shining star.
No, I don't get a medal or a pin to wear.
I don't get to sport that awesome Marine hair.
My reward is one that can't be seen.
It's called "Being the Mom of a U.S. Marine."

Phase II Down, Only Phase III To Go

Well, tomorrow will mark the end of Phase II of traning and Monday begins Phase III. As an update on some info I received from Chris:

• The reason Chris was moved from Plt 2149 to Plt 2155 was totally random. They found out the platoon bay (living quarters) only fit 81 recruits and there were 83 assigned to the platoon. So two had to be moved - he was one of them.
• Chris actually achieved 2nd Class (Level 3) in swim. This means he passed both previous levels and then also was able to rescue another recruit from the water "under battle conditions". This is the highest level a recruit can achieve at boot camp. He will only have to go through swim quals every three years because of achieving this level.
• In his last letter, Chris said he qualified as Expert (highest level) in rifle - too bad it was only practice. I'm waiting to hear how he did in the actual qualifying.
• During Field Week, Chris not only had the 3 and 5 mile humps, he also had an 8 mile hump. Here's what he said about it - "Pretty easy. I finished in the front. I had to carry an 80 pound pack, kevlar helmet, flak jacket, M16 and 2 full canteens."

Chris said he misses junk food and wants to spend $100 on junk food at Costco when he comes home. I'm not sure his stomach would handle it at this point!

The first week of Phase III is called Team Week and begins with the guys moving back to MCRD in San Diego. They are given a little more responsibility and are a little less micromanaged. They are broken up into working parties who work as a team to accomplish various tasks like cleaning a building, lawn maintenance, issuing supplies to new recruits, and whatever else needs done. They will also have their first uniform fitting. I can't wait to see him in his dress blues!

They also do a series of physician fitness tests for score. They will have to do a combo of a 3 mile run in no longer than 28 minutes (18 minutes for perfect score), no less than 3 pull ups (20 being perfect), no less than 45 crunches in 2 minutes (100 for perfect score).

That's all the news for now. 8 weeks down, 5 weeks to go!

Catch Up Blog

It's been a couple of weeks since I've added any info. Lots has happened. Chris was moved from his platoon into another one. I'm not sure why but he is adjusting, making new friends and all.

Two weeks ago, the guys experienced the infamous Confidence Course. You know, the one you see in all the boot camp movies. Chris said when he was crossing the rope over the mucky water, he fell in. Hang on next time, Chris! He told us he won one of his Pugil Stick matches and it felt really good.

Swim qualifying was last week. He passed 4th Class (Level 1) and 3rd Class (Level 2). To qualify as a CWS4 the recruit must be able to swim the width of the pool without touching the bottom once in utilities uniform without boots. Once this is accomplished, the recruit must enter the water feet first from a minimum of 5 feet and remain afloat for 3 minutes. CWS3 is conducted in full combat gear (utilities w/ boots, pack, Kevlar, and rifle). To qualify as a CWS3 (re-qual every 2 years.) the recruit must enter the water feet first from a minimum of 5 feet and remain afloat for 5 minutes. Then the recruit must swim 50 yards using any stroke or combination of the sidestroke, backstroke and breaststroke. I would think you would have to be a pretty strong swimmer to be able to do this in full gear!

On Saturday, the Platoon moved to Camp Pendelton for Phase II of training. The guys are spending this week in a classroom learning about marksmanship and how to shoot efficiently. They will practice trigger control, breathing techniques and shooting positions. They will take a 3 mile and a 5 mile "hump" (hiking with heavy packs), in full combat load (kevlar helmet, flak jacket, and LBV (load bearing vest). They add hills to the 5 mile hump.

Next week is spent on the rifle range and he takes his Rifle Quals on Friday. I'll let you know how he does.

That's all for now.

Week Three's Over

Happy Valentine's Day! We received another letter from Chris this week. He seems to be doing really well. He does say that he is hungry all the time. I guess that's because he is very active and doesn't have a lot of time for snackin'. He needs all your letters of encouragement! Please remember the rules of writing - letters should be in plain, white envelopes with no designs and I found out that cards sent to recruits are often read out loud to the entire platoon. Please keep this in mind.

Today marks the end of Week Three. This week, Chris started training in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program to learn hand to hand combat. Tuesday, they learned how to fight with pugil sticks. These are the weapons that look like huge q-tips and is an introduction to bayonet training. I know this all sounds pretty scary but the Drill Instructors will make sure he is very well trained so he stays safe. They did some circuit training (an exercise course made up of stations) and ran the obstacle course.

The platoon is also spending a lot of time on the "parade deck" learning how to move as a unit and how to perform the manual of arms correctly. There are about 62 different movements they must learn to do CORRECTLY. This is something the platoon and the Drill Instructors pride themselves on. This is also an activity that they will compete in with other platoons to see which is the best!

Until next week.

20 days down - 68 to go!

News from Chris

Yippee! We finally received the form letter from Chris letting us know his address. He wrote a short note on the back - says it is not so bad, but it's only been one week. He said he is always hungry and gets a lot to eat but the food is not so good. He also said he has a cool hat. Sounds just like Chris!

This week, Chris moved into his new "home", was issued his rifle (which he will carry with him wherever he goes), learned First Aid (good thing he was a Boy Scout), the basics of marching, and about Marine Corps history. Today on the calendar is "Sprints". If you have ever seen or participated in football practice, you know what this is!

That's all for now. If you want his address, please e-mail me.