School - Finally!

Chris finally "classed up" after about a month of shinin' trash cans. He is doing well in his computer classes and said most of it is review from what he learned in his Cisco networking classes in high school.

He is getting over a bout of pneumonia but should be feeling better soon if he takes all his meds. He hates taking meds!

Hoping he will make a trip home soon. We need to take advantage of the short distance while we can. No telling where they will send him after he graduates school in October.

Happy Independence Day

Happy 4th of July to all, especially to those who are serving our Country! As they bravely watch over us, may God watch over them.

To Twenty-Nine Palms for School

Chris made it through Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendelton and graduated on May 26th. The last week of this training consisted of a Crucible-type exercise where the guys lived out in the field for several days and had to sleep in a "fighting hole" that they dug themselves. They were paired up and the hole had to be deep enough for the tallest of the two to stand up in up to his armpits. That's pretty deep considering some of these guys are 6 feet +. We were able to visit him the weekend before grad and had lots of fun. We stayed with Uncle John, met his Battle Buddy (he's from Scottsdale), went to the beach at Ocenside, watched surfers at San Onofre Beach and saw the worst movie ever - Drag Me To Hell!

Chris is now living at Twenty-Nine Palms with four room mates. Between them, they have all the electonic comforts of home - three X-Boxes, cable TV, wireless network, and a laptop. And he can use his cell phone when he's on liberty (libo) each night. It seems there will be a wait before his school starts and he may be able to come home for Recruiter Assistance duty. He will be able to live at home and work at the Recruiter's office during the day for about two weeks. Would sure be a nice change from all the training he's been through.

On to MCT

After a 10 day leave, Chris left today for Camp Pendelton for 29 days of MCT - Marine Combat Training. It was hard to say goodbye to him but I know that he was anxious to start the next phase of his training. He wore his uniform for travel and he got a "Semper Fi" and a "Good Luck" from total strangers. An older lady let us ahead of her in the Security line. When he said "Thank you", she said, "No, Thank YOU!" I will never get tired of people reacting to him like that. Makes a momma proud.

This quote sums it up.....

"18 years, like a blink of an eye
13 weeks, like an Eternity
10 days, not nearly long enough" - from Lazyk - Moderator on MarineParents.com

Introducing...

Introducing Private First Class Chris Brillhart!

First, a few corrections: In the last post, I said graduation was on the 27th but it was on the 24th! I can't believe I made that mistake as I was counting down the days for three months! Also, I misunderstood about the Swim Levels. Chris passed the First Level and we are very proud of him.

Our trip to San Diego was wonderful! Family Day was so much fun. Seeing where Chris spent the last three months and meeting some of his new friends (and Drill Instructors!) was great. The graduation ceremony was one of the most special experiences of our lives. It was amazing to see Chris achieve this goal.

Chris is home on his 10 day leave and goes back on Tuesday morning. It went by very fast. He was able to spend lots of time with his friends, saw a couple of concerts and attend a Scout meeting and participated in an Eagle Court of Honor.

I hope he realizes how really special he is to all of us!

Semper Fidelis, Chris!

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.

Black Friday

Today is what they call "Black Friday". This is the day Chris will meet his Drill Instructors and moves into his new home. The real stress begins after this move. He will have to learn a lot in a very short period of time and everything is a yell from them and the Drill Instructors. This is where the transition from recruit to Marine begins, this day.

Here are some of the things the guys will learn over the weekend: how to set up their lockers, how to fold and hanger their clothes (imagine that!), how long they have in the mornings to shower and shave, how to wear their uniforms, and the language of the Marine Corps. They will learn what a hatch is, what the quarterdeck is and what happens on it. Most will get first hand knowledge of Incentive Training or IT and that is something they will try very hard to stay away from. They will learn how to clean the house and make the beds the Marine Corps way. This is where the whole thing begins. (This information was obtained from a person (Nedsdad) who posts on a really cool website called marineparents.com.)

Please send good vibes Chris's way! He needs all the support he can get. (I still don't have his address.)

And So It Begins

Chris left yesterday. Brad and I saw him get sworn in and he had a 9pm flight to San Diego. We thought we would get a phone call last night letting us know he arrived safely. I heard they give the recruits a script to read and it is just about a 15 second phone call but he didn't call. They also say, "No news is good news," so I guess I'll hang on to that.

Today is Chris's 19th Birthday. Happy Birthday Chris! Gee, all he got for his birthday this year was a new haircut.

1 day down, 87 to go.

One Week More!

Well, the party was fun and the Cardinals are in the Super Bowl! Thanks to everyone who came to see Chris off in high fashion.

Chris spent Monday night at a hotel (courtesy of the USMC) and was transported to MEPS downtown Tuesday morning for final processing. Brad and I went to see Chris get sworn in. We were there most of the day doing the Hurry Up and Wait thing. About 3pm, we were notified there was a paperwork issue and Chris would not be shipping off until next Monday - the 26th. Talk about a roller coaster of emotion! Anyway - we are thankful for an additional week with him but he was really ready to go. Oh well, another week of video games and "Mom, can I borrow the car?" Thank you, Lord!

Welcome Everyone!

We want to welcome you to our blog. We hope to use this site to keep our family and friends updated about our son Chris's adventure in Marine Boot Camp and beyond. During the first few weeks, we may not get much information. Right now, we are concentrating on his Farewell Picnic being held this weekend. After that, on Tuesday, Jan. 20th, we'll be watching his swearing-in ceremony and saying Goodbye!

So check back once in a while for new posts. Feel free to add comments, questions and anything else you wish. Please post any good jokes you hear as we'd like to include some in our letters to him. If you would like Chris's address to write to him, let us know and we will e-mail it to you (once we receive it in about two weeks.)

Here we go!

Kelly & Brad