Super proud of our son for making an excellent
decision about the next phase of his life.
Last November, he was sworn in as a Poolee for the Marine Corp.
He ships out to boot camp on May 20, 2013. We will drop him off the day before at his recruiting office. Then on Monday, the 20th, we are hoping to go to his local MEPS (Military Entry Processing Station) and watch him be sworn in to official recruit status. He will then be put on a plane to Savannah where he will be picked up and brought to Parris Island, South Carolina. We will get a phone call that he arrived and then a letter with his mailing address a week or two later.
Everyone is on board and excited for him. It does take a bit of thought and preparation for the younger kids when faced with a leaving. Change comes hard and requires a lot of grace for this crew. When Jerrod leaves, the sadness will come out in all sorts of ways. He is doing a great job spending some extra time with them by watching Star Wars with Joshua, giving the girls rides to their activities, and he even came to T-ball to support the little boys.
The boys got their braces off just in time. Three down and who knows how many to go? I am loving those pearly whites. Jerrod had to get a letter from his orthodontist confirming that indeed he would get them off before April 1. Apparently braces are a no-no in the military.
I don't do tattoos. Not my thing. Nor have I ever, ever, ever allowed a bumper sticker on any of our cars. Until now. Because supporting my son is way more important than being a nudge about a car tattoo.
Twice a year, the Recruiters hold a Family Night. Last month, Bob and I, along with Erik and my brother, Marc attended the potluck with other Poolee families. It was the first time we had seen Jerrod in this environment and we were able to chat with his recruiter.
There was a keynote speaker, a retired Marine who was very inspiring about how this experience will shape their lives forever.
Then a drill instructor from Parris Island was introduced and she led a demonstration of her techniques in preparing recruits. She also put the Poolees through a few paces. Boy, did they run. I can honestly say, I never thought eighty 17-19 year-olds could line up that fast!
The room was charged with nervous anticipation! The Marines were inspiring in their full dress uniforms. The young men and women were trying hard to look casual on the outside. I got emotional watching and realizing what a life-changer this will be for our son.
The last five months have had their ups and downs as our son has wrestled with his decision. He has spent time preparing physically and found a few good men who served in the Marine Corp to ask questions which has helped him feel more ready, if you can ever be ready for an experience like this.
Marines - The Change is Forever
We pray that Jerrod will embrace the opportunities
that his service to our country will provide.
We know that the Marine Corp will change him forever
from a boy into a man that we will be very proud of.
Hi there, I read your blog because I have adopted so I enjoy reading about the adventures of other families brought together through adoption. We also have in common, a son in the marines. My son left last August for basic. He was in California as we live in Wisconsin. The emotions you will go through can be difficult despite the pride you feel. One thing that helped me is doing something I never thought I could do and that was take up running. When I was exhausted from running, I could focus on how tired he must feel and keep going. I also wrote tons of letters, letters from us, letters from our dogs, letters from the refrigerator (he is a thin, huge eater). I tell you, these letters really helped. Anyhow, if you need anything, you may Facebook me Wendy Hoff. Also, feel free to email me. mwhoff@new.rr.com. Us marine moms need to stick together. I remember when I received the phone call when he got there. To hear another mom going to be going through that makes me want to show as much support as I can. Take care, Wendy
ReplyDeleteinteresting that he starts on the 20th my neighbor's daughter left yesterday for the marines.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! My eldest boy is in the Air Force, and it has been great for him. I think I was prouder at his BMT grad than his high school graduation.
ReplyDeleteLOVE what Wendy had to say! I felt the same way! Working out while My Sailor was going through Boot Camp really helped me process through, and yes, like Wendy, I push myself physically harder when My Sailor is gone because, no matter how tough things are here - he's dealing with harder things by far. I can feel I can best honor these guys by living what they are fighting for.
ReplyDeleteBeing in the military has definately changed My Sailor's life - for the better - even at the hardest of times. It's really helped the best of him shine through. It's made him the kind of man I know I can rely on no matter what. He has problem solving skills he didn't have before and, while he's always valued 'family', he values our little family in a whole different, deeper, richer way.
It's a challenge that not everyone in this world can meet. Those that can are cut out of a special kind of cloth, and deserve every once of support we can offer.
Hang in there!
One thing I am doing (that you and the siblings might like to do as well) is a "while you were gone" scrap book. I take pictures of things that happened or things that I accomplished/explored while he was gone, and then share it when he's home again. In your case, you might be able to pop little brag-book sized ones in the mail when you have a mailing address. (My Sailor is a submariner - so the postman can't get to him when he's out Finding Nemo.)
Way to go Cuz! :)
I just experienced my son's departure last year. If you can make it for graduation to Parris Island, I highly recommend it. You'll be so proud of your Marine! I loved checking the Marine Parent site to see what my son was learning that particular week. There is even a forum to talk to other parents who have heard from their recruit to find out what is going on. Sometimes you wonder why you've not heard from you recruit. Then you find out from another platoon that your son's platoon was being disciplined for something. It was good to keep tabs on everything. We were hoping to catch a glimpse of him on the FB page, but never did. His platoon was on there, but not our son. Enjoy this experience and write him lots of letters. He will need it! I wish him the best!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I know people must say this a lot, but really I am so thankful for young people like your son who feel called to serve. You must be so proud of him! I hope you share more as you are able.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to thank you for your kind comment on my blog post about our sweet baby girl. It really meant a lot to me. Your family and sweet heart children are ones I thought of when I wrote what I did in that post. I check in on your blog hoping to read updates that I know you pray to one day write. Please know I will continue praying with you. {Heart hugs}
Thank you for sharing. I know people must say this a lot, but really I am so thankful for young people like your son who feel called to serve. You must be so proud of him! I hope you share more as you are able.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to thank you for your kind comment on my blog post about our sweet baby girl. It really meant a lot to me. Your family and sweet heart children are ones I thought of when I wrote what I did in that post. I check in on your blog hoping to read updates that I know you pray to one day write. Please know I will continue praying with you. {Heart hugs}