Posted on 01/14/2017 4:16:05 PM PST by lafroste
Last summer (July, I think), I post "Proud Papa Alert" to tell people that my son had decided to enlist in the US Marines. Several current and former military personnel chastised me, saying he was not really a US Marine until he got through basic training. Well, he did.
He graduated yesterday, Friday January 13, 2017 under both a full moon and a beautiful sunny sky at Parris Island, USMCRD. This his platoon out on the parade field during graduation. His was one of 8 graduating platoons, comprising some 700 brand new US Marines.
Here he is with his little sister after graduation, and she would not let go of him and could not stop hanging on his every word. She gushed pride in her brother. He arned an Expert Marksman badge and turned out to be his biggest peeve about training. He scored a 329/350 marksmanship score, but was waylayed but what he termed a "very stupid recruit" on the firing range next to him that ended up shooting up his target, costing him 11 points from his total score. The Company winning marksman had a score of 334. Had he received those 11 points, he would have a score of 340/350, beating the best and winning best marksman award. He would have also earned the rank of PFC. I told him to learn from this and keep a sharp eye on those around you.
Here he is on Thurssday, Family day, with his mother and little sister. We had a great visit with him on Thursday.
He pays homage to the Marine monument to Iwo Jima. I have many pics of him here, including paying honors to the flag, but danged if I can find that photo now. 
As the final indulgence, this is his rack. He showed us where he has lived for the last three months. And believe me, he is all smiles because he knows he's leaving "flea island". 
He scored very high on most things. Highlights include:
149/150 math
147/150 GS
100/100, 100/100, 100/100 Phase One training.
585/600 Physical fitness
329/350 Rifle.
Quite a few years ago one of my best friend’s Son joined the Marines.
I didn’t say anything but I knew he would not make it. He was a good kid, just not at all tough.
Sure enough, around 2 weeks later they sent him home.
Please excuse the gushing vanity. Right now, I have lost my little boy. But I have gained a tremendous man in return. But it is bittersweet.
Congratulation! What a fine looking young marine!
Great looking family, you have every reason to be proud of your son! Thanks to those who serve we are all safe and free.
No biggie. It’s a very well deserved vanity. Congrats to your kid and may he protect my country with honor.
Congratulations to the new Marine and family.
My Marine took his rifle test in the pouring rain. He could barely see the target. Your son will have other chances.
I know what he’s feeling... Platoon 3056, graduation date October 9, 1981, 3rd battalion, I company, MCRD PISC. We did not have “the crucible,” however.
He told me that the Crucible was a lot of hurry up and wait. However, the final 9 mile march, in 40 degree rain and light clothing was tough. He said many recruits dropped and were crying. My son prayed continually for strength and made it through. He has become a very dedicated Christian.
Very inspiring. Now that we have a real CIC, I bet there will be many more recruits into the armed forces!
Wow! To break recruits at that stage... VERY impressive.
Congratulations and best regards to your son. May he serve with distinction and be safe.
Congratulations to your son, to you and your entire family. I thank him for his service to our country. I, too, felt very proud of my oldest son when he finished MCRD in San Diego and we attended the ceremonies in 2008. They really turn children into warrior men and women. The transformation was remarkable.
My Uncle joined the Marines in 1932 at age 16. I suspect he joined to escape poverty. His family was prominent but they had little money.
After WWII he worked for the post office until he retired.
NICE ! Thank you for sharing !
You’re excused, Dad. Gush all you want.
Congrats to your fine young Marine, and may God watch over him and keep him safe.
We have three Marines in my family-—Semper Fi!
The transformation IS astonishing. My son decided to enlist when he bombed integral calculus last spring after acing differential calculus in the fall last year. He came to me and told me he was enlisting because he flunked calculus for all the wrong reasons, and decided that remedial action was required. His remedy may have been a bit severe, but danged if he didn’t see it through.
Tell Pvt. Harbert, Semper Fidelis, from Sgt. Sermon 2nd Battalion Fox Company, Platoon 2041. Graduated Sept 10, 1981.
Congratulations! May The LORD protect and bless him!
Semper Fi
Congrats
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