350 New Marines who signed up in wartime.

bokelleher.com ^ | 7/4/2005 | Bo Kelleher

[Nice50BMG]

This is a deeply patriotic Independence Day for me and my family.  I was privileged to attend the graduation of 350 Marines at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego this Thursday and Friday.  It was a deeply moving thing to see so many young men step up to the plate during a time of war.  Commanding General John Paxton Jr. (BGen) said it best when he spoke to a crowd of family members who were filled with pride and awe.  After running the 4 mile "motivational run" with the new Marines, the General expressed his gratitude for the sense of duty that each of the new Marines felt.  He acknowledged that as an all volunteer force, it takes exceptional bravery to commit your life to the mission of the Marine Corps during war.

My brother, PFC Kevin M. Kelleher, was the Series Honorman for the graduating Company of Marines.  As a Platoon Guide, he helped lead about 50 other Marines through 13 weeks of the toughest basic military training our country has to offer.  As a retired sailor, I trained right over the fence from MCRD and I can recall thinking how glad I was that my training ended after 9 weeks, while the Marines on the other side continued to train.  These guys are going through some very intense training in order to be prepared to do the very hard work that will come in the next few months as they complete their primary MOS school and join the fleet.  Nearly all of them are headed for Iraq or Afghanistan.

I thought I would share a few photos with my FRiends here.  Lend your gratitude and your prayers for these fine Marines as they spend Independence Day on a short leave with their families. 

[350 New Marines, Friday, June 1, 2005]

[PFC Kevin M. Kelleher, 2nd Battalion, Golf Company Platoon 2082 - Series Honorman]

[Brigadier General John Paxton, Jr. congratulates PFC Kelleher]

[Marines train hard: PFC Kelleher and Platoon 2082 return from a 4 mile run]

[Platoon 2082 at the "Eagle Globe and Anchor" ceremony, officially US Marines]

[Recon Dad]

Boot camp graduation is a very moving experience. One filled with pride when you see your son become a man and a Marine.

Good luck to your brother and all those who graduated with him. May God be with them every step they take. Our prayers are with them every day.

[federal]

In May of 1965 I stood on "The Grinder" and graduated from boot camp at MCRD. Its hard to believe it was 40 years ago.

[SandRat]

350 Proud Fine Young Men! Ladiesmay need kleenex and it's just photos.

[siempre_fidelis]

mighty proud of these young Devil Dogs! Semper fi, Marines

[July 4th]

Awesome pics! Thanks!

[ThaLeena]

My husband was/is a former Marine, and when we went on vacation to San Diego a few weeks ago, we went back to the depot. We spent a ton of money on Marine wear, and I'm certain we watched these very Marines practice. He took a ton of pictures and was almost in tears thinking back to those days--and that was only 15 years ago.

[ryan71]

Great pictures!

These young men are America's finest. We are in good hands.

[luvie]

Thank you so much for the *ping*! Yes, you're right about the kleenex! They are so young and already know the right thing to do. Thanks be to the Lord for young men and women like those who are commited by their love of their country to sacrifice a private life so they might serve to keep us free!!!!! God bless and keep them!

[Nice50BMG]

Awesome pics! Thanks!

---

Shot with a Nikon D70 and an 80-400mm Nikkor VR lens. I have about 300 great boot-camp graduation photos posted at the links below.

June 30, 2005 - Thursday Family Day

July 1, 2005 - Friday Graduation

Enjoy!

[andyandval]

Great stuff!

[MinorityRepublican]

God Bless the Marines.

[tazannie]

Boot camp graduation is a very moving experience. One filled with pride when you see your son become a man and a Marine

you are so right. I am fortunate enough to have attended graduations twice at Parris Island, for two of my sons.

[MinorityRepublican]

[MinorityRepublican]

[El Gato]

Brigadier General John Paxton, Jr. congratulates PFC Kelleher

After running the 4 mile "motivational run" with the new Marines, the General expressed his gratitude for the sense of duty that each of the new Marines felt

Not bad for a guy that's probably about 53. Although it appears that the Command General has bad ankles. Either that, or he's wearing ankle weights to give himself a handicap so as not to make the new recruits look bad. :)

[2111USMC]

Thanks!

Brought back many memories from over 30 years ago.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Good to see Kevin ended up in the finest Battalion in RTR.

[SandRat]

For all Marines New and Old, active and retired

The Marine Prayer

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

Semper Fidelis

AMEN!

[EsmeraldaA]

OH MY, They are all so young and handsome.

Thanks for the ping