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.
My only regret now was that he really wanted to meet President Trump. I told him I would try to find an inaugural event, but I failed. I did finally find my real voice after 30 years and really belted out the National Anthem at his graduation, so much so that everyone in the stands was staring at me afterwords and congratulating me. I haven't sung in public like that in a long time. It was fun.
I didn’t mean to scare or shock you. Sometimes things happen. But I’m all about Marines.
What a wonderful day for your Son and Family! Congratulations!
Your son is off to a great adventure. Enjoy every minute of it!
Terry L Walker
CWO5
Marine Gunner
USMC Retired
1974-2008
Congratulations to your son.
Thank you to you and your wife for raising this fine young man.
So glad Mattis AND the President will have his back.
God bless your son and the United States of America.
Wow. 34 years service! My son would LOVE to talk to you!
Well, congratulations to you for raising a fine son, and now a brother Marine. He has earned the respect of us all. You should be rightfully proud of your—and his, accomplishment .
Semipermanent Fi is for life.
TC
My son graduated from PI in July,1986-—he was just out of high school.
I remember the details of the morning he left home as if it was just yesterday.
We went to graduation——the heat was brutal,but he looked terrific.
.
I know how proud you must be. Best wishes to this young Marine!
Congratulations! You and mama obviously did a lot of things right!
I thank your son.
***
You meant to direct that comment to the OP, Hip. :)
lafroste, we both thank your son.
God bless them all! Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations to your young man and to his family! How well I know that feeling of overwhelming pride. I’ve been to Parris Island three times – once for my older son, once for my younger son, and once for their brother from another mother.
It’s a long journey from those yellow footsteps at Receiving to the final test of the Crucible. It’s hard – but mostly in a good way - on the recruits, but it’s also hard for the families, who can only imagine the worst is happening to their child. Especially the gas chamber!
From the bottom of my heart I thank your son for his love of country and for his service. We are, indeed, in good hands. Ooh-Rah!!
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