TURNING BLUE: ONE OF AMERICAS NEWEST INFANTRYMEN

21 April 2006 | LTC Randolph C White

[Patriot Hooligan]

I'd like to THANK YOU for being a great parent. I'd also like to THANK YOU for sharing your son with us.

[BluH2o]

As a former Marine I would like to point out the newly minted soldier in the background walking around with his left hand in his pocket. If a Marine newbie was caught walking around with his hand in his pocket, on the parade deck, immediately after graduating ... his butt would be back at Recruit Receiving in a heart beat ... and he would get to do it all over again. :(

[Retain Mike]

As I told my son and the other Marine trigger pullers I write to, "Welcome aboard. You have now joined the fraternity of us Vietnam lunatic, drug addicted, baby killing, fascist pigs". The liberals have not changed. You need to be proud of the enemies you accumulate in life as well as the friends".

[Retain Mike]

Hoorah from the parent of a Marine rifleman! I served in the Brown Water Navy, but my son chose to join the Marine Corps, the men's department of the US Navy. This is a hard and scary job for him, and you are about to enter an entirely different world as a parent. Other people just talk about letting go.

[kimmykay]

I went through the same week when my son finished infantry school at Ft. Benning in December. I have never been so proud of my son or my country than I was then. He also went on to airbourne school. He will be going to Iraq in August. God Bless our sons and our country!

[95 Bravo]

God bless this fine young soldier & your family. May his service to America be long & proud! HOOAH!

[Brucifer]

Infantry leads. God Bless every 11 Bravo. They are the best of men in the toughest of jobs.

[Dick Vomer]

My son started Airborne training yesterday

thank you for raising such a fine man. My family and I rest safely because of men such as him.. thank you so much and may he return to you safe and sound.

[antaresequity]

As you are probably aware, parents are allowed to view the jumps during jump week and spend limited time during off duty hours with their soldier...as well as attend the BAC ceremony...

I wouldn't miss it for the world...I will be back at Benning shortly...

AIRBORNE!!!

[Airborne Longhorn]

Still,...

Pics ASAP!!

[antaresequity]

Infantry Bump...

[IndianTiger]

I am a 23 year-old Indian who has traveled a lot of the world, though never been to the US. I tell all of you honestly that I love your country so much that I'll join your army in a millisecond if I get the chance. Your nation is the beacon of hope to all of us around the world and today, after reading the speech, I've decided that in near future I'll be called an American, and have my chest swollen with pride. I salute your wonderful nation Americans, and soon I will be one of you.

[Khurkris]

G-d Bless Your Son & G-d Bless the Infantry, Queen of Battle...Follow Me!. He should have them Airborne Wings by now. Next time you see him smack him on the chest for me.

Bless Him!

[tricky_k_1972]

A video of this speech or a very similar one that LTC Randolph C. White Jr. gave:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbOcJ6kqJAA&eurl=

[BluH2o]

This is the text of the speech given by LTC Randolph C White to the Infantry Training Brigades [2-58 Alpha, 2-19 Charlie] that graduated training on 21 April, 2006.

21 April has a great deal of significance to me ... 21 April, 1964 was my enlistment date of record in the U.S. Marine Corps. Arrived Parris Island, SC in the early hours of the following AM (0100 hours) and after completing basic ... a very interesting three year (active) tour.

[95 Bravo]

You'll be welcome here! America is only made better by those who love freedom, and are willing to work hard to achieve their dreams. We'll be glad to have you join us!