[USMCPOP]

My son barely made it through boot camp at Parris Island. He was actually in the running for “Honor Graduate” of his platoon, but fell out during the final test - The Crucible. Extremely hot weather and low blood sodium landed him in the hospital. He wrote home saying he might not make it, but it didn’t matter. He could find other ways to serve. Said he didn’t need a badge on his shoulder to have honor, he had that before he went.

He fell back into a later class and repeated the exercise a week or two later. Success. Not bad for a 125 pound kid humping a load far too heavy for his frame. He then became a Marine because he earned it.

He always seemed to be a cut above some of the other Marines I’ve encountered. It wasn’t just a job for him. Sadly, he didn’t make it more than a few months in Iraq. He was, is, and will always be a real Marine. Not like these fakers.

[Radix]

I almost lost my son in Iraq during the first few days of the 2003 invasion. Other episodes were less threatening to some degree but it was still a nightmare here. Sometimes I have felt as if I almost know what it is like to lose a son but of course I cannot really know.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Thank You for sharing and God bless You.

[Portcall24]

May the memory of your son live on for all eternity and his sacrifice be recognized forever.

[Brad from Tennessee]

God Bless Him. God Bless You and Your Loved Ones.

Here’s health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we’ve fought for life
And never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.

[generally]

Your post is heartbreaking. May God bless your family and may He hold your son in His loving arms.

Words can never express my gratitude for the bravery and sacrifice of men like your son and families like yours.