Please tell your son I said:
"Thank You for your service to our country."
I'm the proud Mom of a Marine Sergeant who re-upped three years ago and plans on making the Marines a lifetime career. He had the opportunity to get out in his first two years, due to knee and shoulder surgeries from basic training injuries...but humped it thru rehab without a complaint.
Just before he re-upped, he broke his hip and pelvis in a motorcycle accident. Again, they gave him the opportunity to get out...and again he refused. I gave him a hard time.... but his response is "Aw Ma, I'm okay...and I have to do what I have to do." Marines are a special breed! Gotta love 'em!