Call from my recruit son today- he's on Parris Island

[Grimjaws]

Hey gang. Been away from the forums lately as I have been spending a lot of time on Facebook. I wanted to share that my youngest son is starting Phase III at Parris Island to become a United States Marine. He is our youngest and it has been a lot harder than I though with no kids in the house. My wife and I are now empty nesters and are doing projects around the house to keep busy when we get home from work. I miss his boots in the middle of the floor, the dishes and food he left out and the cupboards being open when I get home. I was so excited to get a call today as his platoon did really well in a challenge and got a 2 minute call. He is third generation to serve as my father was 27 years Navy, and my brother was 20 years Air Force. My father in law served in the Army and all the stories they shared made him really want to serve and he picked the Marines.
Unfortunately, my father and father in law passed away a few years ago. Our oldest son goes to college in NYC and our tradition is to redo their rooms so when they come from wherever they get a nice surprise. We painted, replaced the old wall outlets (amazing what a new outlet and cover do to fresh painted walls), got new curtains, a new carpet and decorated his wall with all his hunting trophies. The best part is we got two jersey frames and the flags of the Army and Navy. We framed my father in laws Army uniform and my Dad's Navy uniform over their perspective flags. I still need to do some work on some wrinkles but they are turning out pretty good. My wife found a red white and blue cross that sits between the two for a nice tribute to the two folks that helped with his decision to join. My Dad being a Navy guy was not too happy with his choice of the Marines but my son is a tough kid - went to vocational school for welding, hunts, fishes, did some MMA and is a true grease monkey always working on his truck with a lift kit, straight pipe, wheel flares, back rack, etc..
I've turned into one of those dreaded Facebook stalkers on Parris Island support pages trying to catch a glimpse of him. Hope he likes his room - only four short weeks before I go and get my Marine.

 

[Iggy]

He will be a whole different person when he returns. They grow up fast in boot camp.

I doubt there will be any boots left in the middle of the room when he gets back.

My son will retire as a Master Gunnery Sgt with 30 years in December of next year.

 

[Shark Bait]

Respect! Obviously a solid young man.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My second son went in 1999, also at PI. What amazed me the most is when he came home on leave, He not only didn't make any mess, He did his own laundry AND ironing! (#1 son was in the Army and still was messy, until he married a German wife, that will teach him!)

Ivan

 

[Ozark Marine]

I remember the 3rd phase phone call home in boot.
Our Platoon Commander marched us over to the phone center.
Told us we have two minutes. No cussing cause mommy and daddy might get upset if her little boy used bad language.

Then he gave the command...
Remove your dime and hold it above your head. (we all did)

Then the command...
CALL HOME...
????????????????
He YELL'S HOME!!!
We respond.... sir home sir.
He says your mommy can't hear you...LOUDER
SIR HOME SIR!!!!!!

That's my call home in boot.

 

[Bugkiller99]

First and foremost, Thank him for his service. And thank you, for raising a son is willing to serve his country.

 

[dubtap21]

Gratz, sir!!

Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk

 

[jag312]

From what I have been told, it is better to be at Parris Island at this time of year, rather than July and August.

 

[Ozark Marine]

From what I have been told, it is better to be at Parris Island at this time of year, rather than July and August.

Let me take a wild guess who told you that.
A Marine Corps recruiter, right?

 

[model70hunter]

My only son went USMC and did desert storm. He came home from boot more respectful and mature.

Your son will do well. Those boys are one family.....

 

[Talldog]

From what I have been told, it is better to be at Parris Island at this time of year, rather than July and August.

I was on Parris Island from June to September 1972. I remember we had several black flag days where we couldn't do full PT because of the heat. Lots of salt pills.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

When my son was at PI it was Aug-Sept 1999. The letters home were up beat, but looking forward to being done. Until his last phase, he had walking pneumonia and was loosing weight and getting weaker. At Crucible, the Head DI and the Lieutenant, sat him down and said he could sit it out until he recovered. He ask, If it would be a 'black mark' if he tried and failed? They said No, so into the Crucible he went and passed! But his last few letters home were "Different" and he just wanted off of "The flea infested sand bar!"

He was home, helping the local recruiters for about a month before he went to his MTC, then to 29 Palms for his computer training. We live in Ohio, Most of which is around 800 feet above sea level... Running in the Chocolate Mountains and thin air was a new experience for him!

Mom's cooking put meat back on his bones! And that boy could do some pushups! 100 morning, noon and night!

Ivan

 

[richardw]

Congratulations to two new Marine parents. Graduation Day is very inspiring day at PI. The Corps did its job, and the new Marines did theirs. It is celebration of the successful transition from civilian to Marine.

I doubt that he will be leaving his boots in the middle of the floor or have clothes strewn around. And not putting things back where they belong is very unlikely. But you do have to cut him some slack if he forgets civilian decorum and at a meal slips up and says: Pass the (bleep) butter.

Being an empty nester does take some time to accommodate, and the best thing you can do is keep the lines of communications open and used. When your son reports for duty his days of learning his MOS will be filled with hard work, and depending on the MOS some deep muscle pain. He will want to hear from you. I assure you of that.

I went to PI at the ripe young age of 17 yrs and 6 mos old. Three months later I was an under 18 year old Marine. That was 1959. A letter from my parents meant a lot to me. They had me call them collect when I wanted to talk. Email, Skype, etc changes all that if the Marine has a laptop computer or othe email device like a tablet or cell phone.

You might consider either a paid up telephone card or cell phone as a gift. But, I am sure you have and will think of things like that. Don’t be surprised if he is resistant to taking things. He will feel very self sufficient,and he might not want to take anything that will cost you.

Best wishes to your entire family. And Semper Fi to your son.

 

[03hemi]

Congratulations! My wife and I are proud parents of 2 Marines, our twin sons went to boot camp together and know they're in Okinawa in their 2nd year on separate bases. I remember the phone call too, fun times ahead. They're men now and I never missed the shoes on the floor and dirty dishes at all. However, I did customize 2 full size Sig 45s for their graduation presents that I think you might enjoy. I wanted them to have something to be able to hold for the rest of their lives to mark their achievement. My dad too was a Marine, a pilot during the Korean conflict, he'd of been so proud of them! Oooh Rah! We (all of us) are very fortunate to have young men and women willing to do this and make a difference.

 

[olcop]

If you and his mother can possibly make it to his graduating ceremony, go!!
It will do several things: It will show your support for him and the path he has chosen----it will renew your faith in the youth of America---and it will thrill you beyond words when several hundred young men and women stand up and sing The Marine Corps Hymn.
It is one of the unforgettable times of my life when my wife and I attended our son's graduation, so much so that we went to all his promotion ceremonies.
olcop

 

[nachogrande]

CONGRATS & HOPEFULLY TIMES HAVE CHANGED SOME.

NO NEED for him to remind folks he is a Yankee from NY. My Father enlisted during WWll & did Army boot camp in Biloxi. One of the few things he shared was keep the fact that you are from NY and a college grad a secret as long as possible.

 

[jag312]

Quote:
Originally Posted by jag312
From what I have been told, it is better to be at Parris Island at this time of year, rather than July and August.

Let me take a wild guess who told you that. A Marine Corps recruiter, right?

Actually it was a former Marine who was at Parris Island during July and August. Any other time of the year had to be better.

 

[StakeOut]

Let me take a wild guess who told you that.
A Marine Corps recruiter, right?

I don't know about that.

The sand fleas don't winter in the Bahamas.

The DIs aren't kinder in the cooler months.

Maybe doing the PT in the barracks while wearing the "horse blanket"(aka overcoat) was better in winter and spring.

I arrived at Marine Corp Recruit Depot PI on February 8,1961 where the weather was in the 70s.

When I flew out of New York it was snowing heavily.

Ah the good old days earning $78/mo with 3 slops and a flop.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Hey gang. Been away from the forums lately as I have been spending a lot of time on Facebook. I wanted to share that my youngest son is starting Phase III at Parris Island to become a United States Marine. He is our youngest and it has been a lot harder than I though with no kids in the house. My wife and I are now empty nesters and are doing projects around the house to keep busy when we get home from work. I miss his boots in the middle of the floor, the dishes and food he left out and the cupboards being open when I get home. I was so excited to get a call today as his platoon did really well in a challenge and got a 2 minute call. He is third generation to serve as my father was 27 years Navy, and my brother was 20 years Air Force. My father in law served in the Army and all the stories they shared made him really want to serve and he picked the Marines.

Unfortunately, my father and father in law passed away a few years ago. Our oldest son goes to college in NYC and our tradition is to redo their rooms so when they come from wherever they get a nice surprise. We painted, replaced the old wall outlets (amazing what a new outlet and cover do to fresh painted walls), got new curtains, a new carpet and decorated his wall with all his hunting trophies. The best part is we got two jersey frames and the flags of the Army and Navy. We framed my father in laws Army uniform and my Dad's Navy uniform over their perspective flags. I still need to do some work on some wrinkles but they are turning out pretty good. My wife found a red white and blue cross that sits between the two for a nice tribute to the two folks that helped with his decision to join. My Dad being a Navy guy was not too happy with his choice of the Marines but my son is a tough kid - went to vocational school for welding, hunts, fishes, did some MMA and is a true grease monkey always working on his truck with a lift kit, straight pipe, wheel flares, back rack, etc..

I've turned into one of those dreaded Facebook stalkers on Parris Island support pages trying to catch a glimpse of him. Hope he likes his room - only four short weeks before I go and get my Marine.

My granddaughter graduated from Parris Island 09/01/2017. She went to Camp Lejeune for MCT and is now at 29 Palms. My son-in-law was an Infantry NCO in Desert Storm. I retired from the Army as an Armor Captain in 1995. My brother was shot down 2 or 3 times over Vietnam. My late father flew B-25s, B-17s, and B-29s during WW2. My late father-in-law was in the Artillery in the 1930’s and again in WW2. My paternal grandfather was an Infantry officer who commanded a machine gun company in France in 1918. That’s five generations of military service to this country. Yeah, I’m proud.


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[Grimjaws]

Thanks for all the kind words

I appreciate all the feedback
We are going to his graduation with custom T-shirt’s and a banner for the moto run on family day. We grew up catholic but Zachary found religion in boot camp. They pray as a platoon at night. He has high praise for his fellow recruits and they seem to be helping each other out. Can hardly wait to see him. Funny his letters to Mom and I are upbeat but letters to my niece just mention how fast he wants to get off the island!
I plan on being at all his graduations MCT then MOS then promotions if I can
Thanks again gang!