Letters Almost Daily from the Island - Highlights for you

[captorquewrench]

Misses us, sore, tired, but still sounds optimistic.

Announced that the Blue Falcon is gone and she has a new bunkmate so it's a little better.

A recruit who had prior service was sent back home. Had a PTSD episode on a hike and flipped out. She thought this girl was going to make it.

Jar Wrench said the hike was not too bad because, being short, she was near the front. And saw a platoon on their way back from the Crucible who had just earned their EGA. Sounded like it inspired her a bit.

Fox Company is completely missing a recruit. GONE.

Some girls yell out at night in their sleep "MA'AM THIS RECRUIT DOES NOT KNOW, MA'AM" but mine dreamed of being at a social event and yelled "GOOD EVENING LADIES, GOOD EVENING GENTLEMEN" all night.

The simple things like shampoo and shaved armpits and feeling clean are a treat to get.

Her unit experienced some IT, and it hurt so bad she cried.

And as I suspected, stamps ARE bargaining chips, which is why I send a lot, and so does the granny... and so we keep sending!

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Today we got Box Chow, which is chow in a box. And amazing because it has COOKIES in it!

 

[DeathGrip]

Tell her, It's a game of will.

Tell her, It's an experience all of the money in the world wont buy.

Tell her, The service is mucked up but it works that way.

Most of all,

Tell her,

We're proud of her and looking forward to her becoming a Marine.

 

[Mydogmax]

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. They can scream at you and PT the *** out of you, but they can't kill you. That's unlawful destruction of government property.

 

[perrazi]

good luck to her. she is going to make it.

 

[shouldazagged]

Tell her, It's a game of will.

Tell her, It's an experience all of the money in the world wont buy.

Tell her, The service is mucked up but it works that way.

Most of all,

Tell her,

We're proud of her and looking forward to her becoming a Marine.

Well put. I second the motion.

 

[Frank46]

We had a 1st class Bosun's mate short guy as company commander. He wasn't prejudiced, he hated everybody. Didn't matter what state you came from. Best day was when we graduated. He still hated us. Got my leave and spent the next 30 some odd days In St.Albans naval hospital. Had bad case of pneumonia. It's been 40 some odd years since I wore dress blues but probably the best decision I ever made. You see and do things you'd never thought you were capable of. It changed most of us at least it did me. Now looking back I wouldn't have it any other way. Give her my best. Frank

 

[A10]

It sound like things are going well! No doubt in my mind that she makes it through.

You involved with Marine Corps Parents yet? They help with understanding whats happening in basic, and what to expect.

Also, you can get connected to other parents in her platoon. I didn't because I'm a n MCG ( Marine Corps Grampa).

 

[captorquewrench]

I'm not connected with Marine Corps parents since I try to stay connected with Marines. I just don't play well in organized groups like that. Maybe if I feel like I need assistance later I will.
We had some downer letters, we got a more upbeat one.

Sounds like sand fleas make your hurr fall out.

 

[Maddog 521]

I bet all involved are just waiting for graduation day.
Ya'll should be very proud.

 

[vigil617]

Love the examples of what the recruits say in their sleep.

When I was at Coast Guard OCS, a buddy of mine got up in the middle of the night, put on his uniform (socks and shoes included), got back in bed, and slept at attention for the rest of the night. In the morning, he had no memory of having done any of it.

He was a normal guy, graduated and was commissioned with the rest of us.

Just goes to show how stress is manifested differently in people.

Jar Wrench sounds like she's doing well in an environment designed to test just that. Kudos to her; let her know we're behind her all the way.

 

[Dennis The B]

We had a 1st class Bosun's mate short guy as company commander. He wasn't prejudiced, he hated everybody. Didn't matter what state you came from. Best day was when we graduated. He still hated us...

Reminds me of our company commander in boot camp. He was a burnt out Radioman 1C. Was okay when he was sober (about half the time). His favorite line was, "Boy, you ah an ***hole!" Everybody got some time "in the barrel".

Best to Jar Wrench. She'll make it!

 

[Grayfox]

I remember Army Basic very well.
I remember the letters home when my youngest went through Basic and Infantry school. There were times when he wasn't sure if he'd make it. There were times of doubt. But his Mother and I just kept sending letters of encouragement. The day he graduated was the proudest day of his life.
I'm sure it will be for Jar Wrench too.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

I'll have to remember that. I always heard "What doesn't kill you makes you wish you could die."

 

[Rangerpat]

At first they tear you down and then they build you up. It's all a mental game to see how much you can take before you give up; NEVER GIVE UP!

Everyone has their moments of self-doubt (as Grayfox explained) and your job as a "Marine Mom" is to help Jar Wrench keep her eye on the prize by positive reinforcement in your letters to her.

The only part of her letter I don't understand is: "COOKIES?!!!"

When did Parris Island start feeding recruits POGEY BAIT?

If you can get a copy of Admiral McRavens commencement speech to the Class of 2014 University of Texas, send it to her for inspiration.

 

[BaldEagle1313]

... let her know we're behind her all the way.

What he said.

I'll have to remember that. I always heard "What doesn't kill you makes you wish you could die."

I always thought it was "What doesn't kill you comes back again and tries harder..."