I just want to say that if your child wants to join the Marine Corps, let them. Whenever I have spoken to other Marines they all tell me the same thing, "It's the best thing that ever happened to me." Now, I can honestly say it's the best thing that has ever happened to my son. My son graduated from high school in 2008. He looked into various careers but decided they did not offer what he was looking for. In Spring 2009, he told me that he was thinking about joining the military. It had been in the back of his mind for a couple of years, and he was feeling called to military service. I told him I had no problem with it, after all, other family members have served. He scheduled an appointment to meet with a recruiter of another branch, but when my son showed up for the appointment the recruiter was on vacation. That day, his dad, a friend of my son, and his dad were with him. They decided that they would go talk to the Marines instead. It was at least a few days, if not a couple of weeks, when my son told me that he was joining the Marines. I freaked. "The Marines! Are you kidding me?! The Marines?!" Once my son became involved with the DEP program, I began seeing changes in him. He became self-disciplined, goal-oriented, and motivated. For the first time I could see that he really wanted something, and he was determined to make it happen. My son graduated from Parris Island on 7/16. When I asked him what he thought about the experience, he said, "it was tough but worth it." He also told me the moment he received the EGA medal was the proudest moment of his life. I guarantee your child will never know a greater sense of accomplishment than when they complete the crucible, receive the EGA medal and graduate from boot camp. As a parent, you will know the same overwhelming sense of joy and pride as the day you first held them. If they go, support them. Write often, tell them you love them, you are proud of them, pray for them. I know my son relied heavily on prayer to get him through. A couple of things I used to tell my son, believe and achieve, do your best and trust God for the rest. The twelve weeks are hard for both parents and child, but overall, it will all be worth it. They need to grow up and become their own person, and the Marines will give them good instruction, discipline and perseverance. Guidance and structure that will last a lifetime.
Semper Fi
Semper Fi
Like It:
Share It:
Downloads
Talking to Your Son or Daughter about Becoming a Marine
Talking to Your Student about Becoming a Marine
Note: Adobe Reader may be required to view PDF documents. Download the Free Adobe Reader.
Post a Comment
You must sign in or register to post a comment.
Comments (10)
Sort by: Latest | Most Helpful
Back To Top
Former Marine
Thank you for producing such a fine young man. Semper Fi
Posted by: Keith Jones on 01/11/2012
Helpful?
Vote
9
Former Marine
43 years ago this was me. The corp change me to the peson I am today. Today I ride thru the old hood and look for old friends , the ones that are not in prison are dead or on drugs. I thank the good lord and my mom for letting me join the United States Marine Corps during the Viet-Nam war. Thanks to the corp I have educated myself and am retire. Some of the training I received in the corp I still use today. We the Marine Corps states that the change is forever it really is!!!
Posted by: John Guevara on 01/11/2012
Helpful?
Vote
9
Mother
My Son recently graduated from OCS and I didn't think I could be prouder of him than I aready was but I am! He is an incredible young man and the Marine Corp has just made him more incredible than he already is! Thank you for being so amazing Eric and for choosing to serve your country! You truly are awesome!
Love,
Mom
Posted by: Becky Becker on 01/11/2012
Helpful?
Vote
9
COMMUNITY MANAGER
Ms. Becker, thank you for participating on LifeAsAMarine.com and for sharing a little bit about your son's story. We would love for you to submit a story and share about how you have supported your son's journey in the Marine Corps. Again, thank you for sharing with our community! -LifeAsAMarineCommunity Manager
Posted by: Community Manager on 01/12/2012
Helpful?
Vote
10
Family
My nephew joined the Marines right out of high school and he loves it... He has wanted to be a Marine since he was 9 years old, He was a boxer before that and won Championships but nothing made him more proud then to be a Marine. His father was a Marine also. Our whole family is very proud of him, and we too keep telling him to be safe and GOD will watch over him...He is now in Texas he is doing Crash Fire & Rescue... For only being 19 years old he is looking forward to his career in the United States Marine Corps he is planning on retiring from the Marines, good head smart mind for only being 19... We love and miss him but he stays in touch and is loving every minute of it.....I am a Proud Aunt of a Marine.....
Posted by: Debbie Reid on 01/11/2012
Helpful?
Vote
10
Former Marine
Loved your story - know that your son is now a member of a proud & loyal brotherhood. And that will be an essential part of who he is and how he conducts himself for the rest of his life. He will always be able to say I'm a MARINE and his friends & family will always use that proud title describe your son long after he folds up his uniform for the last time.
Semper Fi!
Bret Duff
USMC 77-81
Posted by: Bret Duff on 01/11/2012
Helpful?
Vote
10
Former Marine
I graduated HS witha D- GPA. I got into all sorts of trouble. With curiosity and a lack of any significant life plans, I joined the rest of Uncle Sam's Misguided Children at 18. In it I was challenged in a way that I'd never been challenged. As it turns out, after I'd gotten into the Marine's I found out I'm a pretty good athelete, great marksman, and, when motivated and focused, I'm a pretty good student too. At 23 I got out and started college. I was a straight A student. Later, I got into a top 20 business school. I never once dreamed in my life that I would get into a top university. To be frank, I didn't even know what "top universities" were. To say the least, it's been a great experience for me. It was eye-opening and changed my perspective. I also made some great friends that have also gone on to do some very amazing things. Some are lawyers, doctors, nurses, train engineers, or just well-rounded people raising their families. My parents were just like every other parents. "What!? Not the Marines!" My Dad made me go to a recruiting appointment with every other branch before I signed up for the Marines. In hindsight, they've been pretty happy with my decision. About 4 years ago, my wife's youngest brother told his family he wanted to go into the Marines. He too had a lack of focus in school. Same story. "What!? Not the Marines!" He's about to get out and will be going to a top 20 university as well. It's been an amazing ride for him. I don't believe that you can go through 4 years or more in the Marines and it not have a profound effect on you. So to all the parents out there with future or current Marines, support it. It's a great thing.
Posted by: David Burford on 01/11/2012
Helpful?
Vote
9
Supporter
I read you story and I have to say it puts you right in your shoes. I'm only 19 and i have decided to join. As i read the part about getting handed that EGA and receiving the medal that tells you congrats I put myself there, I could see me in my uniform receiving it and I honestly started to tear up a little with pride. Even thinking about completing boot camp with all the worries and thoughts gives me hope, pride and motivation to do my best and prove to myself and my family that I can make something of myself. It gives me hope and courage that I can show my 7 year old nephew first hand that he can do anything if he sets his mind to it. I thank you so so much for posting this story. It has eliminated my second thoughts and doubts. I just wish it could do that with my spelling haha. Thank you again and good luck.
Posted by: richard golden on 11/30/2010
Helpful?
Vote
34
Mother
Rita-
Your story really touched me. As I read it, I thought of my own son who is currently in boot camp at Pendleton in San Diego. He graduates Dec 17, 2010. I completely agree with your statement "If they go, support them. Write often, tell them you love them, you are proud of them, pray for them," I know my son is also relying on letters he receives and much, much prayer. Thank you for sharing your story.
Proud Mom
Posted by: Dora Gutierrez on 11/10/2010
Helpful?
Vote
45
Father
(to Rita Bell) i have read your story,and agree,marines will make your child understand anything is possible,when you believe in yourself.my oldest son has been in for three years now ,and has been meritoriously promoted through three ranks in marines.he is now in the process of enrolling into officers school.
Posted by: steven procter on 11/04/2010
Helpful?
Vote
50