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My son, Lawrence Terry, left for the Marine Corps on August 9, 2010. He had been in the Army 116th Band since before he graduated from High School. From the time he picked up his instrument in sixth grade he said he wanted to be in the Military Band in Washington, DC. Everything he has done has been geared toward that goal which is incredible since he is only 20 years old. He went to college while in the 116th Army Band in Ellenwood, GA, to improve on his musicianship skills. His stint in the Army Band was a wonderful learning experience. He had the opportunity to develop is his military and music skills. He focused methodically on his military career goals. He was offered both a position in the Commandant's Own Band in Washington, DC and the Navy Band. Of course, the Army wanted him to stay with them. He decided to go with the Marine Corps to be in the best band - The Commandant's Own much to my dismay because the Navy is a noncombat position as Ambassador and would not require boot camp again since he had already completed Army boot camp which would have been the case if he transitioned to a full-time Army Band. But, he said Mom, I have to go to the best - Marine Corps Commandant's Own Band. How can I stand in the way of his dream despite not wanting him to go through basic training again and being combat ready. But, it is going to be a trying time for everyone. He is scheduled to graduate on November 5, his wife and him are scheduled to have a baby on November 9, his birthday is November 11th. Apparently he get 10 days home after graduation then another 31/2 three-and-a-half weeks training. From there straight to Commandant's Own in Washington, DC but they travel for a month to Arizona for preparation for the new year. So, I am anticipating being estranged from him for quite a while. The only good thing is that I have experienced him going through boot camp before and he actually enjoyed the challenge. I think he may be better prepared then than first time recruits as he knows the system and he has great marksmanship - last shooting test only missed one so is an expert shooter. So, I trust that he will do well as he gives his all to be the best that he can possibly be. I think more than anything he is mentally and physically equipped for the challenges that lie ahead. I can only pray for his safety and courage to be his best.
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Comments (6)
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Mother
So, far, Lawrence's wife will be coming to graduation. She is scheduled for induction to have their baby the next day once he gets home for leave since he only get 10 days off from work.
Posted by: Rovina Billingslea on 11/02/2010
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Mother
Hi Courtney, my son did call yesterday, but unfortunately, I was at work, he left 2 messages and sent me messages on Facebook! So, that's better than nothing! I too am excited about going down there! I am leaving tomorrow after work and will be on base Wednesday. I can't wait any longer and I want to walk around there and check things out before family day and everyones there. I'm glad you wrote, they must have become pretty good friends if this was mentioned? But, I will certainly look for you and your baby (& Dad) I will definately be at motto run, I got my orders, Ha Ha! If I don't find you, I am sure we will meet when we get to actually be with them! Take care, and have a safe trip, can't wait to meet you and your precious little one! Oh, how I miss those days! Now he's a Marine!! Good-night and See Ya There!!
Posted by: Tracey Zitsch on 11/01/2010
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Spouse
Tracy, I am sorry I haven't posted back to you! I just got a phone call from my husband today!! Hopefully your son got to call you... I did a little pushing for a phone call but I think after they finished the Crucible they got to call home...I think...he actually didn't say! It was just so wonderful to hear from him I got lost in the details. I just wanted you to know that you were mentioned in our conversation and he asked if I had written you back! I didn't even know you posted! So I came on to see if I could shoot you an e-mail but that wasn't possible...so hopefully you get this. We are flying into Savannah on Wednesday for graduation and family day. I plan on being on the island at 6am-ish so I don't miss the moto run...my daughter (who is 15 mo.) and my dad will be with me but if you see us ( I will be wearing a light blue t-shirt and my daughter will be in purple) please come up and say hi!!! I would love to see what your son has written you...the letters were not that long or that many (though they got better as we went through) but I am sure your son added details that my husband might not have and vice versa! Anyway, I am so excited for this week! I am hoping your son did beautifully on his testing and the crucible (it is hell)
Please don't hesitate to come say hi on family day morning!
Safe travels!
Posted by: Courtney Jolley on 10/31/2010
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Counselor
rovina, you are a strong woman and mother to understand the calling that your young man felt. he had the desire to serve among the best and the potential to do it. well done to you both!
Posted by: dan davis on 10/05/2010
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Mother
Oh, I am so glad I found this site. My son also left for bootcamp Aug. 9th. He also is in Company C 1084. The letters so far have been so hard to read but I know things will get better. I went through Army bootcamp back in 2002 so I pretty much know how he feels, but it is still hard when it's your baby going through it. Good luck to both of you ladies and I certainly do pray for all of the recruits everyday and night. Hopefully we will meet down at Graduation. I am surely going to tell my son about this. It makes it a little easier when you know you're not going through this alone!!!
Posted by: Tracey Zitsch on 08/27/2010
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Spouse
My husband left on Aug 9th as well. He is company C Platoon 1084...maybe I will see you at graduation! I sure hope his wife can hold out until the 9th for the baby...I know it was special to have my husband there for the birth of our baby and I can't imagine the hormones running through her body along with missing her hubby!
I have gotten a few letters from my husband. He said it is horrible. He expected it to be pretty bad...even his recruiter told him to expect worse than you can imagine.
I think it is great he is going to be in the Marine Corps band...they really are the best
I keep the recruits in my prayers~
hopefully because he isn't a first time bootcamper he will be better prepared for what lies ahead!
Best of luck
Posted by: Courtney Jolley on 08/26/2010
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