Our son Matthew has the same start date, we never got the first call so we were very happy to get the first letter in the mail on Sept. 3rd. As you said honor and pride! I am so proud of him! I pray for him every day, I know God will give him the strength he needs to get though this time of training. I cant wait to see him after boot-camp!

I will be thinking of you and your son, since he has the same start date as mine. From the time our children are born, our role as parents is to provide love and guidance and each day give them just a little more freedom so that by the time they are 18 or 19 they will have the tools to make their own decisions. I am confident that my son - and yours - has made the right decision because of our love, faith, and strong commitment to the values shared by the Marines. When we received our phone call, I knew that it would be a prepared script and that he would have 30 seconds to read it. His voice was strong and determined and I could tell that there was just a bit of excitement to get started. Although I realize that he will have many challenges ahead, also know that he will be making friendships that will last a lifetime. I look forward to one day meeting you and your son, we are now all a part of a great family.

About two weeks after he arrives, did he go to MCRD, you will get a letter with his address and a letter from the DI(drill instructor) introducing himself you to and what to expect. Have a letter ready to send to your son as soon as you get his letter. I started writing to my son the night he left our home so the first letter he got from me was long. I still carry that first letter I got from him with me.

Very Proud Mom of A United States Marine
Semper Fi