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WHAT TO WRITE: I have had many parents tell me they cannot think of enough things to write so they can send “daily” letters of support. I find that sad and upsetting. I sent my sons letters two to four pages long every day of boot camp, and if I was going to be away or miss a day, then I sent a card. It will cost you a fortune in stamps, but it will secure and strengthen the relationship you have with them in a way you never thought possible. Write about your daily routines. Write about the family laughs, fights, picnics, dinners, gossip, etc. Write about new television shows, new movies you’ve seen, upcoming movies, and such. If your child has a favorite television series they are missing, then go online and find the daily synopsis of the show and include it so they can keep up with it. In every letter tell them how proud you are of what they are going to accomplish, and rave about each accomplishment they make. Tell them you know this is the hardest thing they have ever done or ever will do, but when it’s over, they will be a Marine and will be proud of what they accomplished. Do not send food of any type, porn or catalogs with scantily dressed women, or anything except letters and paper goods. The only things I send to my son other than letters are sheets of address labels with his return address and mommy’s on them, the funny page from the newspaper, a page of clean jokes, tips for beating the obstacle course and other weekly boot camp training (all of which can be found on Marine Parent websites online), moleskins for blisters for hiking, funny musical cards, funny cards to make him laugh and perk him up, small catalogs of some things he really enjoys like computers or a new cell phone (because he will have his own money to spend now and they love the catalogs for their first dreams), and photos of family. My son said the whole barracks loved his musical cards because he was the only one with tunes! I tried to make the musical cards coincide with various weekly training events – like “Bad to the Bone” for the night hike, and “We are the Champions of the World” for the Crucible, and “We are Family” just before Family Day and Graduation. His platoon buddies also liked the catalogs and passed them around. The catalogs are nice incentive for the completion of boot camp. It reminds the recruit that they are being paid to train and have some of their first paychecks waiting for them. Write a lot about the fact they are being paid to train, get paid medical and dental, get paid vacations that the first of which happen right after boot camp, and have job security in this shaky economic climate. I make sure to keep tabs on some of my son’s friends who stay behind so I can tell them about the part time job at McDonald’s that only one friend could find because no jobs are out there, or the friend still living with their mommy and getting chewed out for not helping with the bills, or walking around with no car in the heat. I also remind my son of the top level training he will receive in school after boot camp that he gets paid for while learning. It’s important to keep pointing out all those perks your son or daughter is receiving and will continue to receive while most people in this economy are going without. Also, send your son or daughter a print out of what each week of boot camp has in store for them. My son loved the layout, and the tips I included with it. I looked online for other recruits who had finished boot camp and asked for their best recommendations of help for the Crucible, obstacle course, gas chamber and such, and made sure to send the tips and weekly update prior to each week’s challenges. He was thrilled and shared them with all his platoon buddies. Lastly, keep in mind recruits are sometimes forced to open their mail in front of everyone, especially if the package is unusual in size or over sized. Never put anything embarrassing in the envelope. One mother sent her son a nylon to use for cleaning his rifle. A nylon really works for that, but it is not worth the whole platoon teasing him over it. Write to your recruit, write just one small page a day if that’s all you got, but write to him, write about anything, everything, nothing. I assure you, he will love whatever you say.
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Mother
Valerie,
Thank you for posting this! My son has another year before he goes to Basic Training, but I am trying to get prepared it now. I'll look for the moleskins now so I can put them in one of the first letters I send. The nylon idea is good and I'll send a pair. If he doesn't get in trouble I'll send another pair every so often since they will probably wear out pretty quick cleaning the riffle.
Thanks again for the ideas of what to write!
Kateri
Posted by: Kateri Holbert on 07/14/2012
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Mother
Valerie Sweet,
I am very new to this, my only child and son left on 9/11 for San Diego. I have received 3 letters from him so far and 2 out of 3 specifically reminded me..."please don't send me anything unless I ask for it". So I am hesitant to send anything other than a simple letter, which I have been, every day. But the suggestion about sending recommendations of help for the Crucible, obstacle course, etc. ...he won't get in trouble for getting that info? I want to respect his wishes, however if that is something I can send him and he will benefit from it and not get punished, etc. I will. So are you sure they can receive that kind of stuff?
Thank you so much for your post, it is very helpful.
Sincerely,
Roseville Mom
Posted by: Charlene Cachopo on 09/29/2011
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Mother
First of all, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of this great encouragement and very useful advice. My son and I too have a very close nit relationship and I miss him terribly and I'm sure he feels the same way right now. I just received the form letter in the mail yesterday and already sent his first letter off today. I would appreciate it if you could give me the websites you used to gather the information of what's coming up for them each week. That was such an awesome idea you had and I too would like to give him a heads up with advice from ones who have been there before him. Caring people like you make this world a better place and I appreciate any advice, support or information you would care to pass on... Thank you from my son and myself... Jeneice Mozisek
Posted by: Jeneice Mozisek on 09/15/2011
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Mother
Valerie,
Your advise is most appreciate!
You are a wonderful mother!
My son is in his third week of boot camp, so your post is helping me a lot.
Wonderful comments.
God bless your golden heart.
Posted by: Sandy Brown on 08/23/2011
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Father
Great ideas, I sent one letter already, (address supplied by recruiter) I have not even received anything from my son but I think I will start loading him up with letters. Thanks
Posted by: Steven Slapikas on 07/27/2011
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Mother
I can't find a good site for tips on passing the obstacle course, gas chamber, crucible, etc. to pass on to my recruit. Could you share?
Posted by: Linda Economy on 07/22/2011
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Mother
I am working on it, and will post it soon.
Posted by: Valerie Sweet on 07/25/2011
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Friend
Hey,
thank you so much for your comment. Actually it helped me a lot because I was wondering myself what to write everyday. But I have the excuse that I live in a different country and dont't participate in the life of "my marine". I guess I will just have to tell him how proud I am, and halo him somehow through it.
I still have a qustion: Are you allowed to send pictures?
And I didnt know that you can send music cards in bootcamp!? I just want to make sure, so I wont get him in trouble by sending it!
Thank you!
Posted by: Lisa Jackson on 07/21/2011
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Mother
Yes, you can send musical cards, but tell him he can open his envlope in front of the crowd as he gets his mail, but don't open up the card until he gets to the barracks. My son said he was the only one with tunes and they played his cards often just for a taste of home. Remember, your son does not have access to television, radio, Ipods, or outside news and events other than what is passes down by the higher ups. My son really enjoyed a small catalog on computrs and laptops geared out for game play. He read it and read it and then passed it on to others in the barracks. Yes, you can send pictures - but be sure they are family style photos, small is better, and not a girlfriend posing in a bra or short shorts. Nothing considered the least bit sexy or pornagraphic. That would get him in trouble. One Marine got in trouble when his mom sent him an old pair of nylons. Her intentions were good - she read that clean rifles real good. That's true. But they were considered porn.
Posted by: Valerie Sweet on 07/21/2011
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Mother
We were advised not to send anything until the recruit asked for it.
Posted by: anita clounch on 07/20/2011
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Mother
Very good advice! My son is starting today and I'm wondering when I'll get a phone call saying he's arrived so I'm spending my nervous energy reading up on the training. Thanks for your post!
Posted by: Paula Martin on 07/11/2011
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Mother
You will probably have received that phone call by the time you read this. Read my posting about the first (and probably only) phone call you will receive. It comes about the third day, and it's a one way conversation. He won't be able to hear you. He has to stand about three feet away and holler into the phone that he has arrived and is safe, and you'll receive an address to write to him soon, followed by a hang up. But after missing him those first few days, you'll cry like a baby and appreciate it anyway.
Posted by: Valerie Sweet on 07/11/2011
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Mother
Hi, Valerie Sweet. I'm so glad to have read your post. Thank you so much for all your advise. I was wondering, My son is starting his fourth week in San Diego, do you think I can/should send him the moleskin pads now or will I get him in trouble? And also, I know it's to much to ask but, you think you can post the tips and recommendations to help for the Crucible, gas chamber, obstacle course and the hardest tasks they will be facing. Sorry I ask so much of you and I understand if you are not able too, don't feel obligated. Thank you and hope to hear from you soon.
Posted by: Rosa Herrera on 07/11/2011
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Mother
Send them as soon as possible so he has them. You can use a manilla 4x6 envelope. Tell him they are good for the elbows when you are crawling through sand and good for the feet and heels when marching. Good ideas about the Crucible and gas chamber - I will work on some postings for those real soon.
Posted by: Valerie Sweet on 07/11/2011
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Mother
Dear Gina Cramer:
Moleskin can be found in the foot area of the drug store. It in flat pads with soft moleskin covering for blisters. My son told me they did not have it on base, so I sent him several packets. The packets cost about $3-$5 each. Get the size that is large enough to cover an elbow, and he can cut it smaller if needs to. Be sure to remember the timing difference when mailing things or he will get it too late. On the internet, try drug stores. Try using "Dr. Scholl's Moleskin Plus Padding" as your search link. Or use this link if it goes through http://www.drugstore.com/dr-scholls-moleskin-plus-padding-strips-4-58-x-3-38/qxp14287
Posted by: Valerie Sweet on 06/05/2011
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Mother
Thank you so much for all this advise. I have to ask what a moleskin is? I have looked on the internet and all I am coming up with are covers for Ipads and such?
Posted by: Cramer Gina on 06/01/2011
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Mother
Where can I find a training schedule so I'll know what my son is doing each week?
Posted by: Joy Morgan on 05/15/2011
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Mother
Joy Morgan,
In your search links, just type in marine training schedule along with the name of the base (Paris Island or San Diego), or type in graduation Marines recruits. Here's one link but there are better ones with more details: http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/schedule.asp .
Posted by: Valerie Sweet on 06/05/2011
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Mother
Hey Valerie,
I was so glad to read your post and see all the things that I could send to my son. We had been told not to send any type of reading material, cards, etc. We were told that the only thing we should send are typed or handwritten notes on plain paper. This all came from two family friends who are/were Marines. They say you are a Marine for life once your a Marine.
Anyway, my son left November 15th for Parris Island and I received my letter today from his DI. I thought I would be getting a letter from my son, so, needless to say, I was diasappointed when I opened the letter and did not even have a note.
I am going to write every day. We are so proud of our son and his decision to join the Marines.
Mindy Johnston
Posted by: Mindy Johnston on 11/22/2010
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Mother
We were told only letters, no cards or anything
Posted by: Brenda Blaylock on 02/10/2012
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Mother
Dear Brittany Ellisor: No dear. Priority mail is not necessary unless you are on the last week of their training and just want to ensure it gets there before they ship out for SOI. Priority mail supposedly takes 2-3 days to arrive - which means it will arrive at the base in that amount of time, but it dies not mean your son will get it in that time. I sent two Priority Mail letters to my son at Camp Pendleton during his SOI. The letters arrived in two days, and were delivered to him on base seven days later. So just send things regular mail. Expect it to take approximately 7 days from the time you send it to arrival to your child. Count the same on mail from him, although that is usually faster (3-5 days). When graduation gets close, stop all mail sent to him about 12 days prior to the graduate date or he may not get it. SOI has a different address which you can get online. Refrain from sending anything which requires a signature to receive, or he may not get t at all.
Posted by: Valerie Sweet on 11/19/2010
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Supporter
Do you have to mail just a letter priority mail. The letter that was sent to us said to send mail priority mail, but i was wondering if i had to do this for a simple letter?
Posted by: Brittany Ellisor on 11/19/2010
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Other
Thank you so much for writing this! My recruit (boyfriend) has only been at boot camp in san diego for a week and I already have a pile of stuff to send him! Your words are encouraging and motivating and let me know that, even though he told me he wouldn't need letters and not to worry about sending them, he's going to appreciate them I think. :) He just likes to be tough, and he is, but they still need love. Thanks again.
Posted by: Kayla Menn on 11/02/2010
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Spouse
Thank you so much for putting this on her, and taking time out of your day tell tell other recruit moms and wifes. I know that your are so proud of your children (men). My finance just left for boot camp Aug 30th and I am so proud of him, I got his first letter sept 9, and tears of joy fell down my face. It is hard to get use to being alone now, but I have this to look forward to. We are expecting our first child in March and we couldn't be more excited. I believe that in my heart this is the best thing that he could ever do. I keep God with me and always pray for him. I always remember that God will not give you anything that you could not handle. Your information is very helpful and makes me feel so much more relieved.
Thank you Marine Mom!
Posted by: Hayley Deville on 09/09/2010
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Mother
I cannot imagine not having enough things to say for daily updates! I have so much to say to my recruit every single day that I find myself having whittle it down so it won't end up being a novel for him to read:)
Posted by: Salean Marolt on 09/09/2010
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