The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: Pathfinder on August 03, 2011, 11:37:04 AM
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And no, it has nothing to do with guns. Well, kinda.
I am writing this from the Fargo airport, on my way to San Diego. No, the trip is not my present. What awaits me is my present.
On Friday morning, 10AM PST, God willing, I will see my younger son inducted into the United States Marine Corps. He has already finished the Crucible, and is already technically a Marine, as he went through the Eagle Globe and Anchor ceremony last week.
Few folks here know the short story - a year ago he was 25 years old, substitute HS teaching for a living, in hock with student loan debt, and living in his Mom's basement. He had tried to get into the Marine's accelerated OCC but there was always some excuse. After talking with local recruiters here and getting their advice, I spent a weekend with him almost exactly a year ago today and had a discussion about his future. Damn if he didn't take my advice! ;D Or rather, the advice of the recruiters.
He aced all his tests, got the much sought after MOS he wanted (which comes with a nice 5-figure bonus when he's done), but due to the backlog of recruits, did not actually go in until last May. With his college degree, he has been pulling E-2 pay.
So, light posting alert - I get to spend most of tomorrow with him, and Friday from about 10:30 on when he starts his leave. At the end of leave, he reports back for MCT, and then on for language training. See you in a few days! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Outstanding birthday "present".......safe trip to you, and pat the young man on the back, hug him (yes, you can hug Marines) and tell him he has a bunch of other guys who are also proud of him.
And, oh yeah, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
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Enjoy !
Congratulate him for me.
It's San Diego, don't forget your sunglasses ;D
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Path
We have given each other a ration of crap, but damned if I'm not happy for you and proud of your kid! Give him a one armed hug from the house liberal. ;) He's standing up where so many of his generation fail to. No matter what else he does in his life, he'll be able to look back and say that for the next four years he mattered and stood tall when his country was at war. Give him our thanks.
FQ13
PS Happy birthday!Seriously Path, you raised a great kid. God be with both of you.
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CONGRATULATIONS to Both of you!
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+! with what they all said.
God Bless you all.
Richard
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Well Done, Path!!..
Congratulations and thanks to both of you.
Take care
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Absolutely First Class, in every way.
Congratulations to the both of you.
To you, Path, for contributing to the genetics and to the obviously excellent upbringing of a fine young man.
And to your son for having the wisdom (at such an early age) to listen as he was being raised. You have both done yourselves (and your country) very proud.
Semper Fi, from this wrinkled old squid.
Crusader Rabbit
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Congrats to the new Marine!
Hooah!
Congrats to the proud Pappa as well Path. Enjoy the southern California sunshine and cooler weather, maybe!
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Congratulations to both of you!!!! :)
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You raised him right and now get to celebrate his young adult accomplishments. Well done sir!
Enjoy the ceremony.
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Fantastic. Words cannot express. Just enjoy. Take some pics if you can....
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Congratulations to both you and your son Path and thank your son for his service.
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They've said it all!
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Congrats to both of you :D