Back on June 3, I told you of his enlistment in the Marines. At time, six months seemed like a really long time. And now, he is gone.
Yesterday, we had a meeting with his recruiters who gave us final instructions. If you have ever had to take one of your children to university, you probably rent a van to haul all of their stuff. That "stuff" probably includes televisions, refrigerators, iPods, computers, microwaves, clothes, and more. You probably give them some spending money, too. When the Marines came and picked up Number One Son, this is what he left with:
- Clothes on his back (jeans, collared shirt, shoes, socks and underwear)
- Driver's license
- Social Security Card
- $20 for incidentals
- A small piece of paper with friends and family addresses (if he had an address book, he could have taken that).
By the end of this week, we will know his platoon. With that last piece of information, we can start sending him letters. He may be embarrassed at the number of cards and letters that come his way. These little notes will help keep his morale up. Nothing in them will say "we miss you" or of any negative news. Packages are not allowed, however there are two items that are permitted: PowerBars and powdered Gatorade (for adding to the water in his canteen). His diet is totally controlled by the Marines.
Tomorrow is his travel day to Parris Island, SC. He is already in a hotel in downtown Cleveland. At about 0400, he will awake and start his day. At 1100, he will take the oath, again, but this time at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Cleveland. From there, he will be shuttled to Cleveland Hopkins Airport and into the USO facility. And then he waits for his flight to either Charleston, SC or Savannah, GA. During the waiting, layovers, and flights, he will be permitted to eat and drink things he will not experience for 13 weeks, like soda and chocolate. If he was a smoker, this is the last chance to have a cigarette (recruits are not allowed to smoke). Once he lands, he will be bused to Parris Island, SC, arriving sometime around 0100 Tuesday morning. His day isn't done. Among the things that will be required of him is that he will make a call home. He gets less than 30 seconds to tell us that he has arrived, which gives us no chance to have any sort of conversation. And that will be last that we will hear from him (unless he earns phone privileges - then we get a few minutes with him). When he finally hits his rack, he may discover that he has been up for nearly 48 hours.
I have printed his calendar, and you may, too, if you want to follow his training. More information about Parris Island can be found at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island website.
To all of my Twitter followers, a heartfelt "Thank You" for all of your warm wishes, thoughts, and prayers. I am very proud of my son, and a bit scared. Not about this particular part of his life, but about what follows. These past few weeks have been hard, but were harder the closer we got to today. One minute he is here, and the next, gone - riding away with the Marine Corps.
But reminders of him are still here. I suppose it is time to power off his cell phone, put his iPod away, and, finally, clean up his room.
Comment posted by Kevin Pettitt12/06/2009 11:17:38 PM
Homepage: http://www.lotusguru.com
Wow Gregg, emotional day(s) I'm sure considering how I felt just reading about it and thinking about my 4-yr-old son. I will save congratulations for March but for now I'm sure I speak for many by saying thank you...to your son for his commitment to serving our country and to you and your entire family for raising him and continuing to support him.
Semper Fi
Comment posted by Grandma Eldred12/07/2009 01:38:20 AM
Thats our Grandson and we are very proud of him. I know how you feel we felt the same way when you went off to college except we could talk to you and didn't have to wait 13 weeks before we had any communcation with you. Thanks Zachary for serving our country and protecting us. We love you very much.
Comment posted by Len Van Niel12/07/2009 07:59:34 AM
The day finally came! I wish him the very best. He will do just fine and make Dad very proud when he finishes bootcamp and becomes a US Marine! Keep us posted on his progress.
Comment posted by David Leedy12/07/2009 08:26:38 AM
Homepage: http://notesin9.com
A big thanks to your son and family!!! Best of luck to him. Please keep us updated on him
Comment posted by Rory12/07/2009 08:55:54 AM
Homepage: http://www.rorywohl.us
Not sure who this is going to be harder on, G & D or Z.
No fair picking on J extra to make up the slack (weight belts, anyone?)
Good luck to everybody.
Comment posted by Dan Houdeshell12/07/2009 09:07:37 AM
I think harder on the parents the first few days that on Zach. You may not recognize him at first when he comes home in full uniform he will be a "man" Marine style. Your chest will puff out like never before in your life when you see him next Gregg. All of America thanks Zach for choosing to defend our country and our freedoms.
Dan
Comment posted by Denny Russell12/07/2009 09:27:00 AM
Homepage: http://www.lotusdr.com
As I've told you before, your family must be very proud of the man you've raised. Thoughts and prayers with all of you. and Thanks to your son for his unselfish efforts.
Comment posted by Branimir Ćorluka12/07/2009 10:44:33 AM
Good luck
Comment posted by Bruce Olschewski12/07/2009 07:43:47 PM
Thank you for the post. It helps me understand what my parents went through. :)
Please convey the pride and gratitude that us older vets have for those now choosing to serve. Also, rib him for not choosing Air Force. :)
Comment posted by Keith Brooks12/07/2009 09:15:23 PM
Homepage: http://www.vanessabrooks.com
Greg, However hard it is, he does what few can do, be a marine.
If you can, let us know where to send stuff to him, will get my kids to send him things too.
Marines aren't yellow, but this one will have a yellow army of followers with him.
Comment posted by Roy Rumaner12/10/2009 01:07:28 AM
Damn Greg, I didn't realize you were old enough to have a kid old enough to get into the Marines. When did we get so old?
Be proud of him and let him know that all of us back home are proud of him too. You on the other hand.....not so much
Comment posted by Laurie Hannus-Proud Aunt12/15/2009 06:31:46 AM
I am so very proud of my nephew. I am grateful for his service to our country. I wish him the best in life. He and all our troops are in my daily prayers. God Bless and much love to him and your family.
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