In honor of those veterans who have served and our current servicemen and women. Just two words,…”Thank you.”
Military Pride
The Flag Still Stands For Freedom
During last years trip to Washington DC I had a chance to visit all of the war memorials. The Vietnam Wall affected me the most. To see all those names stretching out into the horizon gave this new Marine Mom a new perspective. Some day it could be my son’t name etched in the granite of a memorial.
It is through tears that I write this, just a little under two months before my youngest son leaves for Marine boot camp. The risk has doubled, the sacrifices of families, and loved ones that served and gave their all still proves that the Flag Still Stands for Freedom.
Thanks to MCPActions for having a Memorial Day contest to submit images of patriotism, freedom, and peace. Deadline is May 27th, so if you would like to submit yours head over there, a free 16 x 20 print will be awarded to ten winners.
Day 165/365: Marine Teaches Recruit to Square Uniform
Didn’t know it would be the United States Marine Corp that would teach my sons to iron, but a squared away uniform is a sense of pride in the Corps. My oldest son gave his recruit brother a lesson and tips on ironing his uniform and squaring his cover during his latest leave. (home for his brothers high school graduation)
It’s the attention to detail Marine recruits are taught during boot camp at MCRD San Diego or Paris Island. How to properly shine your shoes, iron your uniform, pin your ribbons exactly 1/8″ of an inch from the top of the pocket, and how to clean a toilet and sink to pass inspection.
United States Marine Corps (USMC) And Navy Uniform RegulationsU.S. Marine Corps Uniform Guide (Look Sharp!)
Why do these mundane tasks matter? I believe they are used to teach discipline and patience, to learn how to pay attention to detail in everything a Marine does, regardless of the task.
As a birthday/graduation present received a wore out set of his Marpat desert cammies to wear at the big airsoft game, Oklahoma Invasion 6, coming up Memorial Day weekend. Out of the sea bag the cover looked a bit crumbled. There was no way a Marine would be caught with a cover like this. Before it could be worn it needed squaring away, Marine style. No starch, but water, paper towels, steam, high heat, and cardboard stays would have to do for now.
Never thought I’d ever see this, a photo opportunity if I ever saw one. The process took an hour, with lessons given on tips and tricks of a great squared away Marine uniform. I overhead Army uniforms are “garbage” and how to properly wear your cover. “It’s not a hat, don’t pull it down on your head, you’ll look like a tool”
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (Images of America)Live At McRd San Diego [Explicit]
Looks better doesn’t it? Sleeve rolling was next, but I left the boys to bond and discuss uniform care. It’s a big part of boot camp, the beginning of teaching attention to detail and discipline. If they pay this much attention to just their uniforms imagine what is required in the other aspects of mission training. No wonder the United States Marine Corps is the best fighting force in the world.
ULTIMATE MARINE RECRUIT TRAINING GUIDEBOOK: A Drill Instructor’s Strategies and TacticsMaggot the Accounts of a Journey through Paris Island
Information About Marine Corps Uniforms
CO: Soldiers Will Wear Marine Corps Uniforms To Improve …
Marine Corps Uniforms Index: By Chapter | Blood Stripes
Uniforms; Uniform Regulations, MCO P1020.32G W CH 1-5 …
Where Can You Buy Marine Corps Uniforms | Internet …
Appropriate times to wear uniforms? – Leatherneck.com
United States Marine Corps Uniforms, Insignia and Personal …
Day 106/365: First Encounter With a Marine Drill Instructor
In just a little under four months I will have two sons in the United States Marines. My youngest, a high school senior, is in the delayed entry program and got a little taste of Marine boot camp during last week during Family night for the Lincoln Nebraska recruiting station. A visiting drill instructor from San Diego put them through their paces and had them sounding off like grunts in no time.
My youngest son leaves for boot camp in July. He’s the one on the far right with red tape on his arm (gave blood at school earlier in the day, his 7th pint) For a better understanding of what they went through in ten minutes here is a short video below, might want to turn your volume down for this.
Day 56/365: Marine Charm Necklace
This has become one of my favorite necklaces. My oldest son is a US Marine, my youngest will be leaving for boot camp next summer.
I have found a custom jewelry artist who will create a line of Marine themed charms and pendants for me to start a new business “Hero Charms & Jewelry”.
Several inspirational words will be available and each charm is double sided. The square charm has an option for an option for the motto on the opposite side or a custom image of your special Marine. I will post other necklace options on my Flickr page
Now I have to submit the official licensing paperwork to the United States Marine Corps in order to use the EGA (Eagle, Globe and Anchor) logo and advertise Marines, U.S.M.C. Then I will post the website and shopping cart.
If you’re interested in purchasing a Marine Charm necklace leave me a message or email me and I will let you know when they are available.