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U.S. Marine in Service Charlies

April 18, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Nothing is sexier than a Marine in his BCG glasses at boot camp. Or maybe not, considering the nickname for the standard issue Marine eye glasses in 2011 were called “Birth Control Glasses” as in you look like the ultimate nerd, they cover your face, make your eyes look big and even cause Mom (me) to snicker a bit.

U.S. Marine in Service Charlie Uniform

If a recruit wears glasses or contacts they are issued  standard-issue spectacles, S9s or commonly called  or BCG’s “Birth Control Glasses” because they are so ugly that no girl will come near you. They have been a staple in the military and are tough, sturdy and just plain ugly.

Marines joke about them, raze each other, but they are just as  much as they are hated they hold a certain affection amoung the ranks. I just read on the Marine Corp blog they are being retired for those interested “Goodbye Birth Control Glasses” is a very good read.

This image was taken on Family Day at MCRD San Diego after the MotoRun. The new Marines change into their Service Charlies uniform, and garrison hat, or cover (Marines often refer to it as their “piss cutter”.) and then have their first five hour liberty to spend with their families on base.

I have two sons in the U.S. Marine Corp, one stateside and one in Afghanistan and have come across a Twitter theme #WarriorWednesday. So I thought why not start a new theme and feature on my blog. I don’t know how long this will last, but at least until I run out of photos and images. So it might take a while.

This photo started off as “PhotoShopFriday posting until I thought of the #WarriorWednesday. I adjusted the levels, color selected the blue sky, and darkened the blues, used shadows and highlights to open up the shadows on his face and then cropped for a better balanced photo.

Marine Corps Boot Camp

If you are interested in what Marine boot camp is all about here are some books that come highly recommended by Marine recruiters for new poolees (recruits waiting to ship to boot cam) and parents of Marines.

Welcome to Hell: Three and a Half Months of Marine Corps Boot CampMarine Corps Boot Camp Survival Guide: Everything You Need To Know To Prepare For (And Live Through) Marine Corps Boot CampThis Recruit: A Firsthand Account of Marine Corps Boot Camp, Written While Knee-Deep in the Mayhem of Parris IslandThere’s Always One!: 50 Rules for Surviving Marine Corps Boot CampThe Making of a MarineMaking the Corps: 10th Anniversary Edition with a New Afterword by the Author

Related Articles

  • Happy Birthday Marine Corps
  • Gifts for A Marine Graduating Boot Camp
  • A Mom’s Letter to the Marine Corps
  • A Marine Mom’s Real Fear
  • Marine Corps Reading List

Filed Under: Family, Marine Corps, Military Pride, Travel Adventures Tagged With: Adobe Photoshop, California, family, Family Day, marine, Marine Corps, marines, military, photo editing, Photo manipulation, Sand Diego, travel, U.S. Marine, uniforms, United States Marine Corps, USMC

Happy Birthday Marine Corps

November 10, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Words From a Marine Mom

In honor of my two US Marine sons, I want to wish a great big 236th birthday wish to the United States Marine Corps. This is the one time of year my USMC sons don’t mind me bragging about them a little. More than any other military branch the Marine Corps celebrates their birthday with parties, cakes and of course the Marine Corps Ball.

CafePress - (Single)Happy Birthday Marine Corps - Greeting Card MatteCafePress – (Single)Happy Birthday Marine Corps – Greeting Card MatteCafePress - Marine Corps Emblem Drinking Glass - Pint Glass, 16 oz. Drinking GlassCafePress – Marine Corps Emblem Drinking Glass – Pint Glass, 16 oz. Drinking GlassCafePress - Semper Fidelis Marine Corps Journal - Spiral Bound Journal Notebook, Personal Diary, LinedCafePress – Semper Fidelis Marine Corps Journal – Spiral Bound Journal Notebook, Personal Diary, Lined

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I am very proud of them both of my Marines. This picture was taken at my youngest son’s Marine boot camp graduation at MCRD San Diego California this past October. His brother received weekend leave from his permanent duty station in Yuma to attend. It was great to have them together.

Two U.S.Marines and a Sister

I have only gotten to see my youngest son in his dress blues and like any good Mom, I was beaming with pride. Who can resist a Marine in his dress blues? He had the opportunity to wear them to his high school during a recruiting visit to his alma mater Elmwood-Murdock High school.

USMC Dress Blues, the fitting

It’s not easy to fit the dress blues uniform of the Marine Corps. There are strict guidelines of exactly how much spacing (the width of a dime) the ribbons should be from the top of the medal. Military personnel who have a chest full of ribbons, especially officers use ribbon racks to make this easier.

USMC Keepsake Box - Made a Difference - Ronald Reagan Marine Corps Quote Keepsake Box - Boot camp graduation giftUSMC Keepsake Box – Made a Difference – Ronald Reagan Marine Corps Quote Keepsake Box – Boot camp graduation giftAllied Frame United States Marine Corps Medal and Award FrameAllied Frame United States Marine Corps Medal and Award FrameFuzzy FlagsTM U.S. Marine Corps Flag Fleece Blanket - 6.5 ft. x 4 ft. - Oversized USMC Travel Throw CoverFuzzy FlagsTM U.S. Marine Corps Flag Fleece Blanket – 6.5 ft. x 4 ft. – Oversized USMC Travel Throw CoverCafePress - EGA Black And Gold - Keepsake Box, Finished Hardwood Jewelry Box, Velvet Lined Memento BoxCafePress – EGA Black And Gold – Keepsake Box, Finished Hardwood Jewelry Box, Velvet Lined Memento Box

Marine Corps dress blues
First time wearing his Marine Corps dress blues

Of course, I was that Marine Mom who stalked him to the recruiting center to take photos of him wearing his dress blues. After five years of active duty, it’s the only time I’ve seen him wear the uniform in person. Yes, he rolled his eyes. But he’s actually pretty proud of this photo. It’s made its way around the internet and he’s been called the “Pinterest” Marine.

I think every Marine is handsome in his uniform, but the dress blues are especially striking. However, I have yet to hear a Marine say they “enjoy” wearing them. If you saw the shirt stays worn around the legs you would understand. If you have “seen” a Marine putting on shirt stays, then you would REALLY understand.

Stuffed 10Stuffed 10″ teddy bear in U.S. Marine Corps Dress Blues Military UniformSgt R. Lee Ermey 12Sgt R. Lee Ermey 12″ Dress Blues Talking Figure from Full Metal Jacket

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How many times have you seen your Marine in uniform? Or if you are a Marine how much did you like, or dislike wearing your Dress Blues?

Filed Under: Family, Marine Corps, Military Pride Tagged With: 365project, birthday, boot camp, California, celebration, devil dogs, dress blues, family, Marine Corps, Marine Mom, project365, recruiting station, San Diego, semper fi, USMC

Day 177/365: It’s Summer and Time for Legion Baseball

June 1, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Summer and Baseball

In towns all across America teenage boys pick up bats and balls and head out to the local ball field for Legion baseball.

One of the best sports experiences my kids ever had was American Legion Baseball. It was by far been the best sports experience in my 15 year history of sports in Elmwood-Murdock. This includes all school-related and summer town league ball seasons. My youngest son played Legion ball for four years, started as a freshman on a team that begged a group of boys to play so they could have a team. (many had not played since T-ball)

NIght time baseball
Night Time Legion Baseball (SOOC)

The coaches were fantastic (thanks Duane and Hank) and their expectations were not to win a game, but to improve as the season went on. If they won a game great, if not it was all about teamwork, having fun and growing as young men. My young man played right or center field, he’s center here, and loved to play. So much so that he delayed his Marine Bootcamp ship date so he could play one last summer. I still have sports bags in my garage with baseballs and gloves and every now and then my daughter will ask me to come out and do batting practice. Reminds me of summer and I miss the bleachers at the ball field watching my son.

Diamond D1-AL American Legion Official Baseball (Pack of 12)

I didn’t play sports in school, I was rather clumsy and not athletic. But, I have learned sports is not just about winning, it’s about how to win, how to lose, how to face adversity and still play. It’s about playing as a team, traveling and living together as teammates even if you don’t like the person next to you, sports does teach about life.

Spartan Ac: An American Legion Baseball Team United Through AdversitySwinging for the Fences: How American Legion Baseball Transformed a Group of Boys into a Team of Men

Since this photo was part of my 365 project here is a little bit of information about it. It is straight out of the camera, no editing, the storms clouds were gathering and it poured rain about 15 minutes after this picture. So far half their games have been rained out, but we have a long summer ahead of us and I’m going to enjoy each one.

Sports Life Lessons

Life lessons through sports

Justin Halog, an Unchartered Water Eleele sports camp leader, juggles the football during a flag football drill while soccer campers take a water break Monday during the opening of the sports camp at the Eleele Park. Life lessons through sports.

Kids and sports: life lessons, not winning, should be the goal

Ross Flowers won his first race when he was a skinny little kid who had to hold up his shorts with one hand for the last 25 yards. It was a lesson not just in winning, but in being adaptable and coping with adversity. Today, Flowers is a sport …

Life Lessons from a Youth Baseball Coach

In two decades of coaching youth baseball, John McCarthy has learned that dads often have trouble with the most important parts of the game. They’re too competitive, he says, and too emotionally wrapped up in the success of their children. Dads don’t …

Teaching Positive Life Lessons Through Sports

I founded a volleyball program that isn’t really about volleyball. Spike and Serve is about life, and how striving for excellence in sports can lead to achieving excellence in life. The skeptic asks, “Why do we need youth sports?” Sports are Larger …

29 Invaluable Life Lessons That Sports Teach Us

There are many life lessons you can learn by playing sports. Apart from the exercise, the fun factor and the competitive spirit, there is a lot more to be learnt from sports, lessons that can prepare you for life off the field. Here are …

Kids and sports: life lessons, not winning, should be a idea

Ross Flowers won his initial competition when he was a spare small child who had to reason adult his shorts with one palm for a final 25 yards. It was a doctrine not usually in winning, though in being variable and coping with …

Former Pro Athletes To Teach Sports, Life Lessons To …

By Staff Reports. (Victor Valley)– Foster youth will have the chance to learn about sports and life from professional athletes during the Annual Foster and Kinship Youth Sports Faire. Former Raider Tyrone Montgomery will be …

Filed Under: Project 365, Small Town Living Tagged With: 365project, baseball, Elmwood-Murdock, family, Nebraska, Photography, project365, sports, sports life lessons

The Gift of Adoption: Father and Son Adoption Reunion Story

April 5, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Adoptee Reunion Story

I consider the greatest gift someone can give is life and for one parent to give a gift of adoption to parents, who either cannot have children of their own or want to unselfishly add another child to their home, is one of the biggest gift of love. I was lucky enough to witness a father and son adoption reunion and it was amazing all the way around.

For various reasons, pregnancy, a baby, and a family does not fit and is not the right timing. So choices are made.  A choice made forty-eight years ago resulted in a baby boy (my husband) placed with a farm family in western Nebraska through Nebraska Children’s Home. Then the same baby boy made a similar choice twenty seven years later and gave the gift of adoption and love to another rural Nebraska couple.

Ever wish to find an adopted family member? Here are some Adoption Reunion stories worth reading.
Father and son Meeting for the First Time

During those many years, the father wondered what had become of his son.  He hoped to eventually meet him, hoped and prayed that day would come. The son too also longed to one day meet his birth father who had written him letters when he was a baby.

Neither officially searched for each other, they were both quite happy with their lives, yet through a course of events and random contacts, the unbelievable happened. After reading this story I dare you to think of the course of life to be a random act of coincidences.

An Adoption Reunion Story Worth Telling

Randy (on the left, my husband)  lived in a small apartment complex in Lincoln Nebraska. This small community of neighbors has provided each one acts of kindness in ranging from sharing meals, rides to the doctor, friendship, or just an encouraging word. This weekend Scott, who lives across the courtyard from Randy, called him over to tell him he had some news.

Scott was helping a buddy out with a car and through the course of this repair got a ride from Brandon (right).  Scott was struck my this young man’s presence and appearance and said the commonly stated expression,  “I know you from somewhere.”

The normal course of the conversation ensued, referring to places they lived, schools, churches, and people. It got around to Brandon stating “I don’t know, I’m adopted, all I know is my birth fathers’ name is Randy and he lives in Lincoln.”

It was then that Scott looked at Brandon and a said: “I know your Father, he lives across from me and you are his spitting image.” I can’t even imagine the thoughts and feelings that were going through their mind and heart. They both told me later it made them shake and their hearts race. Phone numbers were exchanged.

When Scott told this to Randy the feeling intensified. There was no doubt, no questioning in any of these three men. Each one believed that this good news was the truth. As Randy and I were fixing supper he received the phone call from his first born son who wanted to know his Father. They spoke for a short time, as it was obvious that both wanted to meet.

An invitation to supper was extended and less than an hour later Father and son walked across the yard, shook hands, and embraced for the first time. Both were shaking and tears were shed. The picture above was taken shortly after when they came to the door. The resemblance is uncanny, not just in appearances but in how much they are alike.

Both are amazing singers,  sang in their University choirs, both took nine years of piano lessons, love to fish (and have made arrangements to go fishing), are very good cooks, and are avid movie buffs with a vast movie collection. At times they have only lived a few miles from each other.

An adoption reunion story that went right.Father and Son Update

Since I wrote this story father and son have developed a strong friendship. They hunt together, fish together and our families are connected in many ways. An antique farming disc belonging to my husbands family now sits in the garden at Brandon’s parents’ house, connecting the families together symbolically.

There are many connections between all of the families and no one feels threatened. It is an amazing relationship.

Christian View of Adoption

I know many people who are adopted, including my self. Some have the negative viewpoint that they were rejected by their birth parents. I look it at as the biggest unselfish gift a Mother (and Father) can give. I am thankful for life, for being given parents who wanted me enough to go above and beyond, to accept the gift of life from other parents who loved their child enough to give them a second chance.

Over the years I have often thought of looking for my own birth parents, if for only to say “Thank You.” Another choice could have been made, and I’m so glad it wasn’t.

I don’t believe in coincidence, but that God has a plan for our life. There are people placed in our lives for a reason, so the work of God can be displayed. This was also the lesson I shared with my Sunday School students this Sunday and part of Pastor’s sermon. There are events that happen to remind us of Christ unconditional love and forgiveness.  We just need to open our eyes, believe, and have faith.

What lies in the future for these men is unknown, but they both know that this random meeting was not random, and both are embracing the amazing work of God.

Find Adopted Family Member

Whether you decide to search for your birth parents, siblings or child make sure you think it through, do research, and ask WHY are you searching. Is it because you are unhappy with your current lot in life because if so finding more people to insert into your world may complicate things, not solve the problem.

I went through periods, every time I was pregnant, where I was interested in health history. But when my babies were born that desire passed. Every now and then my kids ask me if I know my ethnic heritage and I can’t tell them. So, for them, I may consider it, before I get too old. (UPDATE: I did find an adoptive family member)

But regardless, every adoptee has a family and a Mother and Father who raised them. They are your true family.

Searching For Jane, Finding Myself (An Adoption Memoir)10 Critical Guidelines to Begin Searching for YourBirthright: The Guide to Search and Reunion forThe Adoption Reunion Survival Guide: Preparing Yourself for the Search, Reunion, and Beyond

Adoption Reunion Stories

Mother battling breast cancer helps adopted son find biological family

COURTESY OF MAURIO FARLEY Maurio Farley of Cataula, Ga., meets two of his biological sisters in Atlanta this summer, Santiva Watkins, left, and Tondeleya George after they connected through the Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry. “In case something …

What Adoption Means To Me

In honor of November being National Adoption Awareness Month, Portrait of an Adoption is hosting the fifth annual acclaimed series, 30 Adoption Portraits in 30 Days. Designed to give a voice to the many different perspectives of adoption, this series …

Finksburg woman’s 40-year search to find birth mother inspires book

Lindsay warned Sayre that you can never predict how an adoption reunion will turn out. “Her parting word to me was ‘Do not expect an Oprah moment,’ ” Sayre said. “[Lindsay said] ‘I’ve had mothers come in here, shake their child’s hand, and say, ‘Nice …

Adoption reunion: Calgary woman meets her daughter after 39 years

Making and remaking the bed, taking long walks and writing in her diary, Jo-Ann Gerow does everything she can to pass the time. She is waiting for a very special visitor. “Surreal, like I’m waiting to wake up from a dream,” Gerow said about the day she …

Amazing Adoption Reunion Story, To Start Your Week Right …

Less than 2 weeks ago, “06880” highlighted a new state law, allowing adult adoptees the right to see their original birth certificate. The hook was John Suggs, a Westport forensic genetic geneaologist who helps adults find …

Are you planning an adoption reunion? | Adoption Detective …

Planning for an adoption reunion is like rehearsing for a critical job interview—you only have one chance to nail the job interview and make a good first impression. The anticipation of what might happen is highly emotional for …

What is a Successful Adoption Reunion? Pitfalls, Concerns …

Filed Under: Events, Family, Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, adopting, adoption, adoption reunion, adoption story, Faith, family, father, gift of adoption, inspiring, postaday, project365, son

Day 50/365: Airport Adventure, With My Marine

January 22, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Can you find my Marine son in this picture? It’s as if he’s playing hide and seek. Now I can see why US Marines do not wear their cammies, ACU’s, or uniforms in public. They would stand out, and the purpose of camouflage is to hide and fit in with your environment.  The official regulations  on wearing uniforms at certain times is very strict in the Marine Corps and much too long to describe here. Since Nathan is strongly apposed to wearing it, I’m sure there are good reasons.

Day 50: Find the Marine

There is quite a bit of uniform envy around, if you can call it that, on both sides of the fence, with some very heated opinions on the pro and con. If you’re interested you can read more on the Terminal Lance forum. Terminal Lance also has a pretty funny Marine comic site that both my sons love to read.

Day 50: My son the Marine

We had quite the day, arrived at the Omaha Epply Airport early at 8:00 am just to find out we were six hours too early. So I got some extra quality one-on-one time with my son that we didn’t get during his leave.

The only thing I regretted was not being able to sleep late and wash my hair in the shower this morning.   To make it up he paid for my breakfast, blueberry pancakes, went shopping, and ran some errands  in Omaha. Lunch at Arby’s, again his treat.

Yup, I had a good day.

Filed Under: Family, Marine Corps, Military Pride, Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, family, Marine Corps, Military uniform, national security, Nebraska, Omaha, oorah, project365, security, semper fi, travel, traveling, USMC

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