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us marine

Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day

November 10, 2021 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Marine Mom Annual Letter

This Marine Mom has written several previous letters to the Marine Corps. It’s been a couple of years since I wrote my last letter. But this year I felt compelled to write again.

It’s late at night this year and I’m reviewing the past couple of years. Two of my Marines are veterans. My third, a son from another Mother, is finishing up his last tour after two enlistments.

Marine Mom Gift Ideas - Marie Corps Wrapping Paper
Marine Mom Gift Ideas – Marie Corps Wrapping Paper
by usmarines

The years 2020 and 2021 have seen a lot of changes and challenges. Everyone has had their challenges and obstacles to overcome. I do have to say that my boys have gained the skills from the USMC to not only deal with the challenges but come out the other side better men.

Dear Marine Corps,

Thank you Marine Corps for teaching my Marines, patience, flexibility, motivation, and endurance through trials and life.

Thank you for teaching them patience. They learned patience in many ways. Patience was needed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The lockdowns, masks, and shutdown of a career that was just getting started required not only patience but flexibility.

USMC Digital Camo Semper Fidelis Card
USMC Digital Camo Semper Fidelis Card
by usmarines

Patience, from the “hurry up and wait” mantra of the Marine Corps taught them to endure this past 18 months. The inability to attend college classes, and not being able to go to the gym on base.

A Marine stand in front of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor at MCRD San Diego.

The constant need to adapt to the needs of the Marine Corps gave them all the flexibility to change, adapt, and create new daily goals to stay motivated and help others do the same.

Motivate!

Yes, thank you for this phrase. I hear often from my oldest Marine veteran. It was not only a challenge to stay motivated during the lockdown, but to keep his colleagues motivated during the lockdown and work shutdown.

A US Marine who served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom 2012

He not only endured but thrived and took the lessons he learned from the United States Marine Corps, and experience in Airwing supply logistics and applied them organizing crews unloading semi-trucks for stadium tours and Broadway shows.

Lastly thank you for the endurance given to a specific deployed Afghanistan Marine this year. I am sure he saw more than he probably wanted to see, and will never look at freedom and home the same after the end of August.

Honoring our Armed Forces on the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day.

I haven’t had a chance to give him a hug yet and tell him how proud I am of him. He doesn’t think I thought of him often, but I did. He has grown so much during these since I first met him at age 10 and now he has the eyes of experience. Thank you for bringing him home safe and sound.

Thank you again,

A Thankful Marine Mom

Marine Corps Birthday

So on this unofficial holiday of the Marine Corps birthday, I want to remember how the Marines have helped make men out of boys.

Filed Under: Marine Corps, Military Pride Tagged With: Marine Corps, marine corps birthday, Marine Mom, United States Marine Corps, us marine, USMC, veterans day

The Title Marine is Earned During Boot Camp and the Crucible

January 29, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com




The Marine Corps Crucible

The title U.S. Marine is not given, it is earned. A young boy or girl, upon entry into Marine boot camp at MCRD, is called a recruit, not a Marine. Thus the name Marine Corps Recruit Depot. They must earn the title during 13 weeks of rigorous training during boot camp. It is not until the completion of the Crucible the recruits are finally called Marines.

Marien Corps Recruit training ends with the Crucible

The Crucible is the last test of Marine recruit training and held during Phase Three of training. It is 54-hour test over 45 miles of marching teamwork and leadership. It epitomizes endurance, a brotherhood, and a no man left behind mentality among the warrior.

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 giftUnited States Marine Corps Crucible Candle for the final boot camp challenge.United States Marine Corps Crucible Candle for the final boot camp challenge.Marine Corps Christmas Ornament | Military Christmas Ornament | Boot Camp Graduation Gift | Retirement Gift | Keepsake Ornament | Military GiftMarine Corps Christmas Ornament | Military Christmas Ornament | Boot Camp Graduation Gift | Retirement Gift | Keepsake Ornament | Military Gift

Recruits use problem-solving skills to maneuver and accomplish tasks at challenging stations which replicate real-world situations, named after famous Marines and battles. They survive on only a few hours of sleep during the Crucible, eating a few MRE’s to sustain themselves and if lucky they get tossed an apple or orange, which they devour.

If you would like to try an authentic MRE meal and get an idea of what the military eats in the field you can actually buy them for yourself. Your Marine may think your nuts, ok I guarantee it, but I know younger brothers and sisters of Marines would get a kick out of eating like their big brother on deployment.

Boot Camp: The Making of a United States MarineBoot Camp: The Making of a United States MarineMarine Boot- by Daniel Da Cruz a Drill InstructorMarine Boot- by Daniel Da Cruz a Drill InstructorTHE YELLOW FOOTPRINTS TO HELL AND BACK: The starting point for every Marine: a drill instructors' story of life in Marine Corps boot camp during the Vietnam War.THE YELLOW FOOTPRINTS TO HELL AND BACK: The starting point for every Marine: a drill instructors’ story of life in Marine Corps boot camp during the Vietnam War.

At the end is the last 12-mile march ending with “The Reaper*”, a hill so intimidating it is a legend among Marines. Up they hike, with 60 lb packs, trying not to be last in line and helping their buddies along the way who falter. It’s a right of passage to climb the top, onto the parade deck, see the flags waving, music playing and to have placed in your hand, the Eagle, Globe and Anchor which indicates they have finally earned the right to be called a United States Marine.

*The Reaper a hill unique to the San Diego MCRD boot camp experience

Related Marine Recruit Training Articles

  • What to Give Your New Marine at Graduation
  • I Am a Marine Mom
  • Marine Corps Graduation

If you have experience as a Marine Corps recruit I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below or follow me on Twitter by clicking on the right. Thank you for visiting and Semper Fi!

Filed Under: Family, Marine Corps, Military Pride Tagged With: boot camp, crucible, marine corps crucible, marine corps recruit, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, marine training, marines, mcrd, military, military training, United States Marine Corps, United States Marines, us marine, USMC, usmc recruit training

A Letter From a Marine Mom to the United States Marines

November 9, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Happy Birthday Marine Corps

November 10th, 2012 is the 237th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. So as a Marine Mom with two sons in the Marines I say “Happy Birthday United States Marine Corp and may you continue to turn out men of character, honor, dedication and bravery.”

Proud Mom of two US Marines

CafePress USMC Coin Greeting Cards - 4x5.6 Multi-color MatteCafePress USMC Coin Greeting Cards – 4×5.6 Multi-color MatteCafePress - (Single)Happy Birthday Marine Corps - Greeting Card GlossyCafePress – (Single)Happy Birthday Marine Corps – Greeting Card GlossyMarine Corps 2008 Birthday CoinMarine Corps 2008 Birthday Coin1/2 Sheet U.S. Marine Corps Edible Image® Cake Topper1/2 Sheet U.S. Marine Corps Edible Image® Cake Topper

If I could send a letter to the Marine Corps on their birthday this is what I would send.

A Letter From a Marine Mom

“Dear United States Marine Corps,

I give you my sons, knowing they will be Marines for life, as becoming Marines is not a part time endeavor but a pride and family bond that carries through to civilian life. So in essence I am also welcoming the Marine Corps into my family. 

I have seen the result of your training, how you have built them up not just physically  but mentally, and with a sense of honor and commitment. It is the goal of the Corps to  strengthen their character, instill a sense of pride of country and service to others.  The training and discipline instilled into these young men and women is beyond any other branch of the military. The sense of pride in being a Marine is evident.

I place my trust in their commanders, sergeants, and their fellow Marines to make wise decisions and to act promptly in times of adversity. May they always  take the title US Marine seriously and not disgrace themselves, their company, or their country., always remembering that the person beside them has a Mother at home with a prayer and love in her heart for her Marine.

God please protect them in harms way, watch over them, guide them, and lead now and forever.

With Love, 

A Marine Mom”

Every year I try and write a letter to the USMC, below are two of them, I don’t know if anyone in the Marine Corps ever sees them, but it’s nice to know other Marine families do and appreciate the thought. I hope to always speak the truth, relay hope, and express my pride and thankfulness in our military.

A letter from a Marine Mom to the USMC. This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.2015 Marine Mom Letter to the USMC Commandant on the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps

Related Marine Corps Articles

  • Marine Corps marks 237th birthday at Camp Lejeune (myfox8.com)
  • The Pointy End of the United States Marine Corps (nationalreview.com)
  • Running 237 miles for fallen Marines: “the least I can do” (dvidshub.net)
  • Marine Corps Ball, for the kids (mysouthwestga.com)
  • Required Reading for Marines

Filed Under: Marine Corps, Military Pride Tagged With: boot camp, God, marine, Marine Mom, military, Military uniform, Mother, United States, United States Marine, us marine, USMC

Girls Journey From Civilian to Marine: Letter #4

August 15, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Here is the last letter from Devil Doggery and her journey from civilian to a United States Marine. I really had to laugh at this letter as she sounded just like my youngest son in his last phase at boot camp. EVERYTHING was about food! I’m even going to compare the two letters. Here is an excerpt from her letter. (full one can be read here)

nutter butter
nutter butter (Photo credit: roboppy)

“And, again, I’m going to spend time talking about how I want to stuff my face so badly. You know what sucks though? I was trying to play exactly what I was going to eat as soon as I got home and then I realized… I’m probably flying into San Jose at like, midnight or later. And I could still go get something, but … I want Asian food and that  ain’t open that late. Or some In-N-Out… Mmm… But regardless, I’m sure if it’s that late, all I’ll want to do is pass out. And fortunately, I’ll still be able to get tasty snacks and such before then, because we have Liberty Sunday the day after we get back from the Crucible, meaning we get to wander the base and buy actual food, and a bunch of the other recruits said that their families would be willing to adopt me on Family Day (the day before graduation).

Either that or I figured I could mooch some treats off of them and then run off with some of the other orphans and have a bit of free time. Even though I’m a geek, so I find myself wodnering if there’s a bookstore somewhere on this base… LOL. I NEED TO READ THE SECOND BOOK IN THE CHAOS WALKING TRILOGY. Also, I would like to read Divergent. I think I just miss reading. And TV. Oh man, if I could, I would so just buy a pint of ice cream and a pack of cookies, (Chips Ahoy or Nutter Butters), and find a TV and just veg. That’s how I would spend my Liberty Sunday. Because I’m boring, LOL.

I want me some sushi and like, KBBQ and chocolate milkshakes and a burger and a donut from this awesome donut place in downtown Campbell, and banh mi from Lee’s, and Yogurtland, and EVERYTHING. I’m hungry. This needs to stop.“

Below is an excerpt from my son’s letter from last fall before he graduated from US Marine boot camp.

Liberty formation during a Marine Family Day
Marching in very formally with great ceremony

“Find a cheesecake place and pizza. Girl scout Caramel Delights are also on my snack list. Oh, and I’ll want to be stopping a lot to eat. One of the snack items is Eli’s Mama muffins, also cake, like back home, chocolate with vanilla frosting. Don’t forget Tammy’s Orero balls Swedish fish, beef jerky, snickers, and Twix.  Anything snacky. Bring my MP3 player with my songs on it, I seriously want to sing to the Carnegie Hall music”

It seems the topic of food is the number one discussion item in the barracks as boot camp gets closer to an end. If you don’t remember my son’s journey here is what he did actually eat on Family Day. It would impress the most serious competitive eater. We all stood in awe.

So in the end it doesn’t matter, male or female, they all crave the comforts of home, which starts with food.

This young women has most likely gone through the Crucible and is now a Marine. Graduation probably right around the corner. I’ll be interested in hearing her feelings now that boot camp is over.

Liberty Formation on Family Day
Liberty Formation on Family Day

Related articles
  • A Girls Journey From Civilian to Marine: Letter #1 (ndjmom.wordpress.com)
  • A Girls Journey from Civilian to Marine: Letter #2 (ndjmom.wordpress.com)
  • A Girls Journey from Civilian to Marine: Letter #3 (ndjmom.wordpress.com)

Filed Under: Marine Corps, Military Pride Tagged With: armed forces, boot camp, marine, Marine Corps, military, patriotic, United States Marine, us marine, USMC, women

Day 165/365: Marine Teaches Recruit to Square Uniform

May 19, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

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)

Marine recruit Squaring Uniform
Marine Teaching Recruit to Square Uniform

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.

Marine Cover
Unsquared Marine Cover

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.

Recruit squaring a cover
Marine Recruit Squaring a Cove

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]

Squared Away US Marine Corps Cover
Squared Away US Marine Corps Cover

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 …

David Hodne has ordered his soldiers to eschew wearing traditional Army uniforms laden with combat patches, jump wings, and other insignia. They will instead spend their time wearing Marine Corps uniforms. “It’s a culture …

Marine Corps Uniforms Index: By Chapter | Blood Stripes

Sebastian served in the Marine Corps infantry on active duty and in the reserves from 2004 to 2013. Sebastian has always been driven to mentor the marines in his charge, and continuously strives to better himself as both a …

Uniforms; Uniform Regulations, MCO P1020.32G W CH 1-5 …

MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL, OR TO MARINE CORPS UNIFORMS, ARE CONTAINED IN THIS CHAPTER. 2. NO ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE TO EXCERPT OR INTERPRET THE LAWS OF ANY STATE. COMMANDERS …

Where Can You Buy Marine Corps Uniforms | Internet …

The United States Marine Corps (USMC), popularly known as Marine Corps has always been the most valued branch of United States Armed Forces. While the bravery.

Appropriate times to wear uniforms? – Leatherneck.com

I was wondering when the appropriate times/occasions/places/etc you are allowed or most common to wear certain uniforms upon graduation from Recruit Training. I believe these are all the Marine Corps uniforms, but I may …

United States Marine Corps Uniforms, Insignia and Personal …

Harlan Glenns “United States Marine Corps Uniforms, Insignia and Personal Items of World War II” is a reference book which every WW2 USMC collector should own. It is a massive 272 page hardcover book featuring …

Filed Under: Family, Marine Corps, Military Pride, Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, boot camp, brothers, devil dog, Lance Corporal, marine, Marine Corps, marine corps uniforms, Marine recruit, military, oorah, postaday, project365, recruit, semper fi, tradition, uniform, us marine, USMC

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