Comments for Graduating Alone?

Graduating Alone?

2008-09-06T17:35:34Z

Volunteering at an airport USO near one of the two USMC Recruit Depots, I see the before and after of boot camp, the tremendous changes that happen after just 13 weeks of rigor and discipline. The new Marines arrive at the USO on Friday after graduation with such a mixture of pride and nerves after having overcome the biggest challenge of their young lives. Backs are straight and communication is somewhat clipped, but the dichotomy of their feelings is written all over their faces in the grins they unsuccessfully try to hide: "I'm so proud to be a Marine!" and... "God, I hope I don't mess up!" That earnest pride is frankly charming, and you can spot their parents' joy a mile away.

But not all arrive at the USO with parents in tow on this proud and wondrous day. I'm sure the reasons vary, but without a doubt money is a factor for some families; when you're from Wisconsin or Hawaii or Massachussetts, the two recruit depots on opposite coasts are awfully far away. Imagine what it must be like to stand alone on graduation day as your fellow newly-minted Marines are joyously greeted by family and friends exclaiming how proud they are and how good their new Marine looks in uniform, amazed at the changes they see in bearing, address and confidence...

But today, thanks to famous author JoaAnn Ross (she's a Soldiers' Angel!), I found out about an organization that helps make sure each Marine has family to celebrate with: Marine Graduation Foundation. For each graduating boot camp class, they sponsor about a dozen or so families to attend their Marine's graduation. How cool is that?!

Their current goal is to sponsor sixteen families for the September 19 graduation. But they are behind and have only three days left to raise over $5,000. I can't imagine what it must be like to be 18 or 19 and not to have a hug and congratulations from a loved one on the proudest day of your life. It reminds me of this story.

I guess I'm going to be spending a bit less on the milblog conference preparations than I thought...

Comment from John (not the armorer) on 2008-09-06

2008-09-07T03:59:09Z

May God bless and protect our newly trained fighting men and women, and their families.

Tim- we owe you DOUBLE thanks for your own service and that of your son!

FbL- Thank you as well for your volunteer efforts, as well. You are surrogate family for our troops when they are far away. At a time when some of our population has been misled by partisan idiots and may not show sufficient appreciation for our troops, they know that they will always get a warm welcome from the USO. Good on y'all there!

Comment from Katherine Optima Maximae on 2008-09-06

2008-09-07T03:07:59Z

God blesse them. They may go in alone, but they gain a family.

Comment from AW1 Tim on 2008-09-06

2008-09-06T18:23:47Z

Fbl,

   I can tell you exactly how it feels, although mine was graduating from Navy Boot Camp in San Diego. Heck, I had to find my own way back to my house in northern Utah at that time, bacause my folks just couldn't swing both money and time to be there. It was alright, though and I figured things out pretty well.

Now, I can sympathize with those parents, because my own son is graduating from Army basic on the 26th, and it's going to take virtually every penny I have to be there for him. In fact, I have to leave 2 days early just to make connections with the Greyhound from Maine to Fort Benning, and it's almost a day and a half ride. That means more meals on the road and two nights hotel instead of one.

   Don't get me wrong, I am NOT asking for help or anything like that. I am beyond proud that my son chose to be an infantryman, and I am not worried about spending the money, because all it is is money, and it is important to do the right thing if you can.

   I understand, though, why many can't do it. It is expensive and sometimes hard to make connections.

   Respects