Today the Matrix shows that the Marines have a Liberty Brief and "Sharing the Legacy." From what I understand, these past few days the new Marines listen to speeches by former or current Marines that have really made a mark during their careers with the USMC. They learn all about what it really means to be a Marine. They learn about how to dress and act in public, how their hair should be cut, and to take pride in their new title of United States Marine.
We made it to San Diego and got checked into our hotel early. Although I had wanted to go to a national monument, we were all so exhausted, we decided not to. We did go to the Navy base in San Diego and met Shane Kennelly there. It was good to see him again! We had lunch and went to the commissary to purchase groceries for a picnic at Family Day tomorrow. The kids went for a swim in the pool, while Joe rested since his back is out for yet another family function.
Oh, while I was at the pool, I ran into two other families that have Marines graduating on October 2nd. Their Marines are in different platoons, but it was nice to meet them. We also went to the Meet and Greet set up by the Facebook group, but really didn't meet many people there. The rooms were so crowded we ended up in the regular part of the restaurant. By then we had met up with Heather and Rob, so our family was nearly complete. The only one missing was Jeremiah, and we'll see him tomorrow.
Battalion Commander's Inspection. Hopefully all the new Marines have their uniforms ironed, ribbons on straight, and shoes polished to a high sheen. Supposedly the Marines need to measure each pin with a ruler to make sure it's in the correct place...down to the millimeter! Must be why they look so good in their uniforms.
We are en route. We did make it to Payson last night and today got to Beaumont. There was a bit of apprehension while driving since we had a "check engine" light come on. Thank heavens for OnStar since they were able to run a diagnostic on the Suburban and find that it wasn't getting the air intake expected. Joe and the OnStar rep determined we needed a new air filter, so we stopped in Victorville and bought one. It took care of the problem. Tomorrow on to San Diego!
Parade Practice today. I think this will happen every day from now until Graduation. I imagine cleaning and packing are part of the schedule, along with turning in items they'd been issued, like their rifles.
Many of the families of the new Marines are starting off on their trips to San Diego. Some are already there! We head out tonight to Payson. Then we're off to Beaumont to stay with our nephew, Ty, and his family. Wednesday we will be in San Diego!
Of course, first we have to get the Suburban fixed. Took it in for an inspection to make sure it is travel worthy, and the mechanic found some leaks. About a $600 repair, but we should get there.
Sunday! The Marines get to go to church today. It will be Jeremiah's last Sunday as a Priest. Thursday he will be ordained an Elder.
Not only do the Marines get to go to church, but they are going to the San Diego Padres baseball game today as well. Some of the MoMs (Mother's of Marines) went to San Diego early so they could try and see their sons. Lots of pictures came out of that. Here are a few:
Here at home, we were getting the Suburban cleaned out and ready to be loaded. Tomorrow we head off for San Diego!
The new Marines were transferred back to MCRD today from Camp Pendleton. Meanwhile, back home we're frantically doing laundry and making sure we have what we need to travel to San Diego. Getting excited to see our new Marine! Now...if Matthew will get better. He's got bronchitis. Starting on antibiotics since Jeremiah doesn't need to get sick on his 10-day leave.
Yes, I actually know for certain that Jeremiah made it through the dreaded Crucible. We received a call last night from some missionaries that are serving at MCRD San Diego. The Sister called and let me know that he made it. She also told me Jeremiah wants me to make copies of all the letters he's sent home so he can put them in a journal. I'm thinking, "What?! He keeps a journal?!" What made me tear up, though, was when she told me he was being ordained an Elder. It will be during a reception that the LDS Church has there on base on Family Day. So, I was an emotional mess yesterday with him becoming a Marine and then knowing he is going to be ordained. I'm so excited for him!
Last night I also found that a video had been posted of each platoon in Charlie Company. It was filmed on the 18th. All they do is stand there on bleachers behind the DIs, but it was nice to see him and that he's well. He looks tired or bored or both. I can't decide.
We received a letter from Jeremiah today as well. He was ready for The Crucible. He was hoping it would help him get some of his stress out since he was very frustrated with someone in his platoon. Actually, he's been frustrated with many in the platoon. He states, "the recruits that think they made it are trying to turn it into a game." He then goes on to talk about the other recruit that was "being a pain in the rear end." It sounds like he was so frustrated with this recruit trying to boss him around (which Jeremiah has NEVER taken very well) that he wanted to beat the pulp out of him. Luckily, though, Jeremiah does have self-restraint and didn't do that. His platoon was with the SDI (Senior Drill Instructor) for the Crucible, and this other recruit was on Jeremiah's team. Jeremiah wrote, "I might be up against him during pugil sticks during the Crucible. Maybe not, but I might be able to release a lot of pent up stress during the Crucible with all the physical activity that will be happening." Reading between the lines...he hoped to pummel the guy.
I don't know if he ever got to beat on the other guy with a Pugil stick, but I'm very glad that he made it through the Crucible and now has the title of Marine.
Last night I also found that a video had been posted of each platoon in Charlie Company. It was filmed on the 18th. All they do is stand there on bleachers behind the DIs, but it was nice to see him and that he's well. He looks tired or bored or both. I can't decide.
Today Jeremiah will be turning in his gear: rifle, helmet, or any other item "loaned" to him for boot camp. So he'll be cleaning everything getting it ready to be returned. Then he and the other new Marines will be given instruction covering what is expected of him as a Marine within the Corps and out in the civilian world.
For the next week, it's learning about BEING a Marine...not on HOW to be a Marine. Decorated Marine Vets will speak to the new Marines and welcome them to the brotherhood and talk about the history of the Marine Corps.
Jeremiah should be receiving his orders for SOI/MCT. SOI is School of Infantry. MCT is Military Combat Training.
All the new Marines will be preparing for the Moto Run and practicing for Family Day and Graduation. They'll also be getting used to addressing their DIs by their rank (Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, etc.) rather than "Sir."
I'm getting so excited for next week and seeing Jeremiah in his uniform. It will be nice to see him, talk to him, and give him a hug. The three months has gone by faster than I'd anticipated. He's grown so very much. I'm thrilled that he has achieved this goal of his to be a United States Marine.
Pictures were posted today, September 25, 2015, of some of the things that Jeremiah's company did during The Crucible.
Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, tested their physical strength during a Crucible event known as Jenkin’s Pinnacle. Recruits ran to several stations as a fire team carrying a log. The recruits then set the log on the ground and performed the designated exercise for that station. Once recruits completed the exercise, they executed another exercise utilizing the log. After completing the station, recruits ran to the next station with the log to begin another exercise. Station exercises included push-ups, sit-ups, crunches and log exercises included log curls, squats and overhead presses. Conquering this event, the recruits are one step closer to becoming Marines.
Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, climb over the Jenkin’s Pinnacle obstacle during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Each recruit was required to climb over the obstacle with all his gear.
Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, execute log curls as a team during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Recruits were required to do 25 curls following 25 jumping jacks.
Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, carry a log to their next exercise during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Recruits carried the log between exercises throughout the whole event.
Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, perform sit-ups with their rifle during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Recruits were required to execute 25 sit-ups followed by 25 log squats before continuing to the next exercise.
Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, perform push-ups with their rifle during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Recruits were required to execute 25 repetitions of the exercise following 25 log bends before continuing to the next exercise.
Recruits of Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, execute log squats during the Crucible at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sept. 23. Recruits performed 25 log squats and 25 sit-ups before they continued to the next exercise.
