Writing To Future Marines In Bootcamp: Letters 7 and 3.
Letters 7 and 3 have dropped to two envelopes. We lost one recruit to a stress fracture in the leg a few weeks away from graduation.
I know this has to be heartbreaking for the recruit because she was so close to graduation that she could probably taste it.
However, this is a reality of training. Many forget that becoming part of the military is not only a mental fight but it's a physical fight too!
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It's quite possible this recruit could be sent home to heal and come back for another shot at becoming a Marine. I haven't received an update so I don't know the complete status of the situation.
The Crucible was just a few days ago and I have not received any negative news from his mother, so to me, that is a sign of good news.
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I frantically put the letters in the mail tonight in hopes my last one reaches him. He still has a few days to finish classes before graduation, so I believe the letter will reach him.
The second Marine is currently in Team Week. This week has tons of land navigation training. It's exactly what it sounds like...learning to navigate the land. The recruits will be taught to use terrain maps and a compass to navigate terrain.
The ability to navigate sets apart the truly skilled warriors from the others. If he can pick up this skill it will help with many future promotions and make his time in the military that more enjoyable.
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The graduating Marine was given his proper congratulatory due. The Marine recruit was given a letter of motivation and I asked that he try to comprehend as much of the land navigation that he could muster.
As always I gave quotes in the letters.
The last Marine Recruit has only 3 to 4 weeks left before graduation. The letters to the Marine Recruits are almost to an end.
Pictures by @lexikon082 unless annotated.
OFFICIAL HOME OF THE FIRST EVER LOONEY COIN
I mostly story post about my sobriety, family, effects of war, and the crazier parts of my life. However, if it interests me I may just Steem about it! Steem on Steemians!
I like the quotes! Great way to spread some motivation
Thank you @rawpride. I like to think they help them get through the grind of what of Bootcamp.
This new Marine mom is headed to South Carolina on Tuesday :D
I didn't get a phone call but honestly did not expect to. He called his lady love...which is not me. LOL She was so surprised and excited that she could barely speak but got on Skype to tell me the great news. He sounds great and cannot wait for hugs...and FOOD. Lots and lots of food. I fear my grocery bill may triple in the short visit. LOL
As for the second recruit... I cannot believe he's beginning Phase III already. He qualified expert in Table I Firing and says he's healthy. I don't have any updates on the Oscar recruit. I should chase down her mom to ask. I believe she was staying on base to recover.
I wish I could remember how long a recruit has to finish bootcamp before they are completely recycled. If she gets medical clearance before the time frame, she can join a platoon where she left off in training. If not, she has to start from training day 1. Sending up prayers and positive thoughts for her!
Congratulations! I remember when the first of them set out and how you felt. Let the FOOD flow!
It's Tuesday! Enjoy your trip. I am sure there will be lots of good food flowing. Please tell me if you notice a difference in the way he eats, lol.
I was wondering about the recycling of the Oscar Recruit myself. I've known a few people in the Army who were able to heal and start off training where they left off but I was not sure how that worked for the Marines. Hopefully, she will be able to heal in time. She was so close!
This is so nice of you. Receiving letters are sure to raise their spirits and it's nice to see you being able to keep up with it. Well done.
Thank you @fisteganos. I really wanted to make them weekly letters, but I am averaging about every 10 days or so. I sure hope it raised their spirits. The daily grind can really become overwhelming at times.
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STOPAmazing post @lexikon082. I followed you for more of your posts.
I am new here, I would appreciate it if you follow me @lunaticenigma and if you like my posts, do upvote it.
Thanks:)
Can imagine these recruits are very touched every time they receive a handwritten letter from you :) Keep it up, Lex! :)
Thanks @foodie.warrior. I do hope it helped. I like to think it did.
I think it helps more than you'll ever know :))
I salute you for your continuing service helping other brothers through the grind. Bless You.
Thanks @ retired20usaf! Don't know if you saw @merej99's reply below, but her son did make it through the Crucible! He is now a Marine!
That is awesome. congrats to him.