+3

+3 is not a good thing, at least not in this case. #1 and I went to drop off his paperwork and have his photo taken yesterday. He was looking forward to scheduling his physical and ASVAB. However, we had a nasty surprise. He is 3 lbs. overweight. We got a nice pep talk but got sent home. Sgt. A was the one to talk to #1 about this, and although it was a disappointment, I came away from this even more impressed by the Corps and how they look after each other, and that includes recruits.

I came in a few minutes after #1, so I missed the weigh-in. However, when I walked in, I got to hear Sgt. A talking with my son. He told him that as eager as they all were to get him tested and finish up his application, he didn't want to send him to a physical only to be turned down. What he said was,"I feel so bad for telling you this, but I'd rather tell you straight up. I just don't even want to think about sending you to the doc and then watching you go through the heartbreak of being sent back down." Those of you who already have your very own Marine can probably just hear the kindness in Sgt. A's voice. I got a wonderful feeling for how much they take care of other Marines, even Marine wannabees, and I found that reassuring.

On the way back home, #1 was obviously disappointed and was feeling a bit down. I told him that he had the luxury of feeling sorry for himself for exactly as long as it took to get home, but then he'd have to get back up and start again. He just gave me a look, but I got a nice hug when we got home. He went to change into his workout clothes right away. I went upstairs and cried. I won't let him feel sorry for himself, but I can certainly do it for him, as long as he doesn't see me doing it. I am his mom, after all.

#1 is now really pushing himself during his workouts. Right now, he's upstairs doing chin-ups while holding a smaller brother on his shoulders. Later, he'llbe out running with one of the collies. He heard very clearly what Sgt. A was saying. I'm glad I got to see how concerned Sgt. A was, but I'm also glad that I know that the Marines will make sure #1 gets what he needs, whether it's a kind word or a good kick in the butt There are some things a mom just can't do, so I am really starting to like these guys!

Posted by at 11:10 AM | Comments (1)

February 23, 2007

I Haven't Been There Or Done That...

...but my t-shirt arrived today. That's right - for the time being, I am just a Marine Corps Mom wannabee. I have four sons, collectively known as The Four Horsemen. My oldest, #1, is applying to go to Marine PLC - Platoon Leader Corps - this summer in Quantico. He really wants to become an officer in the Corps, and so our entire family are working with him and praying for him to be able to realize his dream. Even as a baby he was one of the most determined people I've ever met, and he is finding a good use for that determination. So, when he announced that he wanted to join the Marine Corps and had that look, I knew better than to do anything except smile proudly and try to stay out of his way.

Did I mention that my t-shirt arrived today? I've got it hanging on the wall in my bedroom. I bought it for myself, even though I can't wear it yet. I'm just waiting and praying for the day I can take it down from the hanger and wear it everywhere. It's really cute, and it is pink, my favourite colour. On the front it says, "I may look harmless, but I raised a U.S. Marine!" . The day I finally get to wear that shirt will be one of the proudest and happiest of my life. #1 told me that his recruiter told him that he'll be asked about whether his family supports his decision to become a Marine. I told him to tell Major X that I bought that shirt for myself and that I am relying on him to plan my wardrobe in a couple of years. #1 laughed, and said he'd say exactly that. So until then, I get to write here about my hopes (and fears) for my son, and about how it feels to watch my baby turn into a fine young man. That should keep me occupied until I get to wear that t-shirt.

Update:

Here is the link to the Marine Corps Gifts shop at cafepress:

I may look harmless but I raised a U.S. Marine

Posted by at 10:12 PM | Comments (4)

February 22, 2007

Add one to the team

Deb & Cindy, enjoying margaritas in Key West a year ago this week.

Meet Cindy! She's in training to become a Marine Mom and has volunteered (one might call it drafted) to join the team here at Marine Corps Moms. I've known Cindy for years and consider her a close and very dear friend. I'm thrilled that she's consented to add her wisdom here. She's a gifted writer and I know you'll enjoy reading her thoughts.

Posted by Deb at 10:18 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

February 17, 2007

Dustin Wilkes on Nashville Star

This season on Nashville Star the boys and I were surprised to find a former Marine, Dustin Wilkes, competing on the show. While serving in the Corps, he was involved with Toys For Tots, and in fact wrote the song used in the national campaign, called "One Toy At A Time". My boys were just delighted to see the film of Dustin on Nashville Star - his dress blues were a big hit at my house, and my youngest declared that after he is out of the Corps, he is going to become a country singer. Of course, since he's only 9 we have a while to wait for his CD.

However, we do have an opportunity to help Dustin Wilkes get a CD out. Wilkes was eliminated early in the competition, much to our dismay. He's got a great voice and an even better personality, and we were all disappointed to see him go.

Now, Nashville Star is allowing fans to vote on the performer they'd most like to see get a second chance. . You can vote to give Dustin that second chance, which would be wonderful! Go to this link, scroll down to see the weekly poll, and click on Dustin Wilkes. Wouldn't it be great to give one of our Marines a shot at a recording contract?

Vote for Dustin

To hear a clip of Dustin's performance on Nashville Star, click here:

Listen to Dustin

Great voice and a great Marine - what's not to like?

Posted by at 08:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 14, 2007

Valentine wishes from Marine Corps Moms

Posted by Deb at 01:23 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Love Story

USMC Sgt. Ty Ziegel spent Valentine's Day 2005 at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. Not quite two months earlier, he was on patrol near Al Qaim and a suicide bomber detonated next to the truck he was in. One arm was gone and he lost three fingers on his other hand. His head was severely burned - both ears were gone and one eye was blinded. But when his tracheotomy tube was removed, his first words were to his girlfriend who had spent the last six weeks at his side. "Renee, will you be my Valentine?"

And she was. Last October, they were married - she wore a beautiful white dress, trimmed in red. He wore his dress blues with his Purple Heart prominent among his combat ribbons and medals. Here's a link to their wedding picture - copyright restrictions prohibit posting it here.

Happy Valentine's Day, Ty and Renee Zieger.

Posted by Deb at 11:41 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 04, 2007

What Marines do in their spare time

1/7 Marines - LCpls Stomberg and Hegland singing and dancing during a bit of down time. This was taken during their third deployment to Iraq (they're home now). It makes me laugh every time I see it.

Posted by Deb at 08:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack