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        New Message Board Archives >> 2007 General Board Posts >> sad but proud
        
(Message started by: Karla on Aug 5^th, 2007, 7:38am)

Title: sad but proud
Post by Karla on Aug 5^th, 2007, 7:38am

My youngest son leaves today at 4:00 to go to Milwaukee to Meps to swear in and then fly to San Diego to start basic training for the Marine Corps. I am so proud of him yet so scared for him at the same time. He has been hanging around the recruiters office for 2 years preparing weekly with them by doing physical training, learning how to take apart and reasemble an M16 and fire it. He has repeled off rock cliffs at a state park that is close to here. I really think he is ready for this and boy is he phyced about actually going active duty. He signed up for 8 years. I think I have empty nest syndrom setting in. It feels so strange to not have to buy school supplies and register a kid for school and go to sporting events. We threw a hudge going away/graduation party for him yesterday.

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by sldrswyfe on Aug 5^th, 2007, 8:01am

Karla,

My heart and prayers are with you. I know how scared you are. It is strange, how "psyched" they are....but Karla, they really want to do this.

In some strange way, knowing that my husband really wanted/wants to do this comforts me. The thought of him being unable to cope (some of the guys simply can't, understandably)would break my heart more.

I don't think my husband could've been more hell bent to go to Iraq....it kind of freaked me out. However, after six months, he had seen enough to last a lifetime.

He is ready to come home...it's been ten months, he has five left.

It's not just the war...it's the heat, sand, sewage system. I spoke with him last night, and they haven't h ad water for three days. They have to use bottled water that's about a hundred degrees.

If you need to talk, please feel free to PM me. Your son sounds very ready Karla...it's something he has to do.

All of my best, Sherri

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by sandie99 on Aug 5^th, 2007, 8:17am

Karla... [smiley=hug.gif]

Best wishes,
Sanna

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by sldrswyfe on Aug 5^th, 2007, 8:32am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctVI5baftFo

Last night, Toby Keith was in Kuwait, (my husband is there right now, en route back to Baghdad)...he's a country singer...the song is "American Soldier".

Although my husband isn't a country fan, he was very touched by this song...it showed me how deeply he feels about what he is doing...

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by sandie99 on Aug 5^th, 2007, 8:36am

Sherri,

although Toby Keith is not my biggest singer fave, I like that song a lot and I actually have that album which has that song. :)
I got goose spots the first time I heard it, so I can easily understand why your husband was touched. It made me think of my grandfather, who was a solder (captain, who become major) when Finland was in war.

Sanna

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by E-Double on Aug 5^th, 2007, 8:38am

best wishes!!!

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by E-Double on Aug 5^th, 2007, 8:43am

best wishes!!!

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by sldrswyfe on Aug 5^th, 2007, 9:00am

I am proud and honored to be the the wife of an "American Soldier"... and so proud of my husband.

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by nani on Aug 5^th, 2007, 9:02am

hugs to you and Ted, Karla. I don't envy your position.
I'll be praying for his safety.

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by Callico on Aug 5^th, 2007, 9:48am

Please give him a BIG thank you from me. I know you have been dreading this day, but it is here and he is ready. Leave him in God's hands. As you know he is as safe then in the Corps as anywhere. We'll be praying for you and Ted as well as for your son. Our son is activating in Sept. for deployment, so we know how you feel.

Give us a yell if we can help in any way.

Jerry

PS Sempre Fi !!!

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by Rosybabe on Aug 5^th, 2007, 11:49am

Wishing the best for your son Karla!. My stepson just separated from the corps 3 days ago and we are waiting for him to come home. Some are leaving some are coming..it is the story of life ;).

You can be very proud of him. ;;D

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by Jonny on Aug 5^th, 2007, 12:12pm

http://wtv-zone.com/bluefox/images/usmc_seal.gif

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by tanner on Aug 5^th, 2007, 12:56pm

Karla, I know and feel your mixed emotions only too well :-/

Please tell your boy that there are a whole lot of us that thank, honor, and will be keeping him in our thoughts and prayers for his decision.

Best always........Tim

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by 2late on Aug 5^th, 2007, 1:15pm

all the best to your son and also to you. sounds like he is a true patriot. try not to be sad,it sounds like he's ready,and if it weren't for people like your son, who would defend this country,god bless you both. .......Jack

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by BlueMeanie on Aug 5^th, 2007, 1:24pm

I can imagine how you feel Karla. Sounds like he's very pumped up for this. Tell him thank you from all of us. Prayers going out to him and the rest of the guys over there.

8 years, wow... why so many ?

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by Brewcrew on Aug 5^th, 2007, 1:52pm

on 08/05/07 at 13:24:57, BlueMeanie wrote:

The more time you commit, the better your package when you leave. Plus, many feel as though this is the right career choice for them. The longer they commit, the higher up they can move.

Karla - Undying thanks to you, Ted, and your son from all of us Brew clan.

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by BlueMeanie on Aug 5^th, 2007, 2:00pm

on 08/05/07 at 13:52:05, Brewcrew wrote:

The more time you commit, the better your package when you leave. Plus, many feel as though this is the right career choice for them. The longer they commit, the higher up they can move.

Unless things have changed, when you leave you get nothing unless you complete 20 years. I left after 7 years and got nothing. When you relisted, is when you got your bonus incentive. Moving up depended on length of service and of course evaluations. All the people who signed for more than 4 yrs. got automatic E3 but I caught up quick so for me it didn't matter. ;)

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by Brewcrew on Aug 5^th, 2007, 2:31pm

I think things have changed, Bob. But I'll have to call upon others for details because I don't know what they are.

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by alienspacebabe on Aug 5^th, 2007, 4:12pm

Karla - Glad he made it to this point! Congrats, to him and to you!

The empty-nest feeling is quite real. Take time every day to talk with Ted - it'll help having him there with you.

Hugs!

love,
Lizzie

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by phil_h on Aug 5^th, 2007, 4:25pm

we are proud of all those who serve and thier families...... i'm afraid for the brave .....and feel safe and free because of the sacrifices our soldiers and thier families continue to make...god protect them on thier missions and may a band of angels comfort all..phil h

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by Redd on Aug 5^th, 2007, 5:36pm

Thank that dear son of yours for me Karla, andPlease keep me posted how you get through the empty nest thing...I'm not too far away from that myself. :-/

You have every right to be proud...and remember that when the sadness comes. Your son loves and desires to serve his country with all it's troubles and termoil. We still have a way of life worth defending. Bless him.

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by sldrswyfe on Aug 5^th, 2007, 5:58pm

That was a great sentiment Phil.

I'd like to take this opportunity, that has presented itself, to thank EVERY SINGLE mother, father, wife, husband, cousin, etc. that has someone serving. It is because of all of them that we can lay our heads down at night...and freely walk outside without fear.

Thankyou Karla's son...Thankyou Callico's son and every single other reading this that it applies to...God be with you. Sherri

**Thankyou Rosy's son...and Thankyou John, I love you.

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by Maffumatt on Aug 5^th, 2007, 6:29pm

Thats something to be proud of Karla, you did good.

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by zwibbs/Scott on Aug 5^th, 2007, 6:33pm

Be very proud Karla---Your son is a real MAN , and the Lord will watch over him !!!!

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by Kevin_M on Aug 5^th, 2007, 6:39pm

Sounds like a really good Marine. Home of the free because of the brave.

The few make many proud. ;)

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/GGE/60968-10~Homecoming-Marine-Posters.jpg

Some old Marine posters you might want to browse, Karla.

http://www.allposters.com/-st/Marines-Posters_c53352_.htm

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by sldrswyfe on Aug 5^th, 2007, 7:04pm

That is a beautiful picture. Is there a site specifically for military art? or is it the one you listed...just for marines?

I also like the quote..."Home of the free because of the brave"...have never heard that one before. Thanks.

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by Kevin_M on Aug 5^th, 2007, 7:38pm

It's hard to find any picture or poster that adequately reflects what Marines have done. Maybe among the many, one might put a heart in one's throat at the thought. :)

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by Charlie on Aug 5^th, 2007, 8:53pm

Be proud....we all are. Glad he's one of ours.

He'll do all right...after all he had to deal with you. :D

American kids do us proud.

Charlie

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by Gator on Aug 6^th, 2007, 4:38pm

I can relate to your fears, Karla. My oldest boy served in the Army and is now out and back home.

I also feel you on the Empty Nester thing. Our youngest is leaving home on the 15th for college. We just went this afternoon and got the stuff for his dorm room. :-/ For the first time in our married life, we will have the house all to ourselves. The concept is almost hard to grasp. The reality is crashing all down around Jane.

Anyways, tell your son how proud we are of him and tell him this old soldier salutes him.

Karla and Ted, ya done good. [smiley=thumb.gif]

Mike

Title: Re: sad but proud
Post by echo on Aug 6^th, 2007, 4:46pm

I can understand your feelings Karla.

My youngest son has been in the Marines for nearly 10 months and is presently at Cherry Point. He should be home for leave this Friday.

Thank God we have daughters, sons, wives, husbands, brothers and sisters who are willing to defend us.

8 years - that's one heck of an initial enlistment. My son went for six and is already talking lifer.

To tag off Gator's line:
Please let him know this vet salutes him as well.