Lookin' SOOOOO sharp
Thank you so much to the caring Marine family (the Craddocks) who wereon PI for the 4th of July celebration and took many wonderful pictures of as many platoons as they could find. Our ladies were off working on weapons handling drill when our photographer found them. Though very tiny due to distance, it is a real joy to see the group and know that Sara is among them. If I am correct, she may be the first from the right (or just maybe second from the left with an extra M16 slung across her back... very hard to tell.) OohRah!
I will make it as big as possible in this little space!
This gives an idea of how far away our photographer was.
Once again, this is actually Platoon 4024 so Sara is in this picture. I am excited to see this tiny glimpse into her life and am thankful our Marine family cared enough to take the pictures and post them for all us VPP's of our Recruits.
This week is firing week. "Snap in" Sara. We are ALL pulling for you and your Squad and Platoon.
According to her last letter, Sara is still First Squad leader of her Platoon. This is what a USMC SSgt said to a DEP Poolee in a recent post about wanting to be a squad leader:
"...if you desire to be a squad leader you need to be at least a P.T. Stud...you need to be able to sound off like you have a pair...and not be afraid to tell recruits what the hell they are supposed to be doing, even if that means putting some "friendships" at risk. .... If a fellow Marine is jacked up, you should feel confident and compelled to correct him. Even if that Marine is a higher rank than you, in which case you use tact.... . just remember that the key to being a good leader is sometimes following. and always being as squared away as possible. dont do it to impress people, don't do it because you want to make billets. do it because you want to be the best Marine you can be. and trust me...that will show to your superiors and they will deal with your attitude accordingly..... it is an accomplishment to be able to hold billets like [squad leader], however, the most important thing is to be the best Marine, and [woman]that you can be. it will get you through anything. always remember [what] it took to earn the title, and live your life accordingly."
I am appreciating the Marine Corps more and more each day. What great counsel ... (I wonder what DC would be like if all prospective leaders of our country had to have passed pass through a MCRD as a prerequisite... on both sides of the aisle.) Hmmmm!
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Great blog that you have here for Sara.
ReplyDeleteBeing a red-head myself ...I'm certain that if she has the spunk to enlist in the Corps, she has what it takes to keep her position as squad leader as well.
In the photo following the DI yelling, it looks as though she is turned around showing the rest of the platoon how to do it correctly. I think the bright red hair bun gives her away. You'll also notice that in the photo were the DI is yelling ...Sara is standing solid while others, hummmm are not!
I will ask my wife to see if she can pull her photo in any clearer for you.
My hat is off to Sara. Please tell Her that this Marine is very proud of her
ReplyDeleteand her decision to serve our country. I wish nothing but the best for her.
Please tell Sara to Stay Motivated.
God Bless and have a great USMC day.
Don Goss
Thanks so much to you both for your encouragement and kindness. And Don, you can bet I will and thanks to you for your time in service and for having earned the title.
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