Vigilance

To keep watch, stay awake, alertly watchful especially to avoid danger. I will:

• Never become complacent in my duties, especially if I am alone. 
• Bear full responsibility for the security of my post and mission. 
• Maintain a high level of personal security and situational awareness. 
• Be constantly aware of all possible threats due to terrorism, criminal activity, or unsafe acts and to guard my well being and the safety of my fellow detachment members and embassy personnel at all times.

Come home. I will leave the light on for you.

Memorial Day 2012

It’s been better than two years now.  Actually two years and three days.

In those 733 days, I have been able to look into your eyes only 31.  For some dads, I suppose, that would be luxury.  For this Dad’s eyes, too few.  Yet, my heart is thankful that I still can do that…and that we text and talk.  Memories you have given me and mom during the 4% of life we have shared face to face in the past 24 months include:

Travel to graduation at Parris Island 2010

The brown recluse surprise surgery trip 2010 while at the school house.

Your most incredible surprise visit to DFW, Thanksgiving 2010.

Christmas in San Antonio 2010

New Years in San Antonio 2011

Your recent home visit April 2012 on the front end of this new venture.

But I am thankful.  You have brought other Marines into our lives.  Our home is filled with USMC awards, plaques, accomplishments, flags, hats, etc. etc.  No less than three USMC flags are displayed at any time.  I have been back to MEPS in the last month, and relived your experience, with a neighbor and his Mom.  Feelings haven’t changed since the last time I stood for the swearing in Ceremony and said good-bye’s.  Of course, he headed to San Diego… his loss… ha!

And your adventure continues. 

Another 300 (perfect score) on your Combat Fitness Test this past week.

Another near perfect score on your most recent Physical Fitness Test the week before that. Expert Pistol. Expert Rifle. Range Coach. A new MCMAP belt, and a cutting score that rocks.

We, your family, your loved ones, salute you Sara.

We commend you for your willingness to sacrifice months and years of your life… and if this is to be the future you choose for yourself… your sacrifice of a lifetime in service to us… doing your part in the puzzle of liberty and justice for all. 

In spite of the adventure, I suppose what touches me the most about you, is your sacrifice of time with family, as your 2 sisters and hubbies, your brother and your mother and I (not to mention your friends and extended family) stand on the sidelines and watch.  It’s hard to imagine that holidays without you will become the norm in the years ahead, as we both know you will be called on to serve during those days.

Both of us will make do, won’t we.  You will be tough as nails and I will attempt to be.  However, the next time you come home, promise me I will get a batch of home-made oatmeal raisin cookies made for me by you.  I will be waiting for them.

Fight for right and freedom. Keep our honor clean. Stand tall. Be uncompromising.

Remember most of all --- who you are...whose you are...and your heritage!

I am here for you, Dad

Job 28:28 (remember this)

Just SHUT UP, would you?

It's still a free country.  We guard our right to speak freely.  However, it pains me that a vocal minority express on public blogs how much they hate their jobs with the all volunteer Marine Corps.  Some go out of their way to poison those around them with negative and childish talk.  Buck up boys and girls. Welcome to life.  You are not living in a world free from having to be responsible for your attitudes and actions.  That's right...!  It amazes me that there is incessant whining.

In a screwed up world run by screwed up people what do you expect?

Choose how you respond.  Choose to bring life to the table...day after day... a positive outlook... in the face of the crap that surrounds you... or an MOS that you have grown to dislike... or being stuck in some god-forsaken corner of the planet.

Look for the good.  IT'S THERE!  Acknowledge the bad when absolutely necessary but SEE the good and stay motivated.  Be positive and quit being so stinking self-centered... and do NOT tolerate such conversation in others.  It demoralizes and is an energy vortex sucking the life out of those who listen and participate.

Yes ideals wither and fade.  So?  Don't leave your training in Honor, Courage, and Commitment back at boot where it was force fed.  You choose to be the stand out.  Set new ideals.  You be the standard.  You choose to be the light in a world of dark, unfair, political garbage.  Don't give in to the "Crab in the bucket" syndrome allowing others to pull you back down with their small stinking thinking. Remember what your mom said... "if you don't have anything good to say, shut up!"(my paraphrase).  Be an example to those around you.  Lead!  Stand tall.  Make a difference in the corner where you are planted... wherever that may be according to the "needs of the Marine's".

And for goodness sakes, work hard.  Go the extra mile... and leave the complaining off the public blogs or other public venues.  Just my 2 cents.

Detached!

LCpl Sara is now formally detached from her unit. After two weeks of "checking out," the cumbersome culminated with a flurry of activity. "Kindly" compelling the cooperative effort of medical, dental, and administrative staff to push clearance and obtain the always necessary signatures, today, it's official.

So of course, it's off to Havelock and Cherry Point to share the joy of 30 days liberation with friends. Sara's career as a wrench with Cryogenics and MALS26 is behind her. A newer adventure lies ahead. Perhaps after her upcoming school and training she will earn enough points in her cutting score to pick up Corporal... but, with an MOS change, so does the cutting score, so who knows. I would think that two stripes in two years would be a significant honor to achieve.

So it's off to visit friends and family for as long as Sara can feel comfortable being away from this life of hers that we experience from a distance. She walks forward with a new belt level in MCMAP, training and experience as a range coach, 14 months experience in a Marine shop work , and perhaps miraculously... No NJP's... lol!

Her Ram "made for mud" pick-up has been sold... As has been her GSXR600 black rocket of a bike!
Freedom from debt, freedom from work for 30 days... What a concept!

Good job Sara! Make a difference for good on the world around you. Pursue excellence and hate mediocrity! No... Loathe it entirely.

As you were.

What is Quantico?

Quantico is the site of one of the largest U.S. Marine Corps bases in the world, (MCB Quantico). The base is the site of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command and HMX-1 (the presidential helicopter squadron). The United States Drug Enforcement Administration's training academy, the FBI Academy, the FBI Laboratory, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service headquarters are on the base.

Marine Corps Base Quantico is comprised of more than 6,700 military personnel, 6,900 civilians, and 2,500 family members.

Since its inception in 1917, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, has been the "frontline of innovation." Marine concepts, doctrine, training, and equipment of the future are initiated aboard the Base. The techniques of amphibious warfare, for which the Corps is renowned, were conceived and perfected here. The tactics of close-air support and vertical envelopment using helicopters were also developed within its borders. As attention is focused on future battlefields, the Marine Corps and other branches of Service are looking to Quantico to lead the way with technological advances as well as creative and innovative thinking.

Quantico also serves as the focal point for professional military education. The Marine Corps University provides the academic platform the Corps uses to shape and hone leaders at every milestone of their professional lives. Officers in the Marine Corps begin their careers at the Officer Candidates School and The Basic School. Enlisted marines receive additional leadership training at the University's Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. The Marine Corps War College, School of Advanced Warfighting and Amphibious Warfighting School are also part of the University, training officers in the U.S. Armed Forces and international officers from designated foreign countries in the art of war.

Whether assigned to Quantico as a student or as a permanent personnel, the Marine will become part of a community that reflects professional character while enjoying an off-duty environment with many social, civic, and professional opportunities.

Seven weeks in this professional environment sounds pretty cool.

WHOA!!! Here we go again! It's Quantico!

OK!

The interview this morning with the Gunny and staff who pre-qualify Marines for [classified] training apparently went very well.

Orders for Cherry Point have been cancelled and now LCpl Sara has been ordered to Quantico, Virginia sometime before the summer to start a new adventure with a lot of opportunity I think.  Should things go well at Quantico it looks like she may pick up Corporal by graduation.  I won't hold my breath, but that would be pretty sharp to have another stripe for her Blue's.  She has become quite self confident and mature.  You may remember that she was company high shooter at Parris Island.  Since then, she has become a Range Coach and has maintained her Expert Rifle qualifications and is also Expert with her Pistol.  She picked up her Gray belt last week in MCMAP and was the only female in the group of 21.  They apparently did not cut her any slack and she said she loved it.

Should she make it through the training, which I expect, she will head directly to her yet unknown location immediately on graduation.  We will have to plan to be at that graduation to see her off.

UNIQUE DAY in current history

Yesterday, 11/10/11, we celebrated the birthday of our Marine Corps family... another anniversary to express pride and thanks for the Corps and the service of our men and women.  I so appreciate the protection and preservation of the rights we take for granted.  We have no idea how truly blessed we are!

And today, my favorite number combination pops up, 11/11/11, to celebrate ALL of our Veterans and their families... the memory of lives sacrificed (hopefully for the greater good of mankind)... to remember our warriors who are suffering, due to the atrocities perpetrated by man on man (ironically almost all of whom claim to fight on behalf of or in the name of the Almighty One), and finally, to recognize the service of the countless men and women, who because of their efforts doing the details behind the front lines during times of war allowed and led to victory.  Thank you.

Thank you, LCpl Sara, and the entire MALS "55" group for your service to our country and support for the greater good and success of the USMC... your Corps... our Corps...  the MARINE CORPS!

 So, not only does the date look cool... 11/11/11 ... but for me it represents a reminder.  I often, somehow, happen to see digital clocks through the days, at 11:11 (both dark and light time) and get the same reminder.

I am reminded that when I was a boy, I used to believe that the words of the Jewish historical guy named Yeshua (who we call Jesus) were true.  As I became a man, and grew out of and away from the "village" context of ideology and faith, I began exploring on my own.  I have continued that exploration through the years, buying and reading sacred scriptures of world religions, faith groups (some considered to be cults), as well as many of the variations on the theme in the world of Christianity.

At the end of the day, when I come back to the words of Yeshua, some of which were passed forward in the first four books of what is called the New Testament in the Bible, I am amazed by the simplicity of the truths.  I find that, all things considered, I still do believe His words to be true and correct.  And the older I get, I find that I want to understand more completely why he said the things he said, and what he meant for me by them.  So I try to connect the dots.  And because of that, with time, this sort of odd relationship has happened.  Odd because I relate to someone I cannot experience with my physical senses.  But it's good.

So why is 11/11. and especially 11/11/11, kind of cool for me?  Because I get reminded that there is a formula for success that if I buy into, mine is guaranteed.  I like that. 

Jesus said these words ... (and I know he said them because the guy who printed the Bible I sometimes read used red ink to prove it, ha!) ... and they help me keep my priorities in line (squared away)...

...But seek [aim at and strive after] first of all His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right], and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

I guess someone will have to read the paragraphs in front of this to figure out the "things" Jesus was referring to. But its a good read.  (this was from the Amplified Bible from chapter six in the book Matthew, verse 33)

So, 11/11/11 at 11:11a and 11:11p. The ultimate reminder for me on this unique day in our life.

Happy Veterans Day.

...and the clock ticks

The familiar and the habitual are so falsely reassuring, and most of us make our homes there permanently. The new is always, by definition unfamiliar and untested, so God, life, destiny suffering have to give us a push - usually a big one - or we will not go. Someone has to make clear to us that homes are not meant to be lived in - but only to be moved out from.

None of us go into our...maturity completely of our own accord, or by totally free choice. We are led by Mystery, which religious people rightly call grace. Most of us have to be cajoled or seduced into it, or we fall into it by some kind of "transgression," believe it or not.... Most get little reassurance from others, or even have full confidence that they are totally right. Setting out is always a leap of faith, a risk in the deepest sense of the term, and yet ... an adventure too.

Fr. Richard Rohr

Long Time No See

It's been 10 months now since we got to see LCpl Sara.  I am thankful for the fact that "texting" and Facebook are a part of our lives that allow us to stay in touch and check on each other instantly.  I can't imagine what it could be like if we were only able to wait on the occasional letter or phone call.

Now better than 17 months into her initial commitment, if there is a routine, Sara knows it.  (At least, I routinely miss her.  Ha!)  Every once in a while, I get a cool picture from the flightline of an Osprey taking off or landing... I imagine the "sounds of freedom" from memories of my days on the Arlington, TX airport when the prototypes were being developed and tested before my Marine was born.

Many of her friends form the "Bro' dom" and they spend most weekends being Marines off base -- hanging out, beach time, cookouts, too much bar time, loud raucus music and designated driver duties.  (Quite frankly, the formative culture for an adult life.)

Concerned?  Only the concern of a loving father.  "She ain't in Kansas anymore!"
Proud?  Beyond imagination.
Supportive?  Absolutely... with a loud OOH-Rah!

Keep your motivation LCpl Sara!  Stay motivated!  You determine your destiny... one choice at a time!  ...just one choice at a time.

!

AWW* Training on New River

Today at the Marine Corps "Barracks Bash" on New River MCAS, this picture entitled "Winning!" was taken. Yep! Expert Rifle and Expert Pistol ranking has it's advantages... Ha!  Marine Sara fires the latest in savage watergun weaponry!

Winning

*Advanced Water Weapons :)

....oh, and Aunt Kathy, this is NOT actual USMC training, so please don't be nervous! ...thanks for sharing the laughter!

STEP UP. WORK HARD. BE VALUABLE.

"To act in absolute freedom and at the same time know that responsibility is the price of freedom... is salvation."

LIVING IN ABUNDANCE

The supreme prayer of my heart is not to be learned or "good," but to be Radiant.

I desire to radiate health, cheerfulness, sincerity, calm courage and good-will.

I wish to be simple, honest, natural, frank, clean in mind and clean in body, unaffected -- ready to say, "I do not know," if so it be, to meet all men on an absolute equality -- face any obstacle and meet every difficulty unafraid and unabashed.

I wish others to live their lives, too, up to their highest, fullest and best.  To that end I pray that I may never meddle, dictate, interfere, give advice that is not wanted, nor assist when my services are not needed.  If I can help people I'll do it by giving them a chance to help themselves; and if I can uplift or inspire, let it be by example, inference and suggestion, rather than by injunction and dictation.  That is to say, I desire to be Radiant -- to Radiate Life.  Sam Parker

Irene Makes a Pass

LCpl Sara remained on base pulling a 24hr Duty Section. Hurricane Irene made the final third of her Duty quite interesting with shattered glass, wind, and water. Power was still off by the time we spoke. Emergency lighting was dimming so high power flashlights (moonbeams) were being used for the clean up waiting for dawn.

Sara said her first hurricane was quite exciting. I asked her if after her 24 hour duty she was headed to her rack. She reminded me she would be out working if there were any rescue or job needs.

Thanks Sara for all you are doing. Semper Fi!

Range Coach Class

LCpl Sara was volunteered to become a range coach and as I write is in her last week of class. 
Of around 76 in attendance in the course, Sara was one of five, and the only woman Marine that qualified as Expert with her Pistol.  Not bad for first time ever to shoot one.

Alright Sara, keep it up!!!  Don't forget your dreams and vision in the midst of all the fun!  Stay true to yourself.  Sounds like you are on the fast track for that next stripe.  :)

Lance Corporal

Bravo Zulu Sara on your promotion to Lance Corporal.   I know you are RFI. :)  We are watching... proudly.!!!

As you move forward, you will remember this...the only certain means of success is to render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what your task may be.  The surest way to doom yourself to mediocrity is to perform only the work for which you are paid.  Sara, do not think you are being cheated if you deliver more than the salary you receive.  There is a pendulum to life and the sweat you deliver, if not rewarded today, will swing back tomorrow, tenfold.  To go another mile is a privilege you must appropriate by your own initiative.  Your work will not go unnoticed.

I am so glad that you are not mediocre. 
You are squared away and motivated.  OOHRAH! Marine.

Permanent Duty Station

MOS 6074 Cryogenics Equipment Operator for

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 in support of

Marine Aircraft Group 26 V22 Tilt Rotor Squadrons, New River, of the

2nd Marine Air Wing, Cherry Point, of the

2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp LeJeune under

MARFORFCOM

(with MARFORSOUTH and MARFOREUR)

USJFCOM, Norfolk

..............................................143 ................................................

Final Post for this MEPS to Marine Chapter

Three months ago today Sara marched out of our lives and so began "Sara's 'Little' Adventure."

First off,  thank you Sara, for the journey and the reason to write, research, copy, paste, quote, compile, etc.

For you who are reading this and have been reading regularly since I began writing about Sara's day-to-day, week-to-week journey throughout Marine boot camp, thanks for reading. 

It was unexpected and I feel quite fortunate that Sara chose to spend so much time and effort to keep us informed through her letter writing... again, I am very thankful to her for that.  We always had a little letter reading "pow-wow" when one would arrive and we would wonder if everything was going OK if there was a long time between letters.  Everything worked out just fine.

This blog singles out Sara, our Recruit.  But so many here unamed fellow recruits influenced her journey and made it what it was.  Most graduated with her...some were pushed back to Oscar Company platoons and still others who played rolls were unable to finish this journey... made to leave, for example, due to a previously undiscovered alergy to an ant bite.  I owe each Recruit my gratitude for their choice to serve and give their energy and time and for the bit or piece they brought to the table.

To the Drill Instructors, SSgt M., SSgt S, and SDI SSgt W:  You have my respect and admiration.  And to one DI in particular, you have earned the utmost respect from this Dad's Marine.  Your dedication and motivation was contagious.  Though she may have expressed "no preference, Ma'am", or perhaps left unexpressed her admiration to maintain form, know that a model to imitate in you has been set.  Thank you.  Thank you all -- for making a difference in my Marine... in the lives of all the Recruits, and ultimately in the life and well-being of our nation and of those whom the U.S. Marines and all branches of the military fight to protect.  Thank you for your service.
If I have learned anything in these past three months, it's that no one does Marine bootcamp alone.  So though this blog singles out our Recruit turned Marine, it is acutely clear that any one recruits' success is contingent on the team... the ability to form and maintain a selfless cohesive ordered disciplined whole characterized, at the end of the day by Honor, Courage and Commitment to a cause greater than self.

So Sara, it has been an amazing learning curve for me to experience your boot camp from a distance.  You know how proud we are and how thankful I am for your service and heart.

I truly wish you the very best in your career as a Marine, in your college career, and in your desire to excel in everything you choose to do.  If your performance in bootcamp is any indication, it is going to be so much fun to watch you succeed in life.  You are dearly loved....as you know!

I finish this "chapter" with my favorite quotes from the Bible, the book of Proverbs, and Micah.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and

lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will direct your paths"

"He has showed you, O man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly, and

To love mercy, and

To walk humbly with your God."

Signing off from Tulsa.

Good bye.

Parris Island, Parris Island,  Parris Island, 4th Battalion, 4th Battalion, Marine Corps, Female marine, Female Marine, Marine Recruit, Training matrix, Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Grass Week, MCRD, Firing Week, Firing Week, Crucible, Crucible, Crucible, Leatherneck Square, Silver Hatches

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www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/
http://www.marineparents.com/
www.marineparents.com/connections/chat.asp
http://parrisisland.yuku.com/
www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/index.asp
http://thecorpsstore.com/
http://www.womenmarines.org/index_main.aspx
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Parris_Island.htm

Graduation Day

1st RTBattalion Company D Platoons and 4th RTBattalion Company N Platoons Pass In Review

Eleven Distinguished graduates... Sara is far right!

After "Final Order" where new Marines take the step backwards and about face and yell "OohRah!" the families rush on to the parade deck to hug and love and congratulate the new graduates. 
(Red is 1st RTBn and Maroon is 4th RTBn colors.)

Proud proud parents and families and the newest generation of Marines.

Jonathan David           Rebecca Anne        PFC Sara Elizabeth          Amanda Marie





And very thankful that this day came.  This part of the journey is done!  ... Next?!

.

Family Day

On Parris Island by 0530, we could hear the platoons all around us in the dark barking replies to their DI's.  Finally the sun and the light... waiting for first sight of Sara.





First sight of our Marine came just after 0630. They marched in and together with N Company warmed up for the Run.
It was interesting to listen to parents trying to figure out which one was their child... quite emotional for sure. Sara is front left at the end.

By 0715 they were back on the Parade Deck... Sara carrying the 4th Batallion flag in the front for the 4 miles

Then it was over to the All Weather Training Facility for videos from 0830 to 0930

Waiting for D and N Companies to arrive...which they did to tremendous applause as they marched in platoon by platoon for the Liberty Ceremony

Platoons 4024 and 4025 of Company N

Together.... finally!

A Poem for Sara, My Marine

A Poem for Sara

Well, Sara, You did it!

Basic is done

You have finished the course

A true Warrior become.

Remember the goodbye?

Plane trip? USO?

The bus ride in darkness

That began this whole show?

Yellow footprints, Silver Hatches
Blaring voices -- so loud

The extremely short phone call

To Parents so proud

Who wept through their laughter

In hearing your voice

Not sleeping now! Wide-eyed!

Reliving your choice

To follow this calling

In life…to be seen

As worthy; the title

Of U.S. Marine.

Remember you thought

You would blend in and hide?

Being quiet and learning

Along for the ride?

But you are too good

Too fast and too strong

Too much of a leader

In back to belong

So front row and center

They pushed you to be

The guide of your Squad

During Drill and PT.

It was noted how hard

You determined to win

How hard you were pushing

From without and within.

Your DI’s were talking

“Just look at that girl”

“What a fighter,” “Let’s push her…

Test her mettle… for sure”

Your Senior took note

When you charged in the fight,

“Damn, St---s!” she said

As she watched in delight

Your battle with Pugils -

Aggression with force.

No oven-baked cookies*
From that gal,… of course!

Since Forming, and Pick-Up

And shots in the butt

White “gookie” liquid

To drink “for your gut”

More PT and Drill

More Drill and PT

“Don’t sleep through your watch!”

Or… misplace Ernie!**

Voice screaming, not saving

An ounce, though you tried

For the service on Sunday

To sing and take pride

In serving the Master…

Your King and your Lord;

To lead by example

Platoon 4024.

Up late with your moonbeam

Pen, pad, and dim light

You opened your heart

And continued to write;

Your thoughts, and the scriptures

Found helpful; Your love,

Your emotion; devotion

To Father above.

Then came the letters

Of gel in your hair

No shaving, no bathing,

The Dentist Chair…

The loss of your Wisdom --

Extraction of teeth,

And your crazy impatience

To have more PT.

My goodness!

Now Drill…and wanting so much
A phone call to make

To have a “voice touch.”

The days of Phase One

Turned into Phase Two.

The writing of letters

Would just have to do.

Swim week and Fittings

For new uniforms

Service Alpha’s and Covers

Inspections galore.

O-Courses, Chow time

and letters to read

Marches to march and

Recruits to lead.

Your training days passed

Each one adding on

To the person… the Warrior…

You now have become.

Came Grass week

Dry firing… forever it seemed

Snapping in…You, the student,

Learned perfectly!!

For all the time spent

With Ernie – a chore!-

The best over all…

You earned the top score.

IT’d for a smile,

A laugh at a Jig,

Leaning on cubbies…

“Ain’t nothin’ big!

A chance for a workout.”

“More PT for Me!

Just loving the burn

And my ‘swoll’ body!”.

And then, the test!

The big test arrived.

The Crucible was on.

And you…you survived

…no..

You excelled…

Though pushed to extremes

You fought to be strong

In spite of the screams,

The noise and the mayhem;

The horrors of war…

Then Basic was finished…

…and you breathed …once more.

So off to collect you

Making our way

Across half the nation

For your final day

We joined a great host for

Your last Moto run,

Five hours of freedom,

And graduation.

With families cheering

Eyes leaky with pride

What joy just to have you

Stand back by our side

So tall and so crispy

You marched in the front

What Honor, what Courage

What great Commitment.

I love you dear Sara.

This thing that you've done

Brings honor to me --

And pride! You've become

More than you were

Much more than in May

When you left us and began

This "adventure" that day.

And so you commence,

Now twice, in three months,

And begin a new life...

A great challenge! – And once

You've been schooled

Thoroughly trained for the fight--

May your vision live on --

Your dream to take flight!

PFC SARA,

Basically trained!

Just beginning -- yet finished!

…what experience you’ve gained!

Victorious!

A Leader!

And proud to be seen

In the well earned attire…

A U.S.Marine.

====

Oohrah! Sara
Semper Fi

Your loving Dad

August 20, 2010

.

*   "oven baked cookies" - At Sara's swearing-in, during the flurry of hours at MEPS, a dear Marine of a long past vintage, present for the swearing-in of a great-grandson, shuffled up to where we were hugging and taking pics and looked me square in the eyes, at Sara, and then back at me, and gently smiling said "Shouldn't she be at home baking cookies?"  Though we laughed, it was apparent his first hand combat experience and knowledge betrayed his ability to do more than thank a young woman for her desire to serve. 

**  Sara and her rack-mate affectionately referred to their M16 Assault Rifles as "Bert" and "Ernie" -- a true reflection of the culture in which they grew up. (I suppose if I followed the theme, I would have referred to mine as "Captain Kangaroo" or "Mr. Green Jeans", or maybe even "Bozo" (not!) ...Whatever!)   One unfortunate recruit was dropped back to another Platoon (adding 2 weeks to Boot training) during grass week because she left her weapon unattended and it was 'misplaced.'