You may have already guessed he's a Marine, a new one. PFC. Derek R. Statz just finished 13 weeks of basic training at Parris Island, SC. He wasn't alone. Alpha Company, First Recruiting Training Battalion, saw six platoons complete their rigorous training this past week. Derek was in Platoon 1052, which named honor platoon. (And, yes, he is a Private First Class!)
It was terrifically hot last Friday morning when the six platoons of fine young Marines marched across the field for one last time, but none of them looked sweaty a bit. Even the Marine Band looked unfazed by the cooking sun. Marine cool, I figure.
Just being at the training facility was purely uplifting. It made me proud to be an American. It made me doubly proud to see our younger generation taking on the yoke of responsibility to safeguard our freedom.
Thank you, Derek!
By the way, that short redhead with the cat-ate-the-canary look on her face is my younger daughter, Rebekah. She and Derek marked four years together while he was away. You can see just how proud she is of her Marine.
Oo-Rah!
(We'll be back to Basking on the Beach this week, so stay tuned!)
2 comments:
Just one little thing: Marines are never referred to as "soldiers" - that's Army. Common misnomer that's made Marines cringe since 1775. Better wording would refer to them as "newly minted Marines." Lovely story, though, and thanks to Derek for his service.
Tim - former Marine
Thanks for the correction, Tim. I'm kind of new at this Marine Mom-in-law thing, so I hope to do better next time.
Judi
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