Posted on 03/09/2006 11:16:26 AM PST by babyface00
Please excuse the vanity - its for a good cause.
I have a friend at work whose cousin has joined the Marines and is leaving in a few weeks, presumably for Parris Island.
As many do, the family is throwing a celebratory party before he leaves.
My friend would like to get her cousin something, preferably that he can use in boot camp or shortly after.
As neither of us has close recent experience with someone entering the military, we're not sure what is useful or appropriate.
Some things I suggested:
Phone cards
Stationary and stamps
Are these good suggestions? Anyone have any others? We're not sure what he can use or, more importantly, what he would be allowed to have in boot camp.
Many thanks in advance.
Parris Island- sorry- I re-read your post.
LOL! My girlfriend sent me a half-inch thick letter. I paid dearly for that.
Thanks Mineral, saved me the post.
There may be some personal items allowed the recruit these days but I remember everything--everything--being packed and sent home. In boot camp, at least it was in 1969, the Marine Corps issues everything and does not allow the recruit to keep anything he brought. I remember a grocery type paper bag used to put your stuff in for shipment--and it arrives home in not great condition.
Perhaps a gift for graduation would be a good idea.
For the party, my opinion is to make him feel good about himself and that you're proud of him. He would not be advised to get a haircut either that tries to mimic what Marine recuits wear--which starts out as no hair.
For what it's worth--but God speed to the young man--it'll be one thing he will be proudest of being a part.
and why, pray tell, are you telling me all that?
I got the full treatment in 1968! LOL
Semper Fi,
Kelly
A whiff, maybe?
Thanks for everyone's replies (except the troll).
I'll pass them along.
This particular young man briefly fell under the influence of one of his relatives who isn't exactly a model citizen. I think he's recognized the error of his ways, but I believe the Marines will take him farther down the right path then he ever imagined.
Its a profound thing that young men (and women) are willing to volunteer to be one of the "rough men (who)stand ready to do violence on our behalf"
The thing that I wrote to a friend's son, who was in Marine boot camp last summer was: when things get rough and you think you won't make it, or don't want to go further, remember all those back at home (or school) who told you you'd never make it.....then prove them wrong!!!!!
He told me that worked for him!!!!!!!
Sorry 'bout that...I wasn't paying much attention and hit the wrong "post reply" button!! And sorry if reference to the "yellow footprints" bought back any bad memories! LOL
Drill Instructors are known, far and wide, for their all encompassing and understanding sense of humor. There is nothing D.I.s like more then the humorous jibe, at their expense, and to be called "D.I.". They are always willing to spend time in personal conversations with a confused and lonely recruit...
You have a problem with someone willing to serve in the Marine Corp?
Nothing for now. But have him write to you of anyone he doesn't like in another platoon. Then, send THEM large chocolate cakes, cookies, and stuffed animals.
A young woman.
As others have said, you can't really give him much for boot camp. Gratitude is good though, let him know how much you appreciate what he's doing for his country.
Perhaps a gift for graduation would be a good idea.
Wise words. The recruiters will tell you not to bring anything with you. They aren't kidding. No toothbrush or shaving kit or anything. You will be forced to relenquish it immediately.
I went through boot in '82. Anybody here more recent than that, that can offer more current info?
Drill Instructors are known, far and wide, for their all encompassing and understanding sense of humor. There is nothing D.I.s like more then the humorous jibe, at their expense, and to be called "D.I.". They are always willing to spend time in personal conversations with a confused and lonely recruit...
Lots of loving support.
I was Navy (but there were three generations of Marines before me!) and from my own experience, the one thing I always wished I could get more of was a "taste" of home, more often.
Always missed grandma's cooking, and she was a whiz at making preserves, too. I always used to write home and beg for cookies and cakes, and above all else, her strawberry jam and apple jelly. Perhaps if you have that sort of talent, or know someone who does, you could make a commitment to supply the lad with this sort of thing on a semi-regular basis?
You'd be surprised at just what a morale booster that sort of thing can be. She always used to send a few extras that I would share with my shipmates, too.
I like the idea of phone cards, stationary and stamps, too.
In any case, save that gift for after graduation. It will be confiscated as soon as he gets off the bus at Sand Flea Heaven (Parris Island).
"You have a problem with someone willing to serve in the Marine Corp?"
I think PETEPARSLEY is a kid. He likes to put poopoo caca stuff in his taglines and generally write nonsense in threads. He's had a bunch of messages pulled, so I expect he's on a very short leash.
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