Marines - Day 4

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Well, this has been such a great week I have decided to enlist in the Marines. (That is if I can convince them to take me.) This morning we left early to travel to Camp Pendelton where we me Col. Looney, the commanding officer of the offensive in Faluja, Iraq. (Not sure about spelling 😞 A highlight of this trip was then witnessing a couple of hundred young recruits coming in from the Crucible, (a 54 hr. ordeal that tests these young men to their limits) and the last requirement before they receive their Marine emblem. It is too bad that every American can not have the opportunity to see this ceremony that was inspiring and moved almost all of us to tears.

We then had the opportunity to go and observe young recruits learning how to use their M-16 rifles and practicing with live rounds. We then went to an indoor range used for practice where we got to shoot M-16s and pistols. I quickly learned that the shooting you see on action TV in no way corresponds with reality. After a lunch with recruits and the opportunity to talk to them one on one about their experiences, we visited the Amphibious Assault station where we were given a live demonstration and were able to go in and look close up at three different models. They were amazing machines. THe afternoon ended with a question/answer session with 8 young Marines who work with the Amphibious vehicles. (sp?)

Tomorrow morning we will have the opportunity to witness a graduation ceremony of the country's newest Marines, the same ones we witnessed yesterday as they finished their Crucible. Their families will be there and I am looking forward to another inspiring, glad to be an American moment. It will be good to return to family and friends tomorrow afternoon, but it is with a little sadness that I say goodbye to the extrordinary young men and women who have shared a little of their lives in the US Marine Corp with us this past week. Semper Fi! Ms. E. (Patty, Mom, Grandma)

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Photos

Emblem Ceremony
Marine recruits receiving their Marine emblem of an eagle, globe and anchor, signifying that they have completed all of the requirements to become a US Marine.

Newest Recruit
If we can find a uniform that will fit I am staying :)

Marine Amphibian Assault Vehicle
These Vehicles go from land to water in a matter of seconds, can turn 360 degrees in 10 seconds, and serve a myriad of purposes from personnel carriers to mechanic shops to command posts.

Comments

[Shauna]

Marines
I'm glad you have enjoyed your time in the Halls of Montezuma. (By the way, what are the Halls of Montezuma?) I have enjoyed your brief blogs and the pictures. The in person version of your adventures are sure to be even better! Travel safely. Shauna

[Andrea spendlove]

Man I Miss You!
I have actually seen one of those ceremonies, and they're amazing. But seriously, I miss your class. Can you believe i am starting college at the end of the month. But don't worry i am going to come visit the school a lot. I miss you Ms. Ellsworth. Love always, Andrea Spendlove