Monday, June 30, 2014

This starts the 2nd week of training for the recruits.  They will continue MCMAP training.  Here is some information regarding this program and this week's new weapon of choice....pugil sticks.
 
MCMAP - Marine Corps Martial Arts Program
From its inception in 1775, the Marine Corps has distinguished itself as a Martial Culture. The legacy of our Corps is built upon the close combat of ships of sail, the storming of the bois de Belleau, and the holding of “Bloody Ridge” on Guadalcanal. Drawing upon our rich tradition of promoting values and our warrior ethos, the Marine Corps developed the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program or MCMAP. It is a martial art that was designed to be, and is the “synergy of mental, character, and physical disciplines.”
MCMAP is based on five, colored-belt levels with six different degrees of Black. Each belt level is broken down into three disciplines, each of which a Marine must become proficient in before attaining the next belt level. The mental, character, and physical disciplines of the warrior are the foundation of the Martial Arts Program.
The mental discipline consists of warrior studies, martial culture studies, combative behavior studies, and other professional military education. The character discipline is built around the Marine Corps’ core values: Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The character discipline stresses the role of the warrior on and off the battlefield. The physical discipline consists of the techniques taught at each belt level.
Through the successful synergy of these disciplines at each belt level, a Marine will enhance their own warrior spirit. Recruits are introduced to the fundamentals of MCMAP on training day one and progress towards the final test to earn their Tan Belt. The Tan Belt syllabus teaches recruits basic MCMAP techniques, is an introduction to the martial culture, and form the basis for all further MCMAP instruction.

MCMAP
USMC Photo
Pugil Sticks
A pugil stick is a heavily padded training weapon used by military personnel for bayonet training since the 1930s or 1940s. Similar to a quarterstaff, the pugil stick may be marked at one end to indicate which portion represents the bayonet proper and which the butt of the rifle.
Pugil bouts are usually conducted with hard contact while wearing protective gear such as football helmets, flak jackets, groin protectors, and gloves. Many recruits have never experienced the realities of inter-personal violence found in close combat, and pugil sticks provide effective, but safe, "full contact" combative training at the entry level. It is also an effective tool for enhancing the endurance and improvisation that are building blocks to developing the physical skills and mental toughness vital to success on the battlefield.
 
[Thanks to the MarineFamilyNetwork website for the information above]
 
Looks like fun doesn't it?  If they thought they were sore last week, I think that there is a new definition of sore coming.  Keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they are challenged mentally and physically this week.  Don't forget to keep on writing letters, any little boost from home means the world to these young men.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Parris Island is on the coast of SC, which means that the weather can be an issue.  Mostly the combination of heat and humidity will be the threat that the recruits will need to overcome.  However, whenever you live on or near the coast, you also may encounter some weather that is problematic.  Right now, there is a tropical depression heading up the coastline.  It may be nothing or it may turn into something and generate a lot of rain for the recruits to endure when they travel from point-to-point at Parris Island. 
 
 
In his letter Warren mentioned Red and Black flags during his training.  I decided I would look into this further.  I was made aware of this during my time at basic training in Oklahoma but never really knew what it meant (except that it limited some of what they could do to us).
 
The Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Index (WBGTI) is a means of assessing the effect of heat stress on the human body. The WBGTI is a single number derived mathematically from three distinct temperature measurements: wet bulb temperatures, dry bulb temperatures, and globe temperatures. Color-coded flags are flown in strategic locations so that all personnel will be aware of the current heat stress index and make appropriate adjustments.
 
a. Green Flag (WBGTI of 80°F to 84.90F). Heavy exercises, for un-acclimatized personnel, will be conducted with caution and under constant supervision.
b. Yellow Flag (WBGTI of 85°F to 87.90F). Strenuous exercises or physical labor will be curtailed for unacclimatized, newly assigned Marines and Civilian Marines in their first 3 weeks. Avoid outdoor classes or work in the sun.
c. Red Flag (WBGTI of 88°F to 89°F). All PT or very strenuous work will be curtailed for those not thoroughly acclimatized by at least 3 weeks. Personnel not thoroughly  acclimatized may carryon limited activity not to exceed 6 hours per day.
d. Black Flag (WBGTI of 90°F and above). All nonessential physical activity will be halted. Essential activities are activities associated with scheduled exercises, or critical production work and maintenance where the disruption would cause undue burden on personnel or resources, be excessively expensive or significantly reduce a unit's readiness. Essential outdoor work will be conducted at a level that is commensurate with personnel acclimatization as determined by the unit's senior leader. All efforts should be made to schedule major hot weather training activities or work production to occur during cooler periods of the day, such as very early hours in the morning or later in the evening.
 
Right now, the recruits would probably fall under the "unacclimatized" category but in another week or two, the flags that might have had some impact on them will no longer be as daunting.  For those that are watching the World Cup (and why wouldn't you be watching), you should know that they are monitoring these same conditions.  They had a "cool break" during the Mexico-Netherlands game, played early this afternoon, due to the WBGTI and the risk to the players.
 

Friday, June 27, 2014

Today we received out first letter from Warren.  It is a good day.  It is good to at least know that our recruit is alive and kicking (although we didn't get a photo with Warren holding a copy of today's newspaper).  We also received a letter from his DI, it was a form letter and contained nothing really new to us.  In this blog, I will incorporate snippets from his maill so you can get a flavor of what he is experiencing.  I will not recite the letter line for line since that would violate the parent-recruit code and could lead to discipline at a later time.  I will write his notes in quotes and italics so you can know it's from him.  I'll edit the spelling mistakes (damn you spell check, generations of kids that can't spell...hope you feel good about that).  Anyhow, the letter was dated Tuesday 14/24/06.
 
"Receiving week was easy, no PT just walking around getting gear and stuff.  Today was training day 1, which sucked epicly.  Oh, we got a few shots, one of which was for TB (tuberculosis) and this RCT (meaning Warren) got put on meds for 9 months!!!!  That is only to prevent because this RCT has been around in Asia.  Forming Day 1 the DIs "tornadoes" our stuff (foot locker) if it was unlocked.  Hunt (this is his buddy Logan) and I are rack mates."
 
"I'm the "crack dealer".  I pass out all the drugs.  Just for that I get messed with every day all day.  Tell everyone that I'm doing ok.  Motivation is hard to find, but keep eyes on the prize .  Two ways off the Island, Die or Graduate.  Tell people to write me."
 
"The toilets are called shooters (without the o's). We have had to do many Up Downs before this with our DIs. Receiving ones were nice but these not so much.......I've lost my voice and it cracked several times. We start real PT tomorrow along with more classes. The food is GREAT and church is really, really good. Chow-to-chow, Sunday-to-Sunday. Write back soon"
 
We have been writing to Waren since he left but we suspect they are holding back the mail from the recruits. We only have 2 data points to support that but I would suspect this is part of the indoctrination and conversion from civilian to recruit.  That being said, please continue the letters.  I am sure when he starts to receive letters he'll understand and it will be a lift to his spirits.  It's a little tough to understand but I know they are doing what needs to be done.  You don't want to see your child go through this but we have to let go and just be there.  When he starts getting mail, I think that will help us feel better because they make it appear to him that we aren't there or don't care.  I think he knows it isn't the case but his mind will play tricks in that environment.  Hopefully they'll give him the mail real soon.
 
Speaking of which, here is yet another updated address;
 
Rct. DUDLEY, Warren J
3rd RTBN  PLT 3064 CO  M
Box 16355
Parris Island, SC  29905-6355
 
Replace the previous address with this one (I'll need to make more labels).  Now back to the letter.
 
Funniest thing (besides the "crack dealer" and toilet note) is he signed the letter RCT. DUDLEY, Warren J.
 
Reading between the lines, he is struggling but that isn't unusual.  He knows he has to keep moving forward.  I am very happy that he and Logan are rack mates, since they know each other and I believe they will work as a team and help each other out.  They will need to keep each other motivated and I believe when the letters arrive it will be the lift that they (and all of the other recruits) will need to help them as they work hard to adapt to recruit life.
 
Thanks to everyone for your support, keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  Keep writing to let them know they are not forgotten and that we support them.
 
 

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Today we heard some bad news from Parris Island.  Cory Dismuke, one of the 3 amigos that left for Parris Island 11 days ago, had to take a pause in his training due to a medical issue.  He will be able to continue his training once he has been medically cleared but he will need to be moved to a new platoon.  This is to give him the best chance to graduate since he will lose valuable training time and would be behind the other members of his current platoon.  We feel badly for Cory and pray for a speedy recovery for him.  I am sure all of the boys are disappointed since they wanted to graduate together but that will not happen.  The training at Parris Island is about overcoming and adapting to situations.   This will be a chance for the recruits to incorporate that into this circumstance.  They will need to keep a upbeat attitude in order to maintain their focus on what is important.  For Cory, he needs to get better first and then continue to demonstrate the desire and drive to earn that emblem.  For Warren and Logan, they need to maintain their energy on the things that they can control and drive on with their training.  It's easy to get sidetracked but I believe that the DIs will put them back on the path.  They all need to continue to be positive (something I tell him in every letter I send) and keep giving maximum effort with everything that they do.  Letters can still go to Cory so don't hesitate to send this young man a quick note to help lift his spirits in this time (his address will be changing but I don't know what it will be, I believe if it is sent to him using the same formula we used prior to knowing their platoon, it should get to him maybe later than normal but it should get there).  Like all of the poolees and now recruits, these are good kids that have made an adult decision to put others ahead of themselves.  Let them know that you appreciate it (but do it following the guidelines established).
 

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Wednesday, we have arrived at the 9 day mark from his harried phone call home, when he said he will be contacting us in 7 - 9 days.  So, we wait and have yet to receive the form letter telling us how much fun he is having at Camp Krusty.  All of the outdoor activities they have planned and the smores they eat every night by the bonfire as they sing camp songs (and wait for the arrival of Jason the DI).
 
We understand that this is not his fault, so we have to accept it and wait for the letter another day.  It would be nice to hear from him and know for sure that he is doing well but we are in for a whole lot more of the silent treatment from our recruit.  We know that we are not alone in this and that it is a precursor of what is yet to come as he moves out and becomes an adult.
 
He should have started his Combat Conditioning training today with punches.  Warren has never been an aggressive kid but I think that they will change that.  He will have to change in order to survive the training and I am sure he will.  In one way, I think the beginning of Phase 1 is an escape.  He gets to focus his mind every day on a new task and new traiing techniques so he will not be thinking about home and "what the hell was I thinking when I signed up for this?".  It should make the days go by quickly and give them all something to talk about during their free time before they are tucking lovingly into their bunks.  For a 18 year old kid, all of the combat conditioning looks like fun and I believe in many gyms around the country, people actually pay for this training.  Imagine the reaction of those suckers when they realize that these recruits are getting it for "free".  Tomorrow is bayonet technique.  That seems a little odd since the bayonet is really a weapon of near last resort but they still train on it like we are back in WWI.  Bayonet training was a part of the Army training I received many years ago and that was a lot of fun.  You get to take out your stress and all of your anxiety on a bunch of old tires and stuffed dummies.  It was tiring but it was a good release that was needed after getting your butt kicked around for a week or two.  I think this begins the days where they think  "Now this is what I signed up for".
 
Keep writing, we're getting letters out every day but I am sure he would like to hear from others.  Keep Mike Company and the recruits of Platoon 3064 in your thoughts and prayers as these young men strive to earn the title of Marine. 

Monday, June 23, 2014

Monday.  Tomorrow he changes from the Receiving Phase to Phase I of training.  If you don't know what that means, there are two links above you can check out.  Check out the training matrix to see the schedule day-by-day.  Then look at the Marine videos to see a little more of what each week means.  It's interesting and it's for public consumption so I think maybe the videos are a little more toned down than what is really happening but it is an idea.  Watching the videos brings makes it look like a lot of fun (anyone want sign up?).
 
By now he should know how to get his bed made properly (a task his brother needs be trained to do).  He should be able to sh__, shower and shave all in less than 15 minutes.  And, he should be able to dress himself (his mommy isn't putting out his clothes anymore).  No more decisions about what to wear, let's see...camo or camo?  Green boxers or green boxers.  Boots or...boots.  Seemingly mundane tasks are now a key component to training and changing the mindset of the recruit from civilian to military life.  Learning to march in step may not seem to be an integral part of the miliitary but it is part of the change from individual mindset to a team mindset. 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Warren has made it through his first weekend at Parris Island.  Today marks the full week since we last saw him.  Obviously, this is a different weekend schedule than he would normally have when he was at home.  Since his early enlistment, every Saturday he would get up early and go to PT.  We would usually not be up when he left and he would come back home sore, tired and smelly around noon.  He would stretch, grab a quick bite to eat and then shower.  After that was complete, he would hit the lazy boy with Arnold and take a nap. 
 
 
 
The good news for Warren is that he basically could sleep anywhere and at anytime.  Although this could be skill, like anything else "with great power comes great responsibility".  Being able to sleep anywhere is only good when they tell you that you can sleep.  Sleeping at the wrong time can cause a world of pain in boot camp.  I think he can distinguish when and where to sleep and let's hope that he never goes over to the dark side.
 
We've been sending him mail with regularity so hopefully he has begun to receive some mail from home.  We both have indicated to him that we don't expect him to write.  We'd love to hear from him, just to know he is okay but when it comes right down to it, he is there to grow and learn.  If he has to study and practice a skill he learned that day, then that's the way it is.  We'd rather be sure that he is confident in his answers and abilities so if he has to sacrifice some of the time he would spend writing doing what is best for him and his situation, then so be it.  So although we have asked that you write to him, don't be upset if he may not respond.  I think his plate is pretty full at the moment so try to understand and don't be upset about it.  Continue to write to him and when he has completed boot camp, he can thank you for your letters in person.
 
Keep Warren and all of these recruits in your thoughts and prayers.  Especially as you (and I) sit in air conditioned comfort and think "Man, it is hot outside!"  That's true and remember that this recruits are going to be out in the heat learning the next tasks on the training calendar.  This  week will begin Phase I Training which includes the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and that will continue throughtout Phase I.  I don't have to tell you that means they do these programs out in the heat.  So if you think you're hot.....remember these young men (and women) that are in boot camp vying to earn the title of Marine.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Today is BLACK FRIDAY (dun-dun-daaa-aaah!...insert that sinister music here).  Warren has been formally introduced to his permanent Drill Instructor. 

*  My name is Forrest Gump, people call me Forrest Gump.
*  I don't give a (bleep) you sack of (beep).....

I don't imagine it went quite like that but I am certain that it was the R-Rated version of meet-n-greet.  That's the bad news it was a tough day.  It may have been a tough week but up until now he's been in Receiving and hasn't gotten the full experience of boot camp life.  If it's anything like Army basic you don't really get it until you are "introduced" to your drill instructor.  It ain't pretty but I guess that's why they call it Black Friday, I don't remember if it was Friday, Monday or Judgement Day...it really didn't matter at the time.  No calendar around to check off the days.  This is when it really begins because this will be the man that will shape his Marine Corps experience.  The DIs have a tough job and they are holding the measuring stick by which you will be judged.  They will not let anything get by them because it's their job to maintain the standards of the Marines.  It's also their job to ensure the recruits are successful so he'll be their warden at times, their "aerobics instructor" at times, their distant uncle at times and he has to know what buttons to push and when to push them.  He may not appreciate his DI now but there will be a day where he will thank him.  It's a tough day but if he's going to get the coveted Marine Corps emblem on his uniform, he has to earn it.  There are no awards to just showing up.
 
We know he is in a platoon with 2 other recruits from his recruiting station so we feel good about that and I know that adds some level of comfort for all of them.  We still have not received any further word from him but we should get a form letter from him within the next 3 - 5 days. 
 
Keep the prayers flowing for him and all of his fellow recruits!  They are going to need them.  Think about it, he has been there for 5 days and still hasn't even started the Training Phase of boot camp. 

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Updated address for Warren:

Rct. Dudley, Warren
3rd BN, Mike Company, Plt 3064
PO Box 19001
Parris Island, SC. 29905-3064

Letter rules:
    Only white envelopes - plain with no designs/color on the outside.
  • No packages
  • No bulky letters -- just the letter only.
  • Be positive in your letter -- don't tell him how horrible your summer is going.
  • No stickers/drawings on the outside of the letter.
  • No perfumes on the letter.

Please write if you can, spare 15 minutes and let him know that you support him.  Write to any of these kids (their names are in the 1st post and you'll find Logan's Mom has put her son's address out as well, check out her blog at the link at the top) that have stepped up to the plate to truly serve their country.   You don't have to know them, they are kids that have decided they want to be Marines.  All they need is encouragement, thank them for taking on the challenge, tell them to remain strong and give them the encouragement that you would give to your own kids.  If you could've been at one of the Marine events, you would see that these are all good kids and there are still kids from this next generation that are ready to step up to the challenges, they still believe in their country and are willing to give back.  One letter a week is all we ask.  If you can't write, say a prayer for them to lift them up as they transition through some of the hardest days of their lives.  Thanks.


Today was the IST day, Individual Strength Test.  Warren should've done well with this, he had to pass before he left so this was a repeat test.  He had to do pullups, crunches and 1.5 mile run.  The basic requirements to pass are 2 pullups, 35 situps in 2 minutes and 1.5 miles in 13:30.  He has been training for a year so these should've been done in his sleep.
 
When he initially signed up, he could not do 1 pullup.....not 1.  His recruiter initially said he would have to get one before he would send him to MEPS but that lasted about 1 week.  I think that Warren's attitude may have changed his mind or perhaps it was to meet the quota for signups.  I don't know but he was given the go ahead to sign.  We purchased a pull up bar and mounted it to the wall so he would not have an excuse to get better.  He started off using a strap to get himself up and help train his muscles and get the correct pullup position.  The Marines don't just do any stinking pullups, they do Marine pullups.  Meaning that there is no swinging, you must go straight up then come all the way down until your arms are straight and then go back up again.  He worked hard and got himself up to 12 pullups.  His efforts earned hinself the Most Improved Poolee Award at the Recruitment Center's Family Day.  Here is the photo of him with the award.
 
 
Tomorrow is the nasty sounding Black Friday.  This is the day that he will meet his full time Drill Instructors.  When I went to basic training for the Army, this was not a pleasant experience and I am sure that it will not be for him either.  In my letter today, I reminded him that these DIs may not be his BFF, but he will remember them for the rest of his life.  He may not understand it right now (or for the next 12 weeks) but at some point it will all become clear to him.
 
He is almost through the 1st week but I am sure it feels like a month (or year) for him.  It's a dramatic change to leave the instant gratification of the Internet and texting.  He can't just pick up the phone and text "S'up" (or whatever these crazy kids text nowadays...whipper-snappers!).  He was always good about telling us where he was and when he was leaving to go anywhere.  Now, it's a change for us but of course we know where he is, and we have a good idea of what he is doing.  We are sending him letters of support daily and hopefully he will start receiving them next week.  Please keep him and the other young recruits in your prayers as they continue their journey towards becoming Marines. 
 

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Last night, we got the call.  The very personal and loving call from our future Marine that lasted a total of maybe 20 seconds.  Here's the transcript;

-  Hello.

-  This is Recruit Dudley.  I have arrived safely at Parris Island. Please do not send any food or bulky items.  I will contact you again in 7 - 9 days via postcard with my new mailing address.  Thank you for your support.  Goodbye for now.

And then [click], the phone call ends.  In the background of the call you could hear some "confusion" happening but I am sure that the Drill Instructor was just asking Johnny if he needed a cold drink of water before he called his mommy.  So this is the official start on the journey from civilian to Marine and it isn't what you might call a gentle introduction.

The good news is that we knew the call would be made like this and I guess it's for the best.  The way to break old habits is to just stop them, cold turkey.  No Facebook, No texting, No email, No TV, No outside world beyond the letters that arrive every day to your recruit.  We ask that everyone that reads this to make the commitment to send 1 letter per week.  We've provided the address and will update it at a later time but the address we have will get a letter to him.  It's 20 - 30 minutes from your day to help a kid survive the day-to-day grind at boot camp.  You've been given the ground rules, just a letter.  You may not ever understand what it means to get those links to the outside world and know that someone out there is thinking about you.  It's a real boost and moral lifter.  I won't guilt you into sending a letter, let the spirit move you (and if you don't write, I am going to Unfriend you....).

We've added a blog for another recruits family as they write about their experience.  Logan Hunt is the name of the recruit and Warren and Logan are hoping to be in the same platoon at worst and even better to be bunk mates.  They get along well and are both from the same recruiting station, along with a 3rd recruit that left out with them.  Their photo before leaving is below, from left-to-right, Cory Dismuke, Logan Hunt and Warren Dudley.  3 kids that are going to grow up in a hurry.  Take a look and see what is happening with them if you get a chance.


That's all for now, send cookies, thank you for your support.  [click]

Monday, June 16, 2014

Day 2....aka Day 1 of the formal Marine Corps introduction.  Warren was at MEPS in Columbia all day (and for those who know MEPS, they understand it's hurry up and wait and wait and wait...did I mention hurry up?)  Then he leaves MEPS late in the day to arrive at Parris Island at night.  Why at night?  It's more disorientating and puts the kids back on their heels right away (we're not in Kansas anymore Toto), plus it puts them right into the fire.  He'll be up for the next 36 hours and start off his introduction into what life will be for the next 13 weeks.  This week is basically the Pre-Week since his official Week #1 training doesn't start until Tuesday next week (Phase I).  This week he'll process in, get all his medical checkups, new glasses (everybody loves the "birth control" glasses), get his paperwork in order (check it, check it again and one final time, check it again).  Later in the week he will have to take his initial IST (Individual Strength Test) and score high enough to continue his journey.  This should not be an issue since he passed this the other week at the recruitment station (they don't want to send a sub-standard individual into the Marines either).  This entire week is just about getting some acclimation into how to do things the Marine way.  He'll get his uniforms and all of his gear and of course, he'll get the haircut.
 
The last time we will hear his voice until graduation is sometime late this evening or early in the morning when he makes the 30-second phone call home.  We've seen a video of this event where they read a script and then move out.  The script basically says he has arrived safely, do not send him anything beyond letters and that he will contact us again by letter in 7-9 days with his address.  It's a sweet phone call home, none of the "GET ME OUTTA HERE!!! - Yosemite Sam screaming, or anything personal just the basics.  I'm here.  We don't know what the time is so we'll just have to pick up the phone when it rings.  He told us to keep his phone handy just in case he locks up when being yelled at about the phone number to call.  He said that he'll say his own number if he has a brain freeze so we'll have his phone with us as well.  I expect the call around 1:00 or so but maybe we'll get lucky and it'll be before midnight.
 
We've both written to him already just to let him know that we haven't forgotten him (yet...after all those big Ronald McDonald boots in the garage that we trip over all of the time are a big reminder that he isn't here).  His brother hasn't moved into his room.....yet.  I missed him today, because it was time to mow the lawn (HA!).  He is always helpful and that will serve him well as he has to work with others to get things accomplished.  It's too bad he had to leave before the USA vs Ghana soccer match tonight (USA won 2-1, if you don't know what I am talking about pull up SportsCenter and see for yourself) but we'll tell him all about the match in our letters tomorrow.
 
 

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Today is Sunday, June 15, 2014.  On Father's Day, we said goodbye to our son and placed him in the gentle, loving hands of the US Marines.  This blog was created to give you his story from the perspective of his parents.  We'll update everyone on his status and what he is doing today.  We hope that you will send him letters of encouragement as he steps up to the challenge to earn the title US Marine.  He's been working towards this goal since he first signed the enlistment paperwork about 1 year ago.  He was a kid with aspirations of being a Marine but he wasn't ready.  Over the past year, he has worked very hard to build his body and endurance and we all hope and pray that it is enough to get him through.  He has always wanted to serve and now he gets the chance to make that dream a reality.
 
We have done everything we could do to get him ready for the world and it's now up to him.  As a parent, you do whatever is necessary to try and get to that day when your child leaves the house and when that day arrives, it's a tough day for everyone.  The small child that you brought home from the hospital many years ago is now a young man that is ready to jump out of the nest (and hopefully he doesn't go SPLAT!!) and fly.
 
Tonight, he is in Columbia and will spend the night there and in the morning head to MEPS in Columbia to begin processing into the military (and this time, they mean it).  He'll spend the majority of the day at MEPS and then it's off on the bus to Parris Island, where the real fun begins.
 
If you want to write to him, you can use this address for now (it will be updated soon) but let's set some ground rules.
  1. Keep letters encouraging, no bitching about your life....remember why you are writing and let's keep everything postive.  Remember, his only source of contact to the outside world for the next 13 weeks is through letters from home.  He is in a foreign place and will need to know that we are all there for him and are praying for him.
  2. Do not put in the title of Marine, PVT or PFC, etc.  Just his name.  He has not earned the title of Marine yet so let's not tick off the Drill Instructor so he can be "educated" on how to have people send him mail.
  3. No goodies-simply letters.  Simple enough but make it happen.  Again, he doesn't need to be singled out because some one sent him cookies (Awww, Dudley has cookies everybody!  Recruit, come here and let's do some exercises together.  You exercise while I "instruct"!  Now get down and beat your face!).
  4. No kissy marks on the envelopes, no stickers, just a place envelope with the address and a letter inside full of encouragement.  Anything else will be a problem.  You don't want a P-Oed Marine looking you when he gets back from boot camp now do you?
Okay, here is the address you can use until we update it.
 
Rct. Dudley, Warren
3rd Recruit Training Battalion Mike Company
Parris Island, SC.  29905
 
Thanks for your support and keep checking back in to see how things are going.  Remember, they don't have Facebook (Oh the humanity!) and they don't have their cellphone to tweet (heathens!).  It's all about the letters.  We would appreciate it if everyone could send him one letter per week to help keep him going.  So.....what are you waiting for, get to writin'.