Warren to Marine

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]