Another week and another letter has arrived at the Dudley household.  It is very surprising how much we anticipate the next letter.  We are constantly checking his training schedule and seeing how busy he is and wondering how things are going.  You go through many scenarios in your mind and hope for the best.  When the letter finally arrives, it is a big lift to get the small snippets of information from him. 

 

 

Today's letter contained an extra item, a small piece of his tan belt that he earned through his MCMAP training.  Although Warren wasn't sure if he could send a piece, Tammy read where other families had also received a small piece of this belt.  It may seem like a small token, but it is a priceless treasure from our recruit who owns basically nothing.

 

So, here are some highlights from the letter;

• The food is like schoolfood.  Saturday afternoon chow we get burgers & fries.
• They are in air conditioned housing. [Not so old school]
• His platoon job is the crack dealer (as mentioned previously)
• He did really well on his swim qualification, he got up to Intermediate level.

Here is some information on the swim qualifications.

At the basic qualification level the Marines are required to shed their gear, while in the water, in less than 10 seconds. Next, the Marines abandon ship by jumping off of a raised platform called “the tower” into the water. After the abandon ship, the Marines must tread water for four minutes, where they stay afloat using only their gear and without using the edge of the pool. Lastly, the Marines must conduct a 25-meter pack swim, where they transport their packs from one side of the pool to the other. This qualification keeps Marines certified for two years. 
Swim qualification two is now water survival intermediate. Like at bootcamp the Marines first conduct a gear shed but now in deeper water, in less than 20 seconds. Next, they do another abandon ship and swim 250 meters after hitting the water. Instead of four minutes, the Marines tread water for 10 minutes. Lastly, the Marines do another 25-meter pack swim with a flak-jacket and Kevlar. This qualification keeps Marines certified for three years.

 

• He passed Initial Drill

The Initial Drill Evaluation tests each platoon’s ability to listen to the orders of its Drill Instructor at this point in training, and is a demonstration of the unit’s degree of discipline and esprit de corps. Drill is used as one of the first methods of transforming these recruits from civilians into Marines, and plays a large part on their development of teamwork and unit cohesion.

• He passes the Initial Written Test

These tests assess the Marine's knowledge of the history, culture and values they have been learning for the first four weeks.

He got his RCO (or ACOG for us civies, as he says) today.  RCO stands for Rifle Combat Optic, which makes perfect sense because he is headed to the range for the next couple of weeks to get more acquainted with his rifle.  After all "every Marine is a rifleman". 

 

 

 

His letter went out before the gas chamber and rappeling but he was looking forward to rappeling even though he has a fear of heights.  Overall, this letter showed him to be in good spirits and ready to take on the upcoming challenges.  He mentions how difficult it is to write but we suspected as much.  Keep the letters heading to Parris Island.

We received our 4th letter today, two pages one written around the 4th and one from this past weekend.  Warren is doing okay but he had one request for the blog.  He wanted to add Psalms 144 to the blog.  I am sure he meant verse 1 so here it is;

 

Psalms 144 : 1 {A Psalm of David.} Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

He was put through the wringer this week with the confidence course and a test of the commitment of the recruits.  They were brought into a room and told that there was an attack from North Korea and that the US had declared war and that boot camp would be shortened.  All of the recruits were shifted to the Infantry and were immediately put on active duty and would be off to war upon the completion of their shortened training.  They were challenged by the DI to choose if they would serve or if they would walk out (it was their choice).  They stayed and of course found out later that it was a ruse and a test of their commitment to the military (because that is the function of the military, to fight when told).  It was a sobering experience for them and a reminder to all of us that they are choosing to truly serve their country (as opposed to those in DC that serve themselves under the guise of service).

 

Once again, Tammy has come through with a photo of Warren and Logan.  We don't tell him anything about these pictures, there's no need for him to  know that we can find pictures of him. We want his focus to remain on what he is doing as opposed to looking for and preening for the camera (which would surely draw the ire of the DI).  Logan, Warren's rack mate is directly behind him.

I ask again for letters to be sent to these recruits.  They need to feel the positive vibes from those of us outside of Parris Island.  Maybe you don't think you have anything interesting to say but I think they would appreciate just a small note of encouragement.  Everything we write to him isn't being turned into a Lifetime TV movie so just write and let them decide what is "worthy".  Thanks for your support.

No letter this weekend, but today Tammy found a use for Facebook (#60days), a Facebook page related to Mike Company.  On this page there are posts from other relatives of recruits in Mike Company that will graduate on Sept. 12, 2014.  There are many photos of Mike Company recruits, not all from Platoon # 3064 but still gives us an idea of what is happening on post.  From this page, she has found the photo below, Warren is the recruit in the 2nd column looking to his left..

 

It is very interesting to see how technology is used to bring together people for the cause of supporting these recruits (and I don't mean just taking a selfie holding a sign #supportourrecruits). and discussing the experience of having a recruit at Parris Island.  People that 20 years ago would only have met at the graduation and that's about it, we can talk with and read about their experience as a parent (perfect example, this blog).  Now there is just as big a support matrix for the parents as there is for the recruits, maybe bigger.  The difference now is that we can now see their schedule, understand what they are training for and get some insights about the Parris Island experience.  20 years ago it was sit by the mailbox and wait for the letter and find out when the graduation is and hope they are surviving.  The recruits from our recruiting sub station were given every opportunity to be ready for the physical nature of boot camp.  Thanks to SSGT TJ, SGT Barlow, SGT Aiken and SGT Hobson for their hard work with all of their recruits to give them the best possible chance to be successful at Parris Island (not to mention the family atmosphere developed from all of this PT time together).  The bottom line is that we can use these outlets to gain a better insight and find out that we are not alone in our experiences at home waiting to hear from our recruit.

Great news!!!!  Another letter, or so we thought.  It was written rather oddly and then as we reviewed it again, we realized that it wasn't a letter....it was a blog post.   I had indicated to Warren that we would be posting news from him on a blog page, I guess that he has decided to speak directly to the people (he has a pen.....but no phone).  So what is written is from Warren (you'll have to forgive the grammar);

 

Date: July 5th, 2014

 

It is lights out at about 8:20 (2020).  We just got the word to adjust.  So, the 4th sucked down here instead of getting free time to do stuff on our own instead we got to move racks all to the bulkhead (wall) and got buckets (30 gallons or so) full of water dumped on the Drill Instructor Highway.  When our Senior Drill Instructor found out he told us to clean it all up with towels and get the house back up.  This is the first time the platoon has come together as a team.  Fire watch; having fire watch can be easy depending on what time you have it and where your post is.  Back to the 4th, the food was great at chow definitely a nice change, able to get like three meats was awesome.  The Marines are known for drill and we drill everywhere, even in the squad bay.

 

Life as a recruit is a style change; stuff face (eat freaking fast), drinking tons of water and making tight racks.  I don't think I will ever sleep under the sheets again since we don't get to here at all.  We clean the house (squad bay) just about every other hour if not more depending on how much free time we have between activities.  Today as my mom has her race; we had our first 5k hike in small pack with sleeves down and boots bloused.  Blousing our boots was motivating today.  Also, today I got 2 letters, one from my parents and one from Hannah.  It was more than that but both of those letters had motivating things in them.  Today, during my mom's race she wore my bracelet, that I got for Christmas last year, to keep her motivated while I'm down in the heat and telling her never to give up.  Then Hannah had in her letter than anytime she doesn't want to do anything her mom reminds her of all the things that I may not want to do, i.e. scuzzing more than once, run back and forth and yelling things 20 times in a row.  This platoon will be strong due to people not opening their mouths.  We dropped two, both for medical things.  Anytime you need motivation, think about the hot weather I'm in doing run arounds and not wanting to do some of it,

 

Side note, letters typed unless you don't write in cursive is way easier to read and takes less time to read and attempt to respond to, if I choose to respond to then.  If you don't get one (letter) there is much going on and this is mostly when I can write.  And attempt not to get caught, shhhh!  I am in Company Mike so Wednesdays are pretty interesting and I like to keep people on their toes.  This is all I got for now.  Hopefully everyone enjoys.

 

Love,

Rct. Dudley, Warren

 

From rack mate "being in the place has made me realize what's important in life" - Rct. Hunt

 

I won't take away from his blog with one or two few notes.

1. On the 4th. remember Tropical Storm Arthur moving up the coast, I would assume that is why their racks were placed against the wall but I cannot be 100% certain. 
2. Drill Instructor Highway is the center of the squad bay where the recruits line up backs to their bunks facing the DI Highway.
3. Trouser blousing is using an elastic wrap to fold your pants up so you don't tuck your pants into your boots.  The wrap keeps the appearance of tucked boots but they aren't tucked.

Note that he finds letters motivating so please keep writing.  I am sure the recruits share notes from their letters so your words can lift the spirits of many of these young men.  I am happy to know that they are getting mail and it makes me feel good to know that he is reading it and understands that we think of him often, especially when we have to do something we don't want to do.

 

Today we received our second letter from our recruit.  That's the good news.  The not so good news is that Tammy received a text from Warren's girlfriend indicating that she had already received two letters.  What are we....chopped liver?!?!  (No offense to Hannah)

So I'll transcribe the "War and Peace" novel we got from Warren today.

We had MCMAP the other day and that is really fun.  No more stamps PX call tomorrow.  It is hot today and higher ups are walking around for most of the week.  Scuzzing sucks so much.  [EDITORS NOTE:  Scuzzing means to walk like a duck and scrub the floor in small circles using a small brush]  My voice has dropped apparently.  This platoon is going to be strong because people don't like to make count so we scuzz until someone helps and/or saves us.

An instructor passed out today during bayonet instruction and pugil sticks some recruit got knocked out and the ambo [ambulance] had to show up.  That was interesting.

MIKE MIKE MIKE.  WHAT DAY IS IT????  HUMP DAAAAAYYY!!! YEAH!!!  Get it because I am in Mike Company.  It's hot today.  I've gained 10 lbs.  Bye for now.

Love,
Dudley, Warren

Tammy and I laughed when we read this letter.  I should point out that my loving and caring wife waited for me to get home before opening the letter (unlike her husband who potentially opened a letter without her).  Reading into this, it seems that he has adjusted and is having fun, which can be had at boot camp once you get acclimated to the routine.  Yes, he doesn't like scrubbing the floor but who does.  Otherwise, it is an upbeat letter and makes us feel a lot better.  Imagine that, 10 pounds in a month... and I am sure it's not fat. 

Last night, I arrive home to find a letter with Warren's handwriting on the envelope.  It's in a Navy Federal Credit Union envelope but it is his handwriting.  "Did he not have any envelopes?"  I wonder.  Tammy is in GA to be ready to run the Peachtree Road Race on Friday.  "Should I open it, should I wait until she can be here to read it with me?"  I ponder the questions and then finally tell myself that she won't mind if I open it (and even if she does, she's got time to get over it).  I can read it to her, so I go ahead and open it.

 

I pull out the the paper and it says at the top "Your Marine Chose Us.  We hope you will, too!"  D'OH!!!  It's a stinking letter from the Credit Union telling us he has decided to put his money there AND they want our business as well.  Talk about a letdown.  So we wait for that second letter to let us know how he is doing and hopefully that he has started to receive our mail.  That would be good news but we wait.  We did tell him that it is okay if he doesn't write...but I guess we didn't really mean that.

 

It's the 4th of July, Independence Day.  Remember why we have independence and the sacrifices that were made to obtain that independence.  I won't get on my soapbox (and believe me I want to) because this isn't about me.  I just hope that today the recruits had a brief moment to celebrate the 4th (maybe even have a hot dog or two).  Maybe tomorrow we'll get that 2nd letter and find out what has been happening since the 1st letter.  It seems so odd that with e-mail, Facebook, etc. that we are now looking forward to receiving a handwritten letter.  We've become accustomed to knowing everything right now, and here we are at the mercy of the postal service to find out what we really want to know.

One of the things I like about the Recruit training schedule is that every Sunday, they have Chapel on the schedule.  Now I know it's optional, but the fact that they have set aside this time specifically for Chapel seems to send a message about their priorities.  Here is the Marine's prayer.

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

Amen

For me, it brings some comfort to know that he can go to Chapel without fear of retribution or reprisal.  For the recruits, some may see this as a chance to grab some sleep.  However, I think this is a good time to reflect and recharge their batteries and remember why they are there.  I believe that Warren would use this time to ground himself and refocus his energy.  He could have a bad week but Chapel would be the time to let go and move forward again.

 

We don't know if they are receiving letters yet or not since we have only gotten the 1 letter.  We hope that the letters started to pour in this week to give them a boost.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they continue in week #2 of Phase I.