Transformation

Seeing our Marine grandson was a dream a few weeks ago but it became a reality this weekend. It has been truly amazing to see Ben transform from a high school teen to a muscular Marine.

No wonder this "tough guy" is the Marine mascot.

Last evening Ben shared a video that documents his intensive survival training by French troops in New Caledonia. While there, among other things, he jumped from unbelievable heights, learned to hunt and dress a deer, ate live grubs that had been dislodged from a tree, and mastered multiple water survival techniques. An unplanned event for Ben was being bitten on the arm by an “unknown” insect. This resulted in a swollen arm, losing a large patch of skin, and a big open wound. He has a scar. Lesson learned: Keep arms inside the sleeping bag. (His mother thinks maybe a Purple Heart. After all, he was deployed and he was wounded. Never mind that it was by a vicious little critter.)

Additional achievements for Ben while deployed included earning his black belt in Marine Martial arts and mastering scuba diving.

Welcome home for a while, tough guy!

Our Marine Recruit

The image was a little blurred as I viewed the pictures through misty eyes. Today, Ben, our youngest grandson, stood at attention in front of the symbol of his country. High school senior, honor student, student body president, possessor of almost enough university recruitment letters to wallpaper his room, our Ben was pictured at the marine recruitment center. He is now a marine recruit. His dream.

I’m proud of Ben and his commitment to support and defend the constitution of the United States. Following his high school graduation, the first stop on his journey will be rigorous recruit training in San Diego. My prayers and love will go with him to every assignment.

When I look at our country’s flag pictured behind Ben, I see the symbol that represents my country and the high and noble values we uphold. Many have given their lives to preserve these values: human rights, liberty for all, equal justice under the law, democracy, equality, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, individual rights and privileges, the right to privacy, freedom to assemble, and commitment to the good of all.

I recognize that it isn’t considered cool and politically correct by many in our left-leaning society to display and salute our flag, and I classify these people with those who dishonor our flag by desecration.  My proud Marine will defend your right to flaunt and promote your ignorance.

Semper Fidelis!