The day I decided to enlist was a wise decision in my life at age 18. Was heading in the wrong direction in life hanging in the wrong crowd. Finally one day in May of 1997,grabbed my car keys and left my bedroom to leave for the Marines recruiting office. Dad was at the kitchen table and noticed I was heading for the door leaving to do something and asked me where I was going. Told him I was heading for the Marines recruiting office to enlist, want to do something in my life. Had me sit down and told him I already talked to the recruiter at school. Looked at me and said I have support from him. Left and went there, recruiter was there ready for me to fill out the papers. Came home and mom was home from work including dad, told them I enlisted. They were proud of me and seen I came out a better person in life. Still remember boot camp,Was in the same bed with one snotty recruit. I was on top and she was on the bottom. I was ready to go and she was still in bed telling her to get up. Did not listen, DI came in her face and the worst part was next. DI pulled up the bedding and she was up. Had to do the same with another one in the next bed. Proud of my 8 years in.
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The day I decided to enlist
- Thread starter JackieL
- Start date
Motor pool and out in the field
I did make a visit out where I went to boot camp 2 years ago with my son, Camp Pendalton in San Diego, California. I was told welcome home Marine shaking hands. My son learned what I went through, he knows freedom is not free and I helped protect the USA
Ah, Pendelton. I was stationed there for a bit but it's not the same boot camp as the swamps of Parris Island. At PISC, you could really enjoy the swamps and Drill Instructors that lived in them. They knew how to take their shit out on us (back in the day... I heard it's not allowed anymore).
I've been meaning to go back to one of my military bases for years now. (MCAS New River). I have a sign created by a friend in the squadron from nearly 40 years ago that I'd like to give back to them. Unfortunately, my travels haven't gotten me close. The squadron is now HMLA-269 but back in the day, it was just HMA-269. HMLA means: Helicopter, Marine, Light, Attack. We drove Huey's and Cobra attack helicopters. The AVI in the sign is for our avionics section.
I've been meaning to go back to one of my military bases for years now. (MCAS New River). I have a sign created by a friend in the squadron from nearly 40 years ago that I'd like to give back to them. Unfortunately, my travels haven't gotten me close. The squadron is now HMLA-269 but back in the day, it was just HMA-269. HMLA means: Helicopter, Marine, Light, Attack. We drove Huey's and Cobra attack helicopters. The AVI in the sign is for our avionics section.
What ended up ending my 8 year in the Marines was shot in the lower left leg being amputated below the knee. Bullet went into the bone shattering it into pieces. It was a long recovery learning to getting used to a prosthetic leg walking in it. Good thing was my family and good friends were there for support. Includes the organization, Wounded Warrior Project. I have two of them, one has an adjustable foot so I can wear my shoes with a high heel length.
Sad that that happened to you but from what I've seen you sure have adapted to it well and learned to make the best of things as you can. That is so awesome. I'm sure it was not easy for you but you overcame and persevered. Fantastic intestinal fortitude. 
edit to add:
Would you like the Marine banner under your member name, much like my Navy one?
edit to add:
Would you like the Marine banner under your member name, much like my Navy one?
It was not easy at first in the dumps, got help for that and the VA was not a good help at first. Changed their toon when I seen a lawyer on it. I overcame it and my mom got the call that I was shot in the lower left leg which had to be amputated below the knee. It was during my 3rd tour in Iraq when it happened. I kept a positive attitude during recovery and learning to walk in the prosthetic leg adapting to itSad that that happened to you but from what I've seen you sure have adapted to it well and learned to make the best of things as you can. That is so awesome. I'm sure it was not easy for you but you overcame and persevered. Fantastic intestinal fortitude.
edit to add:
Would you like the Marine banner under your member name, much like my Navy one?
Biggest cheer up for me was a 5th grade teacher and the class she had gave me a care package during my recovery. Was in Germany recovering from the amputation. I did get to meet this teacher and her class of students when I got home thanking them. Was not easy getting around with crutches waiting on my prosthetic legs getting ma
yesSad that that happened to you but from what I've seen you sure have adapted to it well and learned to make the best of things as you can. That is so awesome. I'm sure it was not easy for you but you overcame and persevered. Fantastic intestinal fortitude.
edit to add:
Would you like the Marine banner under your member name, much like my Navy one?