View single post by aloy
 Posted: Mon Jan 25th, 2010 06:43 pm
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aloy



Joined: Sat Sep 20th, 2008
Location: Chicago, Illinois USA
Posts: 324
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 Newton, thank you for the movie reference. I have passed it on to the person who I received the email from. He has a very personal sentiment towards the USMC which I have yet to discover. I will watch it as well but not at this time and will explain why later. And as Ken so succinctly put it, thank you for your service. Your daughter's boyfriend is one of a special breed of men and women who possess unfaltering loyalty and devotion, and the courage to face the very likely possibility of the loss of their own life - such dedication that although I personally can't fathom myself, I am thankful for, respect and admire with all my heart and mind.

I am a single mom. I have one child. This email, all the related posts I've read here, and former service men and women who are part of my extended family here have affected me in a profound way. Last year, my 17 yr old son, Evan, became very passionate about joining the Marines after being contacted by a recruiter instead of going to college as planned. As a mom, I was scared to death. He is my one and only child. Though I didn't want to stop him from following his heart...his dream, I prayed that he would make the right choice. After what seemed like an eternity he finally made his decision.

Today although he still wears his Semper Fidelis t-shirt with great pride, he plans on attending NIU in the fall. Though I am relieved, I am also proud that he had the courage to seriously consider braving the reality of becoming an infantryman fighting for our country at the frontline, risking his very life. I am proud of the way my son turned out, (I am not taking any credit - it's all him.) in spite of a difficult childhood. He has shown me the meaning of fortitude, relentless spirit and the heart of a lion. When I look at him I see a man of conviction; that he has what it takes to be a hero. I am truly blessed.

God bless the Marines and all service men and women, their families and loved ones, past and present.

*~Alina~*