6-27-14
Well it finally arrived!!! Our first letter. I must say, it was heartbreaking to read. Sounds like he is really exhausted!
Broke my heart to hear that he hasn't received any mail yet and we have written every day. Some of you who have also written may want to try the new address that was included in an introduction letter from his drill instructor.
We were told, by the drill instructor that we can send cough drops/vitamin C drops.
Updated address is:
RCT: Hunt, Benjamin
3rd RTBN PLT 3064 CO M
P. O. Box 16355
Parris Island, SC 29905-6355
Please make sure to follow writing guidelines -- thanks.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
6-26-14
Sad news today! One of Logan's friends who went to boot camp with him (Cory Dismuke) was moved to the medical unit today with a foot infection. He will be fine and I am sure he is getting great care, but this means that the three of them (Warren Dudley, Logan, and Cory) will not be together in the same platoon. I know that this has taken some wind out of their collective sails:(
I just checked the temperature down there and it is 77 degrees, however, it did get up to 96 today.
Please keep them in your prayers and if possible - send a letter. Check out one of the previous blogs that will give you their addresses and please follow mail guidelines.
Sad news today! One of Logan's friends who went to boot camp with him (Cory Dismuke) was moved to the medical unit today with a foot infection. He will be fine and I am sure he is getting great care, but this means that the three of them (Warren Dudley, Logan, and Cory) will not be together in the same platoon. I know that this has taken some wind out of their collective sails:(
I just checked the temperature down there and it is 77 degrees, however, it did get up to 96 today.
Please keep them in your prayers and if possible - send a letter. Check out one of the previous blogs that will give you their addresses and please follow mail guidelines.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
6-25-14
Wow! I really hit a wall today:( I guess the momentum of the last week or so has finally worn off. I found myself on the verge of an anxiety attack all day -- taking deep breaths and trying to stay busy. It's been 11 days since he left for boot camp. I know he's more than a little bit busy but I would really love to hear from him!
I've been stalking Marine Recruit sights as well as Weather Underground to see what he is doing and what the weather is like. Right now, it's 88 in Greenville and 86 there - so I'm glad to see that it's not scorching today.
His older brother is most likely enlisting also -- seems like they have both caught the fever. Heads up - it could happen to you also. I don't think you are every really ready for something like this, but I know he is doing what he wants with his life and for that I am very grateful.
Please keep him and his friends (Cory Dismuke and Warren Dudley) in your prayers.
Wow! I really hit a wall today:( I guess the momentum of the last week or so has finally worn off. I found myself on the verge of an anxiety attack all day -- taking deep breaths and trying to stay busy. It's been 11 days since he left for boot camp. I know he's more than a little bit busy but I would really love to hear from him!
I've been stalking Marine Recruit sights as well as Weather Underground to see what he is doing and what the weather is like. Right now, it's 88 in Greenville and 86 there - so I'm glad to see that it's not scorching today.
His older brother is most likely enlisting also -- seems like they have both caught the fever. Heads up - it could happen to you also. I don't think you are every really ready for something like this, but I know he is doing what he wants with his life and for that I am very grateful.
Please keep him and his friends (Cory Dismuke and Warren Dudley) in your prayers.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
6-22-14
Sunday! It's been a week since he reported! I know it has seemed like an eternity to them -- I also think, at least on some level, that they feel like the time has flown by.
It has been really hot there - especially yesterday. There was a heat advisory with real feels like 111.
According to websites, they get a little down time this evening - I'll bet they are using it to catch up on their sleep.
A year or so ago, I would have never thought we would be experiencing this - after all, it is the first family member in my memory to be in the military. Of course, my grandfathers were both in the war, as was my father in Korea, but never imagined service for my own children.
I wonder if he misses his job - the one that he thought was such a pain because he worked on Fridays and the weekend. After all, one does need a social life - right?
I know his cats miss him -- Blaze and Diva (yes, she lives up to her name). They just lay outside his bedroom door waiting:) True, unconditional love.
Trying to get used to my "baby" being so totally out of the nest. I certainly know that we are not the only ones who have experienced or are experiencing this. I am so thankful to all that have served and who continue to serve. This has given me so much more appreciation!
Also thankful that a friend's son, Trent, has arrived back home to his family safely after his second deployment.
Sunday! It's been a week since he reported! I know it has seemed like an eternity to them -- I also think, at least on some level, that they feel like the time has flown by.
It has been really hot there - especially yesterday. There was a heat advisory with real feels like 111.
According to websites, they get a little down time this evening - I'll bet they are using it to catch up on their sleep.
A year or so ago, I would have never thought we would be experiencing this - after all, it is the first family member in my memory to be in the military. Of course, my grandfathers were both in the war, as was my father in Korea, but never imagined service for my own children.
I wonder if he misses his job - the one that he thought was such a pain because he worked on Fridays and the weekend. After all, one does need a social life - right?
I know his cats miss him -- Blaze and Diva (yes, she lives up to her name). They just lay outside his bedroom door waiting:) True, unconditional love.
Trying to get used to my "baby" being so totally out of the nest. I certainly know that we are not the only ones who have experienced or are experiencing this. I am so thankful to all that have served and who continue to serve. This has given me so much more appreciation!
Also thankful that a friend's son, Trent, has arrived back home to his family safely after his second deployment.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
6-21-14
Today is Saturday - tomorrow, he will gone for a week!
Throughout this week, I have found myself wondering how time has gone by so quickly! Wasn't it just yesterday he was born?? He was the last of four boys and there are 17 years difference between his oldest brother and him. He's had a life-changing three weeks. He turned 18 just three weeks ago, graduated from high school the next week, and left for boot camp a week after that--- Whew! It's all been a little overwhelming for me and I know it has been for him also. About the time of his birthday, I noticed him becoming very quiet. For those of you who know him, you realize that this is totally out of character. He began to just sit on the sofa beside us -- not hibernating in his room as much. He also developed a raging case of insomnia! I'll bet that's all taken care of by now:)
I have written him every day and it is my goal to do so every day that he is gone. I almost can't wait until school starts back so I will have a "captive" audience who need to practice their letter writing skills:)
Of course, he couldn't take any of his pets with him, so we are loving on them. Blaze (his cat - who thinks he is a dog) is totally beside himself. He just sits and stares at his bedroom door. I now know the true definition of "caterwauling"! We also have to take care of his snakes!
I check the Weather Underground site every day to see how hot it is. Until today, it's been about the same as home. However today, it was 97.8 (@ 6:00) and the heat index was 111. Lord, please keep them safe.
Today is Saturday - tomorrow, he will gone for a week!
Throughout this week, I have found myself wondering how time has gone by so quickly! Wasn't it just yesterday he was born?? He was the last of four boys and there are 17 years difference between his oldest brother and him. He's had a life-changing three weeks. He turned 18 just three weeks ago, graduated from high school the next week, and left for boot camp a week after that--- Whew! It's all been a little overwhelming for me and I know it has been for him also. About the time of his birthday, I noticed him becoming very quiet. For those of you who know him, you realize that this is totally out of character. He began to just sit on the sofa beside us -- not hibernating in his room as much. He also developed a raging case of insomnia! I'll bet that's all taken care of by now:)
I have written him every day and it is my goal to do so every day that he is gone. I almost can't wait until school starts back so I will have a "captive" audience who need to practice their letter writing skills:)
Of course, he couldn't take any of his pets with him, so we are loving on them. Blaze (his cat - who thinks he is a dog) is totally beside himself. He just sits and stares at his bedroom door. I now know the true definition of "caterwauling"! We also have to take care of his snakes!
I check the Weather Underground site every day to see how hot it is. Until today, it's been about the same as home. However today, it was 97.8 (@ 6:00) and the heat index was 111. Lord, please keep them safe.
Friday, June 20, 2014
6-20-14
Well, they met their DI's today -- YIKES!
Haven't ever gone more than a day without talking to Logan -- keeping busy during the days has helped, but can't turn off my mind at night.
Here is an updated address:
For those of you who would like to write to our newest recruits at Parris Island (Hunt, Dudley, & Dismuke) here is their address:
Recruit (Fill in appropriate name)
3rd BN, Mike Co, Plt 3064
P.O. Box 19001
Parris Island, SC 29905-3064
All three of them are in the same platoon together. Write them often to encourage them these next 12 weeks. They will need it!
Please take the time to write all three - a quick "Hey, we're thinking about you" will really make their day.
Names are as follows:
Dudley, Warren
Dismuke, Cory
Hunt, Benjamin
Well, they met their DI's today -- YIKES!
Haven't ever gone more than a day without talking to Logan -- keeping busy during the days has helped, but can't turn off my mind at night.
Here is an updated address:
For those of you who would like to write to our newest recruits at Parris Island (Hunt, Dudley, & Dismuke) here is their address:
Recruit (Fill in appropriate name)
3rd BN, Mike Co, Plt 3064
P.O. Box 19001
Parris Island, SC 29905-3064
All three of them are in the same platoon together. Write them often to encourage them these next 12 weeks. They will need it!
Please take the time to write all three - a quick "Hey, we're thinking about you" will really make their day.
Names are as follows:
Dudley, Warren
Dismuke, Cory
Hunt, Benjamin
Thursday, June 19, 2014
6-10-14
IST (strength test) was today. Hope all went well for our three from the Greenville Recruiting Station. I'm sure that it did, because the recruiters are all wonderful at getting them ready and they have had about a year of training. Logan was most proud of his pull-ups - they have to do "dead-hand" pull-ups where they don't use their legs at all and get their chin over the bar for them to count. By the time he left, he was consistently doing 22. Every time I watched him do them, I felt like I was doing them too.
No letter yet, but I bet they are being kept busy. I'm going with the "no news is good news" philosophy.
They have been in receiving all week and will meet their official Drill Instructors tomorrow. I'm sure they will make a lasting impression on all those tired recruits.
I have to admit that I have been halfway to his room to tell him something several times before I realized that he wasn't there.
Most surprisingly of all, I now have another son who is making his final decision to follow in his brother's footsteps. Very proud of them both.
Please keep them in your prayers!
IST (strength test) was today. Hope all went well for our three from the Greenville Recruiting Station. I'm sure that it did, because the recruiters are all wonderful at getting them ready and they have had about a year of training. Logan was most proud of his pull-ups - they have to do "dead-hand" pull-ups where they don't use their legs at all and get their chin over the bar for them to count. By the time he left, he was consistently doing 22. Every time I watched him do them, I felt like I was doing them too.
No letter yet, but I bet they are being kept busy. I'm going with the "no news is good news" philosophy.
They have been in receiving all week and will meet their official Drill Instructors tomorrow. I'm sure they will make a lasting impression on all those tired recruits.
I have to admit that I have been halfway to his room to tell him something several times before I realized that he wasn't there.
Most surprisingly of all, I now have another son who is making his final decision to follow in his brother's footsteps. Very proud of them both.
Please keep them in your prayers!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Please let me know if you decide to write a letter to Logan! You don't know how much he (and I) would appreciate it.
That said, I'd like you to also be keeping his friends who shipped with him in your prayers. Warren Dudley and Cory Dismuke. Hopefully, he will be in the same platoon with them - at least that's what they are hoping for.
Warren's parents have also started a blog - make sure you read it also. RCT: Warren Dudley.
Here is a picture of the three of them on the day they left Greenville. Logan is in the middle in the white, Warren is on the right in the solid blue, and Cory is on the left in the stripes. Although they have known and been training together for about a year, it wasn't until we posted this pic on FaceBook that I found out that Cory's family and I have known each other for and undisclosed amount of years:). He is the nephew of a sweet friend from high school - Dickie Brissey. Just goes to show how small the world can truly be.
Mail/Letter Rules for Writing
Many have asked about writing to Logan. That's great!! He will need all the support he can get.
With that said just let me say that since you are wanting to write to him, you must think of him as a friend. Please follow the rules for mail/letters. If you don't he will suffer for it. His Drill Instructors will call him out on it and I don't think any recruit wants to be the prime target of his DI's attention unless it is for something he does well.
Here are the Mail/Letter rules:
Addressing the letter: Only address the letter in the following way.
***Don't put Logan on the letter -- it is his middle name and they don't recognize it***
Again - please follow the rules so that no negative attention is bought to him during mail call (which should be a pleasant event).
With that said just let me say that since you are wanting to write to him, you must think of him as a friend. Please follow the rules for mail/letters. If you don't he will suffer for it. His Drill Instructors will call him out on it and I don't think any recruit wants to be the prime target of his DI's attention unless it is for something he does well.
Here are the Mail/Letter rules:
- Only white envelopes - plain with no designs/color on the outside.
- No packages
- No bulky letters -- just the letter only.
- Be positive in your letter -- don't tell him how horrible your summer is going.
- No stickers/drawings on the outside of the letter.
- No perfumes on the letter.
Addressing the letter: Only address the letter in the following way.
***Don't put Logan on the letter -- it is his middle name and they don't recognize it***
- RCT: Hunt, Benjamin
- 3rd Recruit Training Battalion
- Mike Company
- Parris Island 29905
Again - please follow the rules so that no negative attention is bought to him during mail call (which should be a pleasant event).
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Logan at 11 - he's in the yellow shirt.
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| Grand Canyon Rainbow |
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| This is the day I became "Mother of The Year" in his eyes - yes, it's live! |
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| Lunar Rover at Nasa |
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| Ski Resort in Flagstaff, AZ |
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| Always found a creature - San Diego |
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| 15 at Grandfather Mt. |
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| 17 - A New Poolee
|
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| 17 - With Caleb at the Zoo - Loves being an Uncle  17 - meeting Eli - Nephew #2  2014 - The New Graduate (18)  Being presented with "Gung-Ho" Award - 18  Swearing in at MEPS (18) 6/16/14  6-16-14 - It's Official - Parris Island, Here he comes! 18 |
Monday, June 16, 2014
It Really Happened!
June 15, 2014.
What's so special about this date? Well, it's the day my youngest son, Logan, left for Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC.
A little over a year ago, we were sitting in his guidance counselor's office to talk about college applications. I almost fell off the chair when he said he was joining the Marines! After all, he had just turned 17 and was enrolling in a dual track college program that allowed him to take his first year of college classes during his senior year of high school - college was a given, right? Well, after some tantrums and pity parties (by both of us), I finally agreed to talk to his recruiter - what, he had a recruiter?!?
We left there, on that Friday, with him enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). They lost no time taking him to MEPS (The Military Enlistment Processing Station) at Fort Jackson, SC. By the way, the Marines have tons of abbreviations!
With that, he began training three times a week with the recruiters and every single day at the gym. I watched as a huge change quickly took place in him physically and mentally. Hmmm - discipline at 17 might not be such a bad idea after all and we were talking about a whole year away - I thought he would surely change his mind. Not so, he became more positive every day. For the entire year, we lived, ate, and slept Marines.
Before I thought possible, he had turned 18, graduated from high school (with his first year of college classes behind him), and left for Boot Camp - all in the space of two weeks - WHEW!
Tonight (6-16-14), I got that "Oh so intimate" scripted phone call to let me know that Recruit Hunt had arrived safely and would be contacting me by mail within 7 - 9 days. And so, the journey begins. We won't get to see him or talk to him (insert pity party here) until 9-11-14. I know he has started the next chapter of his life and am very, very proud of him. I am officially a convert and am so thankful that his recruiters were so patient with me! They have all become valued friends.
I'll continue to update his progress as the summer progresses. Fair warning to my mailman - I am now officially your stalker:)
Please keep him and his friends that went down with him in your thoughts and prayers.
What's so special about this date? Well, it's the day my youngest son, Logan, left for Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC.
A little over a year ago, we were sitting in his guidance counselor's office to talk about college applications. I almost fell off the chair when he said he was joining the Marines! After all, he had just turned 17 and was enrolling in a dual track college program that allowed him to take his first year of college classes during his senior year of high school - college was a given, right? Well, after some tantrums and pity parties (by both of us), I finally agreed to talk to his recruiter - what, he had a recruiter?!?
We left there, on that Friday, with him enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). They lost no time taking him to MEPS (The Military Enlistment Processing Station) at Fort Jackson, SC. By the way, the Marines have tons of abbreviations!
With that, he began training three times a week with the recruiters and every single day at the gym. I watched as a huge change quickly took place in him physically and mentally. Hmmm - discipline at 17 might not be such a bad idea after all and we were talking about a whole year away - I thought he would surely change his mind. Not so, he became more positive every day. For the entire year, we lived, ate, and slept Marines.
Before I thought possible, he had turned 18, graduated from high school (with his first year of college classes behind him), and left for Boot Camp - all in the space of two weeks - WHEW!
Tonight (6-16-14), I got that "Oh so intimate" scripted phone call to let me know that Recruit Hunt had arrived safely and would be contacting me by mail within 7 - 9 days. And so, the journey begins. We won't get to see him or talk to him (insert pity party here) until 9-11-14. I know he has started the next chapter of his life and am very, very proud of him. I am officially a convert and am so thankful that his recruiters were so patient with me! They have all become valued friends.
I'll continue to update his progress as the summer progresses. Fair warning to my mailman - I am now officially your stalker:)
Please keep him and his friends that went down with him in your thoughts and prayers.
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