My son will be a Marine.

Hi! haven't been on for awhile, hope everyone is well. My 17 year old has decided to go USMC. He took his tests yesterday and scored so highly they said he is eligible for any job he wants. He is Delayed Entry and will go to Camp LaJeune in August- (good move Jack, couldn't think of a better time to be sweating my butt off in South Carolina....rolleyes We're in NEW HAMPSHIRE for Pete's sake, go in FEBRUARY) Anyway, I am so proud of him, but scared too- we have a strong military background in our families, and his Dad was a Ranger with the 82nd, I strongly support our military personnel, which is why I DON'T support this war, and DON'T want him in it. But, how can I say "Send someone else's son or daughter, not mine." So, he has all our support (even if he didn't he will be 18 in 3 months, and I will not let him go without my blessing), and I will just melt when I see him graduate in his full dress uniform, but I truly now realize what every mother in every generation has felt... and he is my only one. Here's to our kids. The Guinness is on me. Hoorah! :major

 

Let me thank your son for his service to our country. I am not sure what to think about the war, but dangit, I support our troops! :major

Peace to you, and the best of wishes for your family.

E

 

Thank you Fred, that is very sweet and much appreciated. you just replied to my spam post too, aren't you my good buddy from the massive barbecue fantasy we all indulged in a few months back? xx kat

 

He's making a good choice.
Military service will mold him into a great individual and will be something he can be proud of, all his life.
Congratulations to him and you.

 

thank you so much- Jack has always been very good to talk with, and very articulate, but when we sat down to talk yesterday, he surpassed himself- i was deeply moved by his committment, his vision, his awareness of responsibility and tradition, and the way he has looked all through this- he wants a better life than this backwards town can offer, and he wants a more directed future than college could offer, and he knows the college will be there also, with the help of the Corps, which was not something I could guarantee him- given the basis he showed me last night, the Corps has a good framework on which to build- ahh, but my baby has grown up! He is ready to be a man.

 

Cannon fodder for psychopaths.

 

Thank him for me!

:salute :clap

 

OooRahh!!

 

Thank your son for me, too

 

Katcelata,

Your son's desire to serve is honorable.

We trust he has a great ski season this winter to remind him of home.

 

I agree with the psychopaths part, but this is MY SON you are referring to as "cannon fodder", my only child, who is bright, perceptive and deeply loved. I really don't appreciate your sentiment, and hope that if you had given it deeper thought you would have expressed your self a little better. I HATE this war. I hate that anyone's son or daughter is over there because of political mismanagement, but your post made me shiver, and feel like this is giving him bad luck. He is a person, and has made this choice with deep thought and I respect his wishes, and hope that you would show him and others more respect.

 

Katcelata, I think they just miss typed. I know the majority of us support our troops. Maybe not the war, but that is beyond our controll. It is very humbling to realize people I do not know will put their life on the line for me, a person they do not know.

Again, thanks to you and your son. :major

 

Fred_G, you are, as always, kind thoughtful and judicious in what you say and think. I think you are a real benefit to this site, and it is always good to read your posts. I was upset at the callous way f66939 phrased their post, but want to give them the benefit of the doubt. And, while I am appalled at what they said, I have to respect their right to say it... who knows, its the weekend, maybe their judgment was a little impaired.....
Thank you so much for the warmth and support that has been coming back to us on this thread- I have had a few really good talks with my boy, and I am SOOOOOO impressed with him- I just miss the little scamp in footie jammies, but man, what an amazing adult he is becoming!!!! I am very, very lucky

 

That's quite shameless, I'd almost wish you'd been banned outright.

Thank your son for us, he's doing an incredibly honorable thing.

 

Hope you've taught him not to shoot his laptop when he's cross.

I have just finished doing one belonging to one of our marines and the screen didn't look pretty after the target practice.

 

My word Fred such a compliment (has Kat got you mixed up with another Fred?)

You are right to be proud of your son who by choosing the USMC has decided he will be a man of strength and character, He will learn comradeship and self reliance and that can only be a good thing.

I am not a US citizen but served for many years in the Royal Marines (UK) and we worked with USMC on many occasions some of the time under fire and i always found them very professional.

Give him a congratulatory drink for me
http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1233_hand_clapping.gif

 

I was just checking this, and saw your post: I'm a Vietnam Veteran, and enlisted when that war--like this one--was pretty much at the height of it's unpopularity, and volunteered, not out of patritotism, but more because of a young man's desire to "be somebody" or see how brave I could be, or just take care of myself, all that...I never met anybody over there who went in because "the war made sense."

And of course, after I got home, I read up on the war, and totally disagreed with it, marched w/the Vietnam Veterans Against the War, when Nixon got reinaugurated, all that...and to this day, my aging mother won't even mention it, and my stepfather lost his son over there....

But mostly, I just wanted to let you know that this can be a difficult time for both the soldiers, and the families, but that when all the dust settles, he--and you--will be forever grateful that he served, in spite of misgivings about the war...

...and as men get older, they usually wish they had enlisted, and often lie about their reasons/motives for not going in, and it rarely has anything to do w/the purpose the war was started, but something else, which only those who served understand...

So thankyou for being so understanding, and he's lucky to have you, as you are lucky to have him...best wishes and safe return to him...

 

May god bless you, I volunteered for years at the Jamaica Plain VA, mostly with Vietnam vets, many of my slightly older friends were in Vietnam, my first serious boyfriend was former military intelligence in Hue, and deeply affected by the war. Though I was slightly younger, I and my friends were deeply affected by the war and the turmoil that grew out of it. My heart is with you, and thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful, heartfelt and deeply intelligent observations.

 

The Guinness is on BILLMCC66!!! The Royal Marines absolutely rule, and are kind of hearthrobs too, I think.... it's the uniform along with the accent,
The more I talk to my sone, the more I become aware that this is a concious decision on his part, not just to have an adventure, but to become the kind of man he wants to be, so tho I am scared, I think this is a good thing for him. I am so grateful for the lovely positive things everyone is saying here (mostly rolleyes) and Jackson is overwhelmed and very thankful for all the support!.

 

He BETTER NOT- it's MY laptop,,,:-D
Studiot, now you REALLY have to tell us the story behind this one, this is just a tease!!! (Guinness is on Bill....)

 

Why thankyou! ...and I too was in Hue, the old Imperial Capital of Vietnam, back in 1971, and I've always wanted to return...and as you obviously well know, men are different when they are young, and their motives and desires are much different that those we have as we get old, but it's human nature to want to look back, and to ascribe nobler sentiments to our youthful decisions, than was actually the case...I'm no different...

I just always want to send the very best wishes to the young trying to sort out their lives in positive ways, and for better--or worse--the military is one of the options available...

I just sadly wish the government itself, from the beloved JFK--who sent my generation off to an inexplicable war--to the present white house resident--would realize how precious all these young lives are, and risk them only in dire times, and reward them well when they get home, which is sadly, often, not the case...

I've been treated well by my country, all in all, and like many people as they get older, find that most of my troubles lie between my ears, and not to do what seems commonplace, which is to blame everything else for my troubles.

Thanks again, and sorry to have drifted off topic, usually I avoid the whole thing, as I have so many mixed feelings: oppostion to war combined w/respect and love for any young person serving...

 

Thanks to your son and your family for their sacrifices for all those that either forget or take ALL of our freedoms for granted. The "cannon-fodder" comment reminds me of a statement that Heinz Alfred (Henry) Kissinger (spits on dirt) once made in referrence to the "usefulness of a soldier". The gist of which was that soldiers are just "pawns and cannon-fodder for policy-makers" like himself, who by-the-way is STILL making U.S. policy as a Bildeberger, member of the New American Century Project among other "think tanks". Hard to believe that he was once a Captain in the Military Intelligence Reserve (1946-1949). Also it is hard to believe that The Kissinger Chair is "funded by the Kissinger Program Fund", a special endowment at the Library of Congress established by friends and admirers of the former Secretary of State. The Kissinger Chair is a distinguished senior research position, in residence at the Library of Congress for a period of 9 months to one year. Its occupant, called the Kissinger Scholar, is engaged in research on foreign policy and international affairs, and particularly, on matters related to American foreign policy, that will lead to publication. The supporting grant of $100,000 is administered by the Kissinger Chair Program Steering Committee and the Library of Congress, and selection is made by the Kissinger Scholar Selection Committee. Eligibility criteria include the Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree and a substantial record of scholarly activity. While speaking at U.T.-Austin in March 1984, "complained that foreign policy is too public, making it difficult for professional diplomats like himself to do their self-appointed jobs."
SOURCE: http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Henry_Kissinger
Take special NOTE of the many "groups and organizations" he is either still apart of or once was...truly as scary as any Psycho-story could be IF it were NOT part of our Reality when policy is applied so judiciously and with reckless disregard for "common people"...guess he has forgotten WHERE he came from? Figures, from someone so callous and arrogant as he is by his own admissions throughout his life and works.
several of THIS psychopath's quotes can be found here: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/henry_a_kissinger.html
and
http://www.alternet.org/audits/79997/
I am NOT defending the inappropriate comments, but merely giving them a foundation.
The ONLY way to truly make wars obsolete is to find ways to make Peace more PROFITABLE than warring currently is.
In The END it is ALL about PROFIT!

 

I can't help it if I am a nice, concerend, and sensitive member of the forums.:tas

But back to the thread here in question, I meant every word in my posts here, and want to wish the best of luck/wishes/good thoughts/karma, whatever I can to katcelata and her son.

E

 

I have a feeling this is not the same quote. But very simular.

You like me, you really like me," trilled Sally Field in 1985, accepting her second Oscar in five years. Except she didn't say that, precisely :cool

 

Fred_G WINS the bbq, guinness, total kudos,and great memory award for correcting my bad memory- flowers have fallen from the sky, a limo is pulling up outside his home AS WE SPEAK, and he gets 2 weeks liberty in the port of his choice!!!!! See what could be YOURS by participating in majorgeeks,com!!!!!!!! incidentally, extra points are added for the excellent use of the word "trilled". Sally would be content. (I DO like her, I really do.... she is just NEAT. I even liked her as Sister Bertrille with that flappy head thing going on.....) But I have 2 admit ignorance- What was the prior Oscar for??? Was it that film with the guy from the Rockford Files? (speaking of which, how many of you just LOVE that part in "Gone in 60 Seconds" where they recite all the TV great cars... can anyone recite that? Jim Rockford's Firebird was one....) And is anyone old enough to remember her in TV's Gidget? I thought she was just so cool.... Perky, that's the word for her. Can't believe I even know this stuff

 

I have been standing outside for 15 mins. No freaking limo has shown up!:cry

You got my address right kat:

112 main st
anytown USA

:-D

 

Those darn limos.... I have it on good word that your driver is the former CEO for Bear Sterns, previously with Lehman, so you KNOW he is ABSOLUTELY dependable! His GPS must be acting up. Failing that, we have my kids picking you up- keep your eyes peeled for a 72 Valiant.:wave Given that, I'm not WICKED sure about the icy cold Krug champagne I put in for you- the kids wouldn't drink it, but I'm not really sure about the Bear Sterns guy- he looked pretty shifty to me.....

 

Sorry If I told you I'd have to kill you - security you know.

Funny, I actually had a Guinness last night, although you can't get the proper stuff in England any more, it's far too thin these days - you should be able to stand your billiard cue up in it. Had some of the real stuff on holiday in Ireland last summer though.

Sorry I have replaced the screen now so I can't post a picture, the crazing looked like a windscreen after a stone has been flung up from the highway. Normally I see schoolchildren's laptops broken when they have shut a small object, pencil etc in. But this was more fun.

 

The stuff in England is nowhere near as good as real Irish Guinness drunk in the brewery alongside the water in Dublin.
http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/Index.aspx
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/495/is2264547xf2.jpg

 

All I can get these days in the store is Guinness draught, not the stout- and you're right, the draught is awfully thin. That's it, I've had enough- I'm going to Dublin!

 

Bah, we got the Draught and the Stout here. Have never tried the Draught, and now I don't think I will.

 

Really, its like dark Budweiser, don't bother. Newcastle Brown Ale is far superior.

 

Wow, if Newcastle is superior to it, I will stay far, far away from it!:-D I tend to like the Belgian stuff. Mmm Chimay, Lambics...:drool

Ok, back to coffee! I have to go to work soon!

 

Good deal on your son joining the U.S.M.C. The experience will definitely mould him, and amplify what is best in him. No doubt, will stand him in good stead for the rest of his life in whatever endeavour he is likely to take, and will enable whatever he does to do better.

Like some of the, (relatively) older members here, I 'walked the walk' a lot of years back, (British Paras - Special Ops. - Rhodesia/Zimbabwe). It's a tough walk, but has its own rewards, notwithstanding the obvious pains of mind and body in war.

Wishing him all the best in his exciting new career. major (And ya, I know it aint easy for parents, either )

 

It really does me good to hear from someone like you- that is a very, very elite unit you were with, in a history making place... thank you for taking the time to give Jack and I your input and support!

 

Completely new to the forum, but I thought I would say thank you to your son. Having serve in the Corps from 91 to 96, I'm speaking from experience.

Marines take care of their own. Pure and simple. Best off is that down the road he will have a mental fitness and confidence that no other experience could have made.

Semper Fi.

E

 

Welcome to MajorGeeks emr!

 

Oh no, another crazy Jarhead. Ahh!

Go Navy!

*cough* Congrats to him.

 

I say this as a once long-haired, pot-smoking, peace sign throwing goofy army guy, who a long time ago found himself totally out of places to hide: that when it's really really bad, and there finally is no help nowhere coming, there is nothing, and I mean *nothing*, prettier than the unexpected arrival of the United States Marine Corps. They weren't even supposed to *be* there anymore!

Thanks to all of you, past, present, and future...people will never know how much we all owe...

 

You Know, I REALLY enjoy this website- look back over this thread- we are great aren't we? We've discussed everything from mother-love, love of country, care for each other, the soul-searching some of you have had to go through to do the right things in your lives, as well as Guiness, and Sally Fields! Plus, the caring and support has been so warm, and the way everyone came right to the defense of myself and my son, has really done me good!
I like us! I really like us!!! Have a GREAT weekend troops, chances are I will find something to goof on tonight when I sit down with a coldie and some chips, so who knows what rollicking thread we'll get in to tonight. Sox are playing Tampa for the ALCS, so it could get nuts.... HooRAH:major
Luv, kat
Oh, PS- I know what I'll be on about tonight- I'm trying to either load XP to my external HD so I can retain Linux on my Asus eee (god, that almost sings, doesn't it- Fred_G, make a song out of that, we can call it the ballad of the geeks) or else just load XP right on the eee and to heck with Linux- the notepad came with the drivers for XP, but it just seems to be an ungodly process to do that simple thing- so I'm up for any advice if someone has any advice.

 

Why not install XP (assuming you have all the drivers) and then intall the 'Nix as a dual boot system. Best of Both Worlds. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jt7MH9UpMU Gets better at around 1min 50 secs.

:-D

 

Ya know Fred_G, I thought it was that simple, and no worries mate,. that was my original task- the drivers come with the Asus linux eee to load xp- then I started looking it up and its all write this line of code, download this other thing, use nlite and shrink this, get Drive clone, use this external drive, get an external optical drive and I'm all like- what up with THIS?? I DO have a very bad habit of making things more complicated then they should be, then shrinking from the task... but it seems to me the eee was made to be simple (or should it be the eeeeeK!) Quite frankly, I just want to be able to listen to my sox games- I've not been bucks up so that makes cable the first victim, and my boy paid for gameday audio through the MLB site for me. My Vaio is basically a desktop at this point because of that horrible overheating problem that Sony STILL insists is just from dust in the heatsink (but I'm not bitter..... obviously a board or chipset issue, but they REFUSE to cop to it- can't use the beast unless an 8" fan is running on it at all times...)(DON'T EVEN suggest the targus chillpad- total crap....)(again, the bitter thing lol) so, after all that, I just want to hear my games, but gameday audio doesn't seem to run on linux, and even loading xp seems to be a horror show, tho the eee was meant to be able to load XP to... arrrgh, I just bent your ear way too long, but I guess you might see why it might be VITAL for me not to miss a Sox game at this point in the endeavor.... sigh..... Also, I would like to be able to use my Netflix, and since the eeek has no cache, I was hoping to load XP to my 20GB Lacie and boot from it- am I babe in the woods, hoping this would be straightforward, or as usual, do I have just enuff knowledge to make myself useless?? Oh me. Sorry, tired. Had a weekend of it with crazy drinking neighbors who beat each other up and have small children, and cops, and screaming little ones banging on my door, it was not at all nice. I just want my puter, and to make it do what I want, since that's the one piece of this shabby place I can enjoy and control (wow, sorry, that was WICKED self pity!!! Shame!! Shame on ME!) on the good side, I'd looked for a baby Quaker parrot for 6 yrs, just got one (Marley, 9 wks old) and she is sitting right here on my shoulder thinking the keys on my Vaio look yummy, and settling in well- she'll probably be talking by the end of the month- I think I will teach her to say "No one home!!!!) luv, kat

 

PS- EXTREMELY Awesome youtube- thanks for that!!!!!!

 

The Linux is very nice and polite. I just have a problem speaking it's language.

Don't know what your warranty is on your laptop. Sounds like bad TIM. When the warranty exprires, we can run you through how to redo the TIM.

 

I bought the Vaio from a "friend" who must've had it go down a few times due to temp- I thought I was getting a deal, which I did, but he thought he was doing me down, thinking he had a meltdown on his hands- so no warranty, she's out of that- funny, I saw recently that the NEW Vaios were catching on fire or some such. I've been on to the forums for 6 months now, and on to Sony, and they stand by their "line"- clean out the vents, heatsink etal- this is NOT a cat hair problem...(tho in MY house, that COULD be a possibility, and I am offering YOU Fred, RIGHT now, ONE time only- a FREE KITTEN! Door prizes all around for my troops!!!...they are cute too.. torties and calicos, beaucoup unusual....) I look very forward to the walkthrough, cuz I am GOOD at this stuff. My knowledge is self learned so there are some gaps- like I said sometimes I have just enuff knowledge to get thoroughly boogered! My Vaio is my 1st laptop and overall an awesome beast, and I adore her, but really I wasn't into it to get another desktop, and boat anchors, I have... lol. At this point she's paid her way, so I have no qualms playing surgeon for her, and everything I learn from you helps me on my ultimate goal- don't it sometimes gall you, when you have picked the crud out of your neighbor's system, or walked them through quasi-simplistic for the 10th time, that you COULD be getting umpteen-plus an hour for all this altruism? It would be dream job to me. Be that as it may, I have no problems or lack of knowledge following a schematic, soldering, whatever. I would be DELIGHTED if I could outdo the idiots at Sony. (bitter, bitter, so sad for one so young!rolleyes)