One down, 12 to go

Josh has now completed his first week of boot camp.

While I don’t know exactly how he’s doing, I’m confident he’s doing well. The reason: We’ve been told more than once that no news is good news. And so far, there has been absolutely no news – no first night phone call, letter or word from his recruiter or anyone else with the Marine Corps. So, like I said, that’s great news when I wonder how Josh is doing.

By this point, Josh and the other members of his platoon likely have listened to lectures about the history of the Marine Corps – something Josh studied on his own well before he joined the Delayed Entry Program. He also has marched in formation and learned the basics of how to use weapons safely.
On Friday, he met for the first time his drill instructors, the men charged with forming the recruits into Marines. On several occasions in the days leading up to his departure for boot camp, Josh said that he couldn’t wait for that first Friday – the day he would meet the DIs.

Hopefully, that was still the case when D-Day, make that DI-Day, arrived.

With the start of the second week now here, his training has likely shifted to “combat water survival” – basically how to stay afloat in full combat gear. Unlike his brother, Andy, Josh has never shown a desire to just go swimming. Sure, he’s gone many times into the pools at the homes of relatives, and has always had a great time. But often after a short while he ends up out of the pool and into the Jacuzzi. It will be interesting to find out how big of a challenge this week was for him.

Finally, a couple of notes: Bob, thank you for posting the link to the story about the School of Music. It was interesting reading for me, and I’m sure it will be for Josh, too. And, Kevin, thanks for including the link to your blog. It looks like you’ve put a lot of work into it; it’s very informative.

Now it's for real

Today, Josh moved one step closer to his dream: becoming a Marine and, in less than a year from now, a musician with the 1^st Marine Division Band at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

He reported to the Temecula recruiting station a little before 1 p.m., along with several other poolees who are headed to boot camp along with Josh. At this time, there’s no way of knowing whether they will belong to the same platoon, but this much is certain: they all will arrive at MCRD San Diego and become members of Echo Company.

Here’s a photo of Josh in front of the recruiting station. In three months, I plan to post another photo of him standing in the same spot. We’ll see how much he changes.

Staff Sgt. Lee, a recruiter, talked about some of the things that the poolees have in store. They will be staying tonight at a San Diego hotel. The wake-up call comes early, at 4 a.m. They will travel to the US Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), where several hours later they will raise their right hands and take the oath: I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and that I will obey the orders of the president of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, so help me God.

Josh already has taken that oath once before, on Oct. 1, 2009, when he entered the Delayed Entry Program. He posted a video of that brief swearing-in elsewhere on this blog. His swearing-in on Monday, July 19, 2010, will appear much the same but it carries greater weight. After this one, he heads off for boot camp.

I talked with Josh today for what should be the last time until I see him again on the day before his graduation in October. I’m sad at the prospect of not being able to sit and chat with him about the day’s events and all that’s going on in his life. But I consider it a very small price to pay, because this is the start of a tremendous opportunity for him – and I want the absolute best for my son. What father wouldn’t?

When I talked with Josh, he shared some of his thoughts about going to boot camp: “I’ve talked to so many people about it, seen so many movies and documentaries and read so many books on it, I kind of know what to expect. Now it’s finally going to be happening to me. I’m really excited to do it.”

Godspeed, Josh Rice.

The Last Day

Wow. Today was my last full day as a civilian. This week has been great! Let me try to recap:

Earlier in the week, I met up with a couple aunts and cousins from my mom's side of the family for lunch. Later in the week, I went out to a fancy Italian restaurant with my Nana (they even had a piano player!). Today I met for dinner at In-N-Out with some members from my dad's side of the family. To be treated to 3 meals in a week was truly an honor. It means SO much to me to be invited out to eat to see my family one last time. I'm no psychic, but I know that aside from God, family will be the biggest motivator when I'm broken down at recruit training. Family, thank you for the support. There are so many people that have gone through training without encouragement from their family. To have all of you supporting me is quite humbling!

Thursday morning, my Dad and I left for Las Vegas, Nevada, to spend some last quality father-son time together for the next quarter-year. Before we left southern California, we stopped by at my Uncle's work to not only see what he does, but mainly, for him to introduce me to his co-worker -- a former Marine and Vietnam veteran. Speaking to him was such an honor! He spent 22 years in the Corps, and hearing what he had to say about his experiences was so motivating, it reminded me why I chose the Marines. The USMC is unlike any other branch...the bond Marines share are extremely unique to their service. What I thought was funny was he mentioned that when he was in, he remembers Marines saying, "Oh, the Corps is not what it was back in the day. It was better back then." He said that even though the drill instructors today don't beat recruits, they are still making quality U.S. Marines that honorably continue what was started on November 10, 1775. He thought that boot camp is physically harder now, and the Crucible, which was started in the '90s, is a great add. Another thing he added was that when he went to a recent boot camp graduation (for someone in his family), he STILL saw the same pride and commitment that he saw from Marines during the Vietnam era. He said that he wished he was going to boot camp on Sunday!

At Las Vegas, my dad and I saw Frank Caliendo at the Monte Carlo -- my first time seeing a comedian! He was great! Unfortunately, I already heard a lot of his jokes when I looked him up on YouTube. Nonetheless, the new jokes I heard were pretty funny!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivk_uTW9Nao

Let me get this out there: I'm a huge fan of the show "Pawn Stars" on History Channel. If you don't know what it is, definitely check it out. We were able to visit their shop! The only bad part was the we couldn't meet the main people from the show...however, we did see some items that we saw on TV! It so SO COOL being at a store that we've seen on TV for so long!

Truth be told, the best part was just being able to talk to my Dad. I can't think of a better role model as a father. I hope I can be as good as a dad as he is!

Anyway, it is almost 10:30pm here, and I head to church tomorrow bright and early (it starts at 9:30am). I have to report at my recruiter's office by 1pm. After that, I'm headed to a hotel, where I will spend the night. On Monday, July 19th, I will be waking up at about 3:30 in the morning to start the day. I will be going to MEPS to finalize some paper work and medical things before I go to MCRD. I don't know if I will have time to do one last post before I go (as I should clean my room some). This could be my last post as a civilian. If not, then my last one will be tomorrow.

I've spent the past year physically and mentally preparing for recruit training. My final Initial Strength Test scores from the Delayed Entry Program are as follows:

• 10:31 mile and a half (11:30 is the minimum)
• 76 crunches (I think 45 is the minimum...I don't know because I aim for a perfect score)
• 10 pull-ups (3 is the minimum, 20 is perfect.)

I've also completely memorized the 11 General Orders, 14 Leadership Traits, and rank structure. 


PLEASE pray for me. The power of prayer is, well, very powerful. Please pray that I'm able to safely graduate on time, and without problems. I know that what does happen, however, will be God's Will. 

Well, I'm about to take my last shower at home, and sleep in my bed for the last time (until October). I need to get some sleep ASAP! Adios!

P.S.: I told my friend I would give her a shoutout on here, so I'm going to do it now. Hi Sam Millare!

Mom's Mini-Blog

For many months, I've known Josh would be going to Boot Camp...but lately that thought changes my perspective on everything...Like "I should bring him a bowl of fresh fruit salad, because he won't be having anyone waiting on him in boot camp" or "I'll fold his clothes (he must put them away) since he'll be having to take care of his own clothes in boot camp." Yes, I'm the mom and must learn to let him go. When I look at him and talk to him, I DO know he is ready.

Like his Dad, the practical jokes at the dinner table that have gotten him sent to the kitchen to eat by himself, will be missed. (I've not wanted his brothers to choke when laughing and now fully expect his brothers to come up with their own ways to crack everyone up). I absolutely loved our conversations back and forth from Vista when I'd take him to countless band practices, football games, and concerts. Those will be precious memories...but I KNOW new memories are coming. I can smile thinking of seeing him for the first time in his "dress blues" because I will know he's made his dream come true. What more could any mother want for their son!?!

Boot Camp Countdown Continues

Hi, I'm Jerry, Josh's Dad.

Josh has entrusted me with the responsibility of updating his blog while he is in boot camp. I'm looking forward to it.

In the meantime, with just days to go before he is required to report, it appears it will be yet another week filled with "lasts." He already has been on his last vacation as a civilian with his parents and brothers. He spent his last couple nights without any outside thoughts of "serious" responsibilities with his friend, Eric. Today was the last full Sunday he will have at home to play video games before boot camp, tomorrow will be the last full Monday, etc.

He will be putting that part of his life on hold for a while. In a little more than three months, those "lasts" will become "firsts": his first night out with his friends as a newly minted Marine, his first opportunity to sleep in, etc. I imagine he will feel a range of emotions when he attends his first high school football game just hours after graduating from boot camp -- particularly when the Golden Alliance plays the national anthem before the kickoff.

As for me, I will miss having him around the house. I will miss the jokes around the dinner table and our late-night conversations. But much more of me is excited for him, as he takes his first step toward realizing a dream, and into this next chapter of his life.

I Made the Paper!

Josh Rice and Shawn Marron, who sat next to each other as saxophone players in the Vista Murrieta High School jazz band, will not have to give up playing together now that they've graduated from high school.

The two musicians have been selected to become members of the 1st Marine Division Band at Camp Pendleton.

Rice said he was told they are the first Southwest County high school graduates to be selected for the ensemble.

The 18-year-olds will join the band in about 10 months after they complete Marine and music training.

Avid musicians and friends since meeting in eighth grade, it wasn't the band that drew them into the Marines. Both teens said they would have enlisted anyway.

"I was going to go straight infantry. I wanted to be a Marine," Marron said. "Music is just a plus."

They were each in middle school when they first considered the Marines as a career.

"(I wanted to join) because of the veterans and what they stood for and what they protect," Marron said.

"I was inspired by different people in my life, like my grandfather," Rice said. "I just wanted to be like them." Once he was accepted by the Marines, auditioning for the band seemed natural, Rice said. "Military is something I wanted to do and music is something I want to do, so why not do both?" he said.

Both joined the Marines last year through the Delayed Entry Program ---- which allowed them to enlist before their senior year in high school ---- and have been training weekly at the recruiting center in Temecula.

Rice leaves for boot camp at Camp Pendleton on July 19. Marron follows next month.

They will undergo 13 weeks of boot camp, 29 days of Marine Combat Training and six months at the school of music in Virginia before joining the band, one of 12 Marine Corps bands located around the United States and Japan.

The 50-member 1st Marine Division Band is booked for more than 400 concerts and performances each year, playing all styles of music including classical ---- which Rice favors ---- and Marron's favorite, jazz.

When Rice was accepted into the Marine band in 2009, he filled the only saxophonist opening. So, hoping to join his friend, Marron started playing the bassoon. But, another saxophonist spot opened up and Marron auditioned and was accepted in March.

Being musicians does not mean the men will not be sent into battle. The band is a deployable unit, with about a dozen troops currently serving in Afghanistan, Rice said.

Marron said he hopes being in the band does not prevent him from serving overseas. "That's why I joined the Marines, so I can go over there and make a difference," he said.

Link: http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/murrieta/article_3a48c23f-0e76-5691-aea0-3a6fdaeddb4f.html

Only One Week Left

Woo! I just got back from spending a few nights at one of my best friend's (Eric) house. All we did was eat, sleep, talk, watch TV and play video games. (We literally watched the entire first season of Dexter in less than 24 hours. Crazy. It is horrific to watch at first, but it gets pretty good.) It's nice to be able to waste an entire day doing nothing but relaxing, but I'm really getting bored of it. All summer my life hasn't been exciting at all...and really, it doesn't need to be. I know as soon as I hit the yellow footprints, I'll be wishing I had time to relax again. But for now, I'm sick and tired of waiting -- I want to be a Marine already!

Being in the Delayed Entry Program, it is my job to go to the weekly physical training (PT) sessions at my recruiter's office. We work out a lot, that's for sure, but we also go over some good knowledge stuff. (Like what Honor, Courage, and Commitment, the Corps' core values, really mean. We also look at the heroic actions of certain Marines.) Anyway, this past Wednesday was my final PT session (I've been advised to relax the last week to be safe, and enjoy being a civilian. It would be a shame to hurt myself right before I go, which easily could have happened this past week). Boy, will I remember my final PT session as a Poolee for awhile...at least until the 19th.

 

It began with a representative from the University of Phoenix talking to us about his school. I'm definitely planning on going there. It is among the largest and most accredited online universities, with 1/2 a million graduates and just as many currently enrolled. Since I'll be in the service, I can go there for free! I'm definitely planning on getting my AA degree there.

After that presentation, the fun began. A drill instructor was there. We ran a lot, did 400 push-ups (I counted), and a ton of ab workouts. We also did a mock CFT (Combat Fitness Test), where we had to sprint carrying two 30 lb ammo cans, perform elongated low crawls, and two types of fireman carries. The day ended with wrestling and a run back to the office.




Even though my whole body hurt for a few days, I really had a lot of fun. If I'm this satisfied after a PT session, I can't imagine what it must be like to be a Marine. I can't wait.

11 Days Left -- Schedule for Shipping

Good afternoon readers,

A couple hours ago, my recruiter came over to talk to my family and I about the fine details of my enlistment -- what life will be like after boot camp, what my contract says about bonuses, and so on. We also talked quite a bit about what I will have to worry about financially once I graduate. Anyway, here's the schedule:

• On Sunday, July 18th at 1 pm, or 1300, I will be meeting at my recruiter's office. He will go over a detailed training matrix of what I will be doing each day. After the briefing, he will drive me down to a hotel in San Diego. I might be able to have one final meal with my family before leaving; I have to check back into the hotel by 8 pm. So technically, my last full day as a civilian will be on Saturday the 17th. 
• On Monday, July 19th, the craziness begins. I will be waking up at about 3:30 in the morning to get ready for the day. After breakfast, we will leave the hotel at about 5 am to drive down to MEPS, or the Military Entrance Processing Station. I've been here twice before when I originally enlisted into the Delayed Entry Program...this time will just be a final medical check, and the Oath of Enlistment. I swore in once before into the DEP, but this time, I will actually be swearing-in to active duty service in the United States Marine Corps. Here is a video of my original swear-in on October 1st, 2009:

           Every individual wanting to join any branch of the United States military must go through MEPS. It is where each applicant's SRB, or Service Report Book (I believe), is started. This will follow them throughout their career. Every applicant is thoroughly screened: there's an FBI background check (complete with a picture taken and all 10 fingerprints scanned), urinalysis/blood test (to test for drugs/HIV/pregnancy for females), hearing/vision test, and a full physical exam. It lasts all day. But for my final swear-in, since I'm already in the system, it shouldn't be long. I'll probably have the final swearing-in sometime around lunch. Once that is complete, I'm off!

• My scheduled graduation date is Friday, October 15th. I will then have 10 days leave, during which I'm free to visit family and friends. I will then spend one month at Camp Pendleton for Marine Combat Training, where I will learn basic infantry skills, and learn to fire a multitude of weapons, and how to throw a grenade. Upon completion of that, I will spend 6 months at the Armed Forces School of Music. I will get Christmas off. Once I'm done with that, I will get my $10,000 bonus (for being a musician). I am definitely going to be saving it for a car once I get into the fleet. Anyway, after all my training, I should be stationed at Camp Pendleton sometime during the summer of 2011. I'm hoping to go to Afghanistan shortly after. We'll see. 

As usual, thanks for reading! Feel free to leave some comments with your thoughts, questions or suggestions!

14 Days Left -- Here's Some Motivation

Sometimes, it is easy to focus only what lies directly ahead of us. Lately, I've found myself thinking about boot camp; in fact, every single day. I know for a fact these will be the most challenging weeks in my life thus far. I frequently ask myself if I even have what it takes to make it through recruit training. But when I watch some videos of different Marine Corps bands on YouTube -- and picture my future self in them -- there is no way in heck I'm going to accept failure. Failure wasn't an option with Apollo 13, and it certainly won't be an option here.

For Memorial Day, I attended an extremely moving service at Riverside National Cemetery -- where my grandpa is buried. Aside from 13 of their members being in Afghanistan, the 1st Marine Division Band was there in full force. Even though I had to sit in direct sunlight for two hours on a hot, California summer morning, it was totally worth being able to be only feet away from those outstanding Marine musicians. (I was extremely nervous that the high-definition camera I was using would over-heat; thankfully, it didn't.) After spending four years in a 200+ person, nationally-acclaimed marching band, I have to say we rarely came close to sounding as full or powerful as these 30 or so musicians. Almost as soon as the first downbeat was given, my jaw hit the deck. Absolutely stunning. What a flawless performance. Here's a couple videos I made (turn your speakers UP!!!):





How could the day have possibly gotten better? With the accompaniment of my dad (I can be shy), I went over to some of the Marines after their performance as they were getting on the bus. I started out by telling them how amazed I was by their performance. After telling them I was not far away from boot camp, I was inundated with friendly advice from their personal experiences. My family and I asked countless questions, and being the courteous gentlemen they were, they politely answered each one with sincerity -- what personable people! With every Marine I've talked to, I have always felt like they truly cared and actually appreciated talking to an inquisitive wanna-be Marine. Bar-none the nicest group of individuals I have ever met.

I can't wait to be a Marine, that's for sure. But when I see the Marine bands perform, and then get to talk to the members, I get much, much more anxious. Below is a picture is myself and a couple friends with the Enlisted Conductor for the 1st Mar Div Band. (He served in the Army, and went to Airborne school -- he is trained to jump out of planes! He also conducts and plays the bagpipes. Notice the plane in the background! EXTREMELY friendly Marine. Oh, and he's a 1st Degree Black Belt Instructor in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, and holds TWO college degrees. Good heavens!) Again, truly honored to be in the presence of such an outstanding group of people.

What Does It Take to Make the Marine Corps Band?

First, anyone that wants to be in any of the 12 fleet Marine bands has to be a Marine first (the only exception is the President's Own Marine Band....they don't go through boot camp nor do they deploy). Every Marine, regardless of job or rank, is a Rifleman first. This is different from the other branches. No matter if you are a tank mechanic, underwater basket-weaver, or in my case, a musician, every Marine is a Rifleman first and foremost.

I've been playing the saxophone for eight years, ever since 5th grade at the age of 10. I was privately taught by a former Marine musician for half of my music career, and I know he had a profound impact on my musical ability. What is amazing is that I had a phenomenal middle school band director by the name of Mr. Newton who reinforced and expanded on what I learned privately, at school. Finally, I had two great high school band directors that undoubtedly gave me a great deal of musical experience -- both from the playing standpoint and from leadership positions in the band program such as section leader and drum major. There is no way I would have made it into the band without both of my high school band teachers' help; they challenged me in ways that ultimately opened a multitude of doors for me. Mr. Wade gave a multitude of leadership courses; I learned countless life values and skills that I am very grateful for have learning. Mr. Ewell, a saxophone player himself, challenged me daily by his AP music theory course and demanding concert band classes. He also gave me a few private lessons! Long story short, I learned so much from my time in high school that it would be impossible to give any more examples without boring you to death. Anyway, here is a video from one of my performances during my senior year:



The musical audition for the Marine Corps band isn't hard if you have been playing throughout your time in grade and high school. The requirements for a woodwind player are very straight-forward:

• Know all 48 major, natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales, along with the chromatic scale throughout the rang of your instrument. The MTA, or Musician Technical Assistant, will ask you to play these randomly...of course, he or she won't be able to ask you to play every scale, but being prepared and knowing each of these scales like the back of your hand will help immensely in increasing your general score.
• Perform a solo piece. Pick a piece that shows off your talents: musicianship, finger dexterity, range and overall skill. Their website says it has to be a Grade IV, but if it has challenging rhythms you should be good to go.
• Sight-reading. Easily the most important part of the audition as it is worth 50% of the overall score. You will sight-read a multitude of styles ranging from classical to jazz to Sousa marches to Latin and so on, as well as rhythmic meters such as common time, cut-time, 6/8, 12/8, 3/4, and much more. This will also take up the majority of the 30-minute audition. The best way to prepare for this is to just practice. You will be given a couple of minutes to look over each piece before you play it, so just remember to look at the road map, composer/style/title, key and time signature. Play smarter, not harder.

Out of a 4.0 grading scale, you must get a 2.7 to pass. A 3.0 is considered good college level, while a 4.0 is perfect. I got a 2.85 and my friend got a 2.91, both on our first tries. Remember that you can audition as much as you like...but keep in mind that it is extremely difficult to schedule an audition; there are only a handful of auditioners to screen all the aspiring Marine musicians around the country. Personally, it took a couple of months to get a date set to meet with the musician recruiter; this wasn't necessarily bad because it did give me that much extra time to practice.

Nothing can replace talking to your local musician recruiter. Get hold of a local recruiting station and ask them for a musician recruiter's number. Ask plenty of questions. It's your future. Enjoy this video that highlights the auditioning process:

Why I Joined the Marines

Ever since 7th grade, I knew I wanted to serve in the United States military. I guess you could say I was your typical adolescent boy -- I loved (and still do!) military-themed TV shows, movies, books, and video games. But of course, real life is quite different from what is portrayed in the media. As I've gotten older and met more people, it has become much easier for me to answer the question, "Why did you join the Marines?" There are a few reasons:

1.  I want to be like those I admire. I've always loved my family. Truly, I could not be more grateful. But one thing I was always interested in was my grandpa's stories from the Korean War. You see, he was drafted in the U.S. Army to serve as an artilleryman overseas. After two long years and earning the rank of Sergeant, my grandpa was honorably discharged and lived the rest of his life to the fullest by being a loving friend to everyone. Now it was not my grandpa's military service that defined him; instead, it was the way I saw him humbly serve his family at home. I joined the Marines because I was always interested in his exciting stories...maybe one day, I will have something exciting to tell my grandchildren. 

• Throughout my life, I've met many people who have also served. There is something special -- something intangible -- that they all have in common. I saw that something in the way they talked to me, the way they put others first in their actions, and they way they treated others with respect. They also seemed disciplined, focused, and thankful for what they had -- traits that can only be learned through life experiences, not a textbook. One of these people was my private teacher -- Jim. His job was to meet me every week to help me get better at the saxophone. (This went on for four years, from 5th-8th grade.) Again, I saw something intangible that I wanted.

1. I want to do what I love. I've heard that if you do what you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. I've always been interested in the military: the history of battles, the meaning of the uniform, and the way of life. I also love music. The way I see it, being a military musician would be the perfect fit.
2. I want to serve my country. Can you believe it? The current war in Afghanistan has been the longest war in American history. Yep, that's right, longer than the war that declared our independence from England, longer than World War II, and now, longer than the Vietnam War. During World War II, the NATION was at war -- men were drafted, and those on the home front contributed to the war machine by recycling materials such as plastics, metal, and rubber to build whatever was needed to help the Allies. Women worked in factories, making anything from ammunition to uniforms to vehicles. What I'm trying to say is that in the past, America was at war. Today, America is not at war. America is at the mall. All to often, our military is frowned upon....Herbert Hoover once said, "Older men declare war, but it is the youth that must fight and die." Ant-war groups (such as Code Pink and Westboro) protest at recruiting stations and military funerals because they believe our service members choose to go to war. They waste their time and accomplish nothing. Don't they realize that they should protest against Congress? I believe the majority of those in the service do their job honorably and to the best of their ability, but in the end, they are only doing what our elected officials ask of them. After September 11th, 2001, our troops were sent to the Middle East to circumvent the spread of terrorism. No one wants war. But sometimes war is necessary to defend freedom...we sometimes forget that all it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.
3. Benefits. This is hardly worth listing, because no one with their priorities straight should join the military -- especially during a time of war -- for what they can merely receive in return. I'm not joining for free college, housing, dental or medical care, or for the $10,000 enlistment bonus for being a musician. I'm joining to better the country. But what is ironic is that I'm getting a lot in return, and, dare I say it, I think I'm getting the better end of the deal. I get the satisfaction of contributing to making the world a safer place. I believe in my heart, mind, and soul that the value of one's life is not in what they have accomplished, or even how much money they earned. I believe that the value of one's life is by how they lived in the service of others. But the military isn't the only way do to this. Who the hell cares what you accomplished in life, if it wasn't for the benefit of another human being? I'm not perfect, but I certainly hope that I can somehow make this world a better place, especially by being a Marine. What's awesome is that you don't have to join the Marines to make the world a better place; just try to put others first. Remember the movie "Pay It Forward"? Do something nice for someone, even if it is just as simple as asking how their day has been to show that they are important. Ronald Reagan once said, "I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life."

Again, thanks for reading my blog...it truly means a lot to me.

Since it is 4th of July, please enjoy your awesome day...enjoy the fireworks, BBQ, and hot dogs. Just remember that there are men and women -- just like you and I with wants, aspirations, hobbies, and friends -- that fought and gave their lives so that we could be, well, independent, from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Enjoy this video I made last year to remember our heroes.

First Post -- 15 Days Until Marine Corps Boot Camp

As my first entry, I would like to thank you all for visiting my blog. Here are a couple important dates (keep in mind, anything can change):

• Monday, July 19th, 2010 -- When I "ship" to boot camp.
• Friday, October 15th, 2010 -- My scheduled graduation date.

I will be attending recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego for 13 weeks, or 3 months. I will have no access to any electronics, including: computer, TV, video games, or cell phone. My only form of communication will be by snail mail -- hand-written letters -- the old-fashioned way. Because of this handicap, I'm sure that I won't be able to fully respond to every letter I receive during training. While I'm gone, my dad will post excepts from my letters, along with general information about what I'm doing that day or week. I'm EXTREMELY excited to allow you, my family and friends, to be up-to-date and "in the know" with what is going down.

Thank you for reading, and feel free to leave comments or subscribe.

-Josh