What an absolute fantastic weekend we had this last Thursday and Friday. The time has come for McKay to graduate from boot camp and become a real Marine. We are so very proud of him.
McKay's friend, Cameron, and his parents, Brian and Lynda Merritt decided to come and wish him well. They flew in earlier than we did but we flew in Wednesday night so that we could arrive early at the Marine Corp. Recruiting Depot (MCRD) for Family Day. It is an gigantic place. We figure we put in at least 5 miles walking. In the center of the depot is a huge piece of cement about the size of 5 X 2 football fields (about 1000 yards by 100 yards). The bad part of this is if you wanted to go to the store that was just across this parade deck (cement pad), you had to go all the way around it. You couldn't walk on it or on the grass. Those were the absolute rules and we weren't sure if we would come home with all of our limbs if we happened to "fall" on the lawn! McKay is very obedient to all of the rules, we think that is one of the reasons he survived.
When we first got there all 7 platoons were practicing for the liberty presentation and the graduation ceremony. They were dressed in their camies and we had to pick McKay our from the back. We were right on. See if you can pick him out. One minor hint is he looks an awful lot like his brother, Shay.
After they had practiced, they returned to their barracks and got ready for their last motorun, which would be the last run they took as Fox Company. He seemed very intent and serious during this run. It was so cool to hear the drill instructors shout out orders but we later learned that the shouting of orders was the most annoying part of the whole experience. Nonetheless, we were all impressed and Abby soon learned how to imitate the marching yells.
The march that they had been practicing was for the liberty presentation which followed the motorun. Finally they were ready to show us. They marched ending up right in front of the family and friends that were there to watch graduation. They were very impressive. Following this drill, they were free to join us for the rest of the day. We couldn't take them off base, offer them drugs, alcohol, tobacco, let them drive or let them do anything that was unbecoming of a Marine. We went shopping and then we went to a luncheon that the church sponsored for members and their families. It was very enjoyable to meet with the missionaries during the luncheon. It was about a 2 mile hike to the luncheon, however. McKay ate like a horse eating at least 2 plates of everything. Even Brian Merritt was surprised at his appetite.
He had to report back at 17:45 PM for the night and so we went back to our hotel and enjoyed a nice rest from all of our walking. We thought we would go to dinner and we had our choice of about 10 Mexican restaurants. Guess what we had? It was yummy. It was the first time we tried deep fried ice cream!
After a restful night we got up early the next day for the "real" graduation. It was much like the previous day with marching only they were in their dress blues. He looked so handsome, mature, and sharp. It wasn't until this trip that we realized just how important this step was for him. It was really hard and he says that if he knew then what he knows now about boot camp, he wouldn't do it. He did a fantastic job shooting the M16s, in fact he was the best in his platoon earning the "Rifle Expert" pin. He is determined to do well in all that he does and he is very excited to serve his church mission following his training.
He has picked up a few habits that are impressive. He never just stands without being "at ease". He also holds his hands in a refined fist whenever he walks. These are things that will probably leave him eventually but it is impressive for now.
We are so proud of McKay for his determination, attitude, and loyalty. He is a great addition to the Marine Corp. He is home now for 10 days, after which he will return to Camp Pendleton in California. After training there for 29 days he will be transferred to North Carolina where he will receive his final training. We expect him home again about February or March of 2009.
