woohoo a phone call.. though it was very short

Miss Erica did call today... though it was very short.

She said it s****s there.. long days no showers, I told her I was gonna send some

baby wipes, two girls in the back ground cheered, then Erica said yeah!

It was so funny! Never heard anyone get so excited over wet wipes LOL

They are staying at the range now, she said they are all in an old airplane hanger,

called a hooch. They have been practicing a lot! They were there for test firing

on AT4's (tank missiles). They were taught how to use grenade launchers,

which she thought was so cool.

Then they had to throw grenades, though she said that was a little scary.

I talked with a guy from work today who is a retired Marine.

He said back in the day, they did not train everyone all the combat,

because they were non-infantry,

but now a days they want every one trained in case

they are in a situation and they would be able to handle it.

Erica said she would try to call again next sunday. :)

writen & posted by: darlene r.

keeping my finders crossed

for a phone call :)

Hotel Co. 3rd Platoon commanders/trainers

Erica's company

posted by: darlene r.

short note..

:) Received a very short note from Erica today...

"Well it's Monday (8/24/09) I've been here a week.

We are a "mixed" platoon 87 all together,

we are outnumbered by the guys 2 to 1.

Anyways its only training day six, each day counts unlike boot camp.

The food is good but to unhealthy for my taste.

Don't expect much letters, we get up between 3 am and 5 am

it depends on what's going on that day.

We PT before chow, straight after chow we run down to classes that

are about a half an hour away,

then we go to Prac. App. (practice application) where we practice hands on.

The classes are three to four hours long.

They changed my mos again and its completely different from what I what.

I'll write you soon and let you know.

Love you and miss you much,

Erica"

posted by: darlene r.

Senior Drill Instructor Sgt Jenkins & Pvt Erica

missing miss erica but...

I am missing Miss Erica but glad she is happy what she is doing.

Talked to a couple people today who's kids are in different companies,

and they have not received one phone call :(

I even got an email from Erica's company commander just letting the parents know that our Marines are safe and hard at work. That phones calls would be few and letters as well, if any, since they will be in the field. That if something should happen, parents are notified asap.

We are welcome for graduation on September 15th in North Carolina.

I wish I could go, but as you know I barely made it to Boot Camp grad, if it were not for friends and co-workers I would not of been able to.

If miss Erica does not get RA after grad I am Hoping that she can get it around christmas time.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

written and posted by: darlene r.

thank goodness

I am glad I took Twila's advice she told her own son about making copies of orders.

I did it being Erica's first orders, But thank goodness I did,

received a jury duty summons for Miss Erica.. LOL

Marked that she was else where in the service,

and they ask for you in enclose a copy of orders.

So got that off in the mail today...

written & posted by: darlene r.

woohoo just got a phone call

Miss Erica just called 4:17 pm pacific, they didn't have much time, only 15 minutes for everyone in her group to call home. She sounded so happy, it was so good to hear her voice.

They have what she called a combat buddy, a girl that was from papa co. plt. 4022..(her sister platoon from boot) She said they are a good team. :)

PFC Colleen (the girl she flew out of LAX with) is in her platoon as well.

She also said it was a looooooong week. Think she was glad it was over but looking forward to what's coming up. A few more days then its off to the range, the following week is what she called devil dog week??? Then a small break.

She still doesn't know for sure about her MOS (her job) I asked if she found out about RA.

She thinks that they don't find out until the last days because they have to check the next start dates for their MOS classes. If classes start right away then she'll go straight there, if its a while then she possibly could get RA (recruiters assistance)

From the last couple of graduations, she said Fox, Kilo, (boys) & Oscar, Papa (girls) make up Hotel company.

She then asked what was new with me and if there was any news she missed? Thought that was sweet of her to ask about me, when she is so busy! Told her how everyone I talk to is so excited for her! And Proud! She said to tell everyone Hello. :) The last thing she said was "I miss you."

written & posted by: darlene r.

Phase III Questionnaire - after the fact

This questionnaire is from Erica's final month or so at Boot Camp.... as she said most of this she had not completed until crucible so she filled it out after she was home on her so called 10 day leave, her answers are in red - green is moms comments

Phase III Questionnaire

1. Now that you have made it to the final phase of boot camp, have the DI’s gotten nicer?
A. Nice is not a concept they are familiar with.
B. Yeah, we’re great pals now.
C. No. They remind us daily that we are maggot meat.

2. How would you now describe your ability to drill in Phase III.
A. I am the best in my squad.
B. I’ve been sent back to remedial drilling.
C. Other (please explain)_better the other platoon got yelled @ more______. *wrote in

3. During FFR, what kind of moving targets do you shoot at?
A. Card board cut-outs.
B. A big bulls-eye.
C. The Energizer Bunny.
D. Don’t know. They whiz by so fast I can’t see them, let alone hit them.
E. Other (please explain)_something called an E-Mod ______*wrote in

4. When you rappelled off the tower during bwt phase I, you:
A. Forgot to use the rope.
B. Looked down and immediately froze.
C. Didn’t look down.
D. Prayed.

5. For combat endurance you:
A. Asked to be excused.
B. Asked to endure it again.
C. Asked if they were firing blanks over our heads.
D. Were informed that the answer to C was,

“NO MAGGOT! MARINES DON’T USE BLANKS OOH-RAH”!

E. Other (please explain)_kept running after legs were left behind_____ * wrote in ???W???

6. For the Defensive Driving Course you:
A. Accidentally ran over your SDI.
B. Knocked over all the cones.
C. Learned how to cut cookies in the parking lot.
D. Other (please explain)___wtf? no driving course__.* wrote in - she wishes there was one

7. During Basic Warrior Training you:
A. Made wood cookies to adorn your uniform.
B. Set up a tent complete with field sanitation and camouflage.
C. Got all tangled up in the barbed wire and had to call for assistance.

* not me but Angebrant did - another recruit

D. Got confused about the hand and arm signals for silent patrol,

causing your squad to break into a rousing chorus of the Marine Corps Hymn.

8. After the Crucible, awards are given for:
A. Best application of camouflage face painting.
B. Ending the Crucible with the cleanest uniform.
C. Just coming out of the *&#*thing alive is enough of a reward.

EGA :) Eagle Globe and Anchor

9. What was the hardest part of the Crucible?

A. The lack of sleep.
B. All the marching, marching, marching…….
C. Eating nothing but MRE’s.
D. Other (please explain)__________________________________

10. At the Warrior’s Breakfast they served:
A. MRE’s.
B. Everything you’d find at I-HOP.
C. Other (please explain)___and more!________________. * wrote in

11. What is the Grim Reaper? (For SD recruits)
A. My SDI’s nickname.
B. A small mountain at Camp Pendleton. PARRIS ISLAND!!!!
C. A part of the obstacle course.

12. For the final PFT, you had to:
A. Jog at a leisurely pace for 5 miles, stopping to rest whenever you felt like it.
B. Do 100 crunches. *wrote in & over 70 seconds dead hang (85) run a 24:01 ^ 3 miles
C. Race through the chow line, slam down 10 pancakes, 8 sausage links, 1 lb of hash browns, 2 glasses of OJ and be back in formation in 10 minutes.

13. After the gas chamber you:
A. Asked if you could go again. * wrote in really I did!
B. Asked for a medic.
C. Asked yourself once again why you joined the Marine Corps.
D. Other (please explain)___________________________________________.

14. When you get home for your ten day leave after boot camp, what special meal would you like to request first?
A. MRE’s! I love MRE’s!
B. Mom’s homemade ________________.
C. Other __in-in-out, Jimmy's -- aka:Everything!!____.

15. Now that you are just about done with Phase III, if you could pick one word to describe your boot camp experience so far, what would it be? _CAKE!_LOL_ (annoyed with girls)_* wrote in

even though its done and she's a Marine now.. i still wanted her answers :)

posted by: darlene r.

---

Terms and Acronyms

Marine Corps Motivational Sayings
Semper Fi	Short for Semper Fidelis, Latin for "Always Faithful"
Ooh Rah!	Motivational statement in acknowledgement or agreement
Terms about the Depot
MCRD	Marine Corps Recruit Depot, also called "The Depot"
PI	Parris Island (MCRD PI)
SD	San Diego (MCRD SD)
RTB	Recruit Training Battalion
Plt	Platoon
DI	Drill Instructor
SDI	Senior Drill Instructor
CO	Commanding Officer
CG	Commanding General
CMC	Commandant of the Marine Corps
MRP	Medical Rehabilitation Platoon
PCP	Physical Conditioning Platoon
Graduation Terms
Parade Deck	Graduation: ceremonies takes place on the parade deck. Do NOT walk across the parade deck.
Moto Run	Graduation: the last battalion run taken together on Thursday morning prior to family day - motivational run
Theater	Graduation: classroom-style seating in a theater where families will hear information from the DIs
Viewing Stands	Graduation: the bleachers for families to sit on during ceremonies
Training Terminology
IST	Initial Strength Test
PFT	Physical Fitness Test
PT	Physical Training
IT	bootcamp term, extra attention and extra PT
Quarter Deck	this is where you get IT'd
Ink stick	Pen
Lead stick	Pencil
Knowledge	School book/notebook
Guideon	Platoon flag
Titles of Recruit Training "Jobs"
Guide	in charge of the entire platoon, carries the guideon
Squad Leader	in charge of the squad
Scribe	the recruit who keeps notes and records for the DI
House Mouse	makes sure the cleaning supplies are put up and the "Duty Hut" is clean, usually more than one recruit
Orders, Acknowledging Orders
As you were	disregard my last statement
Aye, aye	a term used by a subordinate to a senior in acknowledgement of an order
Carry On	an order to resume previous activity after interruption
Marine Corps Gear
Weapon	M16A2 (NEVER called a gun)
Canteen/water bowl	Water bottle
Moon Beam	flashlight
Clothing/Personal Property
Cover	uniform headgear
Blouse	any shirt that is part of the Marine Corps uniform
Trousers	pants
Go Fasters	Running shooes
Skivvies	underwear
Portholes	glasses (also referred to as BC glasses where the BC can stand for Bootcamp or Birth Control - Birth Control because they are so ugly there isn't a chance of...well, they're that ugly)
Verbs/Activities
Chow	meal time, also the food itself
Hydrate	drinking water (a critical component of recruit training and being a Marine)
Hygiene	Shower (or any other way to clean yourself)
Drill	Marching
Swab	Mop
Mini Grinder	Little bit-o-hell (moving bunkbeds to one side so they can drill with weapons)
Space, Direction, Buildings
Rack	Bed
Squad Bay	Where they sleep (also referred to as "the house" or barracks)
Duty hut	Office (Room in the Squad Bay where the DI staff has a desk, computer and a cot- the DIs are with our Recruits 24/7 they do not knock off at 5pm and get to go home)
Head	the bathroom
Whiskey Locker	closet in the squad bay where cleaning supplies are kept
Foot Locker	recruits store their gear in a footlocker at the foot of their "rack"
Overhead	roof/ceiling
Bulkhead	a wall
Porthole	Window
Hatch	Door
Ladderwell	Stairs
Port	Left
Starboard	Right
Bow	Front
Aft	Back
Other Terms
Suzie	Girl back home (girlfriend)
Jody	(guy that the girl "is cheating on him with")
T-Day	Training day
H-day	Holy day
Fresh blood	Recruits
Doc	FMF Corpsman (FMF = Fleet Marine Force)

The Last phone call for a while

Miss Erica called at about 4:20 PM (1620) with her address, and she said that they will be in the field tomorrow, like a big camping trip :) they will mostly be in the field.

So although she can receive mail it will be rare when she does receive it.

Their barracks there are two rows of twenty cots.

So forty girls and forty boys make up Erica's platoon.

The boys and girls are in separate barracks.

I already had to mail her her sweats she forgot.

Thank goodness I made it in time for the mail today.

If they are good they can get liberty on weekends.

So some free time to go to the PX and hopefully a phone call,

I gave her a calling card... so we'll keep our fingers crossed :)

written & posted by: darlene r.

Camp Geiger

"I did receive a phone call this morn that got cut off... :( They were on their way to base to check in. She will hopefully call later???"

Following recruit training and graduation, new Marines go on to further their training. To do such, the Marines report to the School of Infantry located at Camp Geiger, MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Marines who are designated as infantry Marines are assigned to Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry for military occupational specialty training. After graduating from there, these Marines will be assigned to their first permanent duty station. All non-infantry Marines are assigned to Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry for training. MCT reinforces and expands on the basic Marine-combat skills learned in recruit training. Following MCT, Marines attend their MOS schools to learn the trade they are expected to perform for the Marine Corps.

The School of Infantry is located on Camp Geiger as part of Marine Corps School, Camp Lejeune, NC. The Camp Lejeune/New River complex is home to the largest concentration of Marines and Sailors in the world, with more than 143,000 people with the civil service employees, retirees and families.

Camp Geiger is named after.....

General Roy Stanley Geiger (January 25, 1885–January 23, 1947) was a United States Marine Corps General who, during World War II, became the first Marine to lead an army.

Geiger commanded the III Amphibious Corps in the Battle of Okinawa, where he assumed command of the U.S. Tenth Army upon the combat death of Lt. GeneralSimon Bolivar Buckner, Commanding General of the Tenth Army. Geiger led the Tenth Army until relieved by General Joseph Stilwell.

A hug goodbye

Miss Pvt Erica will miss her buddy Scout, big time!

posted by: darlene r.

End of the flight.. almost there

Miss Erica called they arrived safely in Jacksonville NC at (2022) 8:22 PM pacific time, she said the plane was really small, although at least it wasn't a prop engine LOL.. small enough that when they landed they departed on the tar mat.
She says she's having fun already, the second plane that landed was almost all Marines. Both platoons from her series and the two before hers also. Said she was real nervous on the second flight because they made her check in her garment bag with all her uniforms, but it made it safe and sound thank goodness.
She talked to me over 15 minutes. She said if possible she would call tomorrow.
She seamed real excited and a lot of girls kept saying Hi in the background.
A girl from San Jose and another from Kansas kept asking in the background how I was.. cute!
Jacksonville NC Airport

written & posted by: darlene r.

First stop on the way to MCT

Received a call at (1849) 6:49 PM from Miss Erica landed safely in Charlotte NC, had some time so they enjoyed some pizza, she said the last for a least a month LOL

Charlotte NC Airport

posted by: darlene r.

Miss Erica off to NC for MCT

Time to go
the last wave bye :( Pvt Erica & PFC Colleen
Good Luck Marines!!

At least they were flying together!

posted by : darlene r.

Val and Erica goofing off!!

i'll miss you my friend
don't think bryce would be to happy if you dropped val ;)







bug eyed ???

Last Who -RaHs!

let me show you a head lock...
no let me show you a head lock!
HEYYYY
Brother Bryan and Erica
Erica and Grandma Cathy
Erica and (Marine) Grandpa Bill
Erica and Mom(me)

Shyan and Erica

Kim and Erica
Erica and our neighbor Kassidy
Kass and Erica

MCRD San Diego

my dad might remember these halls, since the building is a historical landmark, MCRD San Diego, CA
Flags on the San Diego parade deck.
A platoon Practicing their drill.

Friday ran to MCRD San Diego, to pick up last minute items that Miss Erica needed for her trip to NC. A graduation had just finish and lots of people around. Boy does California know how to market or what. Parris Island was congratulations! and California was here go buy tickets to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Sea World etc. And their gift shop was amazing and VERY friendly people. :)

Another quick story we parked and just got out of the truck and a car pulled up to park and the gentleman waved us to walk, and Erica started freaking out... oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Holy s***!

I had to say "Erica its okay your in civilian clothes, he doesn't know your a Marine." I could see all the stripes on his arm. He was a Sergeant Major (E9). He smiled and off we went, but she was still freaking, I had to hold my laugh, I had never seen her so nervous!! I won't ever forget the way she acted!

written by: darlene r.

Best Friends! Erica & Nola

so happy to see each other!!

ERICA & NOLA

taken & posted by: darlene r.

mini story

I have many mini stories.. I wish I had a recorder on the way to the airport after graduation of all her stories! Some where so funny.. others cute and made me laugh others not so cute.. some made me mad, although I hid that and just asked questions. I had no control there and have no control of her future and the outcome. I just kept telling her everything happens for a reason.

*This happened when we got home, I was going to the gym with Kim & Val. We are members at LA Fitness... thanks to VAL! So LA Fitness gave Erica a week pass because they knew about her being at Boot Camp and would only be home a week, so nice!

Anyway we were taking turns on the AB's machine, Kim and I were waiting for this BIG guy probably 200 LBs or more, pushing it out "huffing and puffing", think he had it at 150 lbs (I can do 50 lbs on that machine) Any way he got up and left, Erica had not seen him, she sat down pumped once and then moved the weight to 200 LBs and just started pumping away. Kim & I looked at each other and started laughing and saying how amazing she was!
On the bikes she kicked our butts, she had it a level 10 then to level 15 and back to 10 for cool down (I had it a level two, which is tuff for me) and she was riding twice as fast! (ok maybe four times as fast-lol)

Today her best friend is taking her to Disneyland, but she had me get up at 5 am and we went to the gym for an hour, got home took showers and she's off to Disney for the whole day! *you go girl!

written & posted by: darlene r.

with family

Saturday at Rain Forest Cafe in Ontario,CAGrandpa Hans, Pvt Erica & Grandma Bev
Grandpa Hans, Grandma Bev, Erica & Uncle Dana & Aunt Lisa
Uncle Dana, Erica & Aunt Lisa
Grandma Bev & Pvt Erica

great-grandpa Bill(Pop'o) & Erica
Popo's truck - he is so proud
Popo & Erica at breakfast, days after graduation
Grandpa Bill(A Marine) Pvt Erica, Mom(me) & brother Bryan

posted by: darlene r.