the last Lakeside Lancer basketball game of the season.
We were all surprised they announced it on the PA.
You know about kids, they say I want to be a fireman, a doctor, a vet,
so when Erica said I want to be a US Marine, I thought okay sure
(ya right?).
She had many obstacles, which I had my doubts that she would ever over come.
She first went to a recruiter without me, and without both parents signatures
she had to wait till she was 18 and by that time, being out of school and
no basketball or track she gained a bit of weight,
who knew how strict the Marines were about that which other services are not.
So when she turned 18 she changed recruiters, long story why she did that,
but her recruiter laid it on the table how hard it would be,
she retook the ASVAB two more times to get a higher score so more jobs were available to her.
She then started going to weight watchers
with her friend Erin and Kim (my best friend) who's a weight watcher leader.
She started running every day and exercising.
She had a few set backs where her recruiter even
yelled at her asking her if she was serious or not.
I was thinking it was not going to happen and
she would maybe meet someone and move on.
Then she met Jacob who was going into the Marines
and he was so excited it really got a fire under her butt!
She wrote him a few times while he was in boot camp at Pendleton.
When he finally graduated he called her a few times asking her when she was going in.
She really started pushing it, then Erica asked for a ride to Corona
because her recruiter wanted to talk to me,
so I went and he said so you know she's ready to go in.
I was happy for her and nervous.
She wanted no one really to know until it was a for sure thing.
So her recruiter gave me possible dates and
so with Bryce (Kim's son) going to Afghanistan
Kim said we'll just do a party together for
Erica going into boot and Bryce leaving for the middle east.
So miss Erica finally shipped on May 11th after a few delays,
now it has come down to 16 days till her Graduation ...
becoming a US MARINE ... a woman Marine the fewer the prouder! they say!
Jacob called me from Pendleton last night just to check on me to see how I was doing and to reassure me that Erica is well and just so busy with everything they need to know and practice.
That he knew she would make it and that he would call on graduation day. Sweet kid.
He's been a good friend to Erica. He even PT'd with her a few times... (Physical Training)
Wish he could be there but he's busy on base himself.
Well hopefully... we'll hear something from miss Erica soon.. I'll keep you all posted.
Friends Erica Ann & Jacob
