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Marine Corps Support Forum - homecoming adjustments
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wocon43
25+ Posts
64 Posts |
 Posted - 08/09/2004 : 19:37:14
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Is any one's son having trouble adjusting to civilisn life? Pete needs to be doing something every second. If he gets to sit for long he can get pretty ornery and irritable! Definitely does not want to return to Iraq. Talked about how he was worried about staying alive on patrol towards the end of his stay when departure date was close. I'm sure he has a lot of stuff ot talk about, but its only happening in small bits an pieces at home. I sure as hell hope they have soem more debriefing to do with these kids when they get back to 29. Anyone else seeing this kind of behavior?
Pete's Dad |
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proudpapa32
25+ Posts
36 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 08:36:11
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YOU ARE NOT ALONE,MY SON ALSO MUST BE DOING SOMETHING 24/7. THAT STARTED SINCE WE SAW HIM IN 29 PALMS AND HAS FOLLOWED HIM HOME. HE HAS ONLY STAYED AT OUR HOUSE A COUPLE DAYS DURING THIS LEAVE. I WANT TO GIVE HIM SPACE,BUT WORRY CONSTANTLY. HE HAS OPENED UP QUITE A BIT ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCES,WHICH IS GOOD. WE HAD A COUPLE FAMILY GET-TOGETHERS FOR HIM AND THEY WENT WELL,BUT AFTER THAT HE TAKES OFF.
I WORRY ALOT ABOUT THE DRINKING,BUT HIS CIVILIAN FRIENDS ARE THE REAL DEAL AND ARE KEEPING HIM OUT OF TROUBLE. HE DOES BECOME IRRITABLE AND DOWN RIGHT RUDE AT TIMES,MAYBE THIS IS PART OF THE PROCESS OF RE-ADJUSTING.I TAKE A LITTLE COMFORT KNOWING HE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE,AND I ALSO HOPE THERE IS MORE DEBRIEFING WHEN THEY RETURN TO 29 PALMS.
LET'S HANG IN THERE. |
PROUD FATHER OF LCPL NATE 3/4 WEAPONS COMPANY
CAAT 2
2ND TOUR IN IRAQ
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wocon43
25+ Posts
64 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 10:19:38
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downright rude hits the nail right on the head. Drinking is also high on his list. Patience is real short with everyone except for his buddies. hate to say this ,but the structure of getting back to 29 Palms nay actually serve him well. Watching carefully but treading lightly.. Fighting the urge to tell him to cut the s---, and straighten up.
Pete's Dad |
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GSHEMI
500+ Posts
507 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 10:29:35
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| BOY THAT SOUNDS LIKE MY SON, EVEN THOUGH HE'S NOT HOME YET. BUT I KNOW FROM LAST TIME THIS KID JUST CAN'T SIT STILL FOR 5 MINUTES! OCCASIONALLY I FOUND HIM SLEEPING AND I WOULD TURN HIS PHONE OFF AND JUST LET HIM SLEEP, BUT ONCE UP HE WAS LIKE GOTTA BE DOING SOMETHING. I'M EXPECTING THE SAME THIS TIME AND HOPE I CAN HANDLE IT. I KNOW PART OF IS JUST HIM HE'S ALWAYS BEEN ONE TO KEEP BUSY. BUT I NOTICED HE HAS NOT TALKED MUCH ABOUT IRAQ AND DOESN'T REALLY WANT TO. IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS HE WAS OVER THERE. IT SEEMS THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN GET THEM TO TALK IS TO GIVE THEM A FEW DRINKS AND I'M NOT USUALLY THERE WHEN THAT HAPPENS AND THEN THE STORIES AND SOME TEARS FOLLOW, WHICH CONCERNS ME. BUT JUST KEEP PRAYING FOR THEM, I THINK BRIAN HAS A GOOD HEAD ON HIS SHOULDERS AND I JUST PRAY HE CONTINUES TO USE IT. |
Proud to be HEMI'S MOM
from Clear Lake MN |
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proudpapa32
25+ Posts
36 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 11:32:58
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WE HAVE ALSO BEEN WRESTLING WITH THE IDEA OF "GETTING IN HIS FACE" AND SLOWING HIM DOWN,BUT DON'T HAVE THE HEART QUITE YET,AFTER ALL HE SAW,DID AND WENT THROUGH. I'VE TOLD HIM THAT DOESN'T GIVE HIM THE GREEN LIGHT TO ACT THE FOOL,AND HOPE I GET THROUGH TO HIM AT SOME POINT. DO YOUR BOYS HAVE THEIR APPETITES BACK YET? I CAN'T GET THIS KID TO EAT. I LOADED THE FREEZER WITH STEAKS & CHOPS,BUT HE JUST WON'T EAT ANYTHING SUBSTANTIAL. THAT'S PART OF WHY I'M GIVING HIM A LITTLE MORE SLACK,I KNOW THERE IS SOME PHYSICAL AS WELL AS EMOTIONAL THINGS GOING ON RIGHT NOW. FOR NOW,WE'RE TAKING IT DAY BY DAY.
THANKS FOR SHARING,THIS IS ALL NEW TO US. |
PROUD FATHER OF LCPL NATE 3/4 WEAPONS COMPANY
CAAT 2
2ND TOUR IN IRAQ
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DHF~
New Member
1 Posts |
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cu
New Member
2 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 14:50:17
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Well at least we are not alone. My son is back from his second tour. Everything seemed to be going along fine. We’re use to him being a little surly and distant toward us civilians and POG’s. He's always been the tough stoic type, never talked about what happened over there either time. He would always say he was ready to go back at any time, that's what he's trained to do.
Then he went out drinking with some friends one night .When he came home everything came pouring out. I had no idea how bad it was for them, it's hard for us to imagine living the way we do in the good old USA. Imagine the shock for them coming home, after what they've been through.
All I can do is pray that time will heal.
These kids are the best America has to offer and I'm proud of every one of them.
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"Only the dead have seen the end of war"
Plato |
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JDs Mom
1500+ Posts
3265 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 15:00:37
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CU: Welcome to the site; we are glad to have you with us! 
Please take some time and check out the site. At the top of the page you will find a link "New to the Site". This is a great place to start; it really helps you in learning your way around and looking for information. Also, if you go to FAQ up towards the top right and click on it, it will take you to a place for more info on how to post messages and add details to them or how to edit or delete your own messages.
We also have a chatroom that you can join in as well. It moves pretty fast sometimes but you'll get the hang of it!  It’s great to be with others who understand, share and support in a real time conversation. Let everyone know you’re new when you get in to chat!
Check out all those links to the left too!
Again, Welcome!
Denise |
Proud Parent of a United States Marine Corporal
MCRD grad 12/19/03; ITB grad 03/10/04; ARS 6/16/05; MOS 0321, Recon; 1st Recon BTN, Bravo Co, 1st Plt, Camp Margarita, Camp Pendleton--now in Iraq
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~~I will be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified or discouraged; for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go.~~ Joshua 1:9 |
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cu
New Member
2 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 15:02:56
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P.S.
If you want some good insight into the way they live, particularly for OIF 1, and what they’ve gone thru read Generation Kill by Evan Wright. He seems a little to the left for my taste, but the book is well written and he was there.
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"Only the dead have seen the end of war"
Plato |
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momklip85
500+ Posts
902 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2004 : 15:15:12
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| 3/4 parents - you are wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing what you are going through with your sons. It breaks my heart to see what is happening. I keep praying for healing for the guys emotionally. It is going to take time but they don't need to be mean, hurtful or rude. We are all here to help them, unconditionally. The drinking is worrisome also since the guy here never drank before. It was something he said he would never do. Just remember, there are more of us than them. |
Debbie
God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go. Psalm 91 verse 11.
1/5 Bravo |
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oddie115
200+ Posts
435 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2004 : 14:44:58
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| It's all very sad what the guys are going thru. It just breaks my heart because I wish I could do more to help my BF. He has not mentioned much about all that went on and all I tell him is that if he ever needs to talk I'm here for him. All we can all do is love them no matter what and show them how much we love them and let them know how much we care about them. When the time comes when they want to talk just be there to listen. I have noticed that he gets a little crabby sometimes so I try to just back off. I know that they saw many things that we will never in our lifetime see or do. I just pray every day to help him and all the others deal with all this.May god bless them all. |
Edited by - oddie115 on 08/20/2004 21:56:03
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sandijack
500+ Posts
968 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2004 : 14:27:18
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| Bless all of you. Thanks for sharing what is going on in your lives with your very loved Marines. We haven't spent much time with Matt since their return from Iraq so I can't really speak to the issues that are taking place. I do know that readjustment takes time and that some memories never leave you. They are there for a life time. I also hope that there is some type of debriefing or something to help these Marines stabilize. As much as we all wanted to see them and spend time with them maybe the corps should have waited on leave time. Hopefully we will be spending some more time with Matt and will be able to see how much he is affected. I do know that many of them try to blow the whole experience off but as we can see when the opportunity arrives they let us know how awful it was in Iraq. I will be praying for all of you and your Marines. |
Jack VPMD and Sandi VPMF of Matt - 3rd deployment 3/4 India Company - 2nd Platoon
GOD BLESS THOSE THAT SERVE AND THOSE THAT SUPPORT THEM |
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GSHEMI
500+ Posts
507 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2004 : 16:37:46
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| Sandi, I totally agree! I can't beleive that these guys came home as soon as they did. Brian is still there but hasn't mentioned any debreifing or anything else. I'm sorry for these guys, no one can ever understand what they have been through and just the fact of their living conditions, their fears, I can't imagine and really as a mother I don't want to know but I know I have to if he wants to. As a mother, you just never want your kids to have to have these horrible feelings inside them but yet we know they need to express them. But when it comes to "debriefing" these guys, I really wonder what it amounts to. They need it and they aren't going to go asking for it, they NEED to come to them and bring it out of them. They should MAKE them attend like support groups among themselves. People at home don't understand and some really don't care. From our experiences of support groups, they are very helpful. We just really need to keep praying for them always! GOD Bless them! |
Proud to be HEMI'S MOM
from Clear Lake MN |
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mortormom
500+ Posts
1320 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2004 : 13:36:50
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I believe the Corp knows most of these guys are'nt going to seek help if they feel they need it and that is one reason they don't get leave right away when returning. I know they watch out for each other, they are required to check in with each other, they are carefully watched by Commanders.
We have to keep in mind that our loved ones have seen and lived experiences no one should ever have to experience in a liftime. Not only have they done it once, but many have done it twice. They share at their own pace. Keep in mind that just because they are'nt sharing at home does not mean that they are'nt "working things out" with their buddies. The military in general has come along why in acknowledging debriefing needs the in years past.
Support them, love them, just let them know you are there for them no matter what.
Dale has been fine since coming home but he has a son now and his every breathe is for his wife and son. Adjustment seems to be taking place well. If we can get the F word back out of his vocabulary I could be content LOL
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Lauri - PMM of Staff Sgt. Dale - 1/6 Weapons Co., Formerly Recruiter, 9th Marine Corps District,and 3/4 Kilo Co.,OIF I, II & III.
"...Yes I do have questions. I get to ask them because I'm free. That's why I have a sticker for the US Marines on the bumper of my SUV..." song lyricks by Chely Wright "The Bumper Of My SUV"
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sandijack
500+ Posts
968 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2004 : 16:04:04
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| I really hate to date myself but..... I can remember my dad having horrible nightmares. He would holler out in the middle of the night. As I grew older I realized it was a result of his experiences during WWII. Then I had friends that went to Vietnam. Some never recovered from their time there. I truly believe that many issues are not addressed with our Marines. Two weeks on base prior to leave doesn't accomplish much. Many will keep experiences to themselves and suffer from it in a multitude of ways. Others will talk and get some of it out of their system or not. Matt has had two tours and although I haven't spent much time with him since his return I think that he demonstrates a type of bravado that may not exist. He sort of intimates that it was no big deal. That is not comforting to me. Maybe after we spend some time with him we will see something different. Good luck to all. Keep a watch out for behavioral changes and pray for them. |
Jack VPMD and Sandi VPMF of Matt - 3rd deployment 3/4 India Company - 2nd Platoon
GOD BLESS THOSE THAT SERVE AND THOSE THAT SUPPORT THEM |
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momklip85
500+ Posts
902 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2004 : 18:36:35
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Sandijack,
Don't worry about dating yourself, I don't think you are alone if you know what I mean. The guy here also said it was no big deal and I was just doing my job after the first time. He still has not shared his story from either trip. I hate to see the guys bottle all of this stuff up. It is not good for them or for the ones who are around them. I just keep praying. |
Debbie
God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go. Psalm 91 verse 11.
1/5 Bravo |
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TandR_in_Tx
200+ Posts
208 Posts |
Posted - 08/13/2004 : 23:37:03
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I haven't gotten to see Wes yet because he came to visit while I was in my summer college classes, but he did visit with my husband (the T in TandR LOL) at work. T said he seemed to be his normal self but older, much older. Emailing back and forth and IMing with Wes, he does seem normal, but on occasion I find him to be distant. I don't know about temperament or drinking because he's not here. Next time he's in, I'll ply him with Corona beer and see if I can get him to loosen up and open up while he's on leave. I am thinking about all of you parents and wishing more than anything I could make the changes better or make them go away entirely. The links posted above have some really good info so definitely go there. Look up Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome on a health site too. My prayers go up for all of you. I'm just so glad these guys are back!
God bless you.
~R |
Friends and supporters of Wes, a Navy Corpsman, 3/4 H&S Co.
"For HE shall give HIS angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" Psalm 91:11
"I will be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified or discouraged for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go." Joshua 1:9
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jet
500+ Posts
502 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2004 : 14:43:11
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Of course your sons are changed forever! But I think you are confusing mental issues with physical fitness: Let me explain - With the intense activity of the past 5 months, the body learns to consume & burn fuel (food) at a very rapid pace as the metabolism is that of an world class athlete. If the activity is suddenly stopped, the body continues to produce fuel for the muscles, but the activity level has changed and the metabolism is still very high which makes the muscles twitchy and the person very restless. Our sedentary life is very boring to a person with a super active life, which might make them seem restless and somewhat rude. Nothing could be futher from the truth as they risk their very lives to keep us safe.
Regarding "how rough it was", a couple of the guys & I were talking and one young man said "I would rather spend 5 years in prison than go back to Iraq" which leads me to believe it got pretty intense. However, the young man also said that he will most likely return twice more before his enlistment is over, and is proud to serve wherever they send him. Most of those listening agreed with both comments! I could not be more proud of those young men - they all have the right stuff & we are forever indebted to them.
I cannot address your sons behavior but my son said it feels as if he never left home, no mental issues but really is full of live and energy. He has been on the go since getting home and is having the time of his life. Good, he deserves it as he is painting the towns of Las Vegas, San Francisco & Sacramento with parties, ball games, friends and family. We have only seen him about 8-10 hours thus far but talk often. We gave him the run of the house while we were on vacation and now that we are back home, he is away. We raised him to be independant, and he is. I could not be more proud!!!!!! |
Not Self - but Country |
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Grizzley
200+ Posts
200 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2004 : 00:36:13
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| Hi Everyone, Grizzley here, I usually on the other side of the board. My son Matt is in the 1st LAR, hopefully to be home soon also. Crooms ask that I might give you some Ideas or thoughts. I was a Marine in Viet Nam, Chu Lai, 1970. It's hard to explain when you return to the "real World". I think WWII and Korea was different as far as getting back into things because they didn't happen fast. Believe me, I'm not taking anything away from them, My uncle was in both and I know the hell he went through. What you have to understand, especially now, is that you go from a war zone where everyone is trying to kill you, walking around with a rifle, sleeping with one eye open when you sleep. Boom, then all of a sudden, within a day or two your back home and expected to act normal. I told one of the parents to compare it to being in a car wreck which I think most of us have been. Your sore and jumpy for days after. Well, it's like that except everyday, it's become a way of life. A big thing to remember now is that there is help. Remember too that there is alot of guilt, why did I come back when so many didn't or how did I skate and not get hurt and some lost limbs or their sight, etc. I went through it, still have some effects from it but the big thing is not letting them bottle things up inside, because it'll eventually explode. Everyone reacts different but THEY need to realize they need help. You hate the world but when it comes down to it you hate yourself over the guilt you feel. They will be jumpy, loud noises, people tapping them on the shoulder, give them a wide berth, even though you mean well you may not like the results. That's why alot of Marines even if wounded chose to stay with their fellow Marines, even being in a war zone they feel safe as they can be because they watch eachothers backs. Have talked to one wife who's husband has had problems, he finally admitted he needed help, it's getting over that first hill that's the hardest step. Haven't got all the answers but if anyone would like to email me feel free, will do what ever I can to help, it's my obligation, maybe why I made it back, who knows. Thanks All, TAke CAre & be Safe, Semper Fi, Grizz aka Ralph |
Grizzley & SLC, extremely proud parents of L/Cpl Matt, 1st LAR, Weapons Co. now done with 2nd Tour in Iraq (2006). Grizz,Viet Nam Marine 67-71
"AMERICA DOES HAVE HEROES" |
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Michael Ann
25+ Posts
107 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2004 : 11:26:49
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Thank you so much for all of these postings. My son is not home yet, but soon. I can tell on the IM that he is very edgy and I needed this site to make me understand better what to expect. We were going to drive out to 29 Palms when they came home, but our son does not want us to, says he has lots of work and things to get done, he will see us when he gets leave. That hurt me, but now I understand a little better. Just this week, he lost one of his squad members and I know he is very upset about this, but he doesn't say much. I try to understand and I do get my feelings hurt, so reading that he is acting "normal" helps me. He was always a person that couldn't sit still and was never at home, so I suppose that is something that will continue with him. You want to be a good parent, but he is my only child, and I am having a hard time letting go. I worry about drinking and doing foolish things. To hopefully get them home, then loose them to something like that would be devastating. I know, I am a worrier. I will try to do my best to make it easier for him to come home. Thank you again for all your help with all these postings.
Proud Texas Mom of LCPL Jeff 2/7 Echo Co. Weapons Plt. |
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sandijack
500+ Posts
968 Posts |
Posted - 08/16/2004 : 16:53:27
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| Thank you Grizzley and everyone else. I am so glad we have this site to air out our worries and concerns. We still haven't spent enough time with Matt for me to make any real observations other than those that I stated earlier. It would be impossible to have seen what they have seen and not have any repurcussions of some sort. I agree with JET. I am very proud of all that they have done and all that they are willing to do. At the same time I do worry that they do not recognize the need to unload some of the guilt or whatever those feelings are. I know that Matt had some pretty explict pictures that he did not want me to see. I know what they were of and am glad that he didn't share with me. I can't imagine seeing those sorts of things and not having some issues. Ugly, Ugly, Ugly. |
Jack VPMD and Sandi VPMF of Matt - 3rd deployment 3/4 India Company - 2nd Platoon
GOD BLESS THOSE THAT SERVE AND THOSE THAT SUPPORT THEM |
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Deno
25+ Posts
79 Posts |
Posted - 08/17/2004 : 05:57:17
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My son is home visiting, is very active and seems his good old self.
Last year he drank some, but always stays in control. He encourages his platoon to do the same.
Even to the point of disapline punishment to those that are written up.
He hates this but that is part of the life of a Marine Officer.
I'm hoping to get some "one on one" when I can, so far that hasn't happened. I also encouraged him to seek help even if he thinks he can handle it on his own.
He is almost twice the age of his guys, so maybe that helps.
Deno |
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proudpapa32
25+ Posts
36 Posts |
Posted - 08/18/2004 : 07:06:08
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OOPS,SCREWED THAT UP! JET & GRIZZLEY: THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE INSIGHT. PLEASE UNDERSTAND I WAS NOT RIPPING ON MY SON OR HIS ACTIONS SINCE COMING HOME,JUST VENTING MY WORRIES AND CONCERNS.
I WILL FOREVER BE PROUD,GRATEFUL & HUMBLED BY WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR OUR COUNTRY AND WAY OF LIFE. I TELL HIM THIS EVERYDAY. HIS ORIGINAL PLAN FOR THE 29 PALMS HOMECOMING WAS TO GET AWAY FROM BASE AND SPEND TIME WITH ONLY US. HOWEVER HE SHOWED UP WITH 3 BUDDIES WHOSE FAMILY COULD NOT MAKE HOMECOMING AND WE WELCOMED THEM LIKE FAMILY,GOT 2 MORE ROOMS FOR THEM & SPENT 4 DAYS GETTING TO KNOW ALOT ABOUT THEM. THAT WAS A PROUD MOMENT AND AN EYE OPENER FOR ME. HE WAS LOOKING OUT FOR THEM AND I WITNESSED AN INCREDIBLE BOND BETWEEN THESE FINE BOYS. HIS "FAMILY ONLY" REUNION WENT OUT THE WINDOW,BUT I WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY. I THINK THAT'S ALSO WEIGHING ON HIM,BEING AWAY FROM THEM. AS NON-STOP AS HE IS RIGHT NOW HERE AT HOME,HE CALLS HIS BUDS EVERYDAY. THEY ALSO CALL US,AND IF HE'S NOT HOME THEY TALK TO ME OR THE WIFE AND ASK HOW WE'RE DOING AND JUST B/S FOR AWHILE. WE SHOULD ALL BE SO LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH A BOND AND HAVE SO MANY LOOKING OUT FOR US. AGAIN,I APPRECIATE ALL THE INSIGHT AND FEEDBACK. |
PROUD FATHER OF LCPL NATE 3/4 WEAPONS COMPANY
CAAT 2
2ND TOUR IN IRAQ
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egg.girl
200+ Posts
231 Posts |
Posted - 08/18/2004 : 18:07:49
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Hi Jet,
I like your quote!!! My son didn't come home for leave until the 14th and he is going back this Friday. He seems to be doing o.k. although he appears a bit restless like everyone is saying. I had arranged an interview with a local paper and it has gotten him in trouble with the bosses. So, make sure your boys know what they can and can't say to a reporter prior to talking to one. I feel just awful that he is going to get reemed when he gets back to base. I wanted everything to be sooooooo postive for him while he was home and now I caused this. I believe what has ticked the military off the most was that he made some political comments (they called him on his wifes cell phone today). But, I don't know for sure as he didn't tell me much other than he was in trouble. What I do know is the rest of his leave is ruined as I think he is dreading what is going to happen when he gets back. It breaks my heart as he has been through so much already. Whatever posessed me to arrange that interview??I am the one who should be beat severly around the head and shoulders for butting in. Thanks for letting me whine. Smiles to all and God Bless our marines. |
Cheryl
mom of Cpl Ward - Purple heart recipient.
1/7 H&S Co - 3rd tour to the sandbox. (formerly 3/4)
“Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depths of love”
--George Elliot
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paulahusky
Former Volunteer
9182 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2004 : 09:22:19
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Cheryl,
I ran across the Union Democrat's article about you are your son this a.m. before I read your post and had thought, "uh-oh, probably shouldn't have said some of that stuff to the news", then I saw your post. I feel so bad for you and for your son. They interview you guys, and then they just pick the stuff out (and probably some of it out of context, if I know news resporters!) they want to use. I feel bad that your son is getting reprimanded for expressing his personal beliefs; but worse, I feel REALLY bad that he was contacted by his superiors while on leave. Seems so, so unfair to me. After all, your son served faithfully for his 7 months and has several bullet wounds to remind him of it for the rest of his life. I just hope things do go okay for him once he returns to 29 Palms, I'll be thinkin about the two of you. You were very brave to come on to the site and post about your son. I hope you will not be offended that I'm going to e-mail my son the story so that he doesn't make the same mistakes should he be interviewed!
Oh, and congratulations on becoming a mother-in-law!!!
Link to the story: http://www.uniondemocrat.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=14944 |
Paula--Proud arty mom of David (no longer active duty)
Veteran of OIF II, III, and IV (3/11 and RCT-7) |
Edited by - paulahusky on 08/19/2004 15:29:47
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jet
500+ Posts
502 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2004 : 12:06:34
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egg.girl - Don't worry! The Marines are about correcting behavior more than just punishment. The chain of command thing & political statements are sometimes viewed as insubornation but not much more. A Las Vegas lad bragged to a reporter how he killed someone on the road to Baghdad & the USMC had to investigate it as criminal behavior. He learned a lesson in talking too much too but it turned out to be nothing but tall tales per the USMC. Your son may have to do push-ups until you & I get tired or run to the moon & back but Ward should be OK :) "Freedom of Speech" is part of what they fight for, but while wearing the uniform your speech must maintain respect for your superiors at all times including their policies. You are only allowed to freely bash the other guys? (LOL)
proudpapa32 - Your online handle says it all! Those friends of his ARE viewed as family now; A band of brothers who you can count on when things get tough to watch your back & protect your life. I guess he just wanted his 2 families to meet and care for each other the way he cares too? Your family is growing some? I guess we all have some adjusting to coming home?
Grizz - Thank you for your service & sharing your journey back home experiences with us - Semper Fi!
Thank you all for sharing you lives and thoughts here. Our lives are better for it! |
Not Self - but Country |
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homecoming adjustments
