Delta Co PUPS TO DEVIL DOGS 2009

Welcome to Parris Island : 

Welcome to Parris Island

Where we began our journey… : 

Where we began our journey…

First Recruit Training Battalion : 

First Recruit Training Battalion

Delta Company’s “Home Sweet Home” : 

Delta Company’s “Home Sweet Home”

Delta Company Platoon 1056 : 

Delta Company Platoon 1056 The difficult we do The impossible Takes a little longer

Devin Saunders – PLT 1056 : 

Devin Saunders – PLT 1056 Troutman, NC 20 yrs “B-square” or “Deadbolt”

Benjamin D. Atkins - PLT 1056 : 

Benjamin D. Atkins - PLT 1056 Pearisburg, VA 22yrs “Big Ben” and “Benji”

Chris M. Craddock – PLT 1056 : 

Chris M. Craddock – PLT 1056 Charlotte, NC 23 yrs “Cookie”

Phase I – Plt 1056 : 

Phase I – Plt 1056

Paul E. Millette, IV - PLT 1056 : 

Paul E. Millette, IV - PLT 1056 Ellington, CT 21 yrs “Paulie”

Love Letter – Liberty Sunday : 

Love Letter – Liberty Sunday We’re SO PROUD of you Paul, Dear Paul, We are so very proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Words can't describe the pride and joy that we have in you and we couldn't ask for a better son. You have always lead us on so many journeys, but this one has been the best. You are now a United States Marine and well deserving of it. We love you Paulie. Love Mom, Dad, Jillian & Jordan

Michael Magaris – PLT 1056 : 

Michael Magaris – PLT 1056 Grand Island, NY 19 yrs “Mike”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday To my son Mike, I can't explain how proud I am of you. You have wanted to join the military since high school and although I was quite nervous about your decision, I am extremely happy that you have found what you wanted to do with your life. A US Marine is such an honor and I want to shout it from the top of the mountains to let everyone know my son is a Marine. Congratulations Mike!!!! Love, Mom

John Lucas Salter – PTL 1056 : 

John Lucas Salter – PTL 1056 Mars, PA 18 yrs “Luke”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday To my son Luke, I can only imagine what you just went through. You make us so proud! You earned the EGA. I have tears of joy right now. Our Marine! Quote of the day "Far better it is to dare mighty things, than to live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat" I love you! Mom

Hershel M Judge, II – PLT 1056 : 

Hershel M Judge, II – PLT 1056 Rochelle, GA 18 yrs “Hershel”

Love Letter – Marine Monday : 

Love Letter – Marine Monday To Our Son, Hershel We have always known that you are a driven and determined individual that would accomplish any goal that you set for yourself. Little did we know that goal would be to become a U. S. Marine. The pride that we feel is indescribable because no words can cover the range of emotions that we feel. We will simply say the we love you and are honored to call you our son. OOH RAH!! Semper Fi, Mom & Dad

Joshua D Camilletti – PLT 1056 : 

Joshua D Camilletti – PLT 1056 Ormond Beach, FL 19 yrs “Josh”

Adam Sandoe – PLT 1056 : 

Adam Sandoe – PLT 1056 Radford, VA 20 yrs

Jared A. Mills - PLT 1056 : 

Jared A. Mills - PLT 1056 Williston, FL 18 yrs “Millie”

Basic Warrior Training : 

Basic Warrior Training

Delta Company Platoon 1057 : 

Delta Company Platoon 1057 Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the Marines don’t have that problem. ~Ronald Reagan, 1985

Christopher R Conner – PLT 1057 : 

Christopher R Conner – PLT 1057 Covington, GA 18 yrs

Kurtis N. Weekley – PLT 1057 : 

Kurtis N. Weekley – PLT 1057 Vincent, OH 19 yrs

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday To my son Kurtis, a U.S.Marine, I'm so proud of you. You have stepped up to the challenge that only a few do. What a great reward you received this morning the EGA. We love you so much and cant wait to see you... Love Always, Mom

Robert Alexander McDonald – PLT 1057 : 

Robert Alexander McDonald – PLT 1057 Rogersville, TN 18 yrs ‘Big Rob’

Swim Qualifications : 

Swim Qualifications

Robert Ethan Milton Bailey – PLT 1057 : 

Robert Ethan Milton Bailey – PLT 1057 Auburn, GA 18 yrs “Handsome” “Bud”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday To my son Ethan, I cant even begin to explain how proud I am of you... There are no words to describe what today will mean forever in your heart and mine! I am so very proud of you! I'll never be First Lady Nor grace a movie screen. I'll never be world famous Nor will I be a queen. But I would never change my lot With any that I've seen. For you see, I am the very proud Mother of a UNITED STATES MARINE !! Semper Fi! OOH RAH! My Son, My Hero, A Marine!

William Brian Stowe – PLT 1057 : 

William Brian Stowe – PLT 1057 Seymour, CT 20 yrs ‘Stowe’

David A Thomas – PLT 1057 : 

David A Thomas – PLT 1057 Josie, AL 18 yrs ‘Bubba’

Bruce Crumley – PLT 1057 : 

Bruce Crumley – PLT 1057 Johnson City, TN 18 yrs

The Weaver : 

The Weaver

Christian D. Tait – PLT 1057 : 

Christian D. Tait – PLT 1057 Marietta, OH 18 yrs “Chris”

John-Mark A. Ziegler– PLT 1057 : 

John-Mark A. Ziegler– PLT 1057 Norton, Oh 18 yrs Wackmaster”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday To my son John-Mark, You have always seemed to be able to get through the tough times. Your dad and I said that you were destined for greatness. Little did we know that you would one day become on of the few and the proud. You have learned to overcome obstacles and challenges when you were young, and I know that has helped you over the past few months. These have been some of the toughest challenges you have faced, but you told us that it was worth it and that you would never quit. I am so proud of you. I can't express in words the emotions that are in me. I love you and cant wait to put my arms around you. Thank you for your desire to serve our wonderful country. I couldn't think of a more noble thing for you to do. And as that song says,.." I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams, and faith give you the power to dare to do great things., I'm here for whatever this life brings. So let my life give you roots, and help you find your WINGS!" Love Mom

Jacob Richard Mitchell - PLt 1057 : 

Jacob Richard Mitchell - PLt 1057 Clayton, GA 18 yrs “Tricky”

Danniel Breneiser – PLT 1057 : 

Danniel Breneiser – PLT 1057 Willoughby, OH 18 yrs “Dan-The-Man”

Love Letter – Marine Monday : 

Love Letter – Marine Monday To my son Dan, I couldn't be more proud of you. You never cease to amaze me with your constant drive and ambition. I always knew you would do great things in life. I thank God for you and for every minute I've ever had with you. I am so thankful to have brought you into this world so that others may benefit from your kindness, commitment and faith. You are the best man I have ever known. My son, my best friend, my hero. Even though you are a man and a Marine....you will always be my little boy Danny. I love you with all my heart and soul, Congratulations my Marine MOM

Cody Berkowitz - PLT 1057 : 

Cody Berkowitz - PLT 1057 Ashtabula, OH 18 yrs “Big Daddy Berk”

Kendall Burdette – PLT 1057 : 

Kendall Burdette – PLT 1057 McDonough, GA 19 yrs

Delta Company Platoon 1058 : 

Delta Company Platoon 1058 We are United States Marines And for 2 centuries we have defined the standards of courage, esprit, and military prowess.

Joshua Buntyn – PLT 1058 : 

Joshua Buntyn – PLT 1058 Olive Branch, MS 25 yrs “Josh”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday Josh, I am so very proud of you and what you have accomplished. Just to think that only a year ago you were a college kid getting into trouble and now you are a U.S. Marine... what a difference. The degree you just earned is much much more than most college kids who get a whatever degree. Your degree is in "real life" and I know you will put it to good use. I can't wait to tell you how proud I am... in person... next week!!!! SEMPER FI OOH RAH DAD

Matthew Priest – PLT 1058 : 

Matthew Priest – PLT 1058 Richland, NJ 20 yrs “ Matt”

Stairway to Heaven : 

Stairway to Heaven

Timothy Berman – PLT 1058 : 

Timothy Berman – PLT 1058 Sarasota, Fl 18 yrs “FlyBoy”

Wounded Soldier Evacuation Drill : 

Wounded Soldier Evacuation Drill

Matthew Drake – PLT 1058 : 

Matthew Drake – PLT 1058 Rochester NY 24 yrs

Brendon Giggey – PLT 1058 : 

Brendon Giggey – PLT 1058 Leicester, MA 21 yrs “Marv”

Aye Sir… : 

Aye Sir…

James Baer – PLT 1058 : 

James Baer – PLT 1058 Meyersdale, PA 18 yrs “Thump”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday My Pup to Devil Dog!!!! The pride is just welling in side of me, I cannot control my emotions, in your 18 years of life you have accomplished and conquered so many feats. When you were born a preemie, my journey had begun!! Journeys through heart monitors, hospital stays, e.r. visits, kindergarten, Jr. high, girlfriends, high school, football and baseball injuries, car accidents, the loss of grandmas, cousins, and team mates. Those journeys weren't has hard as you becoming a Marine, gone the day you graduated high school, away, with no way for me to hear your voice, no way for me to see the pain in your face, no way for me to help you!! Your not only a Marine, you are now a Man. My handsome Thump!! Thump you kicked Boot Camps butt!! An even bigger journey is in front of us and I am ready. I know that you are!! Today is one of the greatest moments of my LIFE!!! MY PUP TO DEVIL DOG!!!! I will always be there for You. I love you, Mom

Michael Gray – PLT 1058 : 

Michael Gray – PLT 1058 Tampa, FL 20 yrs “Mike”

Michael Mooreside – PLT 1058 : 

Michael Mooreside – PLT 1058 Bradenton, FL 18 yrs “Mikey”

Arm Walk : 

Arm Walk

John Gadbois– PLT 1058 : 

John Gadbois– PLT 1058 Holyoke, MA 18yrs "Boom-Boom"

James Durbin – PLT 1058 : 

James Durbin – PLT 1058 Newbern, TN 19 yrs

A-Line : 

A-Line

Nick Quinzi– PLT 1058 : 

Nick Quinzi– PLT 1058 V-City-Tampa, FL 24 yrs “Rhino”

Kyle Bartholomew – PLT 1058 : 

Kyle Bartholomew – PLT 1058 Arlington, MA 18 yrs “Barts”

Caleb Jones – PLT 1058 : 

Caleb Jones – PLT 1058 Okeechobee, FL 18 yrs “ Big Jones”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday Caleb - The Best Son In The World, My son. To say I am proud of you just doesn't seem to express all that I am feeling. I have always been proud of you. But I am now in awe of you. You have endured so much over the last 11 weeks. And the last 54 hours will be an experience I'm sure you'll never forget. You have told me in your letters how much you have enjoyed boot camp. As I tell our friends and family this their reply is usually something along the lines of, "Of course!, That sounds just like Caleb!, Only Caleb would enjoy doing that!" And it is so true. You are an amazing young man (not perfect but amazing). You have always stood out in the crowd. Now you stand even taller! MY United States Marine!!! I know that Papa and Grandpa Jones have been watching over you and are beaming with pride looking down on you now!!!! Yes son - you rock!!! I love you.... The Best Mom In The World

Delta Company Platoon 1059 : 

Delta Company Platoon 1059 Freedom is not free But the US Marine Corps will pay most your share

Gabriel T Green – PLT 1059 : 

Gabriel T Green – PLT 1059 Knoxville, TN 18 yrs “Danger Magnet”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday To my son Gabe I am so proud of you this morning. You have wanted this for so long, and now the EGA is yours. You have done what so many never even dream of. I love you forever, I'll like you for always. As long as we're living, my Marine you will be. I love you my son....I am so proud Your Momma

Aaron J. Nordhoff - PLT 1059 : 

Aaron J. Nordhoff - PLT 1059 Ferdinand, IN 19 yrs

Love Letter – Liberty Sunday : 

Love Letter – Liberty Sunday To my son Aaron, I can't begin to imagine how proud you must be right now, but I do know how proud I am. Words cannot explain the amount of pride I have for you! This is something you have wanted for a long time and YOU DID IT just like we knew you could! We can't wait to see you! I love you very much, we all do! Love, your very, very proud mom! "There is no better friend and son... and no worse enemy...than a U.S. Marine"

Rapelling Tower : 

Rapelling Tower

James TenBarge – PLT 1059 : 

James TenBarge – PLT 1059 Wadesville, IN 18 yrs “JB”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday A letter of love to my son, J.B., This morning you & your Delta Co. brothers completed the Crucible! By now you are wearing your EGA. I cannot express the love & pride I have for you right now! It will only be more love & pride when I hold you in my arms on Family Day & Graduation Day! This is something you have wanted for a very long time! You have earned the title of United States Marine! On one of the USMC posters that has been hanging in your room for several years says: ARE YOU WORTHY? HOW WILL YOU ANSWER THE DRIVE TO SET YOURSELF APART? YOU MUST REMAKE WHO YOU ARE INSIDE. YOU MUST ENDURE CHALLENGE AND OVERCOME WEAKNESS. YOU MUST PROVE YOURSELF A WARRIOR. FOR WARRIORS ALONE BELONG TO THE GREAT LINEAGE, AND THE LINEAGE BELONGS TO THEM. IF YOU ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO CLAIM A PLACE HERE, THEN IT'S HONOR AND STRENGTH BECOME YOURS. BUT WITH GREAT STRENGTH, COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY. SO WE ARE PROUD TO BE BOUND TO A MISSION LARGER THAN OF US. EACH DAY, WE CARRY ON OUR SHOULDERS THE HOPES OF A NATION. SO HOW CAN ANYONE BE TRULY WORTHY? ALONE, PERHAPS NONE ARE. BUT TOGETHER WE HAVE THE TRUST OF ALL THOSE WHO SERVED BEFORE. AND WE HAVE THE RARE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP WRITE HISTORY. THAT IS WHY WE ARE GRATEFUL TO BE UNITED STATES MARINES. All my Love, Mom

Luke Stauber - PLT 1059 : 

Luke Stauber - PLT 1059 Evansville, IN 19 yrs “Bazooka Luke”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday For Luke, What a ride! I have prayed for you every single day...every single night. I know that God has been right by your side every single step of the way. I have prayed that you would cry out to Him when you thought you might not be able to make one more step. I have prayed that he would give you the strength that only He could, and that you would feel his presence and know that He was there with you. I woke up this morning with such pride for you and this great accomplishment. You are an amazing young man and I am so blessed to be your Mom. Way to go sweetheart...way to go.

Andrew Allen Rundell – PLT 1059 : 

Andrew Allen Rundell – PLT 1059 Orlando, FL 19 yrs

Phase I – Plt 1059 : 

Phase I – Plt 1059

E. Antonio Norville – PLT 1059 : 

E. Antonio Norville – PLT 1059 Uniondale, NY 25 yrs

Love Letter – Liberty Sunday : 

Love Letter – Liberty Sunday To my son Edgar aka Antonio, I was extremely proud, and I have tremendous respect for you as you undertook this journey. I can't help but think of you now as a brave man who chose to challenge himself. Yes, my son you did it. It is true that I wrote letters of support to you, but you did it by looking deep within yourself and finding the determination to succeed. Words cannot express how I feel, I admire you, love you for doing what you did today by finishing the journey, enduring the Crucible and becoming a US Marine, first in our family. This is your time, your defining moment in history which can never be taken from you. Now you know there is no challenge that is too great for you to accomplish. Your Proud Mom

David L Justice - PLT 1059 : 

David L Justice - PLT 1059 New Albany, IN 18 yrs “Bo”

Aramis Sandoval – PLT 1059 : 

Aramis Sandoval – PLT 1059 Detroit, MI 18 yrs “Pucho”

Christopher J Shanahan – PLT 1059 : 

Christopher J Shanahan – PLT 1059 Billerica, MA 23 yrs “Chris”

Brant Thomas Green – PLT 1059 : 

Brant Thomas Green – PLT 1059 Blackford, KY 18 yrs

Romain Broderick – PLT 1059 : 

Romain Broderick – PLT 1059 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 18 yrs

Eric W. Bates – PLT 1059 : 

Eric W. Bates – PLT 1059 Vero Beach, FL 18 yrs “Junior”

Thomas Thurston – PLT 1059 : 

Thomas Thurston – PLT 1059 Denham Springs, LA 19 yrs “Short Boy

Plt 1059 : 

Plt 1059

Justin Sanchez – PLT 1059 : 

Justin Sanchez – PLT 1059 Philadelphia, PA 18 yrs “Sanchez”

Ben Deremer – PLT 1059 : 

Ben Deremer – PLT 1059 Seymour, TN 18 yrs “Buster”

Greg Bell – PLT #1059 : 

Greg Bell – PLT #1059 Miami, FL 18 yrs

Christopher E Roy – PLT 1059 : 

Christopher E Roy – PLT 1059 Middlesex, NJ 22 yrs “Chris”

Justin Allen Knox – PLT 1059 : 

Justin Allen Knox – PLT 1059 Decatur, TN

Matthew DiSilvestre – PLT 1059 : 

Matthew DiSilvestre – PLT 1059 Bronx, NY 18 yrs “Matty”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday To my dear son, Matthew, My heart is overflowing with joy. I know how very important this is to you. You did it Matthew. You are one of The Few, The Proud, The Marines. Congratulations to you my dear son. I am so very, very proud . I wish I could stand on the highest mountain and scream out to let the universe know that....."My son is a United States Marine". I know that even before you became a poolee, way back in the beginning of high school, when you were certain that this was what you wanted, I struggled with your decision. So many worries. I've cried so many tears. But I know that you know that I stood behind you. I would never let you down, just as you have never let me down. From the sweetest little boy that you once were, you have grown into a smart, responsible and very loving man. OMG, my son is a Marine. Your father is gleaming, reliving his time in the Corps thru you. Your sister, oh well, she’s un-stop-able with the smiles of joy. They are so proud. I've missed you so much Matty. I know that when I see you and feel your arms around me, that I will melt. In less than a week, we will be together again. And I just want you to know, that even though the rest of the world sees you as a man...and so do I for that matter, you will though, in my heart, forever be my sweet baby boy...my Angel. God bless You. I love you beyond infinity, Mom

Jonathan A. Ware - PLT 1059 : 

Jonathan A. Ware - PLT 1059 Baton Rouge, LA 19 yrs “JAW”

Lyn-Javoran Edwards – PLT 1059 : 

Lyn-Javoran Edwards – PLT 1059

PJ Barney – PLT 1059 : 

PJ Barney – PLT 1059 Ft. Myers, FL 19 yrs “PJ”

Anthony Fico – PLT 1059 : 

Anthony Fico – PLT 1059 Yonkers, NY 18 yrs

Delta Company Platoon 1060 : 

Delta Company Platoon 1060 I love the Corps for those intangible possessions that cannot be issued Honesty, integrity, and being able to carry on the traditions for generations of warriors past.,

Christopher Mecca – PLT 1060 : 

Christopher Mecca – PLT 1060 Dunmore, 19 yrs “Chris”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday To our son Chris, To say that we are proud of you is a gross understatement to the way our hearts burst with emotion and joy. As always, your drive and determination is something to be admired; you have never disappointed us. You have truly earned the right to be called a US Marine. We love you so very much. Mom and Dad

Brandon C. J. Smith – PLT 1060 : 

Brandon C. J. Smith – PLT 1060 Canton, OH 19 yrs “Brandon”

Brad Epperson – PLT 1060 : 

Brad Epperson – PLT 1060 Bay St. Louis, MS 18 yrs “Brad”

The Tough One : 

The Tough One

Joshua J. Thomas – PLT 1060 : 

Joshua J. Thomas – PLT 1060 Lewisburg, TN 17 yrs “Josh”

Basic Warrior Training : 

Basic Warrior Training

Jesse Miller – PLT 1060 : 

Jesse Miller – PLT 1060 Rogersville, AL 18 yrs “Jesse”

Jonathan Stockdale – PLT 1060 : 

Jonathan Stockdale – PLT 1060 Barberton , OH 18 yrs “Jon”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday To my son, Jonathan- It seems like only yesterday I was sending you off to kindergarten! You told me how much you loved me and not to cry because you were going to live with me forever!!!! And now the love I have for you is even greater knowing that I can now call you a United States Marine!! I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished!!!!!!! Thank you for your willingness to serve our country. May God continue to watch over you and guide you in the days ahead. Love Always, Mom

Stephen J Roy – PLT 1060 : 

Stephen J Roy – PLT 1060 Middlesex, NJ 19 yrs “Steve”

Ryan M Heintzelman – PLT 1060 : 

Ryan M Heintzelman – PLT 1060 Dillsburg, PA 24 yrs “Ryan”

Nathan M. Zrubek – PLT 1060 : 

Nathan M. Zrubek – PLT 1060 Geneva, OH 19 yrs “Nate”

Charlie Bliss – PLT 1060 : 

Charlie Bliss – PLT 1060 Tunkhannock, PA 18 yrs “Charlie”

The Wall : 

The Wall

Delta Company Platoon 1061 : 

Delta Company Platoon 1061 Courage is endurance For one moment more

Timothy J McCotter – PLT 1061 : 

Timothy J McCotter – PLT 1061

Kalin del Castillo - PLT1061 : 

Kalin del Castillo - PLT1061 West Carrollton, OH “Pit Bull”

Asmond Coker – PLT 1061 : 

Asmond Coker – PLT 1061 Charleston, SC 18 yrs

Love Letter – Liberty Sunday : 

Love Letter – Liberty Sunday To our dear Asmond: Words can not express how proud we are of you at this very moment. From the time that you made the decision to become a MARINE over 1 year ago, we knew that you were serious and determined. You made a BIG decision to serve our country at such a young age. The best part is that you made this decision by yourself. That decision showed how responsible you are. We were proud of you at that moment for not letting the fear of the unknown hold you back. And now today we are happy to say that we are the proud family members (mother, father, sister, brother, and grandparents) of a United States Marine. You may never truly know how proud we are of you. You have joined the few, the proud the MARINES. What an accomplishment!! It seems like only yesterday you were graduating from high school, and now today, you are trained to protect our country, how awesome. We admire you for enduring until the end. We love you. Your Family

Evan Storch – PLT 1061 : 

Evan Storch – PLT 1061 Loveland, OH 18 yrs

Aaron G Riley – PLT 1061 : 

Aaron G Riley – PLT 1061 Kentucky 18yrs “Rambo”

Trevor D Swain – PLT 1061 : 

Trevor D Swain – PLT 1061 Akron OH 18yrs

The Gas Chamber : 

The Gas Chamber

Braxten R Brodie – PLT 1061 : 

Braxten R Brodie – PLT 1061 Frostburg, MA 18 yrs “BR”

Kevin Dembo – PLT 1061 : 

Kevin Dembo – PLT 1061 Spotsylvania, VA 18 yrs “Dembo”

D. Nathan Cree, Jr. – PLT 1061 : 

D. Nathan Cree, Jr. – PLT 1061 Orlando, FL 21yrs

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday Duane Nathan, I am so Proud of you and all the things you have accomplished. You have become a Man and made your family Prouder than ever. I am so excited to see you and give you a Hug and a Kiss. You’re my Hero. You’re forever in my Heart and I can't be any Prouder than I am right now. Counting down the hours till I can see you. We love you and see you soon. MY SON MY HERO SEMPER FI Mom

Aaron G Prater – PLT 1061 : 

Aaron G Prater – PLT 1061 Owensboro, Ky. 18 yrs “SARGE”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday My dear sweet Aaron, YOU DID IT!!!! You have accomplished what you have wanted to do since you were in elementary school. You are now A U.S. Marine!!!! You have accomplished what very few do. I am exploding with pride for you and to be able to be called a PROUD parent of a U. S. Marine....yep, that's ME! You have set out to do what you felt God had in mind for you and what you felt in your heart you wanted to do. I can not tell you how proud I am of you and please know that if your dad were still here he would be right beside me with tears of joy for our son's accomplishment. I do know that he is looking down from the heavenly realms praising God for what you have done and the son he was blessed with. You are a wonderful young man and represent what it means to be a person that believes in himself. If you believe in yourself and GOD you can conquer anything and YOU DID IT!! What a testimony you are to your fellow friends here at home. You better have those arms open wide for me because I am going to come running for my special hug and kiss! I love you so much and am soooo very proud of you! Ooh Rah!! Mom …(along with Richard, Matthew, Jay and Reece)

Fredrick Granger – PLT 1061 : 

Fredrick Granger – PLT 1061 Goose Creek, SC 18 yrs “Steven”

Delta Company Platoon 1062 : 

Delta Company Platoon 1062 I have always been proud of being a Marine. I won’t hesitate to defend the Corps

Tyler James Bates – PLT 1062 : 

Tyler James Bates – PLT 1062 Barberton, OH 18 yrs “Ty”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday To my Marine, Tyler this has been a long journey. From as far back as I can remember in elementary school you saying when you grow up you are going to join the Marines! It is hard to believe this is now a reality. I have had several sleepless nights, lots of "Tyler moments" where I just cry and don't know why sometimes, many joyful times after receiving letters from you in the mail. Today is a PROUD time! Words cannot express how proud of you I am this morning knowing that you have been rewarded with the EGA! I can't wait to get my arms around that neck of yours, I might not be able to let go! I love you forever! Mamma Bear

James W Mock, III – PLT 1062 : 

James W Mock, III – PLT 1062 Jacksonville, FL 25 yrs “Trey”

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday : 

Love Letter – Crucible Saturday To my son, Trey, I have always been so proud to call you my son in everything you have tackled and accomplished thus far in life. It was very difficult when you made the change from baseball cleats to combat boots because I didn't see it coming, and I didn't quite understand....... Going through this journey with everyone in Delta has showed me and greatly helped me understand what our young men and woman are doing this for. Because they do love their family and country, and want to ensure our freedom.... I am so very proud of my son and all of the other new Marines, and my words can not express the gratitude to everyone for helping me through this journey. You are a U.S. Marine and I know that you are standing tall this morning, and so is mom and your entire family. Congratulations Trey and I love You !!!! Mom - PMM

Andrew Ruch – PLT 1062 : 

Andrew Ruch – PLT 1062 Tecumseh, MI 18 yrs “Andy”

Rifle Range : 

Rifle Range

Christian James Adkins – PLT 1062 : 

Christian James Adkins – PLT 1062 Hamilton, OH 19 yrs “CJ” or “Bub”

Brandon Thomas Kelsey – PLT 1062 : 

Brandon Thomas Kelsey – PLT 1062 Norwalk, OH 18 yrs “Kelso”

Love Letter – Marine Monday : 

Love Letter – Marine Monday To "our Brandon", You have always been a leader!!!! We are soooooo proud of the man you have become!!! We always knew you would soar like an eagle!!! God has always had His hand upon your life keeping you for such a time as this. Our son....a Mighty Warrior....weapon in one hand.....the love of God in the other... just like David....you will take down giants with the spirit of God!!! We love you and want to congratulate you on becoming a United States Marine!!! OOH RAH!!!! Love, Mom, Dad, Devan, and Hannah

Following the Crucible, we earned the prize…8/29/09 : 

Following the Crucible, we earned the prize…8/29/09 The Iwo Jima Memorial ~Parris Island Our Eagle, Globe, & Anchor And became…MARINES

We dreamed of being Marines… : 

We dreamed of being Marines… So many of our dreams at first seemed impossible, Then they seemed improbable; But, when we summoned the will…

The dream became inevitable! : 

The dream became inevitable!

The Enlisted Oath : 

The Enlisted 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. That I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

The Rifleman’s Creed : 

The Rifleman’s Creed This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than the enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. My rifle and I know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, or the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit. My rifle is human, even as I am human, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and I are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life. So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy

Congratulations, Delta Company : 

Congratulations, Delta Company You are THE FEW You are THE PROUD You are OUR MARINES Semper fi!!!