I read with great interest Tribune staff reporter Russell Working’s series “A son’s decision.” On Sept. 9, my family and I attended the graduation ceremony at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego for our son, Charlie.
With more than 500 recruits graduating, and 3,000 family members cheering in the stands, it was beyond what we had expected.
Our son had left for boot camp five days after graduating from high school in June 2005.
In his case the decision to serve his country was solidified shortly after Sept. 11, 2001. That is when the fantasy of a boy to play army was transformed into a mission that would ultimately lead him to cross the threshold to manhood as a United States Marine.
We had signed the parental consent form for the delayed entry program shortly after he turned 17, and were involved in the process leading up to boot camp. This was very important for us to adjust to and accept his decision.
Charlie chose an infantry specialty and trained for combat. He left for Iraq on March 1 and is assigned to a unit currently deployed along the Syrian border in northwestern Iraq. He is scheduled to be there through October.
We hear from him every two to three weeks and are amazed by the daily challenges he and his platoon face.
He has a very good attitude and believes in what he is doing. The progress is measured in small steps. I can only imagine what he cannot tell us.
The reason for this letter is to say thanks for the series, and to affirm the pride that a parent feels every day when his or her child is willing to make the commitment to make a difference. Military service is selfless. It reflects a collective attitude that understands the incredible risk to be taken to assure continued freedom, and validate the efforts of those who served before. We can learn a lot from our sons. They are our heroes.
