bvilchez
07-23-2010, 03:40 PM
14 years ago I commenced my training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. During this time I've been through ups and downs, made many friends and lost many others, met my beautiful and understanding wife, started a family, traveled around the world, and many other adventures one goes through in life.
I never would have remembered today if not for my father-in-law calling me to wish me a "happy birthday". And to be honest with you looking back at all the years I can not say that I do not write this post with many emotions running through me right now.
Many people never understand completely what it is to be a lifer. Many do. But one thing we all understand is love and pain. I love what I do and I will continue doing it until I can not any more. At that moment I will feel pain because what I love will be behind me.
My father-in-law asked me if I had the option to do this all over again would I?
My reply to him was, "You're damn right I would!".
Semper Fidelis Marines...and to all others who have served thank you for setting the precedent for many of us to follow.
I never would have remembered today if not for my father-in-law calling me to wish me a "happy birthday". And to be honest with you looking back at all the years I can not say that I do not write this post with many emotions running through me right now.
Many people never understand completely what it is to be a lifer. Many do. But one thing we all understand is love and pain. I love what I do and I will continue doing it until I can not any more. At that moment I will feel pain because what I love will be behind me.
My father-in-law asked me if I had the option to do this all over again would I?
My reply to him was, "You're damn right I would!".
Semper Fidelis Marines...and to all others who have served thank you for setting the precedent for many of us to follow.