2008!!! Brian's Year In Review

Private Conom, Brian P. USMC

February thru July 2008

February 2008  

Brian, now 18 years old, undergoes extensive physical, mental, psychological and cognitive testing at MEPS (Military Enlistment 

Protocol Station) in Seattle and officially enlists with the USMC (United States Marine Corps) DEP (Delayed Entry Program).

For a few years prior to this Brian had been exploring the various military branches to see which would be the best for himself.  He included Mom and Dad in the process of enlisting with the Corps.  His RO (Recruiting Officer) spent hours in our home, on the phone and in her office answering our questions and concerns.  

We had a very positive recruiting process.  "We" were never promised anything specific and were always given frank honest replies to our questions.  We truly felt as if the RO wanted what was best for us and Brian as well as the Corps.  If the Corps wasn't going to work for Brian, then they didn't want him to enlist.  

Of course, Brian did enlist!  Just the action of enlistment began many changes in Brian.  For one, he began to attend school!  Brian's goals were to graduate from Kamiak High School in June 2008 and to prepare for Boot Camp in August, 2008.  

Every weekend and most Wednesday evenings from February to August 2008, we would drive Brian to the Everett Recruiting Office so Brian could train and work out with Recruiters and fellow Pooles (pronounced 'pool - eez'; the given name for DEP recruits).

June 2008 

Brian graduates from Kamiak High School.  In this day and age a graduate receives not only their diploma, but also a WASL Certificate of Success, and a Culminating Project Certificate of Completion.  We don't know what Brian did for his culminating project. I do know it had something to do with his future as a US Marine.  

July 2008 

Brian has four wisdom teeth pulled. All Recruits with wisdom teeth have them removed during Boot.  The RO highly recommended that this be done prior to boot camp. Brian is sooo glad he did not wait until boot.

We threw a combination Graduation/FareWell Recruit party for Brian.  Brian wanted to keep this party to close family friends and family.  We ended up with just under 40 folk feasting on salmon, salads and Brian's favorite; cheesecake!  

Uncle Louie and Aunt Joe from Eastern WA were unable to make it to the July party, but they made a special trip to Seattle just to see Brian before he left for Boot.  This culminated in a big dinner feast at Yiayia Vivie's!

August thru December 2008

August 2008

Brian has his 'last supper' with us at the Outback Steak House.  Ribs were his chosen last meal!   Brian decides he won't become a military barber after he shaves one three inch strip

Danny's 'Badge of Honor'; His 'shaved' head - hair styling by big brother bri.

of Danny's head!  Danny wore his 'shaved' head like a badge of honor.  He was shaved by his big brother!!

August 11, 2008

Dad, Mom, Molly, Danny and Yiayia Vivie arrive at MEPS to witness Brian's 'swearing in' just before he boards his plane for boot camp.  The Army Captain who officiated the swear-in of about 12 Marine Recruits and 2 Army Recruits shared that these young men have already started to serve their country just by enlisting. Voluntary enlistment numbers have been exceptionally high! It is the first time in history, while being in a 'war' situation for this length of time, that our country has not needed to implement the 'draft'.   

08/11/2008 BC swears in at MEPS

To watch our son, stand at attention, so serious, so sure of what he is doing.... well it brought tears to John's eyes (in addition to the rest of us) -- need I say more. As Brian left to board the bus that would take him to the airport, he just seemed to be at home, for the first time, in a long time.