1 post tagged “graduation”

PFC Jones Graduation Photo 1985

December 10th, 1985 saw the release of a bunch of hard-charging "shower-shoes" onto this world as the members of Platoon 2097 stepped off of the Parade Deck of Parris Island, South Carolina (a.k.a., The land that God Forgot). 

Among that gaggle of green, amphibious goo, was one Private First Class Jones.  That was a long time ago, but that date continues to resonate across my body and soul to this day as this was the day I entered into a life-long fraternity, a brother-hood, a family unlike any other.

Although having celebrated my 18th Birthday at Parris Island, we were on our path to becoming men on December 10th the minute we lined up on the yellow foot prints on September 12th, 1985.  Despite the fact that it has been 22 years, to the day, I still recall it as if it were only yesterday.  Snippets include:

Private Bernard strong arming Private Hoffman for his Chits
Private Jiminez playing pop-goes-the-weasle for Sergeant Galbreath
3rd Phase Movie Night -  "Rambo, First Blood"

And that graduation, the pride, the honor coursing through all of us.  I don't think any of us were cognizant of the pain and struggle that we had been through.  All that mattered now was getting off of the island and introducing the world to this new group of warriors fresh out of the "Pit."

PFC Jones with Drill Instructors

There are only two days that remind me of the significance of the phrase "Once a Marine, Always a Marine."  November 10th, the Marine Corps Birthday, and today, December 10th.  To all my brothers from Platoon 2097 onwards that I may have lost contact with over the years, know this, you are still with me as you were then.  When we cross paths, it will be as if we never lost contact.  It was an honor to serve with each and everyone of you.

My Journey as a Marine (9/12/85 ~ 8/4/93)
Platoon 2097 (Recruit)
Charlie Battery, 1stBn, 10thMar, 2ndMarDiv (2512-Field Wireman)
HQ Battery, 1stBn, 10thMar, 2ndMarDiv (2512-Field Wireman/0121-Personnel Clerk)
JPAO, MCB, Camp Lejeune (4313-Marine Broadcast Journalist)
AFPBS Det. 5, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan (4313-Marine Broadcast Journalist)
FEN (AFN), MCAS Iwakuni, Japan (4313-Marine Broadcast Journalist)