A poster for her squadron while in Afghanistan. Gotta click on this and enjoy!
Painted on her Sgt.'s desk in Afghanistan. He loved it so much he cut it out and mailed it home!
It's just amazing.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
RUBY'S ART
Ruby's drawing 5/3/11 of a custom tattoo made for a British Marine stationed in Afghanistan with her. She has been busy designing and selling custom tattoos, painting a mural for the USO, practicing with the choir, and working 12 hours a day with her squadron.
Ruby with some of the guys she works with.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
DEPLOYMENT
Ruby is now in Afghanistan, in the southern region. She has been there eight weeks as of tomorrow, and is doing quite well, according to her.
We get a call from her about once a week or every 10 days, made from the USO quarters, which is another reason to support the USO.
Her job is Maintenance Administration, and she works 12 hours a day, 7 days a week for 7 months. She was able to complete a Corporals course there this month, which was a real privilege; she did really well, graduating in the top 5 and with a PT score in the 290's, so she was real pleased.
We are getting letters from her once again, (as opposed to texts and calls) so we will see if she is up to us posting them here for you to read.
Many people look at me with a worried look when I tell them she is in Afghanistan, concerned with her safety, of course, and ask me if it is difficult to have her there. I have come to the full understanding, without question, that Christ, the Son of the everlasting God, is quite present there, as I knew before she left. I tell my concerned friends that "Christ is in Afghanistan also." and I don't really ponder the negative possibilities that I am quite aware exist. All I know is that this 19 yr old daughter of mine is a fine and strong woman, and I am delighted and proud to call her my own.
We get a call from her about once a week or every 10 days, made from the USO quarters, which is another reason to support the USO.
Her job is Maintenance Administration, and she works 12 hours a day, 7 days a week for 7 months. She was able to complete a Corporals course there this month, which was a real privilege; she did really well, graduating in the top 5 and with a PT score in the 290's, so she was real pleased.
We are getting letters from her once again, (as opposed to texts and calls) so we will see if she is up to us posting them here for you to read.
Many people look at me with a worried look when I tell them she is in Afghanistan, concerned with her safety, of course, and ask me if it is difficult to have her there. I have come to the full understanding, without question, that Christ, the Son of the everlasting God, is quite present there, as I knew before she left. I tell my concerned friends that "Christ is in Afghanistan also." and I don't really ponder the negative possibilities that I am quite aware exist. All I know is that this 19 yr old daughter of mine is a fine and strong woman, and I am delighted and proud to call her my own.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
SO FAR AT PENSACOLA...
Hi everyone. Thanks for checking in on Ruby.
She loves Pensacola, her feet are still not OK, she has NOT gone to medical out of fear she'll be held back unnecessarily, her roommates are not believers, (to say the least), she is one of TWO girls in her platoon of about 80. She is having a blast going to the beach very often, fishing and swimming during her liberty (4-10pm). During the day they march around from place to place, seemingly doing a lot of nothing, just stuff to kill the time and keep the Marines busy while they wait for their training. She said they do PT 3 or 4 times a week, and she said she ran 6.8 miles on the 3rd day there. She reports that the majority of the men are so stupid with their money, they blow a months' paycheck at a time on lap dances at the closest strip club, blow hundreds of dollars on games, cd's and dvd's. She told of one guy that went down the hall bragging that he had $1200 in the bank. Pathetic.
Some of you have asked for an explanation of Ruby's need to go to SERE training. Apparently, in true Ruby style, she saw a window of opportunity to get an MOS that was much coveted, which she had not signed on for to begin with. It is in Aviation still, but not on the same level. It was one of those "nobody really knows where she's supposed to go and do", so she was asked if the MOS #____ was hers, and she asked them to describe it. When she heard what it was, she said, "Yes, that's it." So she sits and waits in Pensacola till they have room and time to train in their particular job. We pray training will come VERY SOON, as idle hands (and minds) are the devil's playground. Nowhere is it more evident than there.
I'll be flying down there next week to spend a couple of days with her, and maybe she'll have written by then, which I'll post.
God Bless.
She loves Pensacola, her feet are still not OK, she has NOT gone to medical out of fear she'll be held back unnecessarily, her roommates are not believers, (to say the least), she is one of TWO girls in her platoon of about 80. She is having a blast going to the beach very often, fishing and swimming during her liberty (4-10pm). During the day they march around from place to place, seemingly doing a lot of nothing, just stuff to kill the time and keep the Marines busy while they wait for their training. She said they do PT 3 or 4 times a week, and she said she ran 6.8 miles on the 3rd day there. She reports that the majority of the men are so stupid with their money, they blow a months' paycheck at a time on lap dances at the closest strip club, blow hundreds of dollars on games, cd's and dvd's. She told of one guy that went down the hall bragging that he had $1200 in the bank. Pathetic.
Some of you have asked for an explanation of Ruby's need to go to SERE training. Apparently, in true Ruby style, she saw a window of opportunity to get an MOS that was much coveted, which she had not signed on for to begin with. It is in Aviation still, but not on the same level. It was one of those "nobody really knows where she's supposed to go and do", so she was asked if the MOS #____ was hers, and she asked them to describe it. When she heard what it was, she said, "Yes, that's it." So she sits and waits in Pensacola till they have room and time to train in their particular job. We pray training will come VERY SOON, as idle hands (and minds) are the devil's playground. Nowhere is it more evident than there.
I'll be flying down there next week to spend a couple of days with her, and maybe she'll have written by then, which I'll post.
God Bless.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
FRI. MAY 1st (?)
Hi, all.
Training is very hard still, and I worry about making it through (on time) a LOT. Especially now, because I've had some complications with my feet. (if you know Ruby, these 'complications' could be broken feet, twisted ankles, etc) So please, pray that they heal; I've got to graduate and get out of here on time, and right now I'm having trouble even walking.
I miss you all SO MUCH, and the thought of spending 5 hours with you on the 11th keeps me pushing to graduate on time. It sucks, because I would be having SO much fun right now if I weren't in pain. We're learning a bunch of cool stuff that we'd have to do if we got deployed, like vehicle and personnel checks, combat movement/patrolling, IED clearing, etc. I'll tell y'all more about what we've learned when I see you on the 11th.
Right now I'm not supposed to be writing, but we really don't get the chance to write during the day, and I really wanted to send you at least 1 or 2 more letters before this is over.
I hope everybody's doing OK at home. Gramma's picture and piece in the paper was wonderful. I also loved the pictures you sent. How is Georgia and jr? I'm praying for everyone at home, and I wish I could spend more time with everyone before leaving again.
Now that summer's here, all think about is Topsail, swimming at Clubworx, the Proctor's 4th of July Party, etc. I miss Rachael, Zack and Andrew too. I'd give anything just to have some good clean fun and good conversation right now. I look forward to being able to choose who I want to hang out with once I get to the fleet. It's kinda slim-pickins here, y'know?
But that's OK, 9 days to go, right? Pensacola is a BIG base.
I can't wait to hang out with Rachael once she leaves for college!
Mom, I've been storing up some good stories for our book, I'll have to write them down sometime.
Well, I love you all, and hopefully I'll see you soon.
xoxo Ruby
Training is very hard still, and I worry about making it through (on time) a LOT. Especially now, because I've had some complications with my feet. (if you know Ruby, these 'complications' could be broken feet, twisted ankles, etc) So please, pray that they heal; I've got to graduate and get out of here on time, and right now I'm having trouble even walking.
I miss you all SO MUCH, and the thought of spending 5 hours with you on the 11th keeps me pushing to graduate on time. It sucks, because I would be having SO much fun right now if I weren't in pain. We're learning a bunch of cool stuff that we'd have to do if we got deployed, like vehicle and personnel checks, combat movement/patrolling, IED clearing, etc. I'll tell y'all more about what we've learned when I see you on the 11th.
Right now I'm not supposed to be writing, but we really don't get the chance to write during the day, and I really wanted to send you at least 1 or 2 more letters before this is over.
I hope everybody's doing OK at home. Gramma's picture and piece in the paper was wonderful. I also loved the pictures you sent. How is Georgia and jr? I'm praying for everyone at home, and I wish I could spend more time with everyone before leaving again.
Now that summer's here, all think about is Topsail, swimming at Clubworx, the Proctor's 4th of July Party, etc. I miss Rachael, Zack and Andrew too. I'd give anything just to have some good clean fun and good conversation right now. I look forward to being able to choose who I want to hang out with once I get to the fleet. It's kinda slim-pickins here, y'know?
But that's OK, 9 days to go, right? Pensacola is a BIG base.
I can't wait to hang out with Rachael once she leaves for college!
Mom, I've been storing up some good stories for our book, I'll have to write them down sometime.
Well, I love you all, and hopefully I'll see you soon.
xoxo Ruby
Saturday, May 2, 2009
MARINE COMBAT TRAINING, Camp Geiger, NC
Hi, everyone. Ruby's mom here. Thought I'd let you know how she is doing since becoming a Marine.
The 17 days she was home FLEW past, but she was ready to get on with what she's all about now. There were some tough personal decisions she had to make concerning people she loves, but she made them with lots of guidance from the Lord and with maturity.
We all drove down to Camp Geiger, (part of Camp Lejeune at Jacksonville, NC)on Tuesday April 14th, and dropped her off once more. Although we were under the impression she could call during the week sometimes, we found out after a day or so that she would more than likely would not be able to call or write much, if any. She called the day after she went in, and told us MCT was more physically demanding than Boot Camp. She said she was sore every where, and that after 9 days of one type of training, there would be range and field work, so not to expect to get any news.
Two days later, on Thursday, Ruby's gramma, Beulah, went to sleep, and died on Saturday night. We had to call and let her commanding officer know, then wait for the call from her. That was tough. She was told on Sunday morning after some classes, and in a conversation with her that night, she told me she was so distraught over the news, she couldn't bear to call till the Sunday night. And only because the Lord had heard her prayers for comfort, both in her gramma's death, and the difficult decision she had to make not to come home. She went to church on Sunday night, and the sermon was, get this, about the death of loved ones, the eternal life afterwards, etc. She said she was so thankful the Lord answered her prayers in such a distinct way, because it gave her the strength to do what she needed to.
We understood, and supported her. The day she left, we told her that chances were she wouldn't see Beulah alive again, and needed to say goodbye. They had spent a good amount of time together while she was home, (thank God she lived next door).
About MCT: she said they train with the men, making it very demanding on the women of course, but that she had opportunities to fire and work with all sorts of weapons, which she loves. They get to eat whatever they want, and are given more time to do so, not nearly as restrictive as PI, but certainly structured.
When we heard from her last, (borrowed a superiors' phone out in the field at night) she told us she had not bathed in 10 days, (because she is out in the field, folks, not because she's gross) the men were REALLY getting on her nerves being excessive in their complaints against the women, and that there were 2 women who couldn't keep up and were giving all the girls a bad rap.
She also gave me a rundown on some of the gross and low class mess that you get exposed to in a concentrated micro-cosm of the world, and of the opportunity to witness to 4 girls at once. She's still our Ruby.
Pray for her abdomen, she wouldn't give me a straight answer about whether or not it's worse than the rest of her body...queen of evasion.
We will be going down to see her on Monday the 11th of May, when they hold a family day prior to graduation. Except she won't be at graduation because she will be on a 12 hour bus ride with all the aviation folks to Pensacola.
Thanks for checking in on Ruby.
We'll keep you posted on this blog as the months turn into 5 years.
God Bless.
The 17 days she was home FLEW past, but she was ready to get on with what she's all about now. There were some tough personal decisions she had to make concerning people she loves, but she made them with lots of guidance from the Lord and with maturity.
We all drove down to Camp Geiger, (part of Camp Lejeune at Jacksonville, NC)on Tuesday April 14th, and dropped her off once more. Although we were under the impression she could call during the week sometimes, we found out after a day or so that she would more than likely would not be able to call or write much, if any. She called the day after she went in, and told us MCT was more physically demanding than Boot Camp. She said she was sore every where, and that after 9 days of one type of training, there would be range and field work, so not to expect to get any news.
Two days later, on Thursday, Ruby's gramma, Beulah, went to sleep, and died on Saturday night. We had to call and let her commanding officer know, then wait for the call from her. That was tough. She was told on Sunday morning after some classes, and in a conversation with her that night, she told me she was so distraught over the news, she couldn't bear to call till the Sunday night. And only because the Lord had heard her prayers for comfort, both in her gramma's death, and the difficult decision she had to make not to come home. She went to church on Sunday night, and the sermon was, get this, about the death of loved ones, the eternal life afterwards, etc. She said she was so thankful the Lord answered her prayers in such a distinct way, because it gave her the strength to do what she needed to.
We understood, and supported her. The day she left, we told her that chances were she wouldn't see Beulah alive again, and needed to say goodbye. They had spent a good amount of time together while she was home, (thank God she lived next door).
About MCT: she said they train with the men, making it very demanding on the women of course, but that she had opportunities to fire and work with all sorts of weapons, which she loves. They get to eat whatever they want, and are given more time to do so, not nearly as restrictive as PI, but certainly structured.
When we heard from her last, (borrowed a superiors' phone out in the field at night) she told us she had not bathed in 10 days, (because she is out in the field, folks, not because she's gross) the men were REALLY getting on her nerves being excessive in their complaints against the women, and that there were 2 women who couldn't keep up and were giving all the girls a bad rap.
She also gave me a rundown on some of the gross and low class mess that you get exposed to in a concentrated micro-cosm of the world, and of the opportunity to witness to 4 girls at once. She's still our Ruby.
Pray for her abdomen, she wouldn't give me a straight answer about whether or not it's worse than the rest of her body...queen of evasion.
We will be going down to see her on Monday the 11th of May, when they hold a family day prior to graduation. Except she won't be at graduation because she will be on a 12 hour bus ride with all the aviation folks to Pensacola.
Thanks for checking in on Ruby.
We'll keep you posted on this blog as the months turn into 5 years.
God Bless.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
IF YOU WANT TO SEE MORE...
Private First Class Ruby Beck with sister LillyYou can visit
to see what's transpired with Ruby since the last letter.
We will continue to post news about her time in the Marines on this blog, so do check back
Thanks for visiting and God bless you.
Friday, March 20, 2009
ONE MORE... TUE. MAR. 17
We received the following letter from Ruby concerning the homosexual issue she encountered (March 7 post, March 1) and some one's reaction to it. Let me, as her mother, in conjunction with the rest of the family, state plainly and unequivocally that we see eye to eye with Ruby on the absolute immorality of homosexuality, regardless of personality, job, intelligence, kindness, dedication, etc. It is clearly and unmistakably condemned by the Lord God Almighty, and Ruby's allegiance is to Him first, as she has readily admitted without shame. If you are not a Christian Bible believer, then you simply cannot understand. For these things are spiritually discerned. For you who doubt how God, YOUR judge for all eternity, and the creator of all living things, feels about homosexuality, read on:
"If a man lies with a man, as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is abominable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own hands." Lev. 20:13
"Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchange the truth of God for a lie, and worship and serve created things rather than the Creator, who is forever praised.
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion." Rom. 1:24-27
"Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, not idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals,....will inherit the kingdom of God." " The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord..." "Flee from sexual immorality." ! Cor. 7: 9.10,13,18
And as for us: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14
Hi,
I just wanted to write y'all once more before we leave for the crucible. I don't really have that much to tell you about this time, right now we're just sitting around the squadbay, starching uniforms and writing letters, with DI SSgt. L's i-Home blaring her favorite rap for "motivation" for tomorrow's final drill.
I just got a letter from someone. I'm not going to bother responding to them personally, because I just don't feel like starting anything, and besides, they are not going to understand the way I see things anyways. But just so you know, this is what I'd say.
1) First, I am told the "only reason you changed your mind" ( about the gay recruit who was discharged) lets me know that they do not understand why it would be a plausible reason for me not to want to be her friend anymore, because they see T's homosexuality as a difference in "person" , not in morality like I do.
Kind of like her hair being a different color than mine or something. It's "just the way she is" for this person. And I believe that my "only reason" is good enough. Not because of how MANY issues she has, or how BIG the issue might be, but because of WHAT it is. For instance, if you had a friend who was really nice, a hard worker, a good husband/wife, smart, etc, and they offered to take care of your kids, you probably wouldn't have a problem with it, right? But what if you find out a couple of months later that this friend used to be a child molester? Do you think it's going to make a difference to you how long ago it was, or how good a friend they are to you? No way! You'd keep your kids as far away as possible. (not to mention the effect it would have on whether you really want to be with them yourself!)
My beliefs, my faith, and the convictions God has given me, are things entrusted into my care, to take responsibility for, and keep from being harmed. Just like the children. I cannot willfully put myself into situations where I'm exposing myself to those things, or keeping them close, something I know is likely to weaken both my faith and convictions.
I know I can't possibly avoid ALL those things altogether, (like this rap for instance) but "WILLFULLY" is the key word here. And when I know I'm going to be in a constant environment of unavoidable ungodly influences, I've GOT to make that black and white, conscious decision to remove myself far away from the bad stuff when I DO have the choice. Even if it seems extreme to people who see those things as just "normal", or not that big a deal.
xoxo Ruby
PS: There seems to be a disparity about the issue of having the "best person at your back" when in the military. I'm no fool. Battle and morality are NOT in the same category. AND I NEVER implied I would rather have the "so called Christian" that shacked up with her boyfriend at my back. Don't know where this person gets this.
"If a man lies with a man, as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is abominable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own hands." Lev. 20:13
"Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchange the truth of God for a lie, and worship and serve created things rather than the Creator, who is forever praised.
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion." Rom. 1:24-27
"Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, not idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals,....will inherit the kingdom of God." " The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord..." "Flee from sexual immorality." ! Cor. 7: 9.10,13,18
And as for us: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14
Hi,
I just wanted to write y'all once more before we leave for the crucible. I don't really have that much to tell you about this time, right now we're just sitting around the squadbay, starching uniforms and writing letters, with DI SSgt. L's i-Home blaring her favorite rap for "motivation" for tomorrow's final drill.
I just got a letter from someone. I'm not going to bother responding to them personally, because I just don't feel like starting anything, and besides, they are not going to understand the way I see things anyways. But just so you know, this is what I'd say.
1) First, I am told the "only reason you changed your mind" ( about the gay recruit who was discharged) lets me know that they do not understand why it would be a plausible reason for me not to want to be her friend anymore, because they see T's homosexuality as a difference in "person" , not in morality like I do.
Kind of like her hair being a different color than mine or something. It's "just the way she is" for this person. And I believe that my "only reason" is good enough. Not because of how MANY issues she has, or how BIG the issue might be, but because of WHAT it is. For instance, if you had a friend who was really nice, a hard worker, a good husband/wife, smart, etc, and they offered to take care of your kids, you probably wouldn't have a problem with it, right? But what if you find out a couple of months later that this friend used to be a child molester? Do you think it's going to make a difference to you how long ago it was, or how good a friend they are to you? No way! You'd keep your kids as far away as possible. (not to mention the effect it would have on whether you really want to be with them yourself!)
My beliefs, my faith, and the convictions God has given me, are things entrusted into my care, to take responsibility for, and keep from being harmed. Just like the children. I cannot willfully put myself into situations where I'm exposing myself to those things, or keeping them close, something I know is likely to weaken both my faith and convictions.
I know I can't possibly avoid ALL those things altogether, (like this rap for instance) but "WILLFULLY" is the key word here. And when I know I'm going to be in a constant environment of unavoidable ungodly influences, I've GOT to make that black and white, conscious decision to remove myself far away from the bad stuff when I DO have the choice. Even if it seems extreme to people who see those things as just "normal", or not that big a deal.
xoxo Ruby
PS: There seems to be a disparity about the issue of having the "best person at your back" when in the military. I'm no fool. Battle and morality are NOT in the same category. AND I NEVER implied I would rather have the "so called Christian" that shacked up with her boyfriend at my back. Don't know where this person gets this.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
LAST LETTER and WHAT NEXT?
Well, it had to come to an end. And as much as we LOVE getting Ruby's letters, we LOVE having her with us even more. This letter represents the end of the beginning, and what a ride it's been! We are, without question, thankful beyond words that she writes, and does it well; that she was able to fulfill the ONE thing she wanted to do...become a United States Marine; that God endowed her with a passionate love for her nation and for its people; and that she has done exceedingly well.
It's not entirely over, however. Today she set out to begin the Crucible, a 56 hour hell-ride with a few breaks in between "battle" zones, 3 MREs, 4 hrs sleep, and a myriad of injuries that can sidestep even the toughest recruit. But come Saturday at dawn, as they make the final 9 mile march to the depot, and gather around the Iwo Jima statue, Ruby along with her fellow recruits, will be pinned with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and officially become a Marine.
NOW WHAT?
They will be fed a Warrior's Breakfast immediately following the EGA ceremony, and between Saturday and next Wednesday the 25th, all recruits pay their bills, turn in gear, finish up any business they have left to do. On Thursday morning, the now-Marines will participate in their final run, the Motivational Run, and we will be there to see her and the whole crowd of graduating Marines, run for the last time on Parris Island. At 9 am, they are marched in, by platoons, to a building where all the family/friends will be seated in bleachers, and after a series of presentations, will be released to spend the day with their family, remaining on the island.
On Friday morning, she will graduate, and we will go to our B&B in Beaufort and feed her, spend the night, and enjoy her beautiful smile and joy. On Saturday we will return home to NC, and hopefully be able to enjoy her without interruption, as she needs to spend time with an ailing grandmother, and her sisters and brothers.
Ruby will spend 10 days at liberty at home, and then will work as a recruiters asst. for 7 days until April 14 when she checks into Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC, where she will be for one month, staying there 24/7, with no liberty, until the week of May 10th. She will immediately be shipped out to Pensacola, FL where she will remain 4 months to be in training for her job, Flight Crew of helicopters. Her aim, of course, is to be Flight Crew Chief.
More than likely, she will be mobilized immediately following training due to the ongoing conflict. Here's her letter:
19:48 MONDAY, MARCH 16th
Hey Y'all,
Well, today we had the final PFT and guess who got Iron Woman? YEP!! I won highest PFT in the company with a score of 299 out of a possible 300. Max out crunches and hang, and a 21:05 3-mile !! I'm on cloud nine right now. We had graduation practice today as well, which was awesome because the company high PFTer and the high shooter get recognized in front of everybody, given plaque, etc. I'm next to the Charlie Co. high PFTer, (our brother company) and he's a shrimp:) but super fast. Rct. Lewis got honor grad and she totally deserves it. Rct South got meritoriously promoted and has had a glow all day. We found out our teams for the Crucible, and I'm on DI Sgt. Roman's team !!:) That means she'll be giving me my EGA on Saturday. She's so funny.
Tonight, I got a letter, a big,pink musical card and some pressed flowers from Andrew in the mail. Well, Roman made me open the envelope and when she saw it all, she said, "Flowers? From who? Your disgusting little beastly boyfriend, isn't it? Yep, he's a faggot." as she squinched up her little nose and put on her 'eeewww, dont let that thing near my amazing self ' face. We BUSTED out laughing. I said, "Aye, Ma'am." and ran to the head to read it.
I'll call you on Sunday!!
I'll write on Thursday before we go to the Crucible if I can.
xoxo Ruby
It's not entirely over, however. Today she set out to begin the Crucible, a 56 hour hell-ride with a few breaks in between "battle" zones, 3 MREs, 4 hrs sleep, and a myriad of injuries that can sidestep even the toughest recruit. But come Saturday at dawn, as they make the final 9 mile march to the depot, and gather around the Iwo Jima statue, Ruby along with her fellow recruits, will be pinned with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and officially become a Marine.
NOW WHAT?
They will be fed a Warrior's Breakfast immediately following the EGA ceremony, and between Saturday and next Wednesday the 25th, all recruits pay their bills, turn in gear, finish up any business they have left to do. On Thursday morning, the now-Marines will participate in their final run, the Motivational Run, and we will be there to see her and the whole crowd of graduating Marines, run for the last time on Parris Island. At 9 am, they are marched in, by platoons, to a building where all the family/friends will be seated in bleachers, and after a series of presentations, will be released to spend the day with their family, remaining on the island.
On Friday morning, she will graduate, and we will go to our B&B in Beaufort and feed her, spend the night, and enjoy her beautiful smile and joy. On Saturday we will return home to NC, and hopefully be able to enjoy her without interruption, as she needs to spend time with an ailing grandmother, and her sisters and brothers.
Ruby will spend 10 days at liberty at home, and then will work as a recruiters asst. for 7 days until April 14 when she checks into Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC, where she will be for one month, staying there 24/7, with no liberty, until the week of May 10th. She will immediately be shipped out to Pensacola, FL where she will remain 4 months to be in training for her job, Flight Crew of helicopters. Her aim, of course, is to be Flight Crew Chief.
More than likely, she will be mobilized immediately following training due to the ongoing conflict. Here's her letter:
19:48 MONDAY, MARCH 16th
Hey Y'all,
Well, today we had the final PFT and guess who got Iron Woman? YEP!! I won highest PFT in the company with a score of 299 out of a possible 300. Max out crunches and hang, and a 21:05 3-mile !! I'm on cloud nine right now. We had graduation practice today as well, which was awesome because the company high PFTer and the high shooter get recognized in front of everybody, given plaque, etc. I'm next to the Charlie Co. high PFTer, (our brother company) and he's a shrimp:) but super fast. Rct. Lewis got honor grad and she totally deserves it. Rct South got meritoriously promoted and has had a glow all day. We found out our teams for the Crucible, and I'm on DI Sgt. Roman's team !!:) That means she'll be giving me my EGA on Saturday. She's so funny.
Tonight, I got a letter, a big,pink musical card and some pressed flowers from Andrew in the mail. Well, Roman made me open the envelope and when she saw it all, she said, "Flowers? From who? Your disgusting little beastly boyfriend, isn't it? Yep, he's a faggot." as she squinched up her little nose and put on her 'eeewww, dont let that thing near my amazing self ' face. We BUSTED out laughing. I said, "Aye, Ma'am." and ran to the head to read it.
I'll call you on Sunday!!
I'll write on Thursday before we go to the Crucible if I can.
xoxo Ruby
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