I am proud to say that on 19OCT15 my step-son Jacob began recruit training at MCRD San Diego. Any words of support and encouragement?

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 23:29:46 -0400

My step-son began serving with the USMC at MCRD San Diego this date. I am extremely proud that he was persistent in overcoming many personal obstacles to reach this point. After boot camp he will attend Aviation Mechanic "A" School in Pensacola, FL for 5 months and he is very excited about finally getting his life on track. Fewer young people his age would even consider entering the military, so his decision to become a US Marine is even more remarkable. Semper Fi, Jacob!

His grandpa (my father-in-law) is a World War II Purple Heart veteran, so there are only 3 of us in this large family who have decided to wear our country's uniform. Small but choice company!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 11:42 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 23:42:23 -0400

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS, CRC, I know you are proud. Jacob has started a journey that will change him for life. He will learn about discipline, honor, teamwork, and the proud history of the Marine Corps. He will love MCRD San Diego, and have many exciting adventures as a Marine. Semper Fi!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 11:56 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 23:56:30 -0400

Awesome brother! Good to hear that! Best wishes CPO Andy Carrillo, MS

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Oct 20 at 2015 12:59 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 00:59:12 -0400

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS, First Congratulations to Jacob! I know that you'll & his mother will be awaiting his dismissal from formation as soon as he passes the CG. While he's at MCRD, you should make sure to send him letters in perfumed envelopes and a big box of Saltine crackers --it'll give him his first "sea stories." Seriously though (if he doesn't get the message from his Senior DI), he about to join one hell of a fraternity. Semper Fi, Chief.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Oct 20 at 2015 1:20 AM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 01:20:39 -0400

SCPO David Lockwood Congrats to the young man, and to his rightfully proud step-father.

Semper fi, Marine!

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Oct 20 at 2015 1:52 AM

LTC Trent Klug — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 01:52:41 -0400

Wish him the best from this former Marine! Tell him not to stare at downtown San Diego during firewatch, it slows the days way down.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 20 at 2015 2:09 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 02:09:21 -0400

I would say the first 3 weeks in Marine Boot Camp are the 3 worse weeks of Jacob's life but then he will being to adapt & enjoy his transition from young kid to young man who is a Marine..

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 20 at 2015 2:21 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 02:21:17 -0400

Congratulations! That is a great field and will serve him well the rest of his life - military or civilian.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Oct 20 at 2015 6:39 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 06:39:02 -0400

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS . That is great Andy. My oldest son went to Parris Island about 5 years ago. It was a surprise he did it. I am sure you are incredibly proud of him. As they say, the change is forever. We all welcome your son to the brotherhood that is the United States Marine Corps. He has some tough weeks in front of him but I am sure he will do well.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2015 7:55 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 07:55:37 -0400

Tell him that boot camp is to better them, not to break them. Also, he will encounter bad E4-6 eventually, so learn not to be them and also learn to be the good one he encounter. Also, the friendship he going to make in A school, is forever ... keep in touch.

During A school, be the best. Sometime they give out "push button" promotion of one rank up to E4 after graduation.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Jan 29 at 2016 11:11 PM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 23:11:11 -0500

USMC PVT J. L. Curtis successfully completed his initial training at MCRD San Diego and after 10 days of leave he is happily enjoying School of Infantry (SOI) at Camp Pendleton, then on to NAS Pensacola for AvMaint training! Thanks to everyone for your support these past few weeks! He's the tall one in the back...