Back to MCRD

This morning we rolled out of the rack early (3:15) in order to take Will back down to MCRD to report in to BMP (Basic Marine Platoon-for injured Marines). Traffic wasn't too bad, so we arrived early which meant that we had time to pop into the Starbucks on base and enjoy a morning cup of coffee together! It was fun to sit there and visit one last time, enjoying being together. He is allowed to have his phone now, so as we were sitting there he was looking up camel spiders. He had heard all kinds of horror stories about them (from the recruits in boot camp, of course!)...apparently they live at Camp Pendleton and he was NOT looking forward to running into one there! Well, 95% of what he had heard turned out to be exaggerations and urban myths, so we had a good laugh about that :). The time came to get him to the right building and off he went, bags in hand. It was much easier to see him leave this time. He was not dreading it, but really looking forward to getting back on base and hopefully moving on to his training as soon as they release him medically.

We arrived back in Upland and I found myself wondering how things were going...what his new routine would be like. I didn't have to wonder long! Around noontime my phone rang, and it was Will. He wanted to let me know how things were going and what it's like...and it sure sounds pretty good to me! Apparently the BMP squad bay is being remodeled and isn't ready for them yet, so they're being housed in billeting...quite nice. They wake them up at 5:30 with a knock on the door. Morning chow and PT (whatever they can do based on their injuries), roll call, various errands, etc., lunch chow, various duties, then off at 4:30. Free time is 4:30-9:00...they must have to be back in their rooms by then. During free time they can roam the base....rec center, px, food court, STARBUCKS!! He sounded pretty encouraged and relieved. In fact, he said that the chow hall is something else! For lunch he had Spicy Penne Pasta with shrimp. Now that's roughing it!! Actually, going to combat training and having to rough it again will be a shock to his system :) He'll be alone in his room until Friday, when his roommate returns from leave, but another guy from his old platoon was in his room, visiting. He is waiting for a fractured ankle to heal. Will said that the guys are friendly, and that it's amazing to walk around and have officers address him..."Good morning, Marine. How's it going?" No more being the low one on the food chain :)

This is a photo he sent us of his room...his buddy is sitting on one of the bunks (NO, that's not Will!) There's a microwave and small refrigerator in one corner, NOT that he needs it!

He has a check-up scheduled on Thursday, so we'll find out how he's doing healing then. We are hoping he'll be able to pick up with a company heading to Pendleton before too long, but it will be at least 2 weeks, as that July 4th holiday week meant that there's a break in the companies which impacts next week...no company picking up then. It will be good for him to have the extra time to heal, even though he'll be chomping at the bit to get on with it....although, now that I think of it, maybe he'll get used to this easy life!! He is looking forward to getting back to the gym and doing some PT with the other guys. He'll have to lose those pounds he gained while home on leave :)

We were praying for Aaron as we awoke this morning, knowing that he was just an hour or so into the Crucible. Before long this, too, will be behind him and he'll feel the thrill of being addressed by his drill instructors as "Marine"! What a day that will be.