I want to tell you a little bit about a conversation I had today. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with a young lad I recently met. What got the conversation going was, I asked him what he wanted to do with his life. (This young lad is 16 years old). Young lads this age are worried about girls, booze, sports((Oh wait, that was ME when I was 16!!). Anyway his response to me was that he wanted to be a U.S. Marine. He was serious as all get out. Being the Dad of a U.S. Marine (recently retired) and having spent 20 years as an enlisted Sailor in the U.S. Navy, with two tours on LSD's used to carry Marine Landing Teams around I could not help myself. I first asked him if his father dropped him on his head too many times when he was a baby! (That's what I used to say when people asked about my son). He politely smiled at my off-beat sense of humor and said "No Sir. My Dad was a Marine -so I want to be one also". That ended the joking-smart mouthing that I had been prepared to pepper him with.
At our dining room table, I asked him about his educational goals. He wants to go to the Citadel, a renowned military training ground for prospective military officers. (I would have been happier if he had said the Naval Academy, but that's just me.) I talked to him a little about physical standards, educational needs etc.....stuff I knew he would have to be up on if he wanted to succeed. Believe me, he knows.
I then went on to brag about my son---something I have been doing for many, many years. I told him about his career in the Marines; Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Marine One (flying Pres. Bush all over the world). I could see it had an impact on him. I then gave him some extra stuff I had around the house, gathering dust in a drawer: pins, decals, stuff like that. I also showed him some pictures of my son with Pres. Bush and flying his helicopter with Marine One. I also gave him my card with this blog, my e-mail and facebook id on it and told him that if there was ever anything he would like to talk to me about, he was certainly free to contact me. (Don't worry----I checked this out with his Mom and Dad before-hand).
I don't know if he'll contact me or not. I certainly hope so.
The bottom line, America, is that you do not have to worry about our military forces as long as there are young men (and young women) like this to carry on the roles that I, my son, his Dad, and many, many others have fulfilled.
I have purposely left his name out of this blog: I would not want to embarass him in any way.
If he allows, I will publish later.
Also, one last shout-out to his Mom and Dad..........you done good.
Dear Mr. McLuckie,
ReplyDeleteI was in tears reading this Blog. Sometimes the greatest joys in life, come from the most unexpected things, and this is one of those moments.
Our initial contact with you was as a Company looking to earn your business. Not only did we have the priviledge to do that, but it is our great honor to now call you "Friend".
Your willingness to share so much of yourself and your life, did indeed have an impact on this young man.
I should know...the boy you are referring to is our youngest son, Justin.
Your gift to Justin went far beyond the beautiful and meaningful decals and patches you generously gave him. Although those treasured items are certainly appreciated! The time you spent with Justin is immeasurable and was very much appreciated by him, and us, as his parents. It's not often you encounter people so willing to share a part of themselves with the younger generation, nor do they always realize just how special that is to boys Justin's age.
MANY, MANY THANKS FOR YOUR KINDNESS AND COMPASSION TOWARDS JUSTIN!!! May God continue to bless you and your family, Mr. McLuckie.
Warmest Regards,
George William "Bill" Bowen, III and Tina Bowen
The honor and privelage talking to Justin was mine. It is always a reward to see young men and women who really have their heads on straight.
ReplyDeleteAnytime........Tom
I love this post.
ReplyDeleteI spent a good portion of today with a young Marine that is near and dear to my heart. He enlisted in the Marine's a little over a year ago with lukewarm support from his family. He leaves for his first deployment in two weeks. He is excited; he is scared, but he is proud that he chose a route that few others choose. He is proud to be a United States Marine! I cannot even begin to count the hours I have spent talking to this young man, both before and after his enlistment. I am so proud of him and truly grateful for his heart, his courage, his dedication, and his valour. I have the priveledge of telling him so every time I talk to him. The Marines are lucky to have young men like these. We are lucky to have young men like these!
WoW Tom, small world. I had no idea Matt had flown Marine One. The best man at my first wedding was Alessandro Cuevas and I believe he flew Marine Two. I wonder if he and Matt knew/know each other.
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