I'm Seeing Stars: Silver Stars

A couple notable Silver Star Medal citations.

Fair Warning

I have the distinct impression that I will not be updating this blog much as I go through the BOC.

The Basic School Period of Instruction

The Basic School has gone electronic! All our publications ("pubs") will be available online. This short post contains some information about that, including a link to the documents for your own curiosity. And I've obtained a tentative schedule for the POI.

TBS Zero Week - Part 1

Information on my experience so far in Zero Week at The Basic School (TBS), some advice for Marines preparing to report to TBS, and a note on the intensity of the TBS period of instruction (POI).

Communicating With Me at TBS

Quick tips about communicating with me while I'm at The Basic School (TBS).

2ndLt Allen, USMC

This update is one I started writing in early May 2012 while on PTAD in Indianapolis. I had no time to ever finish it, but it's not in terrible state. I have no idea what else I was going to write before publishing it, so I'm just going to publish it as-is for you. -Posted 09 June 2012, while in Zero Week at TBS.

Here's an update on what life has been like over the last two weeks since I graduated Officer Candidate School and became a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. (Hint: Still busy!)

Tomorrow IS the Big Day!

12 Hours and counting!

Counting Down The Days!

Evaluations Are Complete!

Winding Down.

The candidates were instructed to "buy a couple of books" for their use during this final week. 

Yes, he is very, very close now. So close, infact, that those still standing (about 170 of the original 220) have ordered their "uniforms" and all that goes with them. I am not sure all that goes with them, but the price tag came to almost $3000! I told Caleb it was a good thing he got paid while at OCS so that he would have money to buy his "uniforms"! The candidates still have at least three PT events to complete this week, along with some classroom discussions. They must also plan their graduation parade and practice, practice, practice. (Caleb is in the third platoon and will be in the first line of that platoon nearest the bleachers.)

There is still time to decide to attend graduation (starts exactly at 9 am on 31 March) and commissioning (starts 1 PM, the same day). We are a group of 17 now, including family and friends, who will be a witness to this historic event. 

We have traveled with him for quite some time now. His dad always told him that he could do anything that he put his mind to. I always told him that I didn't think he would achieve this dream. You see, way back when, I would occasionally ask him if he had filled out his application. His answer would be, not yet. But, I am his mom. Mom's like to keep their kids out of harms way, if at all possible. What I told Caleb was, I support you and I will help you achieve this dream. If you believe that this is what God wants you to do, then I am all for it! We have always taught our children that God can not lead a stationary object. Move towards what you want to do and what you believe  God wants you to do and He will open and close doors. This door continues to be open. God has used many to guide Caleb. He idolized his National Guard brother, Josh. Many years later, his OSO, Capt. Kline, saw potential in Caleb and worked with him guiding him through the selection process. Caleb has worked with great diligence to complete this course of study, which, by the way is just the beginning. 

Caleb will assist his OSO in the Indy office until he enters The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, VA for six months beginning 5 June 2012. After successful completion of this course, he will head to Pensacola for three years of flight school. 

Many thanks for your thoughts and prayers during the past 9 weeks. God and the Marines are not finished with him yet!