Street Smart

Last week I attended my youngest granddaughter’s graduation from Marine Corps boot camp. This was my second military graduation this year. In September, my other granddaughter graduated from Air Force boot camp. I wrote about that graduation in September. In that column, I wrote about my takeaway from the ceremony and the benefits of military service. I don’t want to belabor the topic, but there’s more to be said about the young people choosing military service.

Both of my granddaughters were 17 years old when they entered boot camp. Consider that. Think about the courage that took. This isn’t a draft situation. They had a choice. These two young adults chose to leave everything they’d ever known behind them, travel far from home, and enter a grueling training regimen! They spent months in training, living in relatively uncomfortable conditions, and they did all of this to become part of an organization that might require them to make tremendous personal sacrifices. Why? I’ve asked that question over the years of many people who chose military service. I learned that, among other reasons, there’s a “selflessness” common to these young people. They want to be part of something greater than themselves.

So where does such a selfless attitude come from? I guess that would have to be different for all of the young people I’m describing, and I know that everyone’s circumstances are unique. However, when considering my grandkids, I have to credit my daughter and son-in-law. They laid a solid foundation for their children to build upon. Against the odds, they found a way to balance busy careers with effective parenting. I’ve always been impressed by their ability to find time outside of work to actively participate in their children’s lives. That time allowed them to teach the principles that will carry their children through life. Three of their children have chosen military service (one of my grandsons will be entering service in the Air Force in a few weeks). My oldest grandson has chosen a successful business career. All four of the grandkids will prosper because of the principles learned from their parents. I’m proud of them all!

It’s hard for me to describe the differences I’ve seen in my granddaughters since they graduated boot camp. At times, I see a level of maturity and commitment that can only be attributed to their training. At other times I see a couple of goofy teenage girls doing exactly what I’d expect goofy teenage girls to do. For example, on Christmas morning, I walked into the house and there were these two 18-year-old service members laughing and doing some sort of dance to music only they could hear. It was absolutely hilarious! Shortly after that, I overheard them discussing different training scenarios they had experienced. They both love to shoot and scored high in their training. It was mind boggling to hear them talking about tactics and shooting on the heals of their dance routine! My Air Force granddaughter will be shipped overseas soon and will be in her assignment for well over a year. My Marine granddaughter will continue her training stateside for about a year before likely deployment overseas. Although I’ll miss them, I’m excited at all the adventure and experiences ahead. I admire them both and know they’ll do well.

Upon graduation, my Marine granddaughter was given a laminated business-type card that she now carries with her everywhere she goes. She very proudly showed it to me and expressed her commitment to what it says. I felt compelled to share the sentiment on that card. One side states the following:

Marines…

1. Obey the law.

2. Lead by example.

3. Respect themselves and others.

4. Maintain a high standard of integrity.

5. Support and defend the Constitution.

6. Uphold special trust and confidence.

7. Place faith and honor above all else.

8. Honor fellow Marines, the Corps, country and family.

The other side states:

Honor

Integrity, responsibility, accountability.

Courage

Do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons.

Commitment

Devotion to the Corps and my fellow Marines.

I’d ask each reader to consider the principles described on this simple business card. The values expressed on that card are part of the oath each of my granddaughters took when they entered the service. Our military members clearly embrace these tenets, but shouldn’t we all live by these same guidelines?

Blaine Blackstone is a retired Los Angeles Police Sergeant who enjoys the simpler life in Thompson Falls. He can be reached by email at [email protected].