Semper Fi!

Yesterday David took a huge first step on his journey into adulthood. He took the enlistment oath to join the United States Marine Corps. As he has done a half dozen times before, he left from home around 3 p.m. Sunday, spent the night at a local hotel, woke up at 4 a.m., and arrived at the Camp Dodge MEPS (Military Enlistment Processing Station) before 7 a.m. During previous visits, he had completed aptitude exams, physical exams, or simply spent time with other recruits. This time, however, he spent several hours talking about his goals with enlistment officers in order to make sure this was really what he wanted to do. Then, at around 1 p.m., seven young men were led in reciting the following:

I, David Miedema, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegience to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

I felt a bit like I do whenever I see a young couple recite their wedding vows...hopeful, emotional, and just a bit sorry for the poor young folks who have no clue what they are getting into. These seven boys were so young; kids really.  But their eyes revealed their excitement about becoming soldiers.

David is in a delayed enlistment program, which means he won't actually enter until next March. Meanwhile, he will participate in local exercises with his recruiter and other recruits in order to prepare for the rigors of boot camp. Until March, life won't change much. He will continue to work part time, play X-Box, and hang out with friends. But come next March this young man will get on a fast track to manhood! Let's pray that we bring our guys home from Afganistan before then.