My family got there after the crew had put the stockings on each of the racks. Gunny T was there on his day off, in civies. This guy is just amazing. We met him last year when we delivered stockings to BMP (medical platoon for graduated Marines). He organized the guys to sing some Christmas songs to us then.

Now he's the head Gunny over all of MRP, so he went all out. They moved all the racks to one side of the room in MRP4 so they could give us a Christmas concert. They took us up there and some of the recruits took out their foot lockers for us to sit on. Then all 4 houses came in and sat on the deck.

Gunny T had explained to us that everyone got 5 minute phone calls home on Christmas Eve, but that each platoon was competing in the Christmas concert for 20 minute phone calls that day! (Apparently the longest phone calls in MCRD history!) And we were the judges! ack

As you can imagine, that created much consternation amongst especially the moms, who did not want to be the ones to vote *against* anyone! But Gunny pressed on…

As soon as each house was in and seated, Gunny T said there was something they needed to do first – they all stood and gave us a standing ovation! Wow.

Each platoon came up and sang 2 songs. MRP 1 & 3 did okay. But MRP2 started with all of them snapping their fingers to a beat and singing "Feliz Navidad"! Very fun. Then one of their guys sat on a chair in front of them, put a book on his lap, and started drumming a beat on the book with his hands. The guys then started singing "Little Drummer Boy." And, to boot, they had one of the guys do the song in sign language as they sang! Wow, again!

MRP4 sang two songs absolutely beautiful. One was "Silent Night" and there weren't many dry eyes in the house, at least among us visitors.
The other song (can't remember the title) was also great.

Then we got a bonus song: MRPs 3 & 4 got up and sang a Boot Camp version of the "The Twelve Days of Christmas." It was hilarious:

On the _____ day of Christmas my D.I. gave to me ______.
I.T. till I could not see
Two shin splints
Three months of training
Four miles of running
Five MRE's
Six skivvy shirts
Seven hours of marching
Eight miles a-hiking
Nine pit calls
Ten tipped over racks
Eleven prac stations
Twelve minute phone calls

Now it was time to vote. Of course all the parents were voting for every house, trying to foil Gunny T's evil plan. But the younger guys in our group weren't clued in and voted only for MRP4. So Gunny gave it to them. Oh well…

Then they all split off and we went to each house to visit. As usual the guys were overwhelmed at the kids' letters. Many laughing and, yes, some even teary. Moms were dishing out hugs. Us dads giving them a "You can do it!" So many recruits expressed their appreciation to us for the visit. Lots of good vibes going all around.

P.S. Here's a letter of appreciation our group received from the CO:

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
SPECIAL TRAINING COMPANY
SUPPORT BATTALION
RECRUIT TRAINING REGIMENT
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT/WESTERN RECRUITING REGION SAN DIEGO, CA 92140-5297

IN REPLY REFER TO:
STC
05 Jan 05

From: Commanding Officer, Special Training Company
To: Marine Moms Online

Subj: LETTER OF APPRECIATION

1. I take great pleasure in expressing my appreciation to the Marine Moms Online for taking the time to visit the Special Training Company on Christmas Day. Everyone was tremendously grateful and appreciative of the stocking gifts, words of encouragement, and Christmas Spirit, which you provided.

2. It is my pleasure to Marine Moms Online for their hard work, dedication, and tireless effort to the Medical Rehabilitation Platoon. We were truly thankful and appreciative. This event undoubtedly left a positive impression on all the recruits, providing them with inspiration and motivation to continue pursuing their goal of becoming United States Marines. Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity.

J. BUSTAMANTE JR.