Our annual visit to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on Christmas morning was awesome! There were over 300 sick or injured recruits in the Medical Rehabilitation Platoons (MRP) we visited. We met there at 5:30 am and set out the Christmas stockings on the guy's racks (beds) while they were at chow (breakfast).

Gunny T was there on his day off, in civies. He's leads all four MRPs and he went all out. They moved all the racks to one side of the room in MRP3 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 (platoons) came in and sat on the deck (floor).

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 call 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. One platoon sang "Silent Night" and there weren't many dry eyes in the house, at least among us visitors.

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 the recruits split off and returned to their houses. We went through the four platoons to visit and encourage them as they opened the Christmas stockings our group delivered. Each stocking had about a dozen letters from children all over the U.S., as well as phone cards, envelopes with stamps, prayer cards, snack foods, and more.

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

Thanks SO much to those who sent letters! Next year I'll definitely give earlier notice about this...

Mikey

P.S. The same thing also occurred that morning on the other side of the county at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (S.C.) with the male and female recruits in MRP.

P.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.