thedrifter
02-09-09, 02:30 PM
Families get a glimpse of marine life before kids head to boot camp
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Monday, Feb 9 2009, 9:44 am
Amanda Millard
Sgt. Major John Hawkins told Marine recruits last week to get in shape and leave the good clothes at home before leaving for basic training at Paris Island, S.C.
The family night for future Marines in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties and their relatives gave parents a chance to find out more about what happens when their children are at boot camp.
"I think a lot of times there are questions that the child doesn't answer for them," Hawkins said. "It's not a matter of recruiting the child. It's recruiting the parents."
Josh Kyle Powell, 18, from Bessemer City, said he was inspired to join when his of his older brother went into the Marines.
"I just felt like it was a great opportunity and a great start in life," Powell said.
Benjamin Caleb Christopher, also 18 and from Bessemer City, said joining the Marines wasn't something he planned for a long time.
"At first I was like, ‘No, not happening ever,'" Christopher said.
But after his brother joined, he thought about how the Marines might benefit him.
Both said they were ready for boot camp.
"Physically, definitely," Christopher said. "Mentally, I don't know.
Ellie
Comments | Recommend
Monday, Feb 9 2009, 9:44 am
Amanda Millard
Sgt. Major John Hawkins told Marine recruits last week to get in shape and leave the good clothes at home before leaving for basic training at Paris Island, S.C.
The family night for future Marines in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties and their relatives gave parents a chance to find out more about what happens when their children are at boot camp.
"I think a lot of times there are questions that the child doesn't answer for them," Hawkins said. "It's not a matter of recruiting the child. It's recruiting the parents."
Josh Kyle Powell, 18, from Bessemer City, said he was inspired to join when his of his older brother went into the Marines.
"I just felt like it was a great opportunity and a great start in life," Powell said.
Benjamin Caleb Christopher, also 18 and from Bessemer City, said joining the Marines wasn't something he planned for a long time.
"At first I was like, ‘No, not happening ever,'" Christopher said.
But after his brother joined, he thought about how the Marines might benefit him.
Both said they were ready for boot camp.
"Physically, definitely," Christopher said. "Mentally, I don't know.
Ellie