thedrifter
09-23-09, 09:37 AM
Marine pays visit to daughter's class
By Amanda Heard
Bay City Tribune
Published September 23, 2009
Priscilla Robinson's four-year-old head start class was surprised with a special visitor on Monday, Sept. 21.
Marine Lance Corporal Justin Rodriguez has spent the last 14 months away from home serving in Japan.
His flight landed in Houston at midnight on Labor Day, where he found his family waiting for him with open arms.
Rodriguez, who has been in the Marine Corps for three years, served two years in Japan as an air wing, supporting equipment in Marine Aviation Logistics 16.
He will return to service Sunday in San Diego after 19 days off.
Robinson invited him to his daughter Malorie's class to speak to the children about life as a soldier.
Little Malorie was the picture of pride as her father spoke to the children relating his experiences in the military and answering questions.
"Marines help us stay free," said Rodriguez. "Marines play sports and eat three meals a day to stay healthy and strong."
He went on to tell the children about discipline.
"We have rules that we have to follow," he said. "Like when your teacher tells you to listen. I'm gonna listen."
Robinson led a series of questions from the group about soldier's uniforms, difficulties and experiences with other cultures of the world.
The students were surprised to learn that children in Japan attend school seven days a week.
Rodriguez said he made many adjustments during his time overseas. He had to learn to drive on the opposite side of the road, a skill that he is having a hard time letting go of now that he is back in the U.S.
But the biggest adjustment was one of the heart.
"The hardest part is being away from my little girl," he said.
Rodriguez reminded the students that girls can become Marines and serve their country, too.
This December, Rodriguez will return from San Diego to spend his first Christmas with his daughter.
Ellie
By Amanda Heard
Bay City Tribune
Published September 23, 2009
Priscilla Robinson's four-year-old head start class was surprised with a special visitor on Monday, Sept. 21.
Marine Lance Corporal Justin Rodriguez has spent the last 14 months away from home serving in Japan.
His flight landed in Houston at midnight on Labor Day, where he found his family waiting for him with open arms.
Rodriguez, who has been in the Marine Corps for three years, served two years in Japan as an air wing, supporting equipment in Marine Aviation Logistics 16.
He will return to service Sunday in San Diego after 19 days off.
Robinson invited him to his daughter Malorie's class to speak to the children about life as a soldier.
Little Malorie was the picture of pride as her father spoke to the children relating his experiences in the military and answering questions.
"Marines help us stay free," said Rodriguez. "Marines play sports and eat three meals a day to stay healthy and strong."
He went on to tell the children about discipline.
"We have rules that we have to follow," he said. "Like when your teacher tells you to listen. I'm gonna listen."
Robinson led a series of questions from the group about soldier's uniforms, difficulties and experiences with other cultures of the world.
The students were surprised to learn that children in Japan attend school seven days a week.
Rodriguez said he made many adjustments during his time overseas. He had to learn to drive on the opposite side of the road, a skill that he is having a hard time letting go of now that he is back in the U.S.
But the biggest adjustment was one of the heart.
"The hardest part is being away from my little girl," he said.
Rodriguez reminded the students that girls can become Marines and serve their country, too.
This December, Rodriguez will return from San Diego to spend his first Christmas with his daughter.
Ellie