Upon My Son’s Acceptance into the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School |
My son Pat got the news this morning that he has been waiting almost a year for. He has been accepted into Marine Corps Officer Candidate School.
For the first 21 years of Pat’s life he ate, slept, talked and breathed soccer and football. Friday nights in the fall at the Cronin household were spent at Lyon Field on the campus of Kirkwood HS, under the lights, in the stands, with quilts, blankets, red cowbells for offensive drives, hot chocolate and fully charged mini DV camera trained on the Quarteback, #15, Pat Cronin. Now, Pat has a new love, the United States Marine Corps.
Pat just doesn’t hold the Marines in high esteem. He loves the Corps. The history, the spirit, the camaraderie, the service to country. Now he has his “slot.” The chance to go to Quantico, Virginia for 10 weeks, to train with the best of the best.
All the weight training, crunches, pull ups, six mile runs at 6 AM, the target practice at the range, going to school full time, holding down a job at Webster University and keeping his grades up and working out with the Marines of the St. Louis Officer Selection Office as paid off, big time.
When he came home this evening with his Certificate of Acceptance, he had a different bearing. Not prideful; determined. Now the young man who threw touchdown passes when he had a man open and took off up the middle when his receivers were covered, will be repelling down the side of buildings, learning how to throw a hand grenade and firing assault rifles. And most importantly, learning how to take good care of his men.
Hers is part of what the certificate said: “The defense of our country and our freedoms is the duty and privilege of every citizen. The MARINE CORPS has a proud tradition of leadership in service to our country during peace and war. Voluntary membership in this elite military organization is a clear demonstration of the American qualities of patriotism and loyalty.”
Congratulations to Pat and all the fine young men and women who serve in our military. We can’t thank you enough for what you do.
The next time you see a service member in a restaurant, make arrangements to pick up their check. If you see them walking through an airport with a duffel bag, tell them how much their service means to you. Before you go to sleep tonight, pray for all of them to come home safe.
Semper Fi!
~~John Cronin~~
Tags: Officer Candidate School, Quantico, United States Marine Corps, VA.