Sgt. Grit Community

Here are some pics of my Great-niece, Teresa Rocha, graduating on "The Island", September 3, 2011. Please feel free to use any. She is from Tomball, TX. Went in at 18, about 3 days after High School. My sister, (her Grandmother), and  I drove Down from Tulsa to watch.   A lot different than when I  I graduated, in San Diego. There were 8 Platoons. 6 men and 2 women. More DI's than you could shake a stick at! LOL. Enjoyed shooting the breeze with some of them, including  series 1st Sgt. Found out "Sir, yes sir", is no longer used. "We don't use the sir sandwich anymore", a Gunny DI told me. It's now, "Aye,sir". And, they are Recruits, not Privates. And, while walking around the base, you could hear in the distance, a recruit or platoon, "aye, sir".     Thursday, 9-1-11, was visitors day and Friday, 9-2-11, was graduation. It was suggested to be at the gate by 0530. At about dawn, the platoons did a motivational run around the Parade Deck and on one of the streets. All singing a different cadence. About a mile and a half, I was told. After showers and getting dressed, they assemble in a large building. We were up in some bleachers.After some ceremonial stuff, they are dismissed until 1500.What a sight! I can't tell you the number of times I had a lump in my throat. (Both days).   Graduation was at 0930, Friday. But, we had the opportunity to attend Colors at Headquarters. Oh, my! After the Marine Hymn, I mentioned to a Colonel next to me, that after 40+ years, I still get goose bumps when I hear that tune. He said he was there every Friday, and he still gets goose bumps everytime, also.   Semper Fi, JJ Moss 1969-72 Echo 2/9 & Bravo 1/8