I have read many stories of children signing up for the Marine Corps and then telling their families. My story is a little different and to this day, I know it was the right decision. When my son started high school in 9th grade, he joined the ROTC program. His instructor was a Marine. My son (and all of the other students) admired and highly respected him. That is when he told me he was going to be a Marine. Not many as a freshman in high school know exactly what they want to do. But my son was determined. Tyler never strayed from his decision, all 4 years of high school was ROTC and hanging out at the recruiters office. He would go PT twice a week with the older Marines. He loved listening to their advice, their stories of where they had been, and what was next for them. He always kept his focus, learning all he could from them. When he was 17, he came to me and had something important to talk about. He asked me to sign the papers to allow him to join the Marines early and leave for boot camp right after graduation. I was slightly hesitant at first, but knew this is what he wanted. By my signing for him, he could join a year early. There was never a doubt he would sign himself when he turned 18. We went to his recruiters office and I signed the papers for him. He left for boot camp the day after he graduated from high school. It was a pretty emotional time for me as his Mom. But going to his graduation and family day on the base, I knew I made the right decision. I was so proud of him. There were many tears that day, tears of joy, tears of pride, tears of not seeing him for months, and tears of knowing his new life was just beginning. I do not regret my decision and know I made the right choice. Always a proud Mom.

Michelle Dean
Springfield, OH