Called to Serve

It is a quiet day in the town square today.  I was able to park directly in front of the coffee shop.  I suspect people are having a difficult time with their morning routines due to the transition to daylight savings time. 

I enjoyed teaching the cadets winter survival techniques this past weekend.  We made Quinzee's (snow caves)  but unfortunately, with the warm weather we could not sleep in them because as I was concerned about the snow house collapsing in the middle of the night.  We still slept outside with temps in the mid thirties.  We went for a snowshoe hike after dark under the watchful gaze of the crescent moon.  The woods were drenched in the moonlight and out we could see perfectly without flashlights.  I really enjoy spending time with the kids.  My former 1st Sargent has left the program, but came back as an officer to help out.  As we were preparing to leave he said to me "Officer E, earlier today you challenged us to live the life of our dreams.  I want you to know that I dream about becoming just like you."  I stepped back for a moment and looked at this young man and who he had become.  Wearing civilian clothes and sporting a close-shaven beard and mustache, he was unlike the young adolescent I first met many years ago.  He was shipping out to Paris Island in July to begin a new phase of his life as a Marine.  While I was proud of the influence I had upon him (although I was extremely disappointed he did not go to college before the military) I couldn't help but wonder if I would one day receive that phone call that no one involved with the military ever wants to get.  "Thank you Morales" I said as I extended my hand.  "I am sure you will make us proud".  While I was saddened to see him put in harms way, I knew that the skills I had taught him would make him a better Marine.