Starting out

I set this up because is seems like an easy way to keep family and friends up to date with Lisa's new adventure.

After testing and training through the spring Lisa reported to the Portland Military Entrance Processing Station. Originally Lisa was scheduled to report on Monday evening, have all her paperwork processed, proceed to her swearing in, and then fly out to Paris Island, SC. for recruit training. All this was to take place on early Tuesday. However due to delays with other recruits her swearing in did not happen until that afternoon. You can see a video of that here. That allowed us to have dinner before dropping her off at her hotel and saying goodbye. No matter how strong you try to be that goodbye is pretty difficult.

Flying out the next morning by herself we got a quick call from the Dallas Airport telling us that all was fine and that she was just waiting for her plane. When you enter Marine Recruit Training you are allowed to take $20, the clothes you are wearing and a bible if you choose.

Later that night we got the 15 second call from Lisa telling us she had arrived at boot camp and was safe and not to say anything or else the conversation would be ended. Also that we would be receiving an address in the mail where we could send mail to her - goodbye. All this took place in 15 seconds at a speed that would make an auctioneer proud.

About a week later we received a form with her address.