MilitaryMilestones.com

Vote for Erin!

Eric — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:01:32 +0000

One of our favorite Military Mom’s blog is up for Military blog of the year over at Circle of Mom’s. If you have 2 seconds, go over and give her a vote of support. Here’s a little bit about Erin:

http://www.deploymentdiatribes.com

Erin is a Navy Wife and Mom to 4 boys, including one with Autism. She recently parented solo during a 20 month deployment. She writes about military family life, deployment issues, Autism, and no-nonsense parenting.

What do you love about being a military mom?

I never imagined that I’d be a military wife and mom to military kids but I can’t imagine my life any different. I love that we’ve been able to show our kids places and people of the world they’d otherwise never been able to see. I love that we have 4 kids who are one another’s best friends and have each other where ever we go.

What advice would you give to moms on how to build a new support circle after a move?

Use your kids. Get involved in the schools and meet as many women as you can, then decide who you think you connect with best. If you have a young child, arrange for playdates and invite the moms to stay for a cup of coffee so you can get to know them. It will take time, but eventually you will connect and build a circle of friends.

What’s a tip for helping kids cope with a parent’s absence?

Include the missing parent in your family’s daily life. Mention how he’d react to things, place pictures through out the house. Also, try to skype or email as often as possible and get your spouse to send emails directly to your kids. I got my boys daddy dolls to sleep with and cuddle when they missed daddy and also a flat daddy to take to special events.

What are your favorite blog posts?

Custom Navy Ring Review and Testimonial

Eric — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:44:49 +0000

One of the most rewarding things in working with veterans is being able to deliver a special gift to them. We are so grateful for the service of the men and women in our armed forces, and in our own little way, we are happy to give something back. That’s why when we receive feedback from our customers about their ring, it just makes our day! Check out the testimonial we recently received.

Dear Chaplain, the Mrs. and all at Military Milestones,
I received my service ring a couple of weeks ago. I was amazed and deeply moved by the beauty and attention to detail of it.
I would like all of you to know that I find your whole operation to be a class act. The website, the ordering, the people and of course the product are all above and beyond. I give you all a proud Navy, “Bravo Zulu!”
I am a Navy Veteran that was part of the Multi-National Peace Keeping Force in Beirut Lebanon in 1983 and 84. We were there to support the 22nd Marine Amphibious Force while stationed at the Beirut Airport and at the United States Embassy. On the morning of October 23rd 1983, 241 fine young Marines, Sailors and Soldiers lost their lives. We that served and the families and friends of our fallen brothers have never been the same.
As this October marks the 30th anniversary of our year of sacrifice, I could think of no better way to honor all that served and died in Lebanon then to have it engraved on my ring. With a glance I am reminded, humbled, honored and proud of our service. This ring is for the ones that never came home and for us that are still trying to come home but most of all this ring is for our families. Thankyou and God Bless. To all that have served and to those still serving, Thank you and welcome home.

Scott Height ” Fly Navy ”

Here’s a look at Scott’s ring. He sent us a few images.

Thank you to all of those who sacrifice so much for this country. We are so thrilled to be able to provide quality rings to help you commemorate your military milestones!

Captured! Boston Bomber in Custody

Eric — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:42:05 +0000

As the news came out over the weekend, people all across America began to rejoice. The details are still coming in and will continue to as this “sleeper cell” is investigated, but Americans could feel great about the speed and execution of capturing these two brothers.

Once again, America proves that when you attempt to beat her down, she comes back fighting harder than ever. There is a resilient spirit in this country. It desires to fight and desires to be strong.

I believe personally that strength and protection comes from a higher power. But, there is no question that a cover of might and protection has been over this country with a special blessing.

Great work all who helped capture these bombers and bring them to justice!

Marine Mom, Mary Uresti

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 23:20:10 +0000

My son is LCpl Patrick Uresti who graduated from MCRD in May 2010. Patrick is our youngest child with 2 older sisters. We also have 3 nephews who are Marines. So we are a very proud Marine family. When we attended his graduation my husband and I wanted to give him a ring to express our pride in his accomplishment but Patrick told us not to purchase one because he felt that he had not yet served his country and did not deserve to wear one. He expressed that wearing the uniform of a Marine was all he needed. My son did the same when he graduated from high school, he did not want us to get him a ring because he felt that it would be an expense that was nor necessary.
Patrick is now stationed at Camp Pendleton with the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 as a Huey Crew Chief. His squadron will be deployed this summer. He has studied and worked so hard at NAS Pennsacola and now at Camp Pendleton it would make his father and I so happy to be able to give him a ring before he leaves. We have watched our young man leave high school and college and we see him now as such a wonderful adult. It is not easy for us to travel from Texas to Camp Pendleton very often but I was able to visit him this past summer for 4 days. I was so humbled by the size of the Huey as well as learning of the responsibilities and danger of the Crew Chief. This visit only magnified the pride that I have in my son. We would be so honored to be able to present Patrick with a ring to express our pride in him.

Carrying on the tradition

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 06:11:43 +0000

I had the chance to follow in my dad’s footsteps. I joined the Marine Corps in 1988. I graduated from Parris Island 3rd Bn I Co. Plt 3002.I was a member of MSG Battallion USNA Company Annapolis,Maryland. We provided security for Admiral Frank B. Kelso while on post. At the time Commandant Hagee was a Colonel and Commandant Krulak was a Major General. Now my oldest son is a U.S. Marine and the greatest gift was him earning the title United States Marine in 2012. Interestingly enough he graduated Parris Island 3rd Bn K Co. Plt 3002 wow how often in life does that happen. After the Corps I entered into the law enforcement career field. It was like being back with fellow Marines .I know they say” The Few The Proud” but we’re everywhere Semper Fi Brothers and sisters wherever you may be.I will always be a U.S. Marine and no one can take that. I can’t wait until my son makes SgtMaj of the Marine Corps. All the way to the top OOhRah. The Marine Corps instilled in me honor,courage, and commitment which I passed down to my son and one day he shall pass it to his son for it is the code that all Marines live and die by.Joining the Marine Corps was the greatest thing in my life that has had direct action on the person I have grown to become. I would do it all over again if given the chance to repeat it. The training was tough but I had the desire to become a United states Marine so failure was not an option. I’m glad I made it and earned My title as well as my son whom I am so proud of that words cannot express and I have to give a big “yut yut” (its a Marine thing).

Viet Nam Vet

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:13:07 +0000

In the summer of 1964 I for filled my lifelong dream of joining the Marine Corp, going in on the delayed program and entering boot camp on at Paris Island in October of that year. Had my recruiter allowed me, I may have left high school early to join, but he wouldn’t have any of that nonsense and I graduated and then joined.
While in boot camp we were constantly reminded that we may get our asses blown off in Nam, and I honestly did not know what the DI was talking about as I wasn’t up much on current events, too busy partying and having a good time! But I found out in a hurry!
Shortly after boot camp I was stationed at Camp Pendleton with the 5th Marines and then Okinawa with the 9thMarines and was in the third Marine unit that landed in Viet Nam in mid-1965 and joining E 2/3 for the duration of my tour. Being a grunt, I found out what our DI was talking about and if I could, would thank him today for the great training and instilling of Corp values that I still use today.
Although I didn’t get it blown off, I did grow up in a hurry and 2 1/2 years later left active duty as a Sgt E5 and have never regretted my time in the Corp and still relive the combat almost daily.
Now when we came home, there were no parades, or home comings other than from our families and I do regret that, but am grateful that our nation today treats our vets with the respect that they truly deserve. No sour grapes, just relieved that our nation has changed.
Semper Fi to all my Marine Brothers today and in the future!

My Husband, My Hero

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:29:14 +0000

My husband is currently in the US Army. We have been through so much in his 3 years of service thus far. He was deployed to Afghanistan, and was injured in the process. He suffers from several medical issues now that he has returned. During his time of service, we have gotten married, moved to a different state, returned home and now we await for him to come home as well. He was stationed overseas prior to his deployment and after. Unfortunately I was not able to accompany him. After fighting long and hard, he was able to PCS back to the states so we could be together.

Shortly after he returned from, we conceived our son, who is now 4 months old. We went through so much to make sure he was here in time for his arrival. He was able to be with us only for a short time, and had to leave back to his base 2 days after we welcomed our son into the world. Due to health reasons, I had to move back home as he stayed back at his Duty Station in TX. We have missed Christmas and several other Holidays together as well. Through my negativity, etc, he has encouraged me so much to stay strong. He is currently awaiting his MEB process so he can come home.

I would LOVE To give him this beautiful gift to always remember his service and the sacrifices he made. He is a proud soldier and even more proud that he was able to follow his Great Grandfather, Grandfather and Fathers foot steps as a US Army Soldier. I don’t know where I would be without him. He is truly my hero, and a great role model for our son.

A day that will never be forgotten

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:16:19 +0000

Date is August 12, 1972. There are 2 boys (ages 8 and 7) who are playing in the living room. Their mother is in the back bedroom with their little sister because it is feeding and diaper changing time.
They notice a soldier get out of a car through the pitcher window. They assume it is their father returning from Vietnam. The reason they think that is because their father is the only soldier that ever comes to their house.
They are excited and yell that daddy is home. There is a knock at the door and the boys open it. It is not their father standing there. The soldier asks if their mother is home. The boys yell mommy there is an army man at the door.
She goes to the door and has a bad feeling. The boys notice that their mother is looking sad and get the same feeling. The soldier tell them that their father has died in Vietnam and turns to leave.
Their mother closed the door and faints. The boys who don’t really understand what is going on. All they know is that daddy is dead and mommy is on the floor and not moving. They assume that she is also dead as well.
They call their grandma because they can do that in an emergency. Grandma answers the phone and they tell her that daddy is dead and mommy just died. They hang up the phone. Grandma tries to call back but the boys do not answer because they are not allowed to answer the phone for any reason.
After several tries their grandma call all the uncles and aunts in a panic to have them go to the house and find out what is going on.
Their mother wakes and the boys not wanting to get into trouble do not tell her of the phone call to grandma. Soon after waking the family shows up to the house.
This is a day that the 7 year old will remember for the rest of his life.
This is one of the main reasons that I joined the Marine Corps. I have always tried to make him proud.

EARNING THE TITLE

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:01:49 +0000

WHEN I WAS A YOUNG BOY I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A US MARINE . I ALWAYS ADMIRED US VETERANS .IN THE FALL MY MOM WOULD ALWAYS TAKE US TO THE MILITARY PARADE . WHEN I WAS IN THE 10TH GRADE I WENT TO VISIT THE MARINE CORPS RECRUITER . AS I ENTERED THE RECRUITING BUILDING . I STARTED TO WALK DOWN THE HALL I LOOKED INTO THE FIRST ROOM AND IT WAS THE AIR FORCE . THERE WAS A YOUNG SKINNY MAN THERE .HE ASKED IF I WANTED TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE I SAID HELL NO . THEN I CAME TO THE NEXT ROOM IT WAS THE ARMY THERE WAS A OLD FAT MAN THERE JUST PUTTING IN HIS TIME .SO I CAME TO THE NEXT ROOM IT WAS THE NAVY .THERE ALSO WAS A OVERWEIGHT MAN AT THE DESK WITH HIS FEET ON THE DESK LIKE HE OWNED IT. HE YELLED FOR ME TO COME IN BUT I JUST KEPT GOING . THEN I CAME TO THE MARINE CORPS OFFICE . AS I LOOKED IN THERE WAS A MOUNTAIN OF A MAN SITTING BEHIND THE DESK . I WAS IN AWE . HE LOOKED UP AND SAID COME ON IN . THEN HE JUMPED ON HIS DESK TO GREET ME . IT WAS AWESOME . HE SAID DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THE MARINES .I ANSWERED HIM AND SAID YES SIR!!! I TOLD HIM I WAS IN THE 10TH GRADE THEN HE TOLD ME I HAD TO GRADUTE HIGH SCHOOL BEFORE I COULD JOIN THE MARINES . BUT I SAID SIR I REALLY WANT TO JOIN THE MARINES NOW . HE TOLD ME AGAIN YOU HAVE TO GRADUATE FIRST . HE SAID I CAN PUT YOU IN UNDER THE DELAYED ENTRY PROGRAM . I SAID OK . TWO WEEKS AFTER GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL I WAS OFF TO PARRIS ISLAND S.C. WHAT A FEELING ! I KEPT IN TOUCH WITH MY RECRUITER THRU OUT BOOT CAMP HE SAID TO STAY MOTOVATED . I REPLIED WITH IM MOTOVATED AND HARDCORE ! AFTER BOOT CAMP I WENT TO SCHOOL AT CAMP DELMAR CA . THEN IT WAS OFF TO MY FIRST DUTY STATION CAMP SCHWAB OKINAWA JAPAN . AFTER THAT I WAS OFF TO CAMP LEJEUNE NC. THERE WE GOT THE CALL FROM PRESIDENT GEORGE H W BUSH . AMERICA HAS CALLED ON YOU TO HELP AN OLD ALLY AND FRIEND FROM THE EVIL FORCES OF SADDAM HUSSAIN . SO IT WAS OFF TO THE PERSAN GULF . AS YOU ALL KNOW THE OUT COME .
AN OUTSTANDING JOB BY AMERICA . THEN IT WAS TIME TO COME HOME A S A UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS WAR VETERAN!!!

Buddy System

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:50:37 +0000

I went to Bootcamp on June 9th 1977. I enlisted in the buddy program and was suppose to be in a platoon with my friend Terry during my stay at Parris Island. When I finally arrived at Platoon 1071 I was not with my friend. He was sent to Platoon 1070. To be honest this did not bother me one bit because I seemed to have more important issues on my mind. I was 135lbs and was very worried that I would not be able to withstand the rigorous training. Several weeks went by and things started to go well. My confidence level was improving every day and as time went on I became more and more comftorable with my environment. My last name is Sargent so it was very difficult to keep a low profile. I was also applying for the Naval Academy and this did not help in my quest to stay under the radar. My mother wrote me often and one day she ask how my buddy Terry was doing. In a short reply I told her that we were seperated and I did not know. About a week went by and out of the blue our Drill Instructors told us to all Get on Line! We had no idea what was going on. One of the Drill Instructors yelled, “Pvt Sargent, pack your gear and report to the front of the sqaudbay right away!” I did what he said and took my seabag with me to the front of the barracks. He then turned to the rest of the platoon and said, “Pvt Sargent will be leaving us today. It seems he wrote his mommy and complained that he wasn’t with his friend so we will be sending him to Platoon 1070 so they can be together.” I was pretty shook up to say the least. They sent me on my own to my new platoon. When I got there I tried my damnest to explain to my new Drill Instructors that I wasn’t complaining and was happy with my situation. It didn’t work. I did end up graduating #2 in my new platoon when it was all said and done. I even gained 30 lbs during my training. The recruit that recieved Honor Man had a father who was a Sergeant Major on Parris Island. My Drill Instructors made it a point to inform the Platoon that I was their choice but were unstructed by “Higher Ups” to make the choice they did. That was about 35 years ago. I never told my mother what happened until a couple years ago. We had a pretty good laugh about it. It seems she told my recruiter about the situation and heads were rolling. Evidently my contract was violated and I could have opted out over the issue. The good side of the story is that I enjoyed my new Platoon much better and eventually went onto Helicopter Sqaudron HMM-262 where I met many good friends and had the opportunity to do 2 West-Pacs before my short 4 year career ended.