Baby Marines

A couple of weeks ago Brandon got the pleasure of having two Recruiting Assistants.

These Recruiting Assistants or RAs were straight out of boot camp.

They were best friends too.

They have the opportunity of helping Brandon with recruiting for 1 week and if they can refer 2 people who join the Marines, they can move up in rank. So it's really a win win for everyone. Plus they get to be in their hometown for a whole without using any leave time.

These boys didn't get the required number of people to move up in rank, but they did get Brandon into a high school that previously had banned military recruiters. It was a private high school in the next town over. When Brandon called to set up a meeting with the school, the practically hung up on him. 

But these kids had graduated from that school and were able to talk their way into having Brandon visit the school. Which is great news!

I had the pleasure of having lunch with these 3 Marines one day. 

I felt very special to be surrounded by such honorable men. 

I wanted to announce to the whole restaurant that these kids just graduated boot camp, but I had to restrain myself. I felt like they needed to be recognized for the their HUGE accomplishment, but apparently the people at Panera Bread were more interested in their paninis and soup. 

After Recruiting Assistant Duty, they were off to school to learn their jobs, then from there, they would be stationed at a base. I gave them my two sense on some things in the military (of course, I had to) and I am pretty confident they will make good choices. Even though they were basically strangers, I was so proud of them for the big step they took in their life and their commitment to their country. 

I know these baby Marines will become awesome Marines.

When I told them to take a picture, everyone smiled. 

Um, aren't Marines supposed to be tough?

So I had them make a "hard face" which was so hard for them to do. They kept laughing!

It has been my favorite lunch so far in Pittsfield. I wish these guys nothing but the best!