They Are All Great ROTC Kids!!

Blacklab

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I read some things about what some of these ROTC students face, exposed to, hours decicated to their unit, and expectations of just study time...

I have a story that I feel is important to all of you who have children that have taken on a greater responsibility then some. Respectfully, this is not to say the kids who don't serve are not equal or of less value it's just different for ROTC...

I feel from what I have read that any one of our kids would have come up with the same story.

Early this past spring our son was out with his friends and saw from a distance an American flag laying on the ground in a small public park. He told me that he did not like what he saw and instead of walking on he went over, picked the flag up off the ground and folded it to the best of his ability. He then told his friends he was going to the police department to drop the flag off (not knowing what else to do). It’s my understanding from our son that his friends though it was a waste of time and that he would be blamed for the missing flag. He could care less what his friends thought and drove to our local PD and gave them his story as well as the flag. When he got home he had told me what happened, we were very proud of our son. Fast fwd. a few months...

Recently, I was at a function and was approached by one of our local police sergeants. He asked me if I needed a letter written for my son. I was confused and asked why he would make such an offer. It was at that moment he reminded me of what our son did only a few months prior. The officer that was talking to me was the officer who our son gave the flag to.

At some level I was ashamed for forgetting the story but again reminded of how proud I was of our son. Have you gotten that lump in your throat that makes you feel so good about your daughter or son? The letter will have no bearing on our son's NROTC or college application; however, I will make sure he submits it because I don’t want to forget again and I feel more people should know. I can describe our son in one word that carries such a large image. “Selfless!” Just like his mother!!

For all of you have have ROTC children in college facing, living, and dealing with the ones who have not taken this road. It's a tough world right now, remind your child that they are also selfless and I, you, and others will not forget that they are there for us!!
 
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That is a great story. These kids see this country in a whole different light. They will not be Occupying Wall Street, that's for sure.
Be proud.:smile:
 
Great story.

I hope though that everyone who reads it and sees a police officer or firefighter also will stop as they walk by and say THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

As a military wife I didn't, but now as a military Mom I DO.

I am not trying to divert the thread, I am just trying to make sure that the police officer in this story also needs to recognized.

You would be amazed how shocked and stunned they are when you do this, on top of grateful.

So the next time you see that cop walking out with his Subway sandwich bag in hand as you are entering, just say THANK YOU FOR SERVING.

You would want that for your kid too.

Here's my story.

Bullet went to the Green Zone several yrs back. The night he came home we went to his favorite restaurant (our family of 5), he was wearing an OIF shirt...you really had to look to see OIF. Guessing the haircut and us doting on him was obvious to nearby tables.

Had dinner, and when it was done he asked for the check.

Waiter comes over and says the bill was paid by another customer.

After much cajoling he found out who paid it. It was a family of 4, 2 little girls maybe 4 and 6.

Bullet went to thank them, the Dad said we owe it to you.

You'd me amazed even if you think you are living your life in private how people who are truly grateful will do acts of kindness and never realize their act impacted your life.
 
Your Absolutely Right!!!

You see another great story, thank you Pima. "You got that lump in your throat that makes you feel so good about your child?" Outstanding!!!

Being ex-Navy I’m very sensitive to any uniform and I could not agree with you more!! Ever since my children could reason & walk I have told them that any person in uniform only needs to hear a simple thank you. I can be a bit hardcore but it is what it is!! Maybe this is one of the reasons why my son is so into being part of such a wonderful thing. In fact he wrote an essay on the military lineage of our family and he being of the 4th generation with his desire to serve.

On September 11 I lost 22 friends (all Fireman) in the towers, a few of them were very good close friends. Two were ex-Marines; one of them was in Beirut in 1983 when 241 Marines were killed. John was part of the rescue and retrieval effort of removing Marines that he called his brothers. John also went into the towers on 9/11, there is no doubt in my mind he knew his odds that day, sadly he did not make it out. "Semper Fi, John..."

So your absolutely right all these man and woman in uniform need is a simple thank you and yes my family does exactly that…there is no shame in a simple handshake & thank you!!

You did not divert the thread, you gave it the support it needs, thank you!
 
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Occupying wall street ... probably not ... but hopefully each will follow their moral duty to stand up for what is morally and ethically right. Coming out against the current political line of blaming teachers, police, and firefighters for the economic mess the country is in could indeed qualify ... as leaders they may be better suited to changing the system from within ...
 
Occupying wall street ... probably not ... but hopefully each will follow their moral duty to stand up for what is morally and ethically right. Coming out against the current political line of blaming teachers, police, and firefighters for the economic mess the country is in could indeed qualify ... as leaders they may be better suited to changing the system from within ...

Amen.:thumb:
 
They Are All Great ROTC Kids!

black lab,


You brought tears to my eyes. Wonderful story, you can be very proud of your son. I know a young man who had a great opportunity to go to USAFA and ended up choosing another route. This young man told his Dad and was quite clear. He told his Dad, there was something he wanted to tell him somthing. He told his Dad, he didn't want to go to USAFA. The Dad and Mom were fully aware, they could not afford to pay for his education for the young man was aware of this. The Dad tells him, that he was on his own and repeated, why. The Mom was only working part time, at the time, who convinced her son to accept an offer at Penn State University Park, that she would pay for it. The mother tried, but failed to bully the Dad into help paying. The Dad refused. The mother is now in debt over 140,000 dollars. Because, now this family has a daughter who attends a private school. This young man has a strong sense of entitlement. Your son is selfless young man that you and wife can be very proud.

God Bless your family and son,

RGK
 
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black lab,


You brought tears to my eyes. Wonderful story, you can be very proud of your son. I know a young man who had a great opportunity to go to USAFA and ended up choosing another route. This young man told his Dad and was quite clear. He told his Dad, there was something he wanted to tell him somthing. He told his Dad, he didn't want to go to USAFA. The Dad and Mom were fully aware, they could not afford to pay for his education for the young man was aware of this. The Dad tells him, that he was on his own and repeated, why. The Mom was only working part time, at the time, who convinced her son to accept an offer at Penn State University Park, that she would pay for it. The mother tried, but failed to bully thr Dad into help paying. The Dad refused. The mother is now in debt over 140,000 dollars. Because, now this family has a daughter who attends a private school. This young man has a strong sense of entitlement. Your son is selfless young man that you and wife can be very proud.

God Bless your family and son,

RGK

Sometimes parents just have to learn how to say NO.
 
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