Boot Camp Graduation X

Recruits in their first week at boot camp receive a pep talk from their DI while the graduating marines muster behind them and the stands fill with proud family and friends. "Thirteen weeks ago these marines were where you are. It CAN be done! You WILL make it!" My marine remembers when her platoon was taken to watch graduation. It seemed impossibly far away. Marine Recruit Training Depot, Parris Island, SC.

Boot Camp Graduation IX

Private Rose continues to hold her bearing even as she draws near. She did allow a tiny smile to cross her face when I stopped taking pics and jumped on her. All the recruits with vision-correction got those big fat glasses. They call them 'birth control glasses.' Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, January 2007.

Boot Camp Graduation VIII

The ceremony finished, the girls are released to join their families for Family Day. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, January 2007.

Boot Camp Graduation VII

The women of Platoon 4000 beneath the United States flag. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, January 2007.

Boot Camp Graduation VI

Platoon 4000 takes its place on the parade deck on Family Day. There's my marine! She's eighth from the left. I'm amazed at how fair she looks after 13 weeks of outdoor activity. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, January 2007.

Boot Camp Graduation V

Our driver who gave us parents a great bus tour of the island.


There's Platoon 4000! They are heading back to the barracks after the Motivational Run. I was so excited to see them I could scarcely ascertain which was my daughter. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, January 2007.

Boot Camp Graduation IV

The base commander addresses the crowd of proud parents on Family Day. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, January 2007.

Boot Camp Graduation III

A spectator watches as the band plays. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC.

Boot Camp Graduation II

The platoons line up across the parade deck. The moment they've worked for is almost here! Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC.

Boot Camp Graduation I

The Motivational Run on Family Day. Tomorrow is Graduation Day, the culmination of 13 weeks hard work.


There's Platoon 4000 -- my daughter's platoon! I couldn't find her in the faces that flowed past. I found out later she hadn't been with her platoon -- she had been doing traffic duty for the run. She saw me, scanning the runners and looking puzzled. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC.