Warning: Bragging Mother Alert.

[Leah P]

I have a 17 year old son that is working with the Marine Corps DEP now and is set to enter the Corps at his HS Graduation in the spring. My son had to drop alot of weight to enter the Marines and last spring he quit football and power lifting and joined the Cross Country team to make his weight goals. He has gone from 255lbs down to 208lbs since last March He was invited to a Poolie Competition today at Former Steeler Jerame Tuman's gym here in Pittsburgh. My son just texted me that he just did is IST infront of the company. Im sorry to brag but Im just so proud of him.
This is a pic of me and my son with an Iwo Jima veteran Frank Matthews taken at the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico last June. The mural behind is a pic taken at Iwo Jima and actually had Mr Matthews on the photograph. It was an amazing experience for both me and my son to meet that fine gentleman and hear his story.
Bragging Over!

[Jarvicious]

Congrats! Having just started a diet, I know how the weight loss can be. 50 lbs is no joke.

[Leah P]

He really really wants to be a Marine, P. He cut out all fast food, all sports drinks, all pop(that is soda in MidMo I believe) and pretty much lives on skinless chicken, albacore tuna , yogurt and salads without cheeses or dressings. He quit that power lifting as I said and he runs everyday now. He is working with the Cross country coach on getting ready for the Pittsburgh Marathon too.
Oh to be 17 again!

[Jarvicious]

I grew up south of Chicago. It's pop

[Kurt V]

Congratulations, you have every reason to be proud!

[ryoung57]

Good to hear. My brother is a Marine and loves it. He's just finishing up a tour in Iraq with his reserve unit and is very strongly considering going back to active duty.

I'm surprised they're so strict on bodyweight. I remember being at the MEPS when I was 19. There was kid wanting to join the Army and he was way too fat. After the Army told him he didn't meet the requirements, the Marine Corps recruiter approached him and told him they'd get him into shape! I couldn't believe it. I also recall a guy I worked with in highschool. He was way overweight for his height, but solid as a rock (a big powerlifter guy). He recieved a waiver based on his actual body mass index (he was all muscle).

If you are overweight when you go into boot camp, you won't be when you get out. They'll classify you as a "fat recruit" and run your ass into the ground, while basically starving you at the same time. Not sure if it's still the case (gotta be PC), but you used to be able to have all the water, jello, and iceburg lettuce you could eat.....and nothing else!

[Scribz]

That is awesome, brag away!

Oh and it's referred to as pop in my house as well!

[Leah P]

Im so relieved that you guys arent touchy about me saying "pop"!
And I appreciate the right to brag a bit. Im very lucky to have 2 very nice sons. My other son is an electrician. I cant go wrong with a US Marine and an Electrician. What one son blows up the other can fix.

[FalxZZR]

[desmo2]

WTF. Someone actually took the time to study what the regional term for cola is in every county in the US?!?