Thursday, September 3

This dinner was reservation only. It was a time to meet other Marine families and Jesse’s Drill Instructor and Depot Command. The graduating Marines were not here.

Doors opened at 4 pm for Check In.

One of the waitresses took a few pictures for us. Left to right: Jana, Nicole, Ian, Deb, Roy, Josh, Kelli, Kristen, Jere, Cerwin, and Me.

This is about the time when our God Thing #5 happened. Jere went to the check in table to see if he could get a used ticket for Kristen to put in Jesse’s scrapbook for this event. The attendant said, “I cannot do that, but I can give you VIP tickets for tomorrow’s graduation. That means you will sit in the center area where all the activities are happening, plus your Marine will march right in front of you. How many do you need? Jere said, “Eleven.” Jere and Kristen knew there were VIP tickets, but they did not know where to get them.

The iced tea and water were free, but everyone at our table wanted this for a memory. We didn’t think we needed one, but the others at our table thought we should share a bucket and bought one for us. It was punch without alcohol. It will go in our great grandchildren’s toy box for whatever they wanted to do with it. 🙂

This is when Deb took a picture of us with her cell phone. It was time for me to change our profile picture on my Blog, Facebook, and Instagram, so it is the one you now see.

There were a few comments before the meal, then while we waited for our table to be told we could go for our meal, I took a few general pictures of the room.

This room is called The Lyceum.

This table would soon be filled with instructors and commanders.

I was fascinated where the instructors and commanders placed their hats – and received permission to take pictures.

They were not hung on anything, but balanced on a fence.

Jesse’s Drill Instructor and Depot Command came to visit and tell us about Jesse and give us opportunity to ask questions.

The assured us that Jesse never got in trouble and was a bit reserved in his attitude – unlike those who come with arrogant attitudes. That was nice to hear.

After we asked questions and they left, our table was invited to get our meal.

There was a Marine band that played throughout the meal and command visitation.

There was salad, bread rolls, pork, chicken, rice, and a cooked vegie mix. Dessert was brownies or cookies.

After our meal, when the command team seemed to be free, I asked Jere and Kristen if they would like a posed picture with them.

Following this event, we went for a drive around the base. That will be my next post.