Page 51 of Stone

The commander jerked a nod. “What’s been the toughest thing about Marine training, Private Jones?”

“Climbing the mountain, Sir,” Isaiah replied.

The Commander’s lips twitched. “They don’t call it Motherfucker for nothing, Jones.” He walked on, halting when he came to a stop in front of me. “Name?”

Keeping my eyes fixed straight ahead, I barked, “Sir. Recruit Stone, Sir.”

His blue eyes flicked over my uniform. “What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in Marine training, Stone?”

“Teamwork, Sir. And how to rely on my officers and fellow Marines,” I replied stoically.

“Never forget it, Stone. It might save your life one day.”

“Sir. Yes, Sir,” I yelled.

With a nod, the Commander turned to address our drill instructor. “Thank you to you and your team for all your hard work, Sergeant Mendez. You’ve trained these recruits to an excellent standard.”

Mendez saluted, then turned toward the other drill instructors, who were all standing to attention. “Make these men official Marines,” he ordered.

The drill instructors began to walk down the lines, handing every man a small metal object. Morley approached us, giving Isaiah his insignia before moving on to me.

“Congratulations, Private Stone,” he muttered, placing the small eagle, globe, and anchor emblem onto my palm before moving on.

I closed my fingers over the cold, hard metal, my chest swelling with pride as Morley shouted the command for us to turn, before ordering us to march in formation toward the area where we’d formally graduate in front of our friends and families.

Drums beat loudly, cymbals crashed, and the Marine Band's trumpets joined in, playing Semper Fidelis. Then, we set off for graduation.

As I marched alongside my fellow Marines, the weight of accomplishment settled on my shoulders. The crisp morning air filled my lungs with a sense of achievement. I couldn’t help feeling a little choked up by the knowledge that somewhere during the thirteen weeks, I’d transformed from a clueless small-town boy into a United States Marine.

Every man around me had endured months of exhaustion, hardship, and pain because of their stubborn determination to defend our country. I may have been through hell, but I’d also forged bonds that would stay with me for a lifetime and formed brotherhoods that meant I’d never be alone while I was a Marine.

It was something extraordinary.

Something all for me.

And I did it without the club.

Over the next hour, all the graduating platoons marched out for the ceremony.

The Commander came out with a microphone and turned toward the audience sitting in the bleachers, watching theparade. After thanking everybody for being there, he praised the drill instructors for their hard work and dedication before saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, please excuse me as I address our Marines one last time as their Battalion Commander.” He turned his back to the audience, instead facing us. “Good morning, Marines,” he began.

“Good morning, Sir,” we bellowed, putting on a show for our families and sidestepping to the left. “Ooh, rah!”

Loud claps and shouts came from the audience.

For the next half-hour, we stood, listening to our commander talk about our achievements, his tone laced with pride.

It took me back to my first day, standing on the yellow boot prints with a stomach filled with nerves and a heart aching for home as the Commander talked about how we’d all transformed, not just physically but mentally, too. He was right. Twelve weeks ago, all I knew was Hambleton and the Speed Demons. The world had opened up for me, and I’d discovered there was more for me to learn and that I could overcome any challenge thrown at me.

As the graduation ceremony continued, I couldn’t help scanning the crowded bleachers, searching for a flash of blonde hair through the sea of people. Suddenly, my eyes landed on her—standing at the far end next to Mom, her eyes fixed on me with a mixture of pride and love that warmed my insides.

Elise had been my rock throughout this journey, and her constant flow of letters kept me going when all I wanted to do was give up. I owed her everything, and I vowed to myself that one day, I’d fill her life with love because she deserved everything good.

Eventually, my commander wrapped up his speech.

I pulled my shoulders back a little straighter as he bellowed his final order to us. “Alpha platoon. Dismissed!”

“Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir. Alpha platoon out! Ooh rah!” We all took one step to the right, hooked one foot back, and swiveled in the opposite direction before we all fell out of formation.

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