9th ESB Family Fun Day

Throughout the Marine Corps, or pretty much all the branches end up setting up a Familiy Fun day for the unit. It is coordinated by the Family Readiness Officer to get things set up. This isn't just for the Marines whom have families or spouses. This is for every Marine in that unit, it is more to have a sort of day off because this is mandatory but to also build unit cohesion. 

As for 9th Engineer Support Battalion, our family fun day was at Oura Wan Beach on Camp Schwab, Okinawa. Which is the Northern most base on Okianwa. The beach is not that bad when the sun is out. I did not go into the water myself because I did not bring anything to swim in since I was apart of the volunteer group but heard it was warm that day from the Marines. Anyways, these mandatory fun days is good to have because it keeps the Marines whom are stuck in the barracks to keep them sane. 

There was a bouncy course for the kids and some Marines whom want to race, Corn Holes, Horse Shoes, Volleyball and Football activities. I did part take in Volleyball, just because I was challenged by my fellow junior Marines in the security platoon. 

Yet, it maybe all fun and games but you need to be careful as well. Last year they had a Marine that was stung by a Box Jellyfish but it was nothing severe. The sand is mixed with coral and broken wood that was washed up from the ocean. So if your walking barefooted just take it slow and watch were your stepping. Also, those whom are too stubborn to put sunblock end up getting burned. Even if your in the water, or moving all the time playing Volleyball. You will get burned. 

Or you will end up glowing red. Haha! At least I have all weekend to recover but it still hurts. haha. I just hope I do not start peeling. Anyways, a unit family day can be fun but at the same times it doesn't happen without an incident. Overall due to the drinking restriction we are in. Each Marine was only allowed to have 2 cans of beer, so no one got messed up. I mean I never came across one who was plastered.





MOOD- Fun, Competitive & Burned
SONG PLAYING-Starships by Nicki Minaj

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My upcoming fork in my journey

I am slowly reaching yet another fork in the road. It has been a good, rough and experience life in the Marines. Soon it will be my 9th year enlisted into this institution, and history is yet repeating for the Corps. Just like how it was before, the United States did not seem to need the Marines. They were disbanded after the signing of a treaty with Paris during April 1783 and again but failed to disband the Marines during the Civil War in June 18, 1866 - February 21, 1867.  Yes, I know this time they are not disbanding it but they are cutting down troops. The smallest but yet the elite overall branch in the United States. Nothing against the other branches but they do need to think about dropping the other branches more than the Marines. Looking at this chart below as of 2010 there are: 

As you can see the numbers that is shown. Why not think to keep the Marines, where it is now and start cutting down the other branches a lot more? Just to keep the military in budget than cutting the Marines. If I were the president, I would cut the other branches to keep them some what equal. I do understand there are some Marines that do need to get out butt we do keep the highest standards than the rest of the branches. Those who do not meet that, are dealt with. 

Okay enough of that, I am getting off topic and probably started a controversy of what I said but like I said before I have nothing against those others who think I am stupid for blogging this. Understand though, if the military is your life. Why are you getting bothered by my blog? Shouldn't you be bothered by where this is going? Some do need to get out but those who strive and fight to stay in. Deserve to stay in the military. Anyways! Again, going out of topic. This is suppose to be about me. Haha!

Yes, the military is drawing down and yes I still want to be in but since this draw down came about. I am worried that I will not retire like I wanted because of this but it's not stopping me from doing what I need to do to get that next rank. I am just worried that, they will over look me and it's too late for me to prepare myself, if I am administratively separated from the Marines. 

(PVT Valladolid, MCRD Graduation)

I do love being in the Marines ever since, I gave up my life for a challenge. Once that challenge was accomplished after boot camp. I knew this life would be for me. Throughout my time, I have been given multiple tasks to finish and I have. At the same time bonding with those who will be in it for the same reason as I am. From Private First Class to Lance Corporal it was the most active and greatest time. Always working, bitching about things but still had to do it. Later being proud of my outcome. Then being promoted Corporal and becoming a Non-Commissioned Officer... An NCO. A feeling that the Marine Corps has embedded a piece of its history in me. A title of an NCO and proud to wear that blood strip. Something that I had been waiting for but with this comes a lot of responsibility and less physical work. Junior Marines look up to you as a mentor, someone to immolate but during my time then. I could not because I was not apart of my shop for too long. Then not too long after, I was promoted a Sergeant. Telling myself that I will not leave the Marines as a Corporal and that is why I reenlisted. It would be a Sergeant or above. I have reached that point but the Marines has become a lot more competitive now then it was before when I was a Lance or below looking up to my NCO's. It was easier...more given but now. You must fight for it pretty much. 

(She pinned me Sergeant)

My dream is to become a Staff Sergeant, because it holds another challenge. The ones above you require you to stick out the most. Staff Sergeant's and Corporals are the two hardest ranks. Why? because you need to Staff Sergeant's do the same but for Sergeant's and Corporals. Also, knowing that I can be on the right road of retiring out of the Marines. To tell you the truth, I do not want to leave the Marines, nor I do not really want to switch jobs or branches. It just would not be the same. 

(Photos by my wife)

Going through the Marines alone is easy but going through the Marines married. Is another challenge, to solidify yourself. I have gone through rough times and caused a lot of trouble. At times, when your told to do something. There is nothing you can do but to do it. It's the life of being a Marine. Basically do what your told, without questioning. "Only for the right thing, of course." Yet, it is hard for a wife to understand sometimes but my wife does not have that problem. She only questions it when it does not make sense to her but she has been through a lot with me. My work, my stupidity, and my journey. She's always been here for me though, like I said it has been a rough road. 

(She came for my Sergeants Course graduation)

Soon I will reach my fork in this journey but I will reach this point with everything I have done to get me that next rank. Now it is up to the Marines to acknowledge and see that I am striving to stay in. If I do not, it does not mean I am going to quit my life because all I do best is be a Marine. Nope, I do have priorities that I have to take care of. A wife to support, overall to keep us above water in this economy. 

It would be a rough road but that's another journey. This one has not ended.... Military is in my blood...

(Staff Sergeant (Army) Simplicio Valladolid Sr, Grandpa, WWII Veteran)

"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over that great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. 

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. 

Abuse no one and nothing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home." - Act of Valor

MOOD- Choices, Proud & Committed
SONG PLAYING-Hall of Fame by The Script feat Will.i.am

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The Marines Prayer

Almighty father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of thy presence and obedient to thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and thee without shame or fear. Protect my family, give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. 

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. 

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. 

Amen

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