Girls Can’t Be Marines

Esprit de Corps runs deep and strong within the ThaiMex Family.  My husband has served over 17 years in the Marine Corps (man he is getting OLD).  I served in the Corps; my brother, brother-in-law and many of our close friends.  My awesome hubby and I are raising our boys with many of the concepts and traits we learned in the Corps.  Don’t worry.  I haven’t quarter decked them yet, but I have seriously considered rifle PT.   I can’t tell you how many times I have spit out "J.J. DID TIE BUCKLE", or some form of it, to my boys (it’s an acronym and an entire other post).  Our boys are taught to play “Marines”.  Do you know those little plastic green military men you can buy at the dollar store?  Well most people call them soldiers or army guys; in our house they are called Marines or infantry men.   It’s just how it works.  I can’t explain it other then  1 - 2- 3- 4 We Love the Marine Corps!

Last week, Jaden came home from school with a piece of paper.  His school is celebrating Veteran’s Day by encouraging students to bring a Veteran to a special assembly that is being held in honor of them.  Jaden was excited because he wanted to bring his Daddy.  I explained to him that Daddy’s schedule was not going to allow him to attend the ceremony.  He was bummed and said he really wanted to have a Veteran at the assembly.  I pride fully told him, “No problem.  I can go with you.”  He said, “No! I want a Veteran not a Mom.”  I told Jaden that I am a Marine (never a former or an ex; we’re always Marines).   Jaden’s reply was, “Girls can’t be Marines.”  Child have I taught you NOTHING!   I showed him my boot camp picture and told him about the “girl” Marines he knew.  It still did not register.  He just shook his head.  He went to his desk, started his homework and left me totally flabbergasted. 

Ugh.  Boys!  I'm not sure if I'll ever understand them.

-- ThaiMex Kentuckian