October 31, 2010 - Day 19 - Happy Halloween

We received our first real letter from Zach. No sugar coating. No brave face for the home front. Reads like a new recruit at MCRD should read. After all the movies, discussions at home, talks with the recruiters, viewing the Marine's website, Zach is in total shock.

So, I guess the old Marine's phrase, "We still make 'em like we used to." "We never promised you a rose garden." are all still true. The reality is that it is hard for me to hear as a Dad. It's comforting for me to hear as a former Marine. Semper Fi Zach.

July 22, 2003

PFC Sarah M. Hickey
Staff Correspondent

We STILL don't promise you a rose garden

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (July 22, 2003) -
In the early 1970's, a Marine Corps recruiting poster featuring a Drill Instructor menacing a recruit began its tenure. The poster served to remind prospective Marines of the reality of their obligation with the harsh phrase "We don't promise you a rose garden." It ran from late 1971, to mid 1984, but no one expected the poster to become such a legend and staple of the recruiting offices, least of all the model for the poster, former drill instructor Sgt. Charles A. Taliano.