HS Graduation Gift for Relative Going Into Marines

[Anonymous]

I am looking for a high school graduation gift for a family relative who has chosen (against his parents' wishes) to enlist in the Marines. The assumption had been he would go to college, so although I have been thinking about this for years, I had been thinking of things that would be useful at college.

He already has most of the electronics paraphenalia you would expect a kid growing up in the affluent DC 'burbs to have.

Any ideas? I thought about stock, but that seems kind of lame. Budget around $150, but I would stretch to $500 for a great idea.

[Anonymous]

That's a tough one. How fast will he be going into basic training? After that, how fast before he finds out his assignment? Since he won't be an officer, does that mean it's likely he's going overseas soon? If so, how much personal stuff can he realistically take with him? I know cash is impersonal, but in this situation it might be best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am looking for a high school graduation gift for a family relative who has chosen (against his parents' wishes) to enlist in the Marines. The assumption had been he would go to college, so although I have been thinking about this for years, I had been thinking of things that would be useful at college.

He already has most of the electronics paraphenalia you would expect a kid growing up in the affluent DC 'burbs to have.

Any ideas? I thought about stock, but that seems kind of lame. Budget around $150, but I would stretch to $500 for a great idea.

Spend the money on a spelling/writing course!

[Anonymous]

what about a bunch of Forever Stamps with postcards/note paper. Doubt he'll have his blackberry at basic training!

[Anonymous]

Hey, thanks for the snark. My sister is so freaked about this I've already been writing his eulogy in my head. But what the hell - more cannon fodder to send over to Iraq and Afghanistan, right? Just as long as it's nobody YOU know. Maybe I should give him a Kevlar vest since our government can't even be bothered to pay for that.

12:30 seems to have a clue so I will answer that one: shipping out to Parris Island in August. I don't know how soon after that he will be deployed but I think basic is 13 weeks. I have no idea what grunts are allowed because the only other military person in our family is an Air Force Academy grad who is a Colonel, so he never had enlisted rules.

[Anonymous]

i don't know that it makes sense to give him "stuff" he would be unlikely to haul around with him. i'm leaning toward cash...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Spend the money on a spelling/writing course!

Perhaps you would be well served with a course in manners.

[Anonymous]

I suggest a Leatherman Multi-Tool (http://www.leatherman.com/find-yours/military.aspx) for the future leather neck. Believe it or not, something like that could save his life in the field. Have it engraved with his name.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am looking for a high school graduation gift for a family relative who has chosen (against his parents' wishes) to enlist in the Marines. The assumption had been he would go to college, so although I have been thinking about this for years, I had been thinking of things that would be useful at college.

He already has most of the electronics paraphenalia you would expect a kid growing up in the affluent DC 'burbs to have.

Any ideas? I thought about stock, but that seems kind of lame. Budget around $150, but I would stretch to $500 for a great idea.

Spend the money on a spelling/writing course!

Are you being a jackass because the OP incorrectly spelled “paraphernalia,” or are you just a jackass? I don’t see anything else wrong with the posting – taking into account that it is a posting on a message board and not a letter to a client.

[Anonymous]

Infantry dad here. Here are some nice presents for a budding foot soldier:

1. A nice watch
2. iPod
3. Some nice sunglasses (Oakleys or other ballistic glasses)

Chances are, most anything you get him will not be with him at Basic Training, except for a watch. Most infantryman only take what they can carry on their backs into battle. Most enlisted soldiers will have an iPod or a PSP or something to help with the idle time.

Most field soldiers take pride in a nice watch. That's the only real possession from home (aside from pictures) that we have in the field (save for an iPod sometimes).

Any enlisted infantryman these days will be guaranteed to be in Afghanistan or Iraq within 24 months of enlistment, unless there is a weird circumstance. You can also get him some tactical gear, like a load bearing vest or camelbak, but that's best after he gets out of basic training and reports to his unit.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks, Infantry Dad. Your post made me cry a little as I realize what he will be facing. It's a little bit diffferent than the Col. Cuz's view out the window of his C-130. I really appreciate the info. Off to find out what nice watch I can get for $500...

[Anonymous]

Kindle and a gift certificate for a couple of books

[Anonymous]

Infantry dad here again. You're very welcome. I can appreciate what you and his family is going through. And by no means is it an easy path, but it is an extremely rewarding one for him. He will emerge from the other side as a confident, independent young man who will have lived a lot of life by the time he gets out in a few years. Also, it might be a bit easier for you all if you look at it from a different perspective. Here is a young man at the age of 18, who can't even legally buy alcohol, that somehow hears the call of public service. This is a good thing, that must not be diminished. Let him make his own decisions and support him. I'm sure he's got enough things going through his head trying to launch out on his own, without having to try to comfort his family along the way.

In regards to the watch, you get two schools of thought in the military- the traditional Rolex/diver's watch types and the tactical/digital watch types. I'd probably try to figure out which type this kid is and go from there. Get him a sturdy watch that won't scratch easily and is definitely waterproof and shock resistant. Plastic or metal band is a must.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am looking for a high school graduation gift for a family relative who has chosen (against his parents' wishes) to enlist in the Marines. The assumption had been he would go to college, so although I have been thinking about this for years, I had been thinking of things that would be useful at college.

He already has most of the electronics paraphenalia you would expect a kid growing up in the affluent DC 'burbs to have.

Any ideas? I thought about stock, but that seems kind of lame. Budget around $150, but I would stretch to $500 for a great idea.

Spend the money on a spelling/writing course!

Are you being a jackass because the OP incorrectly spelled “paraphernalia,” or are you just a jackass? I don’t see anything else wrong with the posting – taking into account that it is a posting on a message board and not a letter to a client.

How about watching you two idiots having a good catfight ?

[Anonymous]

A long time ago, I dated a guy who went through Parris Island. I think the stamps and note paper are great -- another gift would be the promise of sending regular mail once he's there. Chatty letters or postcards from home, detailing the latest American Idol catfight, family dinner fiasco or other fluff would be a nice escape -- just getting something at mail call will really boost his spirits.

The infantry dad makes a good point that he won't be able to take much of anything with him to South Carolina. Maybe get him something small now and the bigger gift for his graduation from Basic later this fall?