My Other Marine Corp Granddaughter

As many of you already know I have two granddaughters currently serving in the United States Marine Corp.

Nicole, Amber, and Warren

During her senior year of High School Amber Marie Haven, lived in Beaufort, South Carolina and graduated from Beaufort High School,

and during this time she lived with Joe, Nicole and Ava Bastian.

Nicole was already a Marine and stationed at Parris Island, she encouraged Amber to work out with her and by the time Amber enlisted in the Corp she was in good physical shape so the rough and tough physical training recruits endure was not quite as difficult.

Amber second row far right
on night maneuvers

She graduated Boot Camp April 23, 2010 as PFC Haven. She was promoted to PFC before graduation because during High School she was enrolled in ROTC for 3 years. She received a Sharpshooter medal and missed Expert Badge by one or two points. She said, “Don't worry Granny, when I get to take it again I’ll make Expert.”

This was another proud day for me and the rest of the family, Nicole ordered tee shirts with Amber’s name and Platoon 4012 for all of us to wear. Stormy and Warren were living in Beaufort at the time and we stayed with them for a great family time together, my only regret was Chuck was not with us to see her graduate! 

Nicole, Amber wearing Sharp Shooter Medal
and Bo wearing tee shirt

We had a family picnic on the base after a morning of parades and photos before graduation the next day. It was such an exciting time.

Amber and Charlie at the picnic

After Boot Camp she was transferred to MOS (Military Occupation Specialty) school in Maryland for Combat Camera.  She was promoted to Lance Cpl. Oct 1, 2010. Upon graduation from school she was transferred to Camp Pendleton.

When she did her Rifle Qualification at Camp Pendleton again she did make Expert. She has since received Expert 3 or 4 times now her last score was 334 out of 350.

She is now stationed at Miramar also in San Diego. While there, she has flown in Fat Albert during the MCAS Miramar Air Show on different occasions. Fat Albert is the Navy's Blue Angels’ C-130.

Fat Albert, by Wikipedia

Anthony and Amber
before Gladiator Run

Anthony and Amber on the Mudslide
 during the Run

She also does obstacle races on occasion, and not long ago participated in the Gladiator Run with her boyfriend, Anthony Dalo. 

Amber After Run

Anthony And Amber
after Run

She is the mother of Ayla Rose, one of my 6 great grandchildren.

I am very proud of both of my Marine granddaughters, and that so many of my family members have served in the military forces for the Freedom of our country, I am also sad; because our country is losing many of the freedoms we have all enjoyed as Americans for so long.