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Ben's leave was super. We had a lot of fun doing things with him. He had a great time seeing friends from High School as well as visiting Bobby Cox's house in Venus. But all too soon, it was time to head back to California for Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton.

During the week we spoke with Bobby's family about how Bobby was planning to get back to San Diego. Originally, Bobby had bought a round trip ticket, to fly home for leave, and then back to San Diego. But then, family plans changed and he was able to drive home with his family and girlfriend. Unfortunately, that made his plane ticket invalid so he was faced with paying an additional $800 just to get back to San Diego. Luckily, we had an extra Rapid Rewards ticket on Southwest Airlines, so we were able to help out and save Bobby from getting stuck by American Airlines.

The only problem with Southwest is that you can's get from Dallas to San Diego early enough in the day so as to catch the USO shuttle bus from San Diego airport to Camp Pendleton. So what we did was fly to San Diego on Monday, looked around, shopped, spent the night at the Marriott (very nice!), and then I drove the Marines up to Camp Pendleton on Tuesday.

At about 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning, Bobby's folks dropped him off at our house so we could ride to Love Field together.	[click on thumbnails to see full size images]
We boarded our flight. The flight attendant announced that there were two Marines aboard and everyone on the plane applauded. Then she asked Ben to do the safety announcements. But right after take-off, the boys sacked out.
Marines learn to catch sleep whenever their is an opportunity.
Bobby sawing logs.
On Tuesday morning they decided to get haircuts at MCRD before changing into uniform to report to Camp Pendleton. They started to get tense.
One last stop at the Recruit PX to buy some boot laces.

They they got into uniform and we drove north. It was tough, very tough, to say goodbye. But I think they were kind of pleased to be reporting in together. Goodbye Ben. Love ya!
Bye, Bobby.
On the way in to the School of Infantry we looked up at the mountains around us. Bobby commented on how high and steep they are. I suggested that they would really enjoy seeing the view from the top, to which Ben replied that the only thing he wanted to see was his a** on the bus headed for the airport. He was trying to be funny.
Ben stopped for a final goodbye as I pulled out of the parking lot.
Looking back as they struggle down the street to check in.
My last glimpse of Ben and Bobby was as they hauled their gear down the street, to report to the School of Infantry.