Images were captured from the Marines Facebook page

Miah climbing down a wall.

More images of the 125 foot wall

Miah is on the left second in line.

Almost hidden behind a post.

  This is an image from the Platoon video.

Charlie Company - an image off the video

Thanks for your prayers!

http://www.devildogs.info/Charlie/C%200819%201046.wmv
Today is the final test.

Thank you for your prayers for Jeremiah Carder. Today is his toughest challenge with the Marines. It is the Crucible, a 54-hour test of strength, endurance, trial, running and teamwork. He must pass this test to become a Marine.

For more info and pictures of Miah go to Facebook.com/rickEcarder
Or carderfamily.blogspot.com

Article from Emotional Intelligence website

Did you know that when you laugh and smile, your face sends signals to your brain that you are happy?  Your brain literally responds to the nerves and muscles in your face to determine your emotional state.  So what does this mean for self-management?  When you're stuck on a frustrating or distressing thought, forcing yourself to smile counteracts the negative emotional state.  If you work in customer service, or any time you need to look upbeat when you're really not up for it, making yourself throw on a large, legitimate smile (where your cheeks push upwards) will trick your mind into feeling the mood you need for the moment.

French university researchers measured the power of a smile by having two groups of subjects read the same comics page from the newspaper.  Once group of subjects was instructed to hold a pencil in their teeth while reading (which activates the muscles used in smiling), while the other group held the pencil with their lips (which does not activate the pencils used in smiling).  Those who were unknowingly "smiling" found the cartoons far more humorous and had a better time while reading them than the people in the group that weren't smiling.

You can also use smiling and laughter to lift your mood by watching a show or reading a book that you find funny.  This can feel like an odd choice when you're feeling down, but it's a great way to override the negative emotions and clear your head, especially if your down mood is paralyzing your judgment.  Smiling and laughter won't eliminate feeling down, and they shouldn't – ever mood has its purposes – but it's nice to know you have an out when you need to put on a happy face.

Rick

Miah is at Marine boot camp - We love his letters....

The other day we got another letter from Miah. He is doing great. He thanks everyone for their letters, facebook posts, and cards. We are so thankful as well.  Miah says that he can feel your prayers!  His sinus cold is much better.   

 

I especially appreciated getting Miah’s letter because he wished me a happy father’s day as well as a Happy Birthday.  He didn’t forget!  His kind, affirming words to me were humbling….Thank you Miah!

 

He may get an opportunity to make a 10 minute call this week. He said in his letter that if his team does well at drill, they will be able to make calls home.  They are competing with other teams for this coveted honor.

 

This week is swim week. The last entry I did I told about the activities of Swim Week. I am sure that he is doing fine.

 

More later….

USMC Miah : Swim week

This week Miah will take part in Swim Week. This week's assignments include not only swimming but also carrying an extra 30 pounds of gear. That ought to be a challenge.

Miah can swim but with the added burden of a backpack, gear, weights and weapon may be a difficult challenge.

According to Jon who went through the Marine boot camp three years ago, this should be relatively challenging. He will be loaded down with heavy weights and then dropped into a deep pool. Jon said that the pool was about 12-15 feet. The challenge is to get across the pool within a timed exercise. The challenge is to "relax and stay calm with 15-30 lbs of gear on." says Jon.

The Marines has been a positive experience for Jon. Jon has said that would never like to go to San Diego again. The day he graduated from boot camp he couldn't wait to get put of town. In spite of that he may be going with us to see Miah's graduation.

As I write this it is Father's Day. I am reminded of how proud I am of my children. I pray for them and hope that they will faithfully serve Christ in their life choices. I know that God is keeping watch over them.

Miah is preparing himself and learning the disciplines for a successful life.

More later...

USMC Miah : Prayer & Appreciation

We received another letter from Miah. It was short but filled with prayer updates and a deep appreciation.

First, Miah is dealing with sickness. He has bronchitis. He was on bed rest a few days on the 10th, 11th, & 12th. He has bunch of Meds and an inhaler to help with the congestion.

On a bright note, he wants everyone to know how much he appreciates your prayers. He loves getting messages over Facebook. I print them and send them. Post encouraging comments!

He didn't have much time to write.

More later....

My birthday tribute!

Today is my birthday which is often a self-centered, me-first day that narcissism is actually expected! Well, in keeping with what's expected, today I wish myself a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I also reflect upon how blessed I am!!

June 15, '65 was a day in history that I took my first breath. Thanks to the nurses and the doctor.
I AM BLESSED!

If not for my parents, this day would likely not have come for me. My parents met in the most unlikely way; dad was in the Military Service and mom caught the right bus. Their marriage required mom to move to the cold north from West Palm Beach, Florida and raise eight children. Dad had no idea that raising boys and one girl would mean that he would have to work overtime often just to make ends meet! Their love and lessons!
I AM BLESSED!

Some of the most influential people in my life have been church people. I can't possibly mention all those that have poured themselves into my life. To name those people would take a long time. Their names are written in God's journal. Their reward is coming. Thank you Monroe Wesleyan and Maybee Camp!
I AM BLESSED!

Growing up wasn't always easy! Tough neighborhood. At time, tough at home. Hard to get through school. Hard life; worked too early in life and too many jobs. Few resources. Too many floods. Although it wasn't always easy, I had a bike, friends, brothers that looked out for me, a sister that was fun to grow up with, a little brother to do things with, and parents that did everything they could to give me a warm bed and food. The memories are great! The experiences were life changing! My life is rich because of what I lived through! I AM BLESSED!

For the camping trips...
For the church...
For the too many jobs...
For annual floods...
For fishing poles...
For a BB gun...
...ice skates, icy creek, two candy stores...
For driving at 9 years old...
For Saturday morning cartoons...
For the Donny and Marie Show, Emergency 51 and even Lawrence Welk (now that I am old enough to appreciate it)...
I AM BLESSED!

...2AM Church Camp memories, Generations of Sound, recess, fights I won and those I didn't have to win...
I AM BLESSED!

...a paper route, dating, school assignments on an average grade, life changing days and wonderful memories at Marion College (now at Indiana Wesleyan University), pranks that worked, grand parents, station wagon trip to Florida...
I AM BLESSED!

For being married to a wonderful person...
For having three wonderful children...
For the many homes I have lived in and the one I own...
For evenings to just sit on the swing...
I AM BLESSED!

For Cindi, caring enough and encouraging...
The many miles we have traveled...
Making a house a great home...
Stuffed Green Pepper... ;-)
The wonderful memories...
The incredible challenges and beating the odds...
...Your love, laughs and likes...
I AM VERY BLESSED!

...pastoring four great churches...
...great lessons from Great Pastors...
...three careers, kinda...
...experiences with foster kids, CASA, juvenile probation work, youth ministry, jail ministry, walking in on drug deals, even a death threat and having guns pulled on me...
I AM BLESSED!

Great In-Laws...they are like parents to me!
The many times I complained, they listened...
The gifts they freely gave...
The times we laughed and prayed...
The trips you made to see us and the ones we've made...
For great meals and introducing me to cheese cake...
I AM BLESSED!

What wonderful memories and many more opportunities ahead! For the memories that volumes of books can't contain...
I AM BLESSED!

I am grateful for God's Grace and hope for Salvation.
My life is enriched by the life changing experience of The Holy Spirit.
I AM BLESSED!

The lessons I've learned and the ones I didn't have to learn...
I AM BLESSED!

I have been given many gifts in tangible ways and the intangibles.

I AM BLESSED!

-written by Rick Carder, June 15.

Letter three from USMC Recruit Miah

We got Miah’s third letter today. It is exciting to get letters from him. This letter was dated June 9.

He told us that he ran the O-course and learned some “RAKE DOWNS” in MCMAP. He says that this was fun. He looks forward to Sundays so that he can go to church; he loves going to church.

He got to do pugil sticks. It is a competition using long sticks with pads. He was able to take down his partner. So quick that he was told that he had to do it again; he got to take his partner down a second time. He described being able to take down his opponent using the butt stroke.

He tries to eat lots of protein. Usually fish. He described how he eats lots of peanut butter every day to keep up his weight. He created his own recipe of “pink fluff”. He piles on the Cottage Cheese with red Jell-O.

He has a cold. Sometimes his ear hurts. He tries not to complain. He also has to deal with pain from his hamstring; a prior injury from Track. He is hoping that it doesn’t get worse.

We have sent him several letters. I know that several others have written too. I appreciate all the support from everyone. Miah loves getting news from home and friends.

More later….

Miah's second letter

We got a second letter from USMC Miah. It is always fun to get his letters.

He is doing well. He told us that he caught a cold. He was in the Doctor's care for a day. He told us that the day goes fast. He can't believe how fast the time has gone. Yet he stated that he realizes how long he has to go.

He went to church last Sunday. He really liked it! He especially liked singing a song, "These are the Days of Elizah." It is a fun song.

I know Miah appreciates letters that have been sent although he has not gotten them yet. They are holding them. I remember (Jon saying that he waited for letters and one day many letters arrived.) Keep writing him.

He said that everyday is about the same. He said that he is still a leader of the platoon. He told us that the team is working together and following his lead. PT (physical training) is not hard for him. He is handling things well. Hopefully that continues.

This weekend he hoped to earn the ability for a phone call.

He also wanted his Taylor U football coach Korf to know that drill has included daily speed and agility drills. He is pumped about football in the Fall.

More later!

Jeremiah - week 4 coming up... week in review

We received Miah’s first letter. What a great letter! It was great to hear from him. He was confident and excited. He has a leadership role, for now. He is the platoon leader which means that he can eat with other leaders and not be harassed as the recruits usually are. It is a double edged sword however. That means IF his team messes up, he pays the price. So far the team are quick learners and are impressing the Drill Instructors.

This past week, according to the schedule, Miah has done Confidence Course, Pugil Sticks, Run in the Rain, 2-mile ability run and Inspections. This is perhaps the hardest because it involves endurance and the ability to not react negatively. These are things that Miah may have trouble with; he is impatient and can easily complain. However, he know what he needs to do to make it.

We send Miah a few letters. So have others. They should have arrived this week, and just in time since the week may have been tough. Several in my office signed a great card that showed a tree frog hanging over a stick with the statement, “HANG IN THERE!”

Next week is swim week and a few more courses on the History of the Marines. The dreaded bus ride is also next week on Friday. Miah does not like bus rides, he may throw up. He get car sick. Because the DI’s make them keep their head down and they can’t look out the window, I would guest he will get sick.

More later…

The address to Miah

Miah has an address :
name - "Jeremiah Carder"

Another day closer to home

I woke up this morning thinking about Miah and wondering how his day was going to go. I wondered if he was going to be dealing well with the orders. I wondered if he was on schedule with the events posted on the web site. Today he should be learning basic fighting techniques. I think he will enjoy that.

Miah is physically ready! I know he can handle the early morning stuff….he is our morning guy. I am confident that he is enjoying the cooler temperature even though he will be in the sun more than I will.

If I count the days right we are about 80 days from seeing him again, Lord willing. He has many incredible things to do yet. I will keep you posted.

On Friday AM he will wake up early and learn the history of the proud US Marines. What a great history. Check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea,^[7] using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States. In the civilian leadership structure of the United States military, the Marine Corps is a component of the United States Department of the Navy,^[8][9] often working closely with U.S. naval forces for training, transportation, and logistic purposes; however, in the military leadership structure the Marine Corps is a separate branch.^[10]

Captain Samuel Nicholas formed two battalions of Continental Marines on 10 November 1775 in Philadelphia as naval infantry.^[11] Since then, the mission of the Marine Corps has evolved with changing military doctrine and American foreign policy. The Marine Corps has served in every American armed conflict and attained prominence in the 20th century when its theories and practices of amphibious warfare proved prescient and ultimately formed the cornerstone of the Pacific campaign of World War II.^[12] By the mid-20th century, the Marine Corps had become the dominant theorist and practitioner of amphibious warfare.^[13][14][15] Its ability to rapidly respond on short notice to expeditionary crises gives it a strong role in the implementation and execution of American foreign policy.^[16]

Historical mission

The Marine Corps was founded to serve as an infantry unit aboard naval vessels and was responsible for the security of the ship and its crew by conducting offensive and defensive combat during boarding actions and defending the ship's officers from mutiny; to the latter end, their quarters on ship were often strategically positioned between the officers' quarters and the rest of the vessel. Continental Marines also manned raiding parties, both at sea and ashore. America's first amphibious assault landing occurred early in the Revolutionary War on 3 March 1776 as the Marines gained control of Fort Montague and Fort Nassau, a British ammunition depot and naval port in New Providence, the Bahamas. The role of the Marine Corps has since expanded significantly; as the importance of its original naval mission declined with changing naval warfare doctrine and the professionalization of the Naval service, the corps adapted by focusing on what were formerly secondary missions ashore. The Advanced Base Doctrine of the early 20th century codified their combat duties ashore, outlining the use of Marines in the seizure of bases and other duties on land to support naval campaigns.

Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, Marine detachments served aboard Navy cruisers, battleships and carriers. Marine detachments (generally one platoon per cruiser, a company for battleships or carriers) served their traditional duties as ship's landing force, manning the ship's weapons and providing shipboard security. Marine detachments were also augmented by members of the ship's company for landing parties, especially in the Caribbean and Mexico campaigns of the early 20th centuries. Marines would also develop tactics and techniques of amphibious assault on defended coastlines in time for use in World War II.^[24] During World War II, Marines continued to serve on capital ships. They often were assigned to man anti-aircraft batteries. When gun cruisers were retired by the 1960s, the remaining Marine detachments were only seen on battleships and carriers. Its original mission of providing shipboard security finally ended in the 1990s when nuclear weapons were withdrawn from active deployment and the battleships were retired.

Source: Wilipedia.com

Miah's training schedule at boot camp

Miah is in week one – today he is doing first aid. I am sure he will love it since first aid is something he already knows and had done.

Week one of training begins for USMC Miah

Miah is into his second week... No word from him but I am sure he us doing fine.

The picture is from the fall, 2010. He is on the Taylor football team.

He is now part of a new team : the USMC team.

The temperature today at boot camp us at around 75 degrees. It is almost 90 here at home. Hmmm, does Miah have it better? NOT!!

We miss you Miah. I know you can do it! On Facebook, there are many who are cheering for you!

Miah at USMC boot camp - first weekend

Miah is enjoying (for now) cooler temperatures than what we are here. It is 90 degrees here and only 61 degrees in San Diego. Today Miah had opportunity to go to church then "square away" time. He can organize his stuff, adjust his uniform and write letters. I hope he writes us a letter.

We had a big lunch today. Jon prayed for Miah and we posted on Facebook a picture in case he gets to see it.

An addendum for Miah

Jossy sang last night at Eastbrook's Baccalaureate Service. She is such a talented young lady. She strives to do what you do in track. She misses you Miah.

Miah - day three...

It is most interesting that as I am getting my day going (slowly making my way to the breakfast table) that Miah is approaching his day in a wholly different way. Granted, the Marine recruits start their day before mine (and given the three hours time change) they are always dealing with someone yelling at them. The drill instructors are forcefully commanding the day's agenda!

I am thinking of Miah daily. His decision to join the USMC makes us proud! While we have always been proud of him we are ever more mindful that he is not our little boy anymore.

On this day the USMC recruits will usually be hitting the road running, lifting and preparing for what is going to be the biggest challenge of their time, the Crucible. This 50-plus hours of non-stop action and challenge will deepen their resolve and galvanize their spirit and teamwork. Today is no exception. The recruits will have to do whatever they are told, when they are commanded to, and the way they are instructed to. This is more than what we could ever imagine.

Miah, you will read this blog after your return. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, know that you have achieved more than most and demonstrate the courage beyond your years. You have made us proud. You have earned respect. You are not just our son, you are a man.

My hope for you today (while you may not read this until the end of August) is that you will give it your all, demonstrate responsibility, and do your part to develop team loyalty and spirit. You should know that we are praying for you each morning, thinking of you throughout the day, and wishing you well at each part of this incredible journey.

We love you.

Achieving new heights

Miah is picture doing pole vault.... His new assignment began today; leaping new heights in the military reserves...

Jossy wins awards...

Track/Field 2011 awards dinner - Jossy received a few ribbons.

Miah's basic training

http://www.marines.com/main/index/making_marines/recruit_training/marine-bootcamp

Interesting videos of boot camp experiences....

Daily schedule

An average day typically begins before sunrise.^[1] Reveille is sounded and all recruits present themselves for accountability. After personal hygiene and morning clean-up, recruits will perform physical training (only on Monday through Saturday). After the morning meal, the recruits begin the day's scheduled training, which may include classes, drill, or martial arts. On Sundays, recruits are offered the morning to attend divine worship and personal time. After the noon meal, the day's training continues until the evening meal, typically around 1700 to 1800 (5:00 to 6:00 PM). After this time, recruits will have hygiene time to shower, clean their weapons, and clean their barracks. Recruits also get roughly 1 hour of square away time after this, personal time for recruits to engage in personal activities such as preparing uniforms or equipment, writing letters, working out, or doing laundry. Recruits are not free from their DIs or allowed to leave the squad bay during this time. In preparation to sleep, recruits may hydrate, pray together for 5 minutes, ensure footlockers and rifles are locked, and often recite the Rifleman's Creed or Marines' Hymn before hitting the rack. Lights-out can range from 2000 to 2200 (8:00 to 10:00 PM), depending on the next day's activities.

Jeremiah at USO

Miah is at the USO Indy waiting for a plane to arrive. He should arrive in San Diego by midnight tonight.

Journal entries will list him as Miah to maintain some privacy.

This log is a daily update on what Miah will be doing at boot camp!

Jeremiah is finally en route to USMC (Marines)...

This is day one (officially) of Jeremiah en route to San Diego for 13 weeks of training with the Marines boot camp. This journal is a record of Jeremiah's daily activities or special events he will miss....

Please feel free to add comments to message Jeremiah.