by Sergeant Edrees
10/4/2011

(Nick Linn, left, Sgt Edrees, and Tommy Dewar)

On September 18th, two young men from Holliston began their journey to become Marines. Nick Linn and Tommy Dewar graduates from Holliston High in 2011 both have decided to serve a purpose greater than themselves.

I first met Tommy at the High School at a college fair.  I just gave him my card.  He was curious about all his options and asked me to meet with him and his family. We made the appointment and met in Holliston. With the busy schedule of having to play football, baseball, and pass High School, his family had their reservations about the whole thing. It was not until after the winning of the Superbowl that Tommy and I met again.  He had made the decision and showed his family that the decision was well thought out and what he wanted to do.

Nick Linn requested information at Marines.com and I tried to contact him a few times to no avail. I always drive through Holliston so I told myself I'll try one last time and he was home. "Sgt, I am so glad to see you. I am ready to sign up and be a Marine!" he exclaimed. Being a new recruiter, all I could say was that's great.  "Please tell me why.  You do know that there is more to joining than just saying yes and signing one paper.  Right?"

Confused he looked at me and said, "Ok let's just start with the why."  He told me about his interest in the Marines and that his Grandfather is a Marine (no such thing as a former or EX) and that he wanted to lead the life based on our Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

During the school year, we took all the steps prepping both of them for bootcamp, getting the physical, taking the ASVAB, and tutoring as needed ensuring that they passed their classes. On the  18th I met with them and their families and took them to Boston. On the 19th they began bootcamp. On or about the 16th of December they will come back to Massachusetts as MARINES, SONS, FRIENDS, and BROTHERS to all of the men and women in the Marines, serving in the Military, and to myself.
 
To write to Nick and Tommy:
 
Linn, Nick, 1ST Recruit Training Battalion PLT 1101 MCRD, PARRIS ISLAND SC 29905                           
Recruit Dewar, Tommy, 1st Recruit Training Bn B Co PLT 1102 MCRD, PARRIS ISLAND SC 29905 
 
They are sons of Holliston and they will be Marines for us all.
Respectfully submitted, Sgt. Edrees