<p>OK, I have to jump into this one on so many levels. As the mom of a Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, the wife of a mustang (for those who don’t know the term, it is an officer who came up through the enlisted ranks), the mom of a future mid, and a born and raised New Yorker who spent most of her formative years watching the Yankees and the Mets.</p>
<p>Where to begin? First, Peskemom, feel free to yell at my Marine anytime you catch her smoking in Oceanside (I’ll send you a picture so you can stalk her for me). The Marine moms I know would bless you for nagging their sons/daughters. If you talked to him the way a mom would, I can’t imagine he was offended. </p>
<p>One thing we parents need to do is work hard to counteract the arrogance that creeps into many academy grads. I have seen too many who really have no understanding of or interest in the people with whom they work. A good officer knows that he/she is only as successful as his/her subordinates make him. I have known many sailors who wished they could throw a certain officer overboard. Hubby and I have reminded our daughter of this daily; she knows too many incredible enlisted people. She has also heard us speak of some worthless officers. Our job is to remind them to treat others with dignity and respect.</p>
<p>Finally, Z had it right. The Yankees let the Red Sox win occasionally so they don’t get discouraged. Kind of like when we play with our kids and let them win…</p>