Classmate Shares Pride & Son's Patriotism

Darlene DeSiena, a member of the Andrew Warde High School Class of 1976, shared her pride for her son, Christopher, a United States Marine and graduate of Fairfield Warde High School. The accompanying article and photos are courtesy of Darlene. Congratulations, Christopher. We are proud of you.

My son, Christopher, left for boot camp at Parris Island, SC, on May 28, 2007, Memorial Day, to become a United States Marine. It took 13 weeks of training. He went in at 146 pounds and now weighs 134 pounds with zero body fat. He is thin but muscular. He got a 100 on his test there.

At times it felt like 120 degrees with the heat index as it was when we were down there. Because of the heat, the graduation took place in the same center where Family Day Ceremony was held. I would have liked to see them march as did Christopher. On August 23, 2007, we got to see him for the first time. The graduating ceremony was held August 24.

He is a Machine Gunner. While he was in boot camp, one of the drill instructors could not pronounce his last name. They saw that he has a tattoo of the American Flag on his left upper arm so they nicknamed him Stars & Stripes.

On September 4, 2007, he left for Camp Geiger, NC, for the School of Infantry. He has been home since October 4 and returns November 2.

To become a U.S. Marine was his dream for the past six years to keep our country safe from the terrorists. He did finish the 12th grade at Fairfield Warde High School at the end of January, 2007. Back in October, 2007, he told us that he was joining the Marines.

He trained for six months and got into shape, thanks to his recruiter who told him what he needed to do. Those six months of training at home got him through the toughest boot camp ever. He never complained. We are all so proud of him!

If you'd like to share your good news, provide an update on what you and your family have been doing, or send us your personal story, send me an email at pppiorek@news12.com.

Please sign the AWHS Class of 1976 Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film."