I am a proud mother of three. I’m 37 years young. My son, Brandon Guy, just left for bootcamp in the U.S. Marines.

At first when the recruiter showed up at my home to have me sign my son’s rights away to the government, I thought of every way possible to get him out of “it.”

I then thought of the sacrifice my baby was willing to make without a second thought. I went to bed that night thinking what a big mistake he was making!

It hit me the next day how lucky I was to have the honor to have raised such a brave young man that, in this time of war and crisis, his only dream was to serve our country.

He left me on Oct. 12 and, God willing, I will watch him graduate on Jan. 15.

All I’m saying is that our children will leave us at some point, but only a few of us will be able to say that our son or daughter chose to serve and protect our country and I’m one of the lucky ones who can say mine did.

I want to let the world know that I am so proud of my son and the decision he has made. Please keep him and all of our troops in your prayers because they are all someone’s son or daughter.

Audra Martin

South Point