How can a parent thank a fine group of people who helped that a boy and mold him into a man.

This young man is PFC Matthew Paul Hayes, he was in class 25 at VA ChalleNGe (4th Platoon).

You may not remember but Matthew was one of your younger cadets. He was 16 and 6 months when he entered the program. He graduated from the program one week after his 17th Birthday.

He graduated from MCRD Parris Island on 6 June 2008....OORAH!

We are very proud of Matthew and what he has accomplished.
He went to NOVA and took 15 credit courses so he could enlist into the Marine Corp.

He became a Poole in the summer of 2007 and went to MCRD PI on 14 Jan 2008.

Since Matthew was three he has said he wants to be a Marine and a firefighter. Well, right now one of his dreams has come true. He is a cannonieer (?) or cannon cocker and loves the job. He is training at Ft. Sill, OK He wants to pursue firefighting in the Corp if he does not get to go to Officer Candidate School (he really wants to be an Officer)

One of his new dreams (once retired from the Corp) is he would like to return to ChalleNGe and return the favor!
I hope he gets to do this but right now he is looking into possible getting into Annapolis after his first four in the Corp.
The boy....man....is setting his goals high and I hope he gets for what he is reaching.

Again, THANK YOU from a very happy and proud parent.
I am still trying to work on getting grants for the school but my time has been taken up with my 84 year old Mother and getting Matthew launched.

Sincerely,
Andee Hayes, 4th Platoon Mom Class 25
and new Marine Mom!