2011 Photo YEAR IN REVIEW

2011 in Review - Images by Mark Abbott

Marine training moving on - SOI WEST GRADUATION

My last post was my oldest son graduating from Parris Island Boot camp in July 2011. On November 2d 2011 he graduated from School of Infantry West at Camp Pendleton Ca. We decided to make the trek west for the event and to celebrate 23 years of marriage. Our home base was Del Mar Ca. where my Brother in law lives, he offered his home as a base for this adventure (more on Del Mar in another post)



before the graduation there was a weapons display of weapons Infantry soldiers were trained on





Some photos from the Graduation Ceremony

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After graduation we had 40 minutes with our son before he had to report for the next phase of his training MART (Marines awaiting Recon training) . It was great to see all these fine young men graduate and moving on in their Marine careers. They are an example of all that is good with this generation. They should be an inspiration to us all!!!!

WE MAKE MARINES

[caption id="attachment_1127" align="alignnone" width="590" caption="Parris Island July 14th 2011 Family day"][/caption]

My oldest son came to us last summer after coming home from college and announced he wanted to join the US Marines. He had expressed interest all through high school in joining the Military,we talked him into trying college first. He did well in college but decided he had no clear Major interest . So instead of throwing money and time at the "American Dream" (OUR DREAM) he entered the DEP of the Marine Corps. Ever since the attacks of 9/11 our son has expressed interest in Military service. He was deeply effected by the attacks and drawn to the commitment of service to our nation. The week of April 18th 2011 he boarded a bus in Raleigh NC bound for Parris Island SC and the toughest basic training in the US Military. Recruits are on Parris Island for 13 weeks, guided and molded by a group of dedicated Drill Instructors.

We left Durham on July 13th to head down to the July 15th graduation of 1st Recruit training Battalion Co Delta, our son had become One of the Few, The Proud, A Marine .



[caption id="attachment_1129" align="alignnone" width="590" caption="Brigadier General Lori Reynolds Commanding General Eastern Recruiting Region Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Leads Delta Co on Moto Run on Family day July 14th 2011"][/caption]

TOBACCO ROAD Duke vs UNC Mens Basketball

I got to photograph the recent Duke vs Carolina mens basketball game- great game great rivalry here are some of my photos

DUKE vs UNC MBB Jan 9th 2011 ACC - Images by Mark Abbott

Duke mens Basketball vs Boston College

No. 3 Duke Tops Boston College, 84-68. Curry scored a season-high 20 points in his return to Duke’s starting lineup, leading the third-ranked Blue Devils past Boston College 84-68 on Thursday night. “You’re hitting big shots, you’re having fun out there,” Curry said. “It’s hard not to show it.”

Duke vs Boston College ACC MBB Jan 27 2011 - Images by Mark Abbott

DUKE WBB vs Clemson

No. 3 Duke blows out Clemson, 92-37 at Cameron indoor stadium!!! Jasmine Thomas scored 14 points to help Duke beat Clemson 92-37 on Wednesday night. Tricia Liston added 12 points for the Blue Devils (20-0, 6-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), who got their 14th consecutive win over the Tigers. Krystal Thomas added 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Chloe Wells added 11 points for Duke. Chelsea Gray scored 10 points for the Blue Devils. [slideshow]

Duke vs Maryland WBB 2011

Duke women beat Maryland 71-64 to remain undefeated on the season.

FULL STORY HERE

Duke vs Maryland WBB 2011 - Images by Mark Abbott