The Marine: Homefront

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In the summer of 2002, I was 19 years old.

Lived my whole life

in Bridgeton, Washington.

After high school, I did what everybody

did:
worked at the lumber mill.

But unlike most people here

who never leave...

...I knew I wanted something more.

Something to get me out of Bridgeton

and also serve my country.

So I enlisted

in the United States Marine Corps.

It was the toughest training of my life.

We prepared for everything.

By land, sea or air.

Wherever combat may be,

Marines are prepared.

It wasn't just about

achieving your goals...

...but about believing in yourself.

Our motto:
Semper Fi.

Always faithful. Always loyal.

To your comrades in arms.

To your country.

To your family.

I saw the world.

For more than 10 years,

I moved about the globe.

Missions. Deployments. War.

Every now and again, you get to take leave.

My folks passed away a few years back.

Family for me now is just my two sisters,

Lilly and Amanda.

It's been over 14 months

and today I'm going home.

Not a whole lot's changed

Since I've been gone

Same old band

Still plays the same old songs

Yeah, this hole-in-the-wall dive bar

Don't ever get old

Oh, they never did sell out

And I'm still sold

Hello, my friend

How long's it been?

Yesterdays are here again

Shoot the moon

Till that big old ball falls down

Small-town boys haven't changed their ways

Still livin' in the glory days

Same old stories

Just keep getting better somehow

It's time to put a fresh coat of new paint

On this old town

Well, I remember not so long ago

The newness of that old familiar glow

Yeah, these neon lights

Have got that same old buzz

This place is what it is

And what it was

Hello, my friend

How long's it been?

Yesterdays are here again

Shoot the moon

Till that big old ball falls down

Some folks still haven't changed their ways

Still livin' in the glory days

Same old stories

Just keep getting better somehow

It's time to put a fresh coat of new paint

On this old town

You lost, boy?

Your daddy know you're out playing cop?

Now you take a good look, smartass.

Chief.

Of what? Mall security?

Marine or not, I will kick your ass.

Huh?

Come here.

Well, how you doing, man?

Good. You?

I can't complain. I try not to.

Just look at you, pal. You're looking good.

Real good. A little heavy, but healthy.

You know.

You look as dumb as ever.

Yeah, well, what do you do?

Yeah.

So how long are you home for?

Two weeks.

More than enough time for you and me

to get in trouble. Come on. Car's this way.

What happened to Woody's?

Went to sh*t when his kid took over.

Let's head it up.

Jeez. This thing steers like

a nightmare. It's unbelievable.

Well, it is a piece of junk.

Yeah.

Can't get anything new?

Bridgeton can't afford a new truck?

You know that.

You seen my little sister running around?

Time to time.

How's she doing?

Lilly's Lilly. You know? She's having fun.

She's looking for a job right now.

For a job?

Mm-hm.

I thought you set her up at Creston's?

I did. Went pretty good

for a couple weeks there too, but...

Then she went and told old Cresty

to go f*** himself.

She told Cresty to go f*** himself?

That's so you know.

Lilly's Lilly.

Yeah, Lilly is Lilly.

Whoa. Amanda.

Cooking school has not paid off.

Soon the time is only hours

That we'll be going home again

There he is.

Oh.

Oh, it's so good to see you in one piece.

You look great.

You look good.

I don't know about this. No.

You don't know about this?

Your hair's gotten longer.

Yours has too.

You staying out of trouble?

Hmm.

Hmm?

What do you need?

What can I get you?

A cold beer.

Done.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Here's to coming home in one piece.

Plenty more where that came from. They can't

wait to see the local celebrity down at the bar.

The ribs are done in, like, 10.

The burgers are pretty much ready now.

about 10 minutes ago.

I made potato salad. I've got pie.

I got pecan and...

Whoa, whoa. Trying to fatten me up already?

That's what I do. I gotta fatten you up.

Here, have more.

I'm good.

Mom and Dad been asking about you.

How's Bernie and Gernie?

Starting to think they love you

more than me.

Of course they do.

What's Bernie been up to?

Golfing?

Must be a quick learner.

He's about a 12 handicap.

Twelve?

Nine.

Heh, heh, heh.

Bernie must be pissed.

Yeah. Dad's losing sleep over it too.

Speaking of losing sleep,

how are you sleeping?

I'm sleeping.

That is a complete lie.

What about you? Still crawling out

the window at midnight?

I'm still coming home at 4 a.m.

How's work?

Good.

You and Cresty getting along?

Swimmingly, huh?

I heard you told him to go f*** himself.

Um... Cresty's an a**hole.

He's an a**hole, but he gave you a job.

Later, Jake. It's not a big deal.

It's not a big deal?

You gonna find her another job?

I'll go check on that meat.

Welcome home.

You big buzz kill.

Mrs. Swanson.

Yes?

I'm running a bit behind today. I told

Mr. Vidier I was gonna push him 12 minutes.

So that bumps everyone else down.

Sure.

I had to drop off the kids today.

So can you push everyone down

See if she can get me in at 12:15.

I should be done by then.

I should be all caught up.

My wife called...

On the f***ing ground or die!

Move!

Everyone remain calm and quiet.

If you move or make any sound,

you will die.

You. Up.

Brendon and Liam.

Grades three and five.

Centerville Elementary School.

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