That is unfortunate. I feel for you. My family is the same way. I had to have an emergency surgery on my left ovary 2 yrs ago My mom lived precisely 39 miles away from the hospital. Her excuse was that she had plans to go out bar hopping with some friends, and if she came to the hospital, she might loose her chances of getting laid that night. Now, you risking your life for your country (which most people on FML, including myself, appreciate greatly) is much more important and serious of a matter than my own. Although, the hurt of family not being there for you when you need them, and when they should be is a great pain. I am sorry that they did that. You served your country. You deserve to be greeted home by the ones that you love.

The worst part...10:1 says that if you decide to not contact them for the rest of your enlistment, they'll be the ones saying that you're ungrateful. Look at it this way OP, you'll be able to see the world and nothing will hold you back. Put in to the MGI BIll, go to college, and become an officer. Enlistment can suck, I did my 4 in the Corps, but I have hated almost every job since, and I realized it's because as aggravated as I was in the Corps, I miss the discipline and the service. Unfortunately it took me far too long to realize exactly why I missed it. Just stay true to yourself OP, forget those that have forgotten you, and move on. Semper Fi.

Thank you for your service! I am sorry you had no one waiting for you... That's just ridiculous. You deserve better than that for the sacrifice you make for all of us.

Sorry, OP. That is just cold hearted.

I am so sorry OP if you were in my family we travel to Egypt if we had to I am from Louisiana and when my brother graduated from Army Ranger Training in Georgia we all went close and extended family

No matter what my children turn out to be, I will support them. I will support them if they want to become doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, construction workers... I will love and support them if they end up gay, transexual or anything unusual. However, the moment they decide they want to be soldiers, I will feel as if I failed as a parent. I raise my respect to soldiers who fight and die for their home and the innocent lives, who are forced by their government in one way or another(several countries still have this practise). I can not, and will not support soldiers who voluntarily join the army. I hate war, and I believe every war is pointless, and voluntarily joining the army is the most direct way of supporting war. And this is why, I wouldn't have shown up at your graduation either, if I were your dad, OP. Although I wouldn't have come up with some ridiculous idea like "not wanting to pay for the trip".

Thank you for your service I will be leaving for the USMC in a month

hey no worries as a army veteran take it from me you are now a part of a completely better family one that will become a bigger part of you