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[Guest guest]

My son, Mark, who is 17, with MDS and a Junior in High School just got a call

from a Marine recruiter. Seems when he took the testing as part of his ROTC

class, he scored well enough to qualify for the Marines. He was excited to

find out he did so well. And, I was even happier that he doesn't qualify due to

MDS! Also, he just started taking Concerta. He got a non-drivers license

this week, and I guess that means I am officially done worrying that he might

someday be able to drive! We're going to visit Lynn University in Florida when

we are down there for a family gathering in two weeks. After reading all about

all the little ones and their therapies, had to share about Mark's growing

up. Seemed at times we would never get where we are today! Two steps forward

and one step back is how we made it! Sharon Kaye

[Guest guest]

Sharon Kaye,

That is interesting about your son scoring well on the exams for the Marine

corp. and not able to serve because of the MDS. I'm curious how it came up (w/

the recruiter). My son is 13% MDS but has no physical signs and is not

delayed at all. My family has a history of serving in the navy or marines and

would not be surprised if Jay was to have an interest. Do they go a genetics

test

when going into the service? Just curious...he is only eleven... Thanks

a

mom to , 14, Jay(mds),11 and Todd(ds),11 identical twin's

[Guest guest]

My son went into the navy last August, and there is so much testing

that they go thru now to get in and so many questions asked.

My son was in special education all his life, but carried no dx to

why.. he scored very well on the test and had his pick of the branch

of service he entered, he chose the navy because of their welding

program... his being in special ed, and graduating with low reading

and writing skills didnt interfere at all, the navy also has a

special ed program of sorts.. to help a recruit keep up... my son

went thru boot camp retaining his leadership , went on to A school

for six months graduated third in his class, and is now stationed in

Norfolk Va on the USS Bataan has a hull tech. He also has his fireman

assistant rating and is working for his master of arms,he completed

most of this in A school also.

Now what I have heard from other mothers, alot of times things in a

kids childhood affects their military career, and even though there

seem to be a lot of adds for joining the service, most branches are

cutting back on their size, the navy is cutting way back, and if you

do not progress in your rating reelistment isnt possible. It is also

harder to get into the military, so passing that first test is a big

Yahooo for Mark!!! A genetic disease will usually cancel their

chances of joining.

But that doesnt mean if he wants to try he shouldnt, because they may

take into consideration that he shows no signs of delays or anything

and give it a shot.

debbi

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/11/2004 9:25:21 PM Eastern Standard Time,

alldunn33@... writes:

Sharon Kaye,

That is interesting about your son scoring well on the exams for the Marine

corp. and not able to serve because of the MDS. I'm curious how it came up

(w/

the recruiter). My son is 13% MDS but has no physical signs and is not

delayed at all. My family has a history of serving in the navy or marines

and

would not be surprised if Jay was to have an interest. Do they go a genetics

test

when going into the service?

So far the only thing that has happened is a phone call. The recruiter

indicated that being on Concerta would eliminate Mark's eligability. I would

rather

see him pursue college without military service, so we haven't pursued

further, but debbie did indicate it was possible to make further inquiry if

interested. Sharon Kaye