Dear Dr. Laura,

I wrote you a few years ago about what military boot camp did for my unmotivated 13 year old son. He is now 16 years old, in his third year at a marine military academy and was just promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant last week. His dream is to be accepted into the Naval Academy, serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, and then perhaps go into law enforcement.

All I can tell you is my son is doing incredibly well and I am so grateful for your advice to callers about the importance of boys being raised by strong alpha males. Since his father is unable to provide that type of structure and discipline, and I am just a mommy type, this school is preparing him to be a man and a leader.

If it weren't for you promoting military school for boys, we never would have considered it nor had the guts to actually do it. I miss my son all the time, but I know this sacrifice is preparing him for a future we were not equipped to provide him. Just because we love him doesn't mean we know how to discipline or motivate him.  The only Marine Corps Junior ROTC High School in the country, Marine Military Academy and their staff of all retired US Marine Corps Drill Instructors know exactly how to raise a boy into a man. The expectations are high, the structure is tight, the discipline is swift, and the pride these boys have in themselves is evident by the way they stand tall in their uniforms, look adults in the eye and shake hands with confidence.

Thank you and God bless you!

R. - A Proud Mommy Type