Marines make a wish come true for young cancer patient
9:59 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2008
Tyler, Texas — "Kyle Drott reporting for duty sir."
13-year-old Kyle Drott of Tyler, Texas, is one tough kid. Not only can he stand up to a United States Marine, but also a life-threatening illness.
Drott can joke about cancer and what he's been through. He says cancer has been a blessing because it's given him an opportunity to be stronger.
"Kyle Drott you have been recruited into the United States Marine Corps," the Marine said.
It's not your typical wish. No Drott didn't want to go to Disney World or meet a professional athlete.
The Marines are his heroes, and the Texas teen wanted nothing else but to go to Paris Island, S.C. and attend boot camp.
"I was 9 years old, and it was Saturday morning, and I was watching 'Marine Corps Boot Camp' program on the Military Channel, and it just sparked something," he said.
He wants to go to Paris Island, which he says is the tougher boot camp. He's researched it all.
At his surprise party today, he was officially welcomed into the Marine Corps. He was even given a cannon shell used during Ronald Reagan's funeral.
"It's everything you want for your kid, it gives him a lift and attitude is everything," Drott's father, Earl, said.
"Thank you for the best 30 minutes of my life," Kyle said.
Kyle and his family leave for Paris Island on August 5 and will attend boot camp for five days.
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