However, since you are twelve...

These days Bill Dobrow is a successful drummer, having recorded and toured with a whole host of successful acts that include The Black Crowes, Sean Lennon, and Martha Wainwright; however a career in music wasn't always his dream, as evidenced by the following rejection letter he once received after applying to become a Marine. Hats off to Dave Turner for such a warm response.

Transcript follows. Image courtesy of the Flickr pool of Crown Publishing, who featured the letter in Bill Shapiro's wonderful book, Other People's Rejection Letters.

Image: Flickr

Transcript

HEADQUARTERS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20380
The Few. The Proud. The Marines.

Mr. Bill Dobrow
148 Poineer Dr
West Hartford, CT 06117

Dear Mr. Dobrow:

We appreciate your interest in the Marine Corps.

However, since you are twelve, you won't be eligible to be a Marine for a while. But as our way of showing appreciation for your interest, we are enclosing a special Marine memento.

I want to give you this advice: The Marine Corps wants you to stay in school and get your diploma. The more education you have, the more valuable you will be -- to yourself, and to the Marines. Then, when you have graduated, ask one of our recruiters about the variety of technical training skills we offer.

Thanks again for your interest in the Corps.

Sincerely,

(Signed, 'Dave Turner')

Dave Turner
Major, U. S. Marine Corps

DT:und
Enc.: Eagle Iron-On