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AmericanCourage #225 29 APR 2010
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Re: The Pacific. Great. D-mn interesting and well presented
with a few Hollywood touches. e.g. I keep wondering why so many
Tommy guns and what happened to the BARs..when the two infantry
platoons were crossing the airport. in chapter six ..at that
time the TO&E should have had 12 BARS to a platoon (2 x 12 is
24) minus they attrition due to heavy combat situations (d-mn
realistic. Understand the 60mm mortar men would've had carbines,
maybe a Tommy gun or pistols..
Also, remember T-shirt white went to war after Guadalcanal and
became green reversing Luckies changing to white packaging.
from green...wasn't it green out in the jungle and browns on Iwo
and other greenless domains? The script seems to be following
"Helmet ..." and :"...old Breed" manuscripts faithfully..making
the story lines more realistic.
Hugh Ambrose's book "The Pacific" appears to be less a bit more
removed..I thought one heck of a lot of solid true-to-life
actors and stand-ins in each chapter so far..about the only
fault I heard at the Rosenthal Chap meeting this week.. "the men
too bunched up"... guess they had to the within camera lens
coverage..
Dale Cook, Iwo Vet and past Nat'l pres 4thMarDiv..
In This Issue...
More about the Pacific below, including why no BAR's? How a
lowly P38, John Wayne can opener saved the day. "They" are still
out there and expressing themselves with one finger salutes.
Several responses to Unacceptable are very interesting.
Don't forget about our Sgt Grit Facebook. Growing daily and is a
very active place, interesting and fun.
The Sgt Grit Blog is also growing. It's a place you can be more 'edgy' with your comments. So take a look and leave a comment:
Fair winds and following seas.
Sgt Grit
Sgt. Grit - I am the wife and mother who asked that question. I
appreciate you posting it and the answers that have been
printed. My husband was not in combat during Viet Nam but was
stationed in Hawaii when we met and got engaged. He has told me
that he knew he was going to marry me before he even talked to
me! He sure had his objective in mind and how to reach it.
I enjoyed being a Marine wife and was thrilled when our son came
home one day and said he had just signed his life over to The
Marines. He has since told me he intends to make it a career.
My husband is a Marine through and through in everything he
does. He is not as lean but still carries himself as a Marine
and insists on a "high and tight" for his haircut. If he can
pull on a hair up from his head, it is too long.
I know that I should understand why Marines in combat do what
they do and I understand the brotherhood but it still amazes me
how some go that extra mile in combat. Thank you to all that
gave me some additional insight. Both my husband and son were
and are not combat Marines although my husband was NBC/aircraft
ordnance and our son is currently a Recruiter.
Thank you and God Bless all Marines, past, present and future
for your/their service.
Marine Wife and Mother
The 2 Hardest Jobs in the Corps
Hi Sgt. Grit,
I'm a veteran of the 1st Division Marines of WW2 and Korea.
My grandson is a 19-year-old Lance Corporal in Weapons Co., 1st
Battalion, 6th Marines in Marjeh, Afghanistan. His mother, my
daughter, sends him a care package every other week and I send
him one on the off weeks. He likes canned meats like Spam,
corned beef and things like that and they all come in pop top
cans now.
Last time I send him a can of tamales and needed a can opener.
(I know that the USMC doesn't use can openers anymore since my
grandson showed me their MRE's in plastic pouches. I remembered
I've had a cigar box out in the garage for the last 65 years
that had the old opener for the C-rations and 10&1 rations.
Anyway when I got the cigar box I didn't find any of the openers
- don't know where they got too in all these years.
You saved the day for me by having one in your catalog. I taped
the opener on top of the tamale can and told my grandson, "If
you aren't smart enough to figure out how to use this, maybe one
of your buddies was shown how by a father or grandfather and can
show you".
Thank you so much for bailing me out of this problem.
Semper Fi,
Bill Perkins
(former SSgt, Baker Co., 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion, 1st
Provisional Marine Brigade)
Kristy,
That last shipment you sent was absolutely awesome. We were not
at all expecting to get all those shirts. The parents loved the
shirts and mugs. Thank you so much. Attached are some photos
from where we went and saw the silent drill platoon.
From left to right (in all but one) are the recruiters; myself,
Sgt Wesley SSgt Dailey. Not pictured is our boss, SSgt Griffin.
This is 99% of our Delayed Entry Program (DEP). We had a blast.
We gave some of the shirts to them for excelling in certain
categories. If there is anything you would like us to do, please
let me know.
Keep that MOTIVATING Sgt Grit gear coming.
Sgt Ward
And I Quote...
"Do not attack the Marines. They fight like devils. Leave the
Marine yellowlegs alone. Strike the American Army."
--[a captured Chinese Army Headquarters directive to Chinese
troops in Korea, 1951]
Oklahoma City Family Day with the Poolees.
(view pics and video)
Spending time in the presence of Drill Instructors doing their
job is always MOTIVATING!
I had the privilege of getting up close access to the Drill
Instructors as they engaged the poolees and gave them a taste of
what boot camp will be like. SSgt Patten and Sgt Greeley both
from MCRD San Diego did a top notch job in training these
poolees.
They first taught them the basic commands that they would need
to know and remember for the remainder of that day. When a DI
says Eyeballs, the poolees respond, Click. When the DI gives a
command, the poolee is to respond with, Aye Aye Sir. When the
poolee is asked a question, he is to respond, Yes Sir. And
finally when the DI says Zero, the poolee responds with freeze
and does act that accordingly.
Once they had all of this down, the DI's escorted the poolees to
the gymnasium and began the thrashing. The parents stayed
behind with SgtMaj Cowperthwaite and received specific
information and instruction as to what their child's 13 weeks of
boot camp would entail.
And now the thrashing begins... yelling, spitting, sweating,
veins bulging and finger pointing to the fullest, scared faces
and the grand finale, yes we had a puker. That was the greatest
moment for the Recruiters. It was what they had been waiting
for.
Then it was chow time. This is where the parents really got a
chance to see how the DI's work. Every move the poolees made
was scrutinized and publicly picked apart. Just a minuscule
beginning to the process of tearing down Johnny and building a
United States Marine. Oorah.
Special thanks to RSS Oklahoma City South and RSS Oklahoma City
North for keeping us posted on every move made months prior to
the events right up until the day of. All of the recruiters
were extremely helpful in getting me in and up close for all the
good camera shots and for making this a memorable event for me.
And then there was the after party with the Grit Girls...
Videos on YouTube
Stories and Pictures on Blog
More on The Pacific
In watching Pacific I was sad to see that they did not include
the Battle for Tarawa. Until Iwo Jima it was the most heavily
fortified island in the Pacific I believe. My Uncle PFC Ned L.
Moore USMCR - 2nd Marine Division was KIA the first day there
and is buried in Hawaii.
As a side note my son Sgt Josh S. Moore USMC June 2002 - June
2006 always wanted to be one of the best and did 3 tours of
Iraq.
Thank you for your newsletters each month. I read and forward
them all to friends with family in the Military.
Hey Grit,
How come they never show a BAR on "The Pacific"?
My Dad was an automatic rifleman in a fire team on Saipan and
Okinawa.
Never got hit - not a scratch. He was in 2nd Bn, 2nd Marines.
Every fire team had 4 men: Fire Team Leader, rifleman, rifleman,
and automatic rifleman.
But on HBO all you see are M1's, carbines and Thompsons.
Followed in his footsteps. PEBD: 12 Sept 66. Retired Reserve 22
Feb 2005.
Viet Nam all of 1969, 1st MAW. Regt CommO, 13th Marines
1972-1984.
Semper Fi,
J.D. Burkholder, LtCol, USMCR (Ret)
Note :
That's Hollywood, the BAR is not as s-xy as the Thompson. You
know Capt. Dale Dye has got to just shake his head on some
things and get right what they will allow.
Sgt Grit
Hey Sarge
Have you all been watching Pacific? Some show these producers
have put together.
All the history of that time. When this great country was almost
put down to her knees. The History of the First Marine Division. Which was my last unit to be within the Nam. Thanks for your time.
Vic DeLeon Semper Fi
And I Quote...
"They told (us) to open up the Embassy, or 'we'll blow you
away.' And then they looked up and saw the Marines on the roof
with these really big guns, and they said in Somali, 'Igaralli
ahow,' which means 'Excuse me, I didn't mean it, my mistake.'"
--[Karen Aquilar, U.S. Embassy; Mogadishu, Somalia, 1991]
Female Marine Tattoos
In the recent issue of the Sgt. Grit newsletter, I read a write
in regarding female Marines and tattoos. Yes, we also proudly
wear the badge of honor. Attached is a pic of my tattoo that I
had done almost 3 years after I separated from the Corps. I
knew I wanted a tattoo, but I didn't know what I wanted to get.
This was what I finally decided on, and I proudly wear the EGA
every day.
It's a great conversation starter, too!
Robin
HELLOO! Sgt. Grit. I read the article about females with EGA's
or tattoo's in particular. I do have an EGA that is on my right
shoulder but its nothing special.. Just an EGA. I wanted to
share with you a few pictures of the Awesome Marine Corps
Tattoo that I do have.
My names Natasha Valerio. I'm 25 years old and am a Marine
Veteran with two tours to Iraq with 2DMPBN out of Camp Lejeune,
NC. I served from 2003-2007.
The Betty Boop Tattoo is one my friend drew for me. I love all
things betty and I carried a M249 Saw both tours in Iraq.
The neck Tattoo says Death before Dishonor and then there is
the EGA on my right shoulder in this picture with my 2 friends
Andy and Jason.
After reading the WM Tattoo request in your latest newsletter,
I had to reply and send this photo of MY WOMAN MARINE PRIDE!
Veronica Ann Reilly
USMC, Retired
Veronica
Dear Sgt. Grit,
Attached is a photo of my USMC tattoo. I am a retired MSgt
having served in the Corps from 1979-2001. The birds are done
in colors of the dress blue uniform, the roses (at least at the
time I underwent recruit training), was the symbol of the Woman
Marine, and "fide et amore" translates to "By love & faith" as I
have always believed that those who serve do so with a special
love of their country and faith in their fellow Marines.
My former spouse served in the Corps and both of our sons
proudly served in the Army in Iraq. Our youngest son was
injured by IED and lost the lower portion of his left leg. He
is the young man who did the "Dear Mr. Obama" U Tube video
during the last presidential campaign. Between the four of us,
we have over 40 years of active service and sacrifice to our
country.
I have been the wife of a Marine; I have been on active duty;
and I have been the mother of two young men serving in harm's
way. By far, and without a doubt, the "hardest" job was the
years waiting for my sons' safe return. My thoughts and prayers
go out to those now serving and their families.
Semper Fi,
MSgt Sandra Cook (Ret.)
More Woman Marine Tat's
Feb. 17th, 1996. Plt. 1071, 1st BN MCRD San Diego, We had
finally earned the title of a United States Marine. I remember
standing in formation, seeing my parents and grandmother in the
bleachers, thinking about my Grandfather back home who is a
disabled veteran Marine from Iwo Jima and doing everything I
could not to let a tear go. I started singing in my head the
Bob Segar song, "Like a Rock"!
Once we got dismissed and were able to go see our families for
the first time in 14 weeks, we walked tall! For the first time
with NO remembrance what it was like to be a slacker back on the
block. I saw the look on my families face's, and I was proud of
myself now knowing I WAS a man of my own (but owned by the
Marine Corps). We celebrated and introduced my family to my new
brothers. After going out for dinner which was the best I had
ever had at that point in life, we went back to our hotel. I
had noticed that around 6 different Marines from my Plt were
staying at the same hotel.
Later that night we all got together in our room and made the
decision to go get a case of beer and tattoo's. We drove my
friends convertible to Tiger Jimmy's outside the base and got
our Tat's. I got the same E.G.A. tattoo as my Grandfather.
When we got back to the hotel my grandma and mother laughed and
did not think we would all go thru with it. They did not yet
realize that we WERE Marines and we WERE going to do what we
said.
Throughout the night we drank those beers, like we would drink
our water in boot camp. Holding them up, bellowing "To Chesty
Puller" the pound the whole bottle. I think it took a whole 3
beers to get us drunk, with our bodies in shock from something
other than Marine Chow and Juice in our bodies.
We even were in the hallway doing pushups yelling 1,2,3-1 /
1,2,3-2 and so on. This went on until what we thought was
around 2 or 3 in the morning. The next day, my family let me
know that we all crashed around 10pm. That would be the last
time I would see some of my best friends I had ever had.
Blood/Sweat/Tears we all shared.
I would like to say, Thank You brothers for helping me get thru
and letting me help you. This was and always will be my Best
Day! Semper Fi brothers!
Cpl. Stark, JJ
Honorable Discharge
Holyoke Rally Greets Wounded Granby Marine
HOLYOKE, Mass. -- An estimated 500 family, friends, public
officials, including the lieutenant governor, fellow Marines,
and veteran's Saturday afternoon cheered at a rally at the
former Anne H. McHugh School parking lot ast U.S. Marine
Sergeant Joshua J. (Josh) Bouchard was given a hero's welcome on
his return home after suffering life threatening wounds in
Afghanistan a year ago.
"I am overwhelmed," Josh blurted out as he was asked by crews
from all three commercial television stations from nearby
Springfield how he felt about the rally. He also said it was
the continued support of his family and the community that
helped him recover from his wounds.
Sgt. Bouchard, 27, lost his left leg and suffered severe back
injuries when an IED destroyed his Humvee, killing two of his
fellow Marines and wounding him and another Marine in April 2009
during a patrol in Afghanistan. Josh had been recovering at
McGuire VA Medical Facility in Richmond, Va., and is on a 30-day
convalescent leave allowing him to return home for the first
time since his wounding.
Frank Real
Sergeant of Marines
1956-59 Combat Correspondent
Public Affairs, New England Division, Marine Corps League
Veteran Family Network
I have found an organization that unites veterans and their
families and provides support for those in need.
Members recieve great benefits.
Check them out and become a member, I did.
www.veteranfamilynetwork.com
Sgt. Grit,
My husband has several of your bumper stickers on the back of
his blazer, which ones I really can't remember off the top of my
head right now. The other day while he was sitting at a stop
light he noticed behind him a car that had a few people in it
and they were giving him the one finger salute. He started
laughing and couldn't decide whether to salute them back or give
them the thumbs up. This always sparks something in me...do
these kind of people not realize that he gives them the right to
salute him like that, do they not realize that he has sacrificed
seeing the first year of his first child's life so they can do
this?
I think that this would make a great bumper sticker if you could
come up with a quote, a saying of some sort that states "a lot
have sacrificed to give you the freedom of hating me..." or
something along those lines.
P.S. this has also happened to me. Only instead of getting a
one finger salute I had a couple of young ladies make a gesture
with their fingers that resembled the "fish" for Christians (the
Ichthus)
Thanks,
Ashley*
In God We Trust
And I Quote...
"What a glorious morning this is!"
--Samuel Adams, to John Hancock at the Battle of Lexington,
Massachusetts, 1775
Sarge in respond to Katie Pasteur letter about honor her father
at the Marine Corps birthday breakfast with some Jar heads on
her home town police department. I believe she has the right
because she been doing ever since she was a kid, going with her
father. True she is not a Marine but she is there to honor her
father that passed away and was a Marine in WW2. After his death
she was told to continue coming in honor of her father, so why
is someone after a few years telling her she has no rights to be
there.
I say carry on Katie !
Moe LeBlanc Cpl. 1960 -1964
This is in response to the post from: Proud daughter of a
Marine, Katie Pasteur
Not trying to prove a point, but..I retired after serving 22
plus years. I was married to a MARINE for about 17 of those
years. My father, my paternal grandfather and 4 uncle's and my
guess is a handful of cousins were Marines. I can't count the
number of birthdays, special occasions, whatever you wanna call
them that I missed. My daughters grew up in the Marine Corps.
Even though they're both grown, they still tell me the best
times of their lives were being Marine Kids. Both they and my
wife went thru emotional h&ll because of my chosen profession.
And there's not a day that goes by that I don't thank them for
what they put up with. My point is very simple
You don't
have to be a Marine to carry the banner. Continue what you're
doing with the birthday breakfast....and if by some chance, this
individual questions your doing what you do...just tell him "I'm
doing what "THE GUNNY" told me to do.
Gunny "C"
The boondocks of JawJaw
.
I suggest Katie Pasteur go right on attending those Marine Corps
Birthday breakfasts to honor her dad, and all Marines, and
ignore the occasional yardbird who wants to play "Marine Corps
Gotcha." Real Marines will appreciate your dad's service and
think it an honor that you want to remember him and be with
Marines.
Semper Fi,
Former SSgt Robert a. Hall
Sgt,
This is in reply to the letter by Katie Pasteur.
You are the daughter of a Marine and so are also part of the
Marine Corps family.
My daughter always wanted to be a Marine but due to a heart
valve defect she was not allowed to join. Still she participates
in all of our FMDA functions and one year help create a float
for the local 4th of July parade.
One time (I don't remember what brought this up) she asked one
of the chapter board members that if after I died would she
still be allowed to participate in FMDA functions. He told her.
"Honey you're part of the family now, you are always welcome
here."
My view is that anyone who honors her father by organizing a
Marine Corps Birthday breakfast should be thanked. The person
who told her that shouldn't do that because she was not a Marine
is not only wrong but rude!
This year we are going to the John/Jane Wayne day at Camp Del
Mar for 3rd Tracs. This is when the families are allowed to ride
on Amtracs, go to a range and fire small arms and have an MRE
lunch (much, much better than C-Rats, right Sarge?). My wife and
daughter always have a blast. And every year on The Birthday we
go down to the local VFW and participate in our Birthday
celebration which includes a dinner of SOS, the Commandant's
message, the cutting of the cake and at the end a march of the
old times down a couple blocks (we are worse than first day
recruits, always a good laugh seeing us trying to keep in step).
In fact many times Army Vietnam vets join in to support their
"bothers in combat" and always give us a rousing cheer.
The Marines are a family but the family of Marines are part of
that family.
Katie, you keep organizing those birthday breakfasts! If that
gentleman does not approve than he is free to do his own thing.
I am sure that the rest all appreciate your efforts and I know
your father is proud of what you are doing.
Luis De La Cruz
Corpsman of Marines
Those closest to the situation have chosen to 'grandfather you
in'. They are honoring your father and acknowledging your
contributions to the Birthday Breakfast over the years.
In essence, they are saying, "You're one of us".
They want you there.
R.M. "Zeb" Zobenica
Capt. USMC (Ret)
And I Quote...
"It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the
world and moral courage so rare."
--Mark Twain
Thanks to the Old Jarhead with the incurable disease, who
receives inspiration to keep going from his "Don't you quit on
me, Maggot!" bumper sticker. His gratitude for all he has is a
reminder to us to live daily acknowledging our blessings. Thank
you, sir, for your service to us all.
Daughter and wife of Soldiers, sister and mom of Marines.
Marian Schwartz
To the Marine wife and Mother wondering what inspires Marines to
do what they do. The answer is simple. You do.
LCpl. Walsh K.P.
Sgt. j. spoon, I find it hard to believe that the American
people have two standers for the Marine Corps personnel. I
served for 7 years and really wish I did the 20. But people
don't look at me as a Marine but as a want-a-be, because I
missed out in both actions due to my enlistment times and other
factors.
However we could have had action if they would have extended or
started another war during the time I was in, But I was one of
the unlucky ones the forgotten ones, just a body at the time to
fill a hole. I am 62 now and still in better shape than most of
these new Marines and would go back in, in a heartbeat. but they
would rather use boys who are not old enough to even drink.
I am and will forever be a MARINE and will serve it, no matter
what the American people think. J.S.
I don't understand where "Unacceptable" is coming from. He is
upset at the "behavior of the Drill Instructor at MCRD in your
first story" who told the recruit to "S**t another bunk.
Unacceptable further said, "You never 'relieve tension' at the
expense of another Marine."
Recruits in training at the MCRD are NOT Marines. Recruits don't
acquire the name Marine until after they prove themselves. If
recruits pass all the tests, then on graduation day recruits
have earned to right to be called "Marine," but not until then.
James Blackston
USMC
Parris Island 1963
Platoon 168
And I Quote...
"There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the
other is wrong, but the middle is always evil."
--Ayn Rand
It is good to read about the Valor of those who have served and
are serving. The response to those in the car accident show what
the Corps are all about.
At my ripe age it does my heart good to read that there still is
within some of the youth the zeal of my generation. Draftable no
rights till 21. It did instill a conviction that rights must be
earned. It is my humble Prayer that God my Bless All Semper Fi
Curtiss A. Greer
In God We Trust
Hey Sgt, Grit,
You've kept up with both of my sons as they progressed through
the Corps, even putting my oldest one in one of your books on
the Corps and being in boot camp. My oldest, Sgt. Charles Aaron
Beltram, II went from going to Iraq during the start of the
invasion to other times to him being an Instructor at MCAS New
River. My youngest, Sgt. Samuel Adam Beltram as he volunteered
and graduated from EOD school. Now, my oldest has made Staff
Sgt.!
My boy's have made this old Marine prouder than any son could
have made his dad!
Semper Fi
Charles A. Beltram
Sgt. USMC
Viet Nam Vet
Sir,
I just couldn't resist commenting on the picture posted in your
newsletter #224 15 Apr 2010, "5 Marines, one family". Check out
the young Lieutenant. Please don't take this the wrong way, I
have all kinds of respect for him and mean no offense but can
they get any younger?? Can he legally drive a car? Wow! I hope
the sergeant is around to teach the young man the ins and outs
of the Corps that can only be learned by experience.
Hopefully the young Lt. will accept a little humor from an " Old
Fart ".
Semper Fi.
U.S.M.C. "64-68"
C. W. Engler
Hi Sgt Grit -- I was very interested to read your account of the
Marines in China after the war ended. My late father (Amos
Burnette, Tennessee) was there and told me about both the attack
on the French Arsenal and the attack on the ammunition dump.
Thank you so much for your service and for writing about the
Marines in China.
Deborah Burnette, CAPT, USN (Ret)
And I Quote...
"On every unauthoritative exercise of power by the legislature
must the people rise in rebellion or their silence be construed
into a surrender of that power to them? If so, how many
rebellions should we have had already?"
--Thomas Jefferson
Sgt Grit:
I just wanted to comment to a few of your contributors from the
American Courage Newsletter #223, if I may:
To Kari Underkofer: I was deeply saddened to read of the loss
of your son and very moved by your tribute. I thank you for
sharing your thoughts as well as your son with us. May God
welcome your son and allow him to watch over his Brothers and
Sisters still serving around the world. And may God bless you
and your family as you continue to heal and find comfort and
peace! Thank you, again!
To GySgt with the dilemma of his son: Although I completely
agree with your point of view, I was a bit surprised by the
response I got from my son. I recently had the honor of having
both my son and one of his Marine Brothers home for a long
weekend. I had just read your dilemma and asked their opinion
of your situation. After careful consideration, both Marines
agreed that your son did rightfully earn the title of US Marine;
however, he should indicate that he was a Marine and not imply
that he still is.
Sgt Grit: I love your newsletters and appreciate the hard work
that goes into each issue. I cannot begin to tell you how many
times I have gone from tears to smiles while reading a single
newsletter. Keep up the great work. Semper Gumby! ~Dawn V.
Pictures on Sgt Grit Facebook
Sgt. Grit,
I am a rural mail carrier here in Georgia and on my route is
Treehouse Academy, a daycare for pre-K children. These kids are
great! I've done a "show and tell" with my Mail truck and was I
warmly greeted. They have a project under way of sending
letters to men and women in our military. I am hoping that your
customers and readers will send these folks the names and
addresses of loved ones and friends who are serving.
The daycare is Treehouse Academy at 2740 Five Forks Trickum
Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30044. Ms. Penny Holt is the Director
and will love hearing from you. Thank You and God Bless our men
and women who serve and have served. Thank you Sgt Grit for all
you do. Not to mention you have a few nice products! HA!
Semper Fi! Thank you all at Sgt Grit!
John M. Harrell
GySgt USMC Nam-68-69
To: Sgt. Grit
From: Tony Clark
Subject: Contribution for 224 mile Wounded Warrior Run
Greetings, My name is Tony Clark and the reason for this letter
is to see if your company would have an interest in supporting
the Wounded Warrior Project event I will be doing in September,
below I will give you a description of what we have going on.
I am a veteran US Marine/Combat Veteran of Afghanistan and also
an avid ultra marathoner. This will begin at 10:00pm Thursday
September 9th, 2010 at the Nebraska/Kansas border and run north
to south the entire length of Kansas to the Oklahoma/Kansas
border. We plan to accomplish this in 60 hours or less hopefully
finishing sometime around 10:00am Sunday September 12th, 2010.
We have assembled a team of veteran runners and some medical
staff to assist me along the route. I will however run this
entire 224 miles solo, only having a roving aide station along
the way and a law enforcement escort through most of the route.
The entire focus and point of this run is to bring awareness and
raise money for the over 34,000 Wounded Warriors we now have
from the Afghanistan/Iraq wars.
This event is neither promoting nor going against the war, it is
only to help bring awareness for those men and women who have
sacrificed so dearly for their nation. We have a Facebook Fan
page set up "Tony's 224 mile trot, Honoring Their Sacrifice". We
let everyone know when a donation has been made and if you're a
business donor we post a link to your business on our page, with
your permission of course. If you do not have access to
Facebook, you can go to http://WWPProudSupporter.kintera.org/
then click on "Sponsor Participant" enter the name "Tony Clark"
and you should go directly to the personnel donation page.
Your donation goes 100% to Wounded Warrior Project. We also have
a blog where you can track my training progress, mini
fundraisers and new sponsors! http://tonystrot.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your support and if you have any questions contact
me anytime. Semper Fi!
Tony Clark
And I Quote...
"I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary,
too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious."
--Thomas Jefferson
Formed 9 & 10 Sept 1971, we were assigned Sr. DI SSgt Godwin and
Asst. DI's SSgt's Czosnyka & Baratka (his 1st Plt @ PI). GySgt
Hollingsworth (or Hollingswood) was our Company Gunny. SSgt
Godwin was a Virginian if I remember correctly. Both ADI's were
Polish Catholics from Buffalo, NY and called the Catholic guys
in the Platoon "Mackerel Snappers" when we fell out for Sunday
services (alternating bet. Catholic & Protestant) each week -
referring to us eating fish on Friday because of the then-
mandatory can't-eat-meat-on-Fridays rule in the Church.
We were very lucky to have 3 experienced, Vietnam veteran SSgt's
to make Marines out of us - or as they put it : "To snap us out
of our scummy civilian sh-t." We took numerous poundings from
our DI's (and various other forms of "motivation"), but no one
revealed this to the Judge Advocate Officer the week before we
graduated - because we had too much respect for these men.
We were topside in the old 2nd Battalion wooden barracks with
the old laundry tables outside (even though by then we had
stopped doing our own laundry). But the sands of PI were dumped
out on our wooden deck and water then splashed on top so we
could scrub the decks with our scrub brushes and brush the dirt
out the forward hatch - not like the brick barracks at 3rd
Battalion & at the Rifle Range (1st Battalion's new brick
barracks were just being built). They still lit the smoking
lamp every now & then (and they still issued 4-cigarette packs
in our C-Rations!). 782-Gear still had metal canteens, steel
WWII/Korea/Vietnam helmets and we had knapsacks and haversacks.
We took the Rifle Range, the Battalion Field Meet AND Drill
Competition - the Triple Crown of Parris Island - and graduated
just before Thanksgiving., in time to spend Christmas @ ITR
(Infantry Training Regiment) @ Camp Geiger outside Camp Lejeune,
NC, before we got shipped out to our respective duty stations.
If any of you old men from 39 years ago are still around -
especially you SSgt's who trained us - contact this old Marine,
former SSgt of Marines Thomas J. "MUGGS" Daly from NY @ fazzjo @
hotmail .com. One particular DI took a special liking to me -
he clocked me literally everyday - then again - I laughed a lot
and he had to break me down. Are you still out there GySgt
Baratka ? (I heard you were promoted after we graduated).
Remember my Buddy from the Bronx - then-Pvt Richie Lally ? How
about the 6 or 8 Dudes from Massapequa, LI, who all came in
together on the "Buddy Plan"? (with the photo op @ Ft. Hamilton
before we left NYC!)
Hope to hear from some of you. Semper Fi !
former SSgt of Marines Thomas J. "MUGGS" Daly from NY
My BROTHER Is A Marine Bumper Sticker
My SON is a Marine Bumper Sticker
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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