|
|
AmericanCourage #224 15 APR 2010
Print | ONLINE STORE
We are the Marines. 5 Marines, one family making up the USMC Air
Ground Combat Team. 12 Tours in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
We have had at least one family member in these wars every year
for 7 years and at times two of us were deployed at the same
time.
Proud husband and father of this family
Vincent G. Suetos, Retired
In This Issue...
Simply an OUTSTANDING picture above. Some well written diverse
opinions on "The Pacific". Or course all the stories are well
written!?%$&! We all learned how to use the language properly
from our DI's and later from our Gunny's and 1stSgt's.
A letter about a new recruit having a bit of trouble with this
new form of communication. Many answers to the question "What
makes a Marine do what he does?"
A story about too many sandbags, poker, Corpsmen, Darvon, and
years later the VA. I have posted the last group of responses
to the Gunny's Dilemma to my Sgt Grit blog. There is also an interesting
story about Okinawa during WWII and a concern about the Movie
"Full Metal Jacket".
The Sgt Grit Facebook continues to grow and the fun continues
with 12,000+ of my closest friends.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oklahoma-City-OK/Sgt-Grit-Marine-Specialties/65907730714?ref=s
Fair winds and following seas.
Sgt Grit
My name is Tom Madigan, I was with Service Co., 7th Engineer
Battalion, 1st Marine Div. in VietNam, from May 1967-June 1968.
For 9 months I drove a M51A2 Dump Truck and the Chaplain's Jeep
for 3 months. This is kind of a cool story of how the Chaplain
got his Jeep and Engineers get things done. (as well as I can
remember)
Our new Chaplain (Father Haryasz) arrived January of 1968. He
had no driver or Jeep. He ask for both and was turned down.
Being an E-5 Sgt.(0311) in The Marine Corps during WWII, the
chaplain had a lot of connections in the Corps and the Navy. He
contacted this old Seabee Chief and made this crazy deal to get
a Jeep. I will tell you the deal in a little while. This is how
I became the Chaplain's driver.
I had just pulled into the motor pool after a very scary day on
route #5. We had just lost 2 Dump trucks on route #5 to land
mines. 2 drivers from my company and 5 Marines from the 7th
Marines were wounded. One Vietnamese was killed.(that's a whole
different story) The dispatcher called me in the office. He
said: do you want to get off the Dump trucks? I said may-be for
awhile. Well I became the Chaplain's diver, with no Jeep.
Now the story of the Jeep. My first day as his driver we took my
Lieutenant's Jeep to the Officer's Club in DaNang. Father
Haryasz and my lieutenant went in the club and came out with a
big box. My Lieutenant said: head for the Seabee base near
F.L.C. Lance Corporal, we're picking up the Chaplain's Jeep.
We headed for the Seabee base (somewhere by Red Beach) where we
met this old Navy Chief. The chaplain had me bring the box in
the office. The Chief said that they had an old Jeep that was
being junked out and we could have it for a case of Rum. Well,
guess what was in the box. A case of the best rum ever made. The
Lt. called for our wrecker and 2 of our mechanics, to tow the
Jeep back to Camp Love The Seabees gave us a ton of extra parts
and away we went towing the Jeep back to Camp Love. Everyone in
the motor pool helped rebuild the Jeep. It took about a week to
get ready. To this day I don't think anyone ever questioned
where the Jeep ever came from. That little Jeep took us all over
I Corp, bring spiritual aid to any Marine that wanted it.
Father Haryasz heard one day that some grunts at a remote L.P.
wanted to hear mass. The L.P. was at the far end of Happy
Valley. I told the Chaplain that we needed at least 2 or 3
trucks to go that far out. We should not be alone out there. He
just laughed and said: lets head out alone, after all we've got
the Lord with us. Man was that a scary trip. Father Haryasz
was one of the nicest men I have ever met. The Marine Corps was
really lucky to get him back for awhile.
Always a Marine
tom madigan
Sgt. Grit,
I wanted to post a couple pics of my truck that I just had a
custom paint job done.
Christopher Marlin
Sgt Grit, I just thought you would like to know that three
Marine recruits on their way to sign their papers and be sworn,
in Cleveland were killed in an auto accident outside of Warren
Ohio the first week of April. Even though they had not been
sworn in as Marines, a detail of Marines were present at their
funerals and a flag that draped their coffins was presented to
the families. To me this showed respect to their future brothers
and to the beliefs of the Corps.
Joseph Aubel
And I Quote...
"I am a Marine masquerading as a civilian.
Being a Marine is what you carry on the inside."
--Author Unknown
"The Pacific"
Sgt. Grit.
I agree with GySgt. Rousseau's review and thoughts on the series
titled "Pacific". I wondered who they hired as technical
advisor, because I am sure it was not someone who was present in
those operations. The errors are too many to list, a good
example is the filthy language. We were "salty", but not to the
extent that Spielberg and Hanks have chosen to air. I do speak
from experience, Okinawa, China, Korea 1944-1953.
Sgt. Edward F Hoffman #561153 USMC.
Read More Pacific Responses
Dear Sgt. Grit,
If it's Christmas or my birthday, my wife is on your website
ordering for me. But I especially want to thank you for my
recent purchase. Over my computer at the office I have your
bumper sticker: "Don't you quit on me, maggot!" I read it
several times a day for motivation.
You see, about four years ago, I was diagnosed with Interstitial
Lung Disease which has now developed into Idiopathic Pulmonary
Fibrosis. IPF is not well known, even though it kills more
American each year than Breast Cancer. Unlike Breast Cancer,
it's incurable, except for a very small minority lucky enough to
get and survive lung transplants. Once you have it, you will
likely die from it unless you stretch it out long enough that
something else gets you. But there are no pink ribbons, no
postage stamps and no big "Race for the Cure" every time you
turn around. And IPF gets only a small fraction of the research
dollars that are spent on Breast Cancer research. Those who want
to know more about IPF can go to www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.
The motivation helps because I still go to work every day to
support my family despite being short of breath and a nasty
chronic cough. About half the people who get IPF are dead in
four years, so I'm pretty lucky. I'm in much better shape than
most with IPF at this point. I'm not on oxygen yet, though I see
it coming through the wire.
I'm not complaining, here. I'm a very fortunate man. I've
already, at 64, lived longer and better than 98% of the humans
ever born, and I'm shooting for 99%. I was born in America, have
a wonderful family and I had the great privilege of earning the
right to wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
Still, it helps when I read your bumper sticker and hear one of
my DIs shouting in my ear. I say, "Don't you quit on me,
Maggot!" to myself a lot.
I usually sign my posts, but ask you to hold my name on this
one. I don't want my buddies to think I'm looking for sympathy.
As the old Gunny said, "If you want sympathy, Marine, you can
find it in the dictionary between sh-t and syphilis!"
Thanks again. Keep up the good work. Semper Fi.
~An old Jarhead.
Sgt. Grit,
I am sending you this letter to let you know that we have a
Marine in the making. My young nephew, Christopher John Wombaker
is in his second week of Boot Camp. MCRD San Diego.
I received a very short "letter" from him today asking for
advice on all of the yelling and screaming the Marines do. LOL.
he has never be yelled at much.
Actually I did brief him on that before he shipped but I don't
think he heard a thing I said. Too excited to go and be a
Marine.
Now that reality has set in, and you know the story. LOL! I
wrote him a 6 page letter with plenty of motivation. Yup.
Pretty much told him to just suck it all up and take it.
Do as ordered and nothing more until ordered.
Do not show off, as he is an amazing athlete.
Don't get cocky, save that for 3rd phase.
And by God listen to your Range Instructor at Edson.
I am very proud of Chris and when he does EARN the Eagle, Globe
and anchor, and comes home on leave, I will personally bring
him to Sgt. Grit. For his personal K-Bar.
We live a couple of hours from you in Tishomingo. Way to your
South. See you in June. I look forward to meeting you.
Thanks Sgt.
Semper Fi.
Cpl. Smith, Danny C.
USMC 1986-1990.
And I Quote...
"The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil
Constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our
duty to defend them against all attacks.
--Samuel Adams
This was taken in 1969 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.
Sgt. John Fleak. MP, H&HS, MCAS, Iwakuni, Japan.
Sgt. Grit. This is a reply to the letter written by Mrs. Linda
L. Bentley.
I did not read the article that was sent to you by a "Mr.
Mathias", but if you or your son, or Mr. Mathias has any doubt
that Band members of the United States Marine Corps are NOT
Marines, here is a little bit of history.
1) If you or your son can find your way to Hawaii, read the Wall
of 7 December 1941, and how many Bandsmen were killed on that
infamous day,
2) Marines assigned to ships during WWII even though they were
Bandsmen were A.A. Gunners.
3) There is The Marine Corps Band stationed in Washington D.C.
called "The President's Own".
4) If you or the above named writer looked into it, you would
find the 3d Marine Division Band, while stationed in the sand
box preformed as Bandsmen during the day, and pulled guard duty
at night, and finally,
5) There is an organization called "The Marine Corps Musicians
Association". I am quite sure These People consider themselves
and their Fellow Members to be United States Marines.
Sincerely
James Angelo, Band-member U.S.M.C.R.D. Parris Island '59 - '65
Note: A few weeks before I got to DaNang in March 69 the
1stMarDiv Band was in a fire fight and lost many KIA and WIA.
Also the President's own sometimes are enlisted without having
to go to boot camp and spend their entire career with the band.
Sgt Grit
Answers to: What makes a Marine do the things they do?
Marines do what they do because they are more afraid of letting
the Corps and their fellow Marines down then they are of death
itself.
W. Michell
Sgt. 65-71, 75-77
.....
Sgt. Grit,
A question was asked by a Marine wife and mother after watching
the Pacific on HBO. What makes a Marine do the things they do
such as Dan Daly and John Basilone to earn the Congressional
Medal of Honor? Is it adrenalin, fear, or what?
I think it is a combination of two things the character that the
individual brings and the attractiveness and effectiveness of
the training that life in the Marine Corps offers.
Most Marine recruits are 60% sold on the concept before they
join and the other 40% comes from the "challenge" to be good
enough to make it. Much of the lore of the Corps is available
for those who want to know it to find out about before they sign
on. But as always they don't promise anything but a rifle and a
hard time. It's the individual who picks up on this and makes
the best of the situation based on the early training he or she
receives when they have the boot camp experience.
They go in knowing that the hazing and the stress are for a
purpose and then they learn about the John Basilone's and Dan
Daly's. The Belleau Woods and the Tarawa's or Iwo Jima's. They
see the Marine Corps colors with battle streamers that represent
those campaigns. They learn that they have to stand on the
shoulders of those who filled the ranks before them and that
they cannot ever let that tradition down. You have to be that
good because 230 plus years of Marines are watching and counting
on you to hold up your end. Many go through their service time
and are never called on to be the one who holds the position,
but others are and when it happens they do it.
Remember the two Marines standing guard on a post in Iraq when a
determined truck bomber cut down their street approaching their
position and both Marines stood their ground firing at the
truck's driver (it's on a surveillance video) and taking out the
driver. He winds up missing his objective but killing himself
and the two Marines but others are saved by their actions. What
made them stand their ground when all basic human instincts told
them to bail out of there? It's many things. It's that standing
an inspection over and over again. It's going to the rifle range
every year. It's passing the PT test every year. It's spit
shining the dress shoes every week. it's getting that set of
dress blues perfect before putting them on. It's getting the
last little detail correct for a "junk on the bunk". Its
snapping to attention when the first strains of the Marines Hymn
start up. It's standing or walking the last hour of the guard
duty when no one else is around but you and God but doing it
because it has to be done and done right. All of these feelings
which are burned into your brain and cause you to be the one to
hold the line if required.
Whether you were in the infantry or assigned to any other
position during your time in the Corps you were ready if called
up on and that is the mystique or the bond that answers General
Pershing's question in WWI about why the Marines are different
that the others who fill the ranks of the nation's armed forces.
He said "Why in h&ll can't the Army do it if the Marines can.
They are the same kind of men; why can't they be like Marines.
Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, USA; 12 February 1918."
According to him "they all come from the same background from
the same country. Why are they different?" He's right they do
come from the same parts of the country but they come with a
different attitude, remember the 60% sold on the concept? That
attitude gets molded and formed under very stressful conditions
and hardens their internal steel that allows them to qualify to
wear the uniform of a Marine. It's then becomes a commitment
that makes two Marine aviators take on 40 Japanese fighters over
Wake Island. Or a John Basilone man four machine guns in the
middle of an attack. And since its in the mind and heart of the
individual it doesn't go away when the uniform is taken off.
Thus the reality of the phrase "Once a Marine, always a Marine".
Maybe this can in some way answer her question as to why the
Marine Corps gets such people.
Semper Fi
LCpl. William Fortune
USMC 1959-1963
.....
Some Marines are very motivated & seem to just know what has to
be done. True leadership in a nutshell. Everyone is "scared" in
combat situations, some control that fear & are not "frozen" by
it. They are able to "see" thru situations, or at least think
they can & can act decisively & effectively.
Another aspect is expecting your men to follow your example,
(and most will), so a leader has to perform his duty to inspire
his men & never let them down. Being aggressive in combat is a
desirable trait & inspire your men, and can overcome the enemy.
Some Marines (leaders or not) have the "guts" to act quickly &
bravely. Just a "warrior spirit" that's in them, with little
regard for their own life & safety. They do their job.
SGT. JACK
USMC, 62'-66 RVN 65'-66'
.....
first off I am both a combat vet of the 03 invasion into Iraq
and a father so here's my 2 cents.
simple answer? they don't stop to think about what they are
doing. Instead they know what NEEDS to be done in order for
their men and themselves (or at least their men) to survive and
they just do it.
Even when we (Marines) don't always get along, when you live and
train with a group of men as much as a Marine must in order to
perform their jobs effectively a type of family forms. We are
all brothers, sons, and fathers of one another.
Doubt that will help much but hopefully it helps at least a
little.
Corporal J
USMC 2000-2004
0311
And I Quote...
"In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence
in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the
Constitution."
--Thomas Jefferson
When in Boot Camp, one is trained to NEVER let his comrades
down. This is taught with the simple technique of punishing
EVERYONE for the mistake(s) of one. To make a mistake and be
forced to stand and watch as the rest of the Platoon performs
squat thrusts until the Drill Instructor is satisfied is VERY
instructive.
When in a firefight, a small lapse in discipline can get Marines
killed...
Today's Marines, by the way, are interchangeable with those
portrayed in the TV show.
John Holland, Sergeant of Marines, 1966-70
Sgt. Grit
I already notified you of the Loss of another Marine in
Afghanistan.
LCpl. Jacob Ross.
Today April 1, 2010 was his funeral in Gillette, Wyoming.
About 250 miles North of Cheyenne, Wy.
We were sure there would be at least two Marines present.
The escort and the Officer in charge.
We wanted to make sure a couple of us OLD Marines would also be
there.
We left Cheyenne about 0400 and drove North. Hit snow about 75
miles south of Gillette but we persevered.
Services were held at 10:00 at the Family Life Church.
Governor Freudenthal and Senator Barasso (he's an associate of
the member the Marine Corps League) of Wyoming attended and
presented plaques to the family:
Mother, father and his still new bride of only a few months.
He was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously at the service.
Several people that were in his life spoke of him at the
service, and recounted some of the more memorable good times of
his short life.
His escort spoke of him and said several other Marines are alive
today because of LCpl Ross's actions that day. But did not
elaborate. None was needed.
He performed his duty and excelled in doing it
The entire route from church to graveyard had people standing on
the sidelines in freezing snow and rain, offering their
respects. The flags we saw were at half mast with the stars and
stripes and the POW/MIA, a few also had the Marine Corps flag
displayed.
George Archuka, state president Of the Patriot Guard Riders and
approximately 15 Patriot guard riders of Wyoming provided the
alley of Flags at the church and gravesite And acted as a buffer
if needed. Fortunately no disruptions occurred. Which Was wise.
I doubt we Marines would of turned the other cheek.
As it turned out there were about 15 Marines in Dress Blues in
attendance, And several more in civilian clothes, plus members
of various veterans organizations.
Please keep L/cpl Ross and his family in your prayers.
On a side note, Cpl Dwain Carey (NLA) and myself stopped for
breakfast at Granny's diner in Gillette. We were graciously led
to a booth in the back, so we would not stand out.
We were informed some kind anonymous person paid for our coffee
and roll.
We asked the waitress to thank the person(s) for us.
If you are reading this, or know the person, please extend our
thanks once again.
I am attaching a few select photos. I did NOT take any in church
as did not want to be intrusive.
Nor did I take any of family members in their time of mourning
for same reason.
You may use any or all you deem appropriate.
I did NOT label the pics as I believe the picture will speak for
itself.
Semper Fi
Choo Choo
Sgt of Marines (NLA)
1968-1974
RVN 70-71
Loved your news letter and would love to subscribe to it. I come
from a Marine Corps family, my father was a p o w on Saipan
during WWII, my oldest brother was a hellcat pilot on the
Yorktown, shot down in battle of midway. I lost another brother
on Guadalcanal, and I had two sons that served honorably, and I
am a Chosin Reservoir survivor. The best thing I ever did was
join the Marine Corps. There is a lot of truth to once a Marine
all ways a Marine, and the pride instilled in me at Parris
Island boot camp I will carry to my grave.
I work a lot with veterans and its sad our boys coming home
can't get their needs fulfilled. Because of budget cuts we just
got 18 vans shut down to get these boys to hospitals etc. my pet
peeve is why we as a country turn our backs on our veterans,
someone tell me why after severing two or three tours in
Afghanistan our boys have to pay for their own transportation
home. this sticks in my craw - if it was up to me they would all
have a brand new car waiting for them. You're doing a great
service Sgt. Grit, Proud of you. Continue your good work
Sincerely Sgt Edwin Runner
And I Quote...
"It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to
perceive in it [the Constitution] a finger of that Almighty hand
which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief
in the critical stages of the revolution."
--James Madison
My son Pfc Sandberg served in Iraq in 2008-2009 at COP Adwalla,
near Ramadi, and is now a volunteer serving with African
Partnership Sation 2010 training friendly African nation forces.
Soon they will move on with their float to the Baltic Sea to
demonstrate amphibious assault landings.
Myself, I was a "squid" and served aboard the USS Essex in
1956-57 making landings at Subic Bay (Cubi Point); Buckner Bay,
Okinawa; Sasebo, Yokosuka, Atsugi, Japan; and Hong Kong. What a
marvelous experience for me and my fellow sailors. The tough
part was missing Christmas in Melbourne, Australia because the
Chinese were shooting at our planes near Formosa (now Taiwan)
and made us ready carrier for two weeks that December.
Thanks for your newsletter,
G. A. Sandberg AD2, VF112.
Veteran Family Network: This is a membership organization for veterans and family members where, from $25-45/year you can join
and find coupons and discounts from participating businesses. Check it out: www.veteranfamilynetwork.com
"The Pacific" continued:
GOOD MORNING MARINES,
The HBO miniseries "The Pacific" has been long overdue; it is a
story that needs to be told, and as such, is a keystone of our
MARINE CORPS history and legacy. I felt compelled to reply to
Gunny Rousseau's comments about the portrayal of GySgt. "Manila
John Basilone", and the characterization of the MARINES in
general.
1. The story is what is important, it needs to be told..WE ALL
NEED TO BE GRATEFUL that it is being told.
2. Remember, the story is being told to a wide audience, not
just to MARINES, a little "poetic license" is to be expected
3. As to MARINES staring at the enemy KIAs after the Alligator
Creek engagement, let's remember again, the authors are painting
a picture for the entire audience. Having firsthand experience,
it's true, you would not have let the men linger, and getting on
with after action duties is a key moral maintainer, I do not
think this aspect of the screen play was overdone. It was also
their first major engagement, who would not take a minute to
stand back and say WTF?
4. My girlfriend is second cousin (by BLOOD) to GySgt. John
Basilone, and her mother, at 89 years young, is sharp as a K-
BAR; she remembers John Basilone (her first cousin) well. She
knew him growing up, and when he was on active duty. She is
quite satisfied with his portrayal by John Sena. I have been
given many family photo's which I treasure.
5. What I did find objectionable was the blas�" attitude when
their Corpsmen were killed (being a 20 year veteran Doc), this
would not have happened. Additionally, the torture shooting of
the lone Japanese soldier was way out of line. Poetic license,
maybe. The more realistic scenario would have been to take him
prisoner, or just drop him on the spot. MARINES are warriors,
not MURDERES.
6. The film is also striving to portray the Horror and Humanity
of the conflict, this is a key factor of the both the screenplay
and historical fact
7. I don't understand what Gunny Rousseau find so revolting or
objectionable about how the MARINES are being portrayed. I find
the departure from stereotypes very welcome, although, I'm glad
to see some familiar themes maintained.
8. HOLLYWOOD producers are always going to find a way to be
"PC" and make money on history, nothing can be done about this.
9. As far as racial slurs and stereotypes, de-humanizing the
enemy has been, and always will be a facet of combat operations
that is an unpleasant, uncomfortable and regrettable truth...
It's fact. A sign that was hung at the Entrance to several PT
BOAT operating bases in the Solomon's, referred to the Japanese
as "Little Yellow #astards" and bore the signature of Adm.
Chester Nimitz. Producers are going to comment on such
things...they can't help themselves.
10. Another MARINE commented on haircuts. Few high and tights
to be seen in the period photos I've looked at (thousands of
them).
Top wrap it up, I think it's important to focus on the story, be
over-joyed its being told, and let the fragments of BS...float
away. Concentrate on what is right about the story, THE
MONUMENTAL SACRIFICES made by our BROTHER MARINES and NAVY
CORPSMEN in the name of freedom, and not to dwell on the "stuff"
that gets in the way of enlightening America on our collective
history that was forged in blood, honor, and sacrifice.
Semper-Fi
"Doc V"
1st Marine div.
"79-99"
.....
GySgt. F.L. Rousseau hit the mark with his assessment of the
despicable portrayal of The Corps in The Pacific. As the son of
a former Raider and member of the 5th Division when the Raiders
were disbanded, the average, uninformed viewer must think that
this was the way it was. That the Japanese were merely
spreading their colorful culture and we were the racist
aggressors. I could go on but you covered it all Gunny in your
fine letter.
Just before I turned 8, I came upon a trunk. Inside were
photos, newspaper clippings and letters meticulously kept by my
grandmother. I read about places like Guadalcanal,
Bougainville, New Georgia, Tarawa and Iwo Jima. For the next 27
years until his passing, I never looked at my father in the same
way again. I would go on to try and learn as much about the
Marines and the war against Japan as I could. Many things stay
with me on an almost daily basis such as how did they survive in
such squalid conditions against such abject and craven savagery
and brutality. The easy answer is that they were Marines but
I'm just a bit partial.
My father and his buddies have cast a very long shadow. A
shadow I may never fully walk out of with a standard of honor,
courage and loyalty I strive for everyday. As I write this and
look at the photos on the walls of my office, they serve as a
daily inspiration on how to live my life. Pictures of my dad on
top of Suribachi with his buddies or on Guadalcanal. This is
the standard by which I try to live by, if possible
Tom Hanks and his ilk come from a generation of spoiled, over-
indulged whiny brats. But we're not all bad Hanks has proved
himself a buffoon. Marines and Marine families, both past and
present, know the truth,
I did not serve. But my family and I thank every Marine who has
stood up to answer the call to wear that illustrious uniform and
the brave families that are left behind that support them. You
have given us the most precious thing we have: FREEDOM. God
Bless You All.
Tom Hermanek
Elmhurst, IL
.....
As a student of WWII history in the South Pacific, I am
disturbed by the many negative reviews of Tom Hanks' movie and
his liberal Hollyweird description of US servicemen as racists.
Had Hanks studied the Pacific war in detail he would have found
that it was the Japanese who were the racists. The J-ps were
brutal, unmerciful, and barbaric in their treatment to anyone
who wasn't Japanese & that included men, women, and children.
Hanks should try and tell the Filipino and American children &
grandchildren of American & Filipino servicemen killed and/or
butchered by Japanese soldiers the truth about the atrocities
the Japanese committed against not only our military men, but
against civilians. And I don't want any of you bleeding hearts
to whine about alleged atrocities our troops committed. Study
your WWII history first. Then you can whine about our troops if
you still feel justified in doing so, but unlike Hanks, you
should get your facts straight first.
Fair Winds & Following Seas
Bob Harris
USN 1961-67
And I Quote...
"What really scares the dickens out of me is the strategist
who's never had to put body bags on a helicopter."
--Gen. James Mattis
In reference to "USMC Viet Nam Vet 68-69" and his time with the
outstanding VA. Hold down the laughter. Here is my story.
In November 1967 I was with 2/9 at Camp Carroll . We got the
call for more sandbags. Having grown up on a farm and being
pretty good with a shovel I volunteered to shovel instead of
holding the bag. Due to the twisting and turning I soon began to
feel the pain in my back. Not a good sign. I counted the number
we filled because I figured I was in for some problems later.
Little did I know the extent of the problems from filling 110
bags in an hour. We were in a slight hurry and I got carried
away.
Around 0200 hours, I was awakened for my turn at watch. I sat up
on my cot and put on my left boot, however, as hard as I tried I
could not lift my right leg. Plus my back was killing me. I was
carried to sickbay by two buddies, given complete bed rest and
some nice Darvon for the pain. Catch 22 kicked in big time. My
condition was too bad to go to the main-side hospital on a 6-by
but not bad enough to get a chopper. I spent 22 days there. I
was able to get over to the Corpsman's tent one night for some
poker weeks later. I was about $450 ahead and told them I had to
go because my back was hurting more. They wanted to get some of
their money back so I was given a quart jar of Darvon to enjoy.
Darvon is to be taken, on the average, one an hour. I was into 2
every 30 minutes. I still came out with about $140 and my back
was not bothering me as much.
I got my State side ticket a few days after being discharged and
I returned to the world and El Toro, CA. I was due for an early
out because I was returning to college so I did not raise my
hand when we were asked if we had any medical problems we needed
to have checked out before we were discharged. School started in
two weeks and we were told we would be there for another 6-8
weeks, or longer. Not good. I said nothing.
My back held out for awhile, however, it soon kicked back in
with the pain. Around June 1968 I went to the VA in Houston and
requested they take a look at my back. They took x-rays and
blood test and told me I would hear from them in 4-6 weeks.
Right. 11 weeks later I got a letter stating I was not eligible
for benefits because my eyes were bad when I entered the
Marines. I wore contacts a the time. I called them and explained
I had been there for my back and my eyes were never looked at.
When I was informed I had to come back to the VA I declined. If
they messed up my reason for being there the first time what in
the h&ll would they do to me the next time?
Fast forward a few years; here I am at 69 and limited on what I
can do around my house because of the constant pain in my lower
back. The last time it went out I was in the hospital for a
week. Love Morphine. I have two vertebrae that are about half
the right size plus other back bone problems. Even muscle
relaxing and pain pills will not remove the pain. Got to love
the VA and our military medical facilities. Wrong!
After several years of applying and finely going through a
Congressman, I finely got my medical records last month. Maybe I
can get some information out of them now. To be continued...
John Halpin, Sgt.
2/9 Viet-Nam
Hi,
Just wanted to say thanks for the space online you have devoted
to your beloved Corps. I am not a Marine but have developed an
appreciation for the men and now women who serve with such
distinction. Having just finished Ken Burns 'The War'
documentary and following it up with Cpl. Eugene Sledge's 'With
the Old Breed', I am profoundly struck with gratitude toward
those who have served our nation, esp. the USMC.
I have enjoyed reading the various Marine Corps Stories posted
on the grunt.com site and congratulate you on a successful
business venture.
Thank you Sgt. Grit, for your past and continued service to our
nation's best.
Regards,
Robert
Sgt. Grit,
I just wanted to let you know what a great inspiration your
newsletter is to me. My dad was a Marine in WWII and served on
the U.S.S. New Jersey, was in Nagasaki after the bomb, and
fought in the South Pacific. I could go on and on telling you
his stories, because I heard them many times, all my life. My
dad passed away on November 20, 1997 and I still miss him. We
celebrated the Marine Corps birthday every year when I was
growing up. I became a police officer in 1983 and the Police
Department where I worked and retired from had a lot of former
Marines working for it, so we celebrated the Marine Corps
birthday with a breakfast every year and many officers knew my
dad, so they invited him to the Birthday Breakfast every year.
Once he passed away one of the police officers said that they
were making me "grandfathered in" because of my dad and that I
could always come and celebrate with them. Most of those
officers are still working.
Since my dad passed away I have been giving out door prizes and
organizing the Birthday Breakfast every year, even after I've
retired. This is my problem: I heard one of the former Marines
say that he didn't think it was right for me to be at the
Birthday Breakfast because I wasn't a Marine. Just to let you
know, I NEVER claim to have been in the Marines, that would be a
lie and an insult to my father and every Marine. Every year I
give out cards that usually have some type of USMC pin attached
and that says it is in honor of the United States Marine Corps
and in honor and memory of my father, and his name and where he
served follows that. Do you think I should stop participating in
the Birthday Breakfast? Thank you for your thoughts on the
subject.
Proud daughter of a Marine,
Katie Pasteur
And I Quote...
"The hardest thing to explain is the glaringly evident which
everybody had decided not to see."
--Ayn Rand
Sgt Grit; Thank you for your service & welcome Home! I enjoy
your newsletters a lot and look forward to each one. First let
me say I'm not a Marine but have purchased a few items from you
and wear them often. I get a lot of Marine wanabe from NOLOAD
Marines!
I am a Marine Father In Law and wear your Items in support of my
son and others in the service. Those who don't like Me wearing
the clothes T.D.B. I did my time when it wasn't cool to wear
anything military! I've been called an Animal, Babykiller, and
other wonderful names by our so called Loving Americans! I
traveled thru your part of Nam In FEB.70, Our C141 medivac
flight Stopped there to load more wounded before going on to
Japan.
I was not wounded in combat but was medivaced from The HOBO
WOODS not far from CUCHI. I'm an Army infantrymen and proud of
It. My Son in Law is a Master Sergeant in the Corps. Maybe the
term g--k isn't correct but is what we are called any better!
Thanks for letting me vent! Have a great day & keep up the great
job you do.
Proud MARINE Father In Law (DAD) CLIFF
All,
I've just received a phone call from Sally Chand, widow of
SgtMaj Michael Chand, USMC (Ret). Two and half years ago Sally
held a memorial for Mike who was killed in Iraq. They have
recovered Mike's body and Sally is in the process of having him
escorted home. Mike's body was found on 13 Mar 2010 and
positively identified on 18 Mar 2010. More information to
follow as I get it and please pass on to those that have served
with and/or knew Mike. Please add the Chand family in your
prayers as they endure the pain of a losing a loved one twice.
Semper Fi,
Jay
I was receiving mail from one of my friends and this quote came
up. please post it, Just for your info, it came from 'Parents',
from the Memphis School District", #18 -
'My daughter was absent yesterday because she was tired, she
spent the weekend with U. S. Marines'!...
Semper Fi...Gary
Note: I am assuming she is a Poolie and was with Recruiters in
training all weekend.
Sgt Grit
Hearts Filled With Pain
In August of 1951, Richard DeWert's foster mother responded to a
letter sent to them by Captain Mackin. In it she wrote:
Dear Captain Mackin,
Receiving your letter was most comforting. Knowing that Richard
died so honorably eases, somewhat, the pain that will always
remain in our hearts. Although we are not his natural parents,
being childless, we loved him more than words can describe.
He was brought up under atrocious conditions by a mother who was
only concerned about herself. Richard had to fend for himself
from earliest childhood. He could have gone just as bad as he
was good, but God in His infinite wisdom gave him a pure heart.
He came to us, we thought at the time quite by accident; but now
we know different. God sent him to us so that we could shower
him with the love and affection that he never had received in
early childhood. He, in turn, returned that love and affection
on us that we also never received from a child of our own.
We were never able to adopt him legally as his mother would
never relinquish him. His and our big aim in life was for him
to become twenty-one so that we could adopt him legally. It was
not His will that it be so, however we will never forget
Richard's memory and will always carry it in our hearts.
Knowing that you are burdened with many and tedious duties, we
thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for taking the time to
write us such a comforting letter.
Respectfully yours,
Mrs. Albertina Roy
Submitted by:
Fred Frankville
Ceramic Marine Travel Mug
Marine Corps Eagle Black T-Shirt
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
|
