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AmericanCourage #223 01 APR 2010
Print | ONLINE STORE
Love reading the various stories you share with us. I came
across this picture that was taken 4 years ago at my son's graduation from Parris Island. It was and will always be one of
the most memorial events in our lives. Not only because of what
my son accomplished but the fact that my father (Cpl Kenneth
Oltman) could be there for that impressive day. We weren't sure
that my mother and father would be able to attend because he
hadn't been well but all the plans worked out for them to come.
While standing in the bleachers listening to the men and women
singing the Marines Hymn I looked over at my father who had
tears in his eyes singing along. He was so proud of his
grandson, you could just see him beaming. My father since
passed two years ago from cancer but whenever I hear :"From the
Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli..." I remember that
day and how proud my father was of being a Marine. It brings
tears to my eyes and makes me beam with pride. He was and will
always be our inspiration.
Sincerely,
Connie Lindsey
Mother of Corporal Jonathan Kenneth Lindsey and
Daughter of Corporal Kenneth James Oltman
In This Issue...
A Gunny asks for your help with a dilemma about his son getting
booted from the Corps.
A nice story about picking up the tab. A few thoughtful comments
about recent visits to the VA. And of course the quotes are
sprinkled throughout.
My Sgt Grit blog and Facebook page continue to grow. Take a look and
participate.
Far Winds and Following Seas
Sgt Grit
My Mom.
I proudly went home Feb 1969 and informed my Mom that I had
enlisted in the USMC (delayed enlistment program so that I could
graduate from High School in June). I did not understand why she
became so upset, angry, and crying. As it turns out she worked
as a civilian clerk-typist for the USMC at the end of WWII. She
worked for WWII Vets and typed reports concerning the war in the
Pacific. She knew what Marines went through.
She quickly became a supportive Mom, proud of her 'son the
Marine', especially when I deployed to the Far East.
MARINES! Listen up, do this with parents, grandparents, uncles,
etc. This is living history.
I asked my Mom to write about her WWII experiences. What she
sent to me is amazing. Some excerpts:
Graduated High School Jan 1942 (moved up from Jun due to the
war) 1943-1946 Worked for Engineers in Washington, PA, and at
the Army Hospital in Butler, PA.
Worked at Hdqrs USMC 1946-1949, in the G-4 Engineer Section. She
worked for Lt.Col A. L. Vogt, MAJ Sharpenberg, CAPT Card, and LT
Kutelik. Typed letters (original w/13 copies) and given to COL
Shoup to deliver to A.A. Vandergrift.
"_ housing at Arlington Farms. A small room w/cot, dresser,
chair, was provided w/large bathroom facilities for all. Plus
check in counter- no male visitors beyond lobby." A cafeteria
several blocks away. "It was perhaps a mile from Marine Corps
Headquarters, not bad walking in high heels/hose."
"COL Shoup was a very warm, friendly, caring man- as were my 4
officers I worked with. They had all seen South Pacific
action."
WOW! Names that I learned about during Corps history at the PI-
my Mom worked with them, and I never knew. I spent a year at
Henderson Hall in 1969 while attending language school-
although I never walked a mile in high heels/hose.
Semper Fi,
Mark A. Fulton, SGT, 1969-1975
P.S. I ordered a special t-shirt from SGT Grit for Mother's
day, "I May Look Harmless But I Raised A U. S. Marine".
Befitting of an active 86 year old, she will wear it proudly.
And I Quote...
"A wise and frugal government...shall restrain men from injuring
one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their
own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take
from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum
of good government."
--Thomas Jefferson
Hi Sgt Grit,
Thank you for such a powerful newsletter, keeping us veteran
Marines informed of today's Marines. I would request if I may to
share a short story.
The other day, my former brother-n-law and I stopped into a
Denny's Restaurant, where his wife managed the store. As we sat
we had our morning meal and we were discussing some business
when I noticed an older gentleman walked in the restaurant, he
passed us and sat adjacent to our table. I immediately knew he
was a Marine by the cap he wore, that old familiar Eagle, Globe
and Anchor.
I had initially thought he was from the Vietnam Era. I turned
got up out of my seat and walked over to him, I gave him the
"Semper Fi" and we talked. To my surprise he fought in WWII, he
was in Guam and in Manchuria in China I believe. He certainly
did not look that old at all.
My brother-n-law gave me some grief, but he was kidding me in a
good way about how I still hold the Marine Corps values after
fifteen years since my retirement.
At the front counter as we paid for our meal, my brother-n-law's
wife took our receipt, as she always does gave us a discount on
our meal.
I looked over to my new found friend and fellow Marine, I then
said to Helen, "Helen, I would like to pay for that gentleman's
meal sitting over there", as I pointed to the former Marine.
She looked at me perplexed, so I told her the story of this
Former Marine, and I asked her to not tell him who paid for his
meal, only that it was a fellow Marine, I'm sure he would know
who it was once we were gone.
She began to immediately shed tears came from across the counter
to hug me, I thought it nothing what I was doing, only just a
kind act.
Some of the younger kids working at the restaurant heard my
story, so I told them in a stern voice as I did from my former
years as a Marine Platoon Sergeant that they should go to him
and shake his hand and thank him for his service to his country.
That they did, in fact everyone in the restaurant who found out
walked up to him and gave their thank you's to him. Then to his
surprise Helen had told him that his meal was paid for, I was
sitting in my car getting ready to leave, when I saw him come
out of the restaurant. I could see the tears streaming down his
face as he slowly walked to his car, a smile came to my face as
I felt a very enormous "good feeling" knowing that today I made
this man's day, knowing these young kids took the time to say
"Thank You" to his WWII veteran!
My brother-n-law and his wife will remember that day for the
rest of their life, they knew nothing of the Marine Corps until
that morning, in fact I believe everyone in that restaurant
learned one thing about the Marines that day, "Once A Marine,
Always A Marine!"
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Angelo
GySgt USMC (Ret)
1974-1994
I lost my son February 27, 2010. After spending a couple of
days with fellow Marines, I was inspired to write this and
wanted to share it.
Kari Underkofer
A Marine
To most, a Marine is a young handsome son in uniform serving his
country, but there is a far greater depth to he that is called a
Marine.
There are many who desire the title of Marine, but few that are
able to give themselves to this calling.
It takes a great inner strength and fortitude to even complete
the training that is required of a Marine.
A transformation of one's self takes place and a lifetime
brotherhood bond is established between each and every Marine.
A Marine is a different breed of character and only their own
understand this tie to one another.
A Marine is the first one on the battle field, eye to eye with
the enemy, knocking down doors and removing threats.
They will go days without hot meals or showers. Their beds will
be shoveled out dirt holes that fill with water and mud.
They are exposed to the elements of heat and cold, with only
their fellow Marine to keep them warm or care to their wounds.
A Marine may be wounded from blasts or explosions, run on broken
limbs, but will continue on until the mission is complete.
They will risk everything to save one another. They will
retrieve their brother's bodies from the battlefield, as no man
is left behind.
But the battle does not end here, it continues on in every
Marine's memory, all for the sake of freedom so that we, as
civilians may speak our minds, go to a McDonald's or grab a cup
of moxie.
The Marine continues to bear this burden for us. He trembles
inside at loud noises, his heartbeat races in crowds of people,
he continues on high alert to ensure his safety.
He sometimes attempts to silence this burden with alcohol,
pills, and drugs. His home life is often damaged with anger
because he cannot speak of what he feels.
My friend, this is the price of our freedom. The reason we can
take a walk on safe ground, have good food and clean water,
raise our children and send them to school so their lives may be
better than our own.
The sacrifices made by these men are daunting.
The United States Marine Corps took my son Joe and returned to
me a warrior, Chango. The good Lord took Chango, but returned
to me hundreds of sons in the United States Marine Corps.
Their love for their fellow Marine, brother and family is
overwhelming.
I am privileged that God would entrust me with such an honor as
to give birth to a Marine.
Although Chango now guards the gates of heaven, he continues to
live on through each and every United States Marine.
May God send his angels of peace to touch each Marine and may
every United States citizen take the time to truly understand
that your freedom is not free.
God love the Marines
My son, Marine Captain Daniel J. Meyers, was married on 7 March
2010 in Winter Park, Florida. His Marine buddies were a
remarkable contribution to the wedding from participating in the
wedding party to the sword detail down to their rendition of the
song "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" from the movie TOP GUN
(you'll note Cpls to a BGen) that they sang to the bride (Mrs.
Lindsey Cleary Meyers). It was as beautiful an event as it was
fun! The sword detail, commanded by GySgt Jason Eckman
conducted a flawless "arch of swords" and a barked "welcome to
the Marine Corps, Mrs. Meyers," with a swat and sound that would
have made a DI from PI very proud!
Enjoy the pics! Please share them with our Marine Corps
family...
Semper Fi,
Jim Meyers
once a captain
Always a Marine
2/5 RVN '67-68
This float has been in the Racine WI. 4th of July Parade every
year since 1946.
David Kramer
Agerholm-Gross Marine Corps League Det. #346
And I Quote...
"We should never despair, our Situation before has been
unpromising and has changed for the better, so I trust, it will
again. If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new
Exertions and proportion our Efforts to the exigency of the
times."
--George Washington
Hey Grit:
I need some help that only you and your newsletter can help me
with. I am a Marine of 23 years active and 15 years now on
standby. I believe in once a Marine always a Marine but now I
have a situation that I would like everyone to help me with.
My son went into the Corps and graduated boot camp in Jan 2009
He then went to Infantry Training School in Camp Pendleton and
while there he and a few of his pals decided to smoke a little
bit of natures wild flower. He failed a urinalysis test and was
then discharged from the Corps with a Bad Conduct Discharge.
I say he is no longer a Marine but he says that he graduated
Boot Camp and earned the EGA. He says that Makes him a Marine
for life. He posts pictures of himself on his face book site in
his blues and gets lots of responses from his peers mostly good
ones. But I have a problem accepting him as a Marine and I feel
that it is wrong for him to post pictures in uniform if he
failed out of our Beloved.
This has created a lot of problems in my house and I would like
to know how the other people that wear or wore the EGA feel
about it. If they side with him I will accept that, change my
opinion, and move on. But until I find out how everyone else
feels I will stand steady and say he gave up the right to call
himself a Marine by knowingly doing what he did and I do not see
him as a Marine.
I still love him as my son and there is no problem there. But I
can't shake this other feeling. I would prefer you not to print
my name but if you have to then you have to.
GySgt USMC
Mar 72 - Jan 95
Just wanted to show all of you at Sgt. Grit that the backpacks
that you so kindly donated to us at the Cleveland VA are being
put to good use.
Todd M Anderson LPTA
SCI/D
For Those That Have Served Before, With, and After US
SEMPER FI
0311
And I Quote...
"Government exists to protect us from each other. Where
government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect
us from ourselves."
--Ronald Reagan
Sgt Grit,
Recently I read somewhere that some army MSgt claiming he came
up with the term "hurt locker" in reference to the motion
picture Hurt Locker. I'm 73 years old and have heard and used
that term for decades in the Marine Corps. I believe I first
heard that those words in boot camp in 1955. Wondering if any of
my Marine brothers can add input to this.
GySgt G.R. Archuleta
USMC Retired
1955-1975
We are pleased to honor the remaining members of the WWII
Forgotten Battalion (those who are able to attend) at the 24th
annual reunion, to be held in Des Moines, September 2010. WWII
Forgotten Battalion
They started the war as the 10th Marine Regiment, Third
Battalion. They were a 75mm pack howitzer battalion. After the
Tarawa campaign they were divided into two different battalions
with the new battalion becoming the 2nd 155mm Howitzer
Battalion, named the "Forgotten Battalion" in the February 1945
issue of Leatherneck magazine. They were awarded five battle
stars for their actions in the following campaigns:
Tulagi
Guadalcanal
Tarawa
Saipan
Guam
Iwo Jima
They shipped from the United States on July 1, 1942 and returned
on approximately April 30, 1945. They served continuously
overseas for 34 months. They were awarded three Presidential
Unit Citations and two Navy Unit Citations.
The second flag to fly over Iwo Jima arrived with these men on
LST 779. This is the flag shown in the famous Iwo Jima photo.
They are recorded as having been recognized for the following:
First American offensive shots fired in WWII. First artillery
shot in preparation to support an amphibious landing in history.
They fired over 56,000 artillery rounds against the Japanese
I have watched the first episode of The Pacific on HBO and a
question arose in my mind. 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?
Thank you for any insight you can give me.
A Marine wife and Mother
Send your response to info@grunt.com
And I Quote...
"The Constitution, which at any time exists 'till changed by an
explicit and authentic act of the whole People, is sacredly
obligatory upon all."
--George Washington
Had to talk to the VA clinic today, responding to a voice mail
they left for me. I am now on minute 39 of ON HOLD! Welcome to
free medicine.
THIS JUST IN after 43 minutes on hold I get a human voice.
After researching my records, they have some info for me...you
guys are gonna love this. After reviewing my blood work (see
below) they determined that my cholesterol is too low (74) and
they want me to change my medicine so it can get higher.
Now I have been under the care of a what I consider a top notch
cardiologist for 2 1/2 years and the goal has been to keep my
cholesterol below 100 (I have some stints and the lower the
cholesterol the better). At my first visit to the clinic 3 days
earlier, the affable and senior doctor who saw me reviewed and
spoke with me about my medical records for the past 3 years. I
brought them with me, fresh from my cardiologist and
hemotologist/oncologist printing machines. We agreed on my
course of treatment and that I was going to stay in the private
world for treatment for as long as I had private insurance. He
kept my records. Now three days later, I find myself politely
explaining to the clerk on the phone that I would not change my
medicine, but thank you for the info. WELCOME to free
medicine.
I've had to have blood drawn at a private lab at least once,
occasionally twice, a week for the past 5 months, usually 3
large vials. NEVER was there a problem, except finding the vein
in my arm. Last Friday, my first time at the VA clinic, they
took 6 vials of blood. 4 hrs later they called me and said that
they dropped one vile and I had to come in and have more
drawn...months and over hundred vials with no problem at a
private lab. One time, 6 vials and 1 drop. Welcome to free
medicine.
Here's the part that is astounding to me. I had the opportunity
to enter an Agent Orange Study. I realized that it would not
help me on my quest with my effects of exposure to AO, but I
thought maybe, some of the guys from Nam in the years after me,
whose exposure has not yet manifested, might be able to be
helped. Off I go, 31 miles to the VA Hospital. I met a very
congenial man and he was very helpful. At the end of the 30
minute Q and A period he said he would like me to get a physical
so the hospital would have one on record. I told him I was
available all afternoon, that I had set the time aside for him
and whatever he wanted. He thanked me, handed me a piece of
paper and said "We will be in touch on when to come in, it will
be about 10 months." Welcome to free medicine.
This is CERTAINLY NOT a knock or derogatory tome about the VA
system, although those who use it see some room for improvement,
as is true anywhere I am sure. I am blessed, I can afford to
have a nice private insurance plan that I pay for myself, no
employer help. My fear is that if my recent experience with a
top notch facility and the very caring folks within the VA
system are this bogged down and busy, what will medical care be
like when we are shoved into a system where the facilities are
not top notch and the personnel actually have no vested interest
in the patient as our VA system does? Welcome to free medicine.
USMC Viet Nam Vet 68-69
Marine Wife Tattoo
I was in the Marines from 1960 to 1964. Just missed Viet Nam.
What I notice different about the Old Corps and the New Corps is
the equipment. WOW do the new guys have great gear. But it's
still the Marine and his rifle.
My dad was a 30 year Navy mustang. But when it became my time,
the Marines were the only choice for me. My uncle (Marine) was
at Midway, my son (Marine) was in desert storm, My Brother-in-
law was a Marine pilot in Vietnam and my Dad was at Pearl Harbor
on Dec 7th, 1941. Military service is just something we do.
Where I work, I see a lot of servicemen. A while ago I saw what
looked like Marines at a distance, but up close I saw the pants
were black. What? Then I saw the insignia, they were squids.
What's up with this? Marine wanna be's?
Ron Peugh
Corporal of Marines 1960 - 1964 HOORAH!
And I Quote...
"I think we have more machinery of government than is
necessary..."
--Thomas Jefferson
My son is 21 yrs old. Since he was in the 6th grade all he ever
wanted to be was a Marine. The dream came true when he signed
up while a high school senior. He graduated boot camp at
M.C.R.D in Feb of '08. After SOI graduation he was stationed in
Hawaii. He was deployed to Afghanistan last Spring and came
home in the Fall.
Now because of a boot who fell through the cracks he may be
discharged. This boot had to get a waiver for the ASVAT...he
scored a 31! Continued to fall through the cracks in boot camp
and SOI. This boot was not doing what he was supposed to be
doing that they are supposed to do. He accused my son and some
other Marines of hazing and assault. My son didn't touch this
boot because he knew what would happen and didn't want to ruin
his career. He did admit to verbal abusing him, but I don't
think it was any worse than what he himself got while in boot
camp/SOI.
My son was sent to the brig. It was supposed to be investigated
by N.C.I.S. How well I don't know. The first hearing didn't go
well because he was still in the brig. Now they are going after
the plt. sgt and lt. He is supposed to get out the of the brig
Fri. His court-martial is next wk. I hope it goes well and
that he can stay in the Corps. If he doesn't that he will get a
general/honorable discharge if possible. He only had a little
over 12 mos left on his contract and he was thinking of re-
enlisting.
What is so bad about this is that that boot was transferred to
Weapons and is staying in instead of getting out! Now tell me
is that fair? Where is the justice in that?
Edwina
PMM
Sgt Grit,
In January my wife and I took my oldest son to visit the Air
Force Academy in Colorado Springs. While my son was finishing up
with the coach he was meeting with and watching practice we went
to the Air Force Academy store. My wife can't help herself when
it comes to shopping. As we went to the registers to pay, the
cashier asked if I had a military ID? I still have my last ID
from my time in our glorious Corps, it expired in 1985. I said,
I did and produced it for her. She told me it had been at least
20 years since she had seen one like that. She said thank you
and gave me the discount. She said, you served our country you
are entitled to a discount.
My son was accepted to the Naval Academy and the Air Force
Academy. It took a long time for him to make his choice, but he
chose Air Force. I am on board with it and agree with him that
it is the best fit for him. He wants to become a doctor, and he
said if he doesn't get into med school, flying jets is not a bad
fallback career. He will be an outstanding officer someday and
will serve our country well.
Semper Fi,
Manuel Zaldivar
USMC 1979 - 1985
And My Mother Danced With Chesty Puller
Bruce Hoffman spent four years in the United States Marine
Corps. Two of those years were spent in Vietnam and Okinawa. And
My Mother Danced with Chesty Puller is the story of a young
Marine's adventures during the Vietnam War, sometimes humorous,
sometimes hair-raising.
And I Quote...
"If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by
money, and will promote the General Welfare, the Government is
no longer a limited one, possessing enumerated powers, but an
indefinite one."
--James Madison
Sgt Grit,
My name is Mike Aguirre. I was with Echo, 2/5. I joined the
Corps in 79 and one of the recruiting songs of that time was
something along the lines of "My, my, how things have changed,
how things have changed...Up in the morning with the rising
sun..." Any idea if you can recall that tune or if you know who
may have a recorded version?
Thanks much,
Mike Aguirre
Sgt.
USMC 80-84
Sgt.
I am sure many if not most Marines have experienced this.
When I enlisted I was just hanging around. Had no idea of what I
wanted to do in the future. I mean, I was a kid, didn't know
then, that I would have to leave home, get an education and a
job and support myself. That Mom and Dad would no longer be
doing that. But I also did not have a clue as to what I wanted
to do or how to go about doing that.
Was ignorant of the world out there. I think we all were.
I'm sure if everybody is honest in looking back, they were the
same, Yes, we all saw the news about Vietnam (back then), and
knew we would likely be drafted.
My grades weren't the best, and I bet many here can say the
same, so the draft was definitely in our future. Mom and Dad
couldn't afford to send me to college, besides as above I didn't
know what I wanted to study.
We all had different reasons for enlisting in the USMC. Some
noble, some as just to be doing something. Some to avoid being
drafted, and expecting our recruiter to have told us the truth.
Mine was Gomer Pyle USMC. A comedy TV program. But we all loved
Gomer, didn't we?
But now we were in and on way to boot camp. We were excited, and
a little apprehensive. Then all h&ll broke loose! Was not what
the recruiter told us and sure as h*ll not like Gomer Pyle. Not
like Goldie Hawn in Private Benjamin. Or in the movie the D. I.
At least not for me, Mom and Dad were not going to come take me
home.
Over all it was a good experience, and a learning experience,
but yet a fearful experience, and most if not all of us wondered
what we had done, and how to get out of it. Mom and Dad were not
there to give advice and help us.
Some of us were from small sheltered towns and didn't know what
to do with the myriad personalities around us. Let alone the
ogres from H*ll, the D. I.'s themselves. Come on everybody, be
honest they put the fear of God into all of us.
Then it was over. We were Marines. Well at least in name and
training. But I don't think we were ready yet to fulfill all the
name entitles. We still had a lot to learn. Learn all that it
means and to apply that.
Now, we were on to MOS schools for further training in different
skills. Again the thought let me out of here, I can't do this,
etc. But most survived and moved on once again. We learned
another piece of Marine.
Then for most onto Vietnam (today Iraq, etc). Now we have more
to learn. Hands on combat training, where there are no do overs,
and get me out of here. Learning to trust your brother (sister)
to cover your back. And more importantly, impressing on him
(her), that they CAN trust you to cover theirs. This is one of
the most valuable things you will take from the Corps. TRUST and
your word is your HONOR, you will NOT fail, You will NOT let
your Brother (sis) down.
But throughout our time in the Corps, we all have had a love it,
leave it, get me the H*ll out of here, can't wait till it's over
attitude.
Now we are civilians again, and something is missing. Sure we're
back home so are some of our school friends. But things have
changed. We each have had different schooling, training,
experiences. We the Marines, and them college and maybe work.
Suddenly it's not the same. Maybe different values. Like they
say, "you can't go back home!" So some of us return to what we
knew as home for the past 4 or so years, but we continue the
love hate relationship with the Corps. But admit it, many of us
were lost without it. Some never come back, many go into denial
for many years, that they missed the good and the bad times they
experienced. Even the D.I.'s and the combat. And mostly the
camaraderie they experienced with the ones that had truly been
there and done that with them.
Then slowly it invades their soul, I miss what I had, but I
don't want to re-enlist or I can't for various reasons. So then
they start looking for other ways to get back that old feeling
of belonging to something elite and that only a few can attain.
Other Marines. And here comes one of the final pieces of
training and learning of what a Marine is.
Yes he is a fighter and Warrior, like other warriors in the
past, but he has also more than that. He's learned that we truly
are a brotherhood, and that we miss our brothers. But also that
the MARINES, are country and community oriented, and we are
instilled from Boot Camp with the integrity to defend and
support our Country, Community, And those individuals that are
not capable of doing it themselves.
So we have come full circle back to our enlistment. Even though
back then (42 years for me), didn't realize it. Many of us join
a Marine Corps leagues, or VFW, or American legion. Some as
hangers on and others in an active role. I joined the FRA (Fleet
Reserve Association). I don't desire an active role with them
right now. But I spend every day talking up the Marines, trying
to be a better Marine than I ever was, and doing all I can
through the year to support the TOYS FOR TOTS.
So for me I have come full circle. No I am not active duty
anymore, but I feel I am more Marine now than before. As now I
am willingly living what they tried to teach me back then. It's
more than training, combat, schooling, or a job. It is a
lifestyle.
I see many service members getting out today and just going
away, not joining the many different service organizations. I
encourage one and all, that if you know of any, please guide
them along (gently) to becoming involved, coming full circle.
Life is not just a straight highway. Sometime you need to come
back full circle to your roots, to the beginning of your
journey.
And share and educate other you meet on the way and when you get
back. You know, we that have been there and done that, are the
best recruiters for our Corps. We can help get the best into our
ranks, to keep the Corps strong and vibrant. To keep us the Few
and the Proud For many that don't want to join the American
Legion and VFW, because they would be "lost" in a sea of all the
other branches.
Consider a FRA chapter. To join you have to be active duty,
retired, or Honorably discharged from the Marines, Navy, or
Coast Guard. Air Force, Army, Need not bother to apply, as you
cannot. Perhaps by doing so you too can come full circle, and
regain, or reclaim what you feel you have lost or is lacking in
your life. A feeling of belonging to something unique. A very
tight clique that only a limited few can belong to. One that
others will longingly look too, wishing they could be a member
of, but cannot.
I apologize for rambling, but hope you all were able to
understand what I was trying to say.
Semper Fi
Choo Choo
Sgt. of Marines (nla)
68-74 RVN 70-71
And I Quote...
"Human beings will generally exercise power when they can get
it, and they will exercise it most undoubtedly in popular
governments under pretense of public safety."
--Daniel Webster
Joseph Heller and the Fine Art of Reading Modern American
Literature.
Dear Sgt. Grit:
Once upon a time, I was a member of a Battalion Landing Team
which alternated between operating in the Zembales Training Area
and floating somewhere in the South China
Sea waiting for the proverbial balloon to go up.
I was blessed with a platoon sergeant who knew his business. As
a mustang lieutenant, I was also blessed with enough common
sense to know when and how to stay out of his way commensurate
with the good order and discipline of the platoon. This left me
a bit of free time. Having majored in English at the University
of South Carolina, one of my additional assigned duties was as
the company librarian. As such, whenever new books appeared for
distribution, my hands were the first they passed through on
their way to distribution. Within the third such delivery, a
paperback copy of Joseph Heller's Catch 22 appeared. This novel
was previously one of the required texts for Modern American
Literature. However, its meaning passed me by entirely during
the course of the class. Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's
Nest was much more to my liking. Having missed out on Catch 22
the first go-round, reading it a second time was irresistible.
The Hundred-Man Camp comprised a grid of Quonset huts set upon
concrete slabs on the road between Mainside and Cubi Point. I
was dressed in an olive green t-shirt, matching swimming trunks,
pink flip-flops, and a utility cover pulled low over my eyes
against the fierce tropical noon-time sun. Engrossed in the
novel, and having just passed the part where Major Major Major
Major decided to slip out the back hatch rather than deal with
Yossarian, some our battalion staff's characteristics came to
mind. This time, the book made much more sense.
I was laughing fit-to-be-tied.
A familiar voice floated toward me from out of nowhere. It was
the Battalion Commander: a somewhat elderly Lieutenant Colonel
of Engineers embarked on his twilight tour. My chair was leaning
back against the relatively cool corrugated steel wall.
Commensurate with my Parris Island training, I immediately
snapped to attention and my right index finger rose to touch the
intersection of my utility cover's brim and bill: upper arm
parallel to the deck, lower arm straight between elbow and index
finger with the palm rotated sufficiently so that just the back
of the hand was visible. A picture-perfect salute. The steel
chair clattered into the gravel.
"Good afternoon, Colonel", says I.
"What's so funny, Lieutenant?", says the colonel with just
enough ice in his voice to preclude a flippant response. "What
are you reading?"
"Catch 22, sir."
"Am I to believe that there is something in your current set of
circumstances which reminds you of that book?"
"I was hoping the Colonel wouldn't ask me that", says I.
A conspiratorial sly grin spread across his face: "Well carry
on, Lieutenant; I trust when you make field grade you'll
remember Heller's lessons."
"Aye, aye, sir."
Approximately forty years have elapsed since then. That
encounter comes to mind from time-to-time, and I pass on some of
Heller's lessons-learned to my son, who will be commissioned
into the Navy in May.
He called the other day to thank me for some of the leadership
lessons he's absorbed: such as praising in public and
criticizing in private, letting the troops know that their
welfare must be perceived as being on similar footing with the
overall mission, and that the commander's position is always at
the back end of the chow-line. The main lesson is to lead in the
same manner as you would prefer to be led.
KB
Sgt Grit,
Ran across these in a pile of old photos- unless your deuce
gear looks like this don't even think of talking to me about
"old Corps" LOL
Semper Fi
Tyler Therrien
Ashland, MO.
Cpl. EAS 7/87
And I Quote...
"Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character."
--1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) .
Dear Sgt Grit,
My husband of 40 years just passed away on March 19, 2010. By
his own hand. He was with the Marines Hotel 2/5 1st Squad, 1st
Platoon 1st Marine Division as a Sergeant. He was in Hue City
during the 1968 Tet Offensive He got 3 purple hearts and 8 other
medals. What a sad day for our family. I pray he has found
peace, and will not be fighting the war in his mind anymore. He
was a great man, but the pain was just too much for him to bear
anymore. Thanks for all your newsletters.
Wife Linda
Hi Sarge,
Tonight's bantering between MARINES and the Navy reminds me of
several years ago when my granddaughter and I were in Nassau,
Bahamas, Two sailors asked if they could sit with us and we said
ok. Well me and my smart mouth said oh yes you are a small part
of the MARINE CORPS to which they replied who do you think signs
their pay checks. My answer was "that's a privilege we allow
you". They said I needed a talking to. Barb and I got a big
kick out of them.
GOD BLESS our MARINES
Ellie (mother of former MARINE now guarding Heaven's gates.
Back in Feb/10 I attended a wake for a friend's father. I
noticed the Flag on the casket and asked about their fathers
service, he was 84. They said Dad was Marine which made me
offer him a big Semper Fi brother and also one to his kids.
When I was looking at many photos of this lively old guy
something caught my eye about Iwo Jima veterans.
As I asked further details of my friend he said Dad was Corpsmen
and served with the Marines so I guess he's not really a Marine.
I quietly corrected my friend and said of course his Dad was
Marine and always be remembered that way among the Marines he
served with and saved on Iwo. We laughed cause they said Dad got
shot in the can while on Iwo and had joked that he couldn't keep
his big butt out of the line of fire. It's easy to see how that
happened, when leaning over a wounded Marine.
This fine man and FMF corpsmen died on Feb 19, 2010, 65 years to
the day that the Marines landed on Iwo Jima--strange cosmic vibe
there, he was 19 in Feb 1945.
Daniel J. Danhauer Sr
FMF Corpsmen
Iwo Jima Veteran
lived most of his life in the Chicago area and passed peacefully
on Feb 19, 2010
Semper Fi Mac,
OLY Olson, Sgt
I am writing in response to the letter written by Andrew
Mathias. First of all he made a broad generalization about young
people in the 16-18 year old age group. I do not believe we
should stereotype people in this way. I found his letter very
disrespectful towards young poolies and recruits. They deserve a
lot of credit for making the decision to join the Marines at
such a young age. It's a very adult decision and requires a lot
of thought and courage to make such a decision.
Let me tell you about my young poolie. This kid's parents
abandoned him when he was 5 weeks old. That's when I took him in
and raised him as my own as a single parent I might add. He
calls me "MOM" and he feels every bit like my own. He is 17 now
and he has brought a lot of joy to my life. Especially since my
daughter passed away when he was 2. He has gone through anxiety
and abandonment issues growing up and he has worked through it.
Yeah he acts like a know it all at times, but he is a very good
kid and has always made good decisions. He has been involved
with music since the 5th grade when he started playing the
clarinet. He went on to learn the bass clarinet, tuba, bass
guitar and the bari-sax. He has been in marching band, concert
band, orchestra, the winter ensemble and has played for our high
school's musical for the last 4 years. He has also been in
regional honors band and state's honor band. All of that
requires a lot of discipline don't you think Mr. Andrew Mathias?
He talked about enlisting in the Corps several years ago and
sent for information when he was about 12. On the second day of
school this year, his senior year the recruiter called and he
made an appointment to see him the next day. Sounding like the
military commercials that are on TV, we talked about it that
evening. I told him that I would support any decision he would
make. The next day when he came back with the recruiter from his
appointment. The recruiter told me that he wanted to become a
Marine. He asked me if I would sign a paper giving him
permission to make his own decision. I couldn't say no. In my
heart of hearts I wanted this for him for awhile but I never
told him that. I am actually swelled with pride with his
decision and his future as a Marine.
The funny thing is you wouldn't know it by looking at him. His
hair is quite long. So I am sure if Andrew Mathias saw this kid
on the street he would stereotype him as a long hair rebellious
teen. His hair is only his musician look. He grew it long to
donate it for locks of love. He is also a regular blood donor.
He is very into physical fitness and watches what he eats and
works out on a regular basis.
Let me tell you how dedicate he is, this past weekend, March
18th-20th, we had our musical at the high school. After going to
school on Thursday he had a performance that evening and we got
home near 11:00p.m. He went to school on Friday, came home and
ate, went to the gym and back up to school for Friday's
performance. On Saturday he got up at 7:00p.m. drove an hour
away for his IST came home got ready for yet two more
performances on Saturday. I might add he played two instruments
during the show. We got home around 11:00p.m. that night. That's
just a little sample of how dedicated he is to both the Marine
Corps and his role as a musician.
By the way he didn't sleep in the next day, he got up and went
to the gym. I hope and pray that he chooses to go into one of
the Marine bands because he is very gifted and talented. I'm not
just saying that because I'm his MOM, I'm saying that because
it's true. He says he wants to go into infantry because he wants
to make a difference. If there are any Marine band members out
there I'd like to hear from you. Well Mr Andrew Mathias before
you decide to stereotype anyone again just keep this story in
mind.
Yours Truly,
Linda L. Bentley, Future Mother Of A Marine
And I Quote...
"By their victory, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and
other units of the Fifth Amphibious Corps have made an
accounting to their country which only history will be able to
value fully. Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island,
uncommon valor was a common virtue."
--Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, U.S. Navy
Just to let you know how much we enjoy your website. Yesterday
was the third annv. of receiving the "knock on the door" telling
us our USMC hero had been killed in an auto accident after a
training mission at Camp Pendleton.
We appreciate our continued link to the USMC and truly enjoy the
newsletter.
My husband has two brothers who are USMC vets from Vietnam era
(one served in country) that also benefit from the purchases we
make from you.
Thanks again and God Bless!
Mike and Jennifer
Grit,
Would you post a message on your weekly newsletters and / or
face book about a homecoming for a wounded Marine? Sgt Bouchards
Humvee hit a I.E.D and he lost a leg and other injuries..Another
Marine was wounded and 3 Marines were KIA'D.
He was supposed to come home about 2 months ago but required
more surgery. Just received phone call he is suppose to come
home April 3rd..I or the fire dept Capt that is in charge of our
city's part of his trip can send you all the required info on
his arrival etc. Would love to see every square inch of roadway
with a Marine or American Flag...MCL Westfield River Valley
chapter 141 for which I am a member of will be present along
with the CT Leathernecks motor cycle unit who will escort him
hopefully from CT/Ma state line all the way to his house..Still
getting everything worked out.
Semper Fi
Mike Redfern
Just wanted to say my Marine came home from Iraq. He was
stationed at Al-Asad, Iraq, with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
out of Cherry Point, NC. Back in Sept. he made Marine of the
Quarter for his unit (VMAQ-3). Talk about a proud mom. I had to
go to work and let everyone who would listen to me. I have my
yellow ribbon on my tree and a blue star banner in the window,
for all service members. I live in a military family. Both
father and step-father put in 20 years in the Air Force (SAC).
Yes I am an Air Force brat. My older brother just retired Ai4r
Force (Motor Pool). I have a brother that a Marine, a brother-
in-law in the Air Force, a nephew just went in the Army and my
son-in-law just got out of the Army. I had 5 uncles (my
mother's brothers) were Merchant Marines. God bless all our
military, no matter what country they are from.
Semper Fi
Proud Marine Mom
Denise Burgett
Lorain, OH
And I Quote...
"Being ready is not what matters. What matters is winning after
you get there."
--LtGen Victor H. Krulak, USMC
April 1965
Mom Decal
Dad Decal
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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