Sgt. Grit,
Have I got a story for you...

Tuesday, I had just left the YMCA after swimming to go pick up some prescriptions before going to work. I had arrived at CVS and pulled into my parking space, I grabbed my wallet, got out of my car and noticed that there was an elderly gentleman staring at my license plate.

He then stopped me and asked me where I was from. I told him that I lived in South Carolina and was up visiting family while my husband was away. Then he noticed my bumper stickers, (courtesy of Sgt. Grit :) ) and my T-shirt, which was my husband's green Marines shirt from boot camp. He complimented my shirt, and asked if my husband was in Iraq. I, of course, told him that he was there, and will be home in three months. He then asked if I had a blue star service flag, which to my amazement, is the one thing I do NOT have that is Marine related. (Until now) He scurried over to his car and got one out for me. He handed it to me, grabbed my hand and said, "I want to thank you for the service that your husband is doing". I was speechless. He then said "I know it's hard being over there, I was in World War 2". I was in shock. So many things were going through my mind. But, I surpassed being speechless and replied to him by saying, "I want to thank YOU for the service that you have done being a veteran". He was still a very determined man and said once again, "Thank you for what your husband is doing". He kissed my hand, and asked permission to give me a hug, and I very much accepted. He wished me a very good day and we went our separate ways.

While driving to work, I called my mom, because I HAD to tell someone, and she started crying on the phone, which made me cry also. But she said to me, "chivalry is NEVER dead".

What would have happened to my day if I had decided to go into work early, or if I decided to pick up my prescription later in the day? As my mother always says, "Things happen for a reason".

I was shocked to hear a thank you for what my husband is doing -- it's amazing how my generation has become so hateful to people they don't know and the same people that make the ability to have an opinion possible. My husband has been deployed for 4 months now, and that is the first time I have EVER heard a thank you for his service. And it was a fantastic feeling. It should happen more often.

As time goes on, World War 2 veterans are becoming very scarce; 65 years after that war has ended. I felt very honored to have him talk to me. The only thing I am kicking myself for is that I did not get his name.

Thank you Sgt. Grit for your products... Because of them, I got stopped by a World War 2 veteran.

Sincerely, Proud Marine Wife of LCpl Caleb Mudge -ALEXA

There is no Better Man Than a Marine No Love is Greater Than That From a Marine Good Thing I Have One On Hand Come Home Safe

Sgt. Grit,
I recently volunteered to the Joe Foss Institute as a veteran of the Korean era, to speak at schools to children about patriotism, freedom and virtue that we stand for here in America. I have been studying the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, trying to discern what to tell the fourth thru sixth graders about how our great country came about and how they need to understand how they can prepare to defend our freedoms from within and without. There are enemies in both areas that are determined to destroy our way of life. I started to read the June 25th edition, and my answer came to me in the first two pages of letters to you. If I just read those first two letters from Poolee Connely and Tom Segal and the quote by John Stuart Mill, I could, with proper emphasis, get across the meanings of Patriotism, Honor and Fidelity to these young kids to make good Americans of all 50 of them,

Thanks for your assistance,

Sgt. Joe Heath, USMC-V '49-57.

yeah, I'm an old Marine...Vietnam, to be exact.

I just want to tell those who are unaware that my experience in making it through boot camp at MCRD Pendleton not only changed my life then, but things that I encountered then still continue to influence me today.

When I finished my basic training in the 1st Battalion I was instilled with an enormous sense of self-awareness, self- discipline, and self-pride.

To this day, those qualities have not only never diminished, they have always continued to flourish and grow.

There is no way that I could ever be the person I am today if it were not for the USMC.

Semper Fi.

And a hale and hardy, "OO-RAH!"

Michael J Nichols Deerfield, WI

"[H]owever weak our country may be, I hope we shall never sacrifice our liberties. "

Alexander Hamilton

Hello All, My name is Kim and my husband is currently in Habbaniya, Iraq. I just wanted to say that I love this website, it makes me know that we are not all alone. A Good friend of my husband and me is also a Marine. His mother has a "Support Our Troops" magnet on her car and went shopping somewhere. As she was leaning into her passenger side door to grab her forgotten purse, she turned around to find a man standing almost directly in her face. He was quite upset and asked her if she actually believed in her magnet. She responded with a nod and said "My son is a Marine, I support him and all military members." And unbelievably, he spit on the ground at her foot and said "F**K You." And walked away. I couldn't believe this story. My stomach churned and I couldn't, and still can't believe there are people in this country that can think like that one unpleasant man. I'm not sure, being a Marine wife, if I could have stood there and watched him walk away. My husband didn't teach me everything and anything about the Marines for me to have not defended my thoughts and my pride and my country. Thank You for the amazing website. Keep up the great work! OORAH!

Kim Hempe
~Proud Wife of LCPL Mark Hempe

"History does not entrust the care of freedom to the weak or timid."

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Hello, I wanted to share a hand-painted USMC emblem (painted on cotton fabric) that I just finished this July 4th weekend. It will be used in a quilt that will be given to a US Marine. I used special transparent fabric dyes that leave the fabric soft so that I can quilt through it easily enough. Also, I recently finished a quilt top for a USMC vet and just wanted to share a photo. I greatly enjoy reading your newsletter and just received your fabulous catalog in the mail! God bless you for putting out your fine products and this newsletter too!

Warmest Regards,

Sandy Tuzinski Bloomington, MN

Each time I read the "News Letter" I still am chilled to learn how every Marine feels about the "Corps". I entered P.I in April of 56 (the days of 'thumping') and still have special dreams of returning even though we lived in Quonset huts and buried those sand flies. I wear my tat's proudly as I do the many items purchased from the "Sgt"

Semper Fidelis,
Don Reilly

this is my truck. after loosing my son on his 2nd tour in the war. i keep in touch with his platoon and join them every year for Marine birthday and veterans day. they are my close family as they were of my son. I'm proud of them all. it's been 4 yrs and i will keep this until i die. MARINES rule thank you

Hi Sgt Grit, Could you pass this info to as many contacts as possible for assistance: My son's (Chris Bello) FOB with 3/6 in Iraq burned down and 50 Marines lost everything:
War On Terror News

Thanks
Semper Fi
Alex Bello 1stSgt (Ret.)
USMC 76-99

"No people in history have ever survived who thought they could protect their freedom by making themselves inoffensive to their enemies. "

Dean Acheson, Sec. Of State under Pres. Truman

As it is said often, "Once a Marine, always a Marine". Once you are a Marine parent, no one can take that away from you, so you will always be a Marine parent, as you have raised great men and women, who serve or have served this country with honor.

Ken Barnhart
Still a Marine!

Marine Mom Victoria
In my humble opinion, we Marines pride ourselves in Semper Fidelis. "Always" is just that. I consider myself once and always a Marine and all Marines my brothers and sisters. So if my vote has any weight, you too shall carry the banner that is associated with "Always". With that comes the honor of getting well placed salutes and hellos from fellow Marines and their families, as well as a few ill-placed gestures from those we protect. You will also be required to pray for all those serving, past and present and for their families, especially their moms as you truly understand their pain and anguish. You will be called upon to contribute to the local fallen hero funeral through food, spiritual support, and by "all means necessary". And as a mom of Marines, past, present, and future, you can expect and demand that we too follow your lead and example and add in the same way we ask of you. Welcome to the family and be careful what you wished for!

G Torres VMA 513

"It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth-and listen to the song of that syren, till she transforms us into beasts. "

Patrick Henry

my oldest son LCPL Jeremiah Savage was kia in Ramadi Iraq may 12 2004 the day before his funeral at Arlington his younger brother Jon had an EGA done in honor of his brother between his shoulder blades. This past April he decided to join the Corps also... and he had his Tattoo finished this past weekend.... his lil sister Chelsea also had a tattoo done this week to honor both of her brothers both Marines i am attaching the pics of their tats

Eva Proud Mom

Sgt. Grit -

I have made a few posts before, mostly because I sit and actually read all the posts that are posted in the Newsletter and Encourager. I commend you and your Staff for a job well done and appreciate the chance to keep in touch and express feelings through your site. Please post this as I feel this should be noted by all readers:

In the Newsletter #177 of 26 June 2008, there was a post from Frank Schaeffer, a writer for the Washington Post regarding his Son who joined our beloved Corps. For those readers who did not read it, please do.

I want to express to Mr. Schaeffer that it is never to late to step up and realize what this Country and the brave Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen do for us. To know a Marine is splendid. To be a Marine is without a doubt, one of the highest honors an American can bestow upon their Country. Mr. Schaeffer, your Son is now a part of the most elite fighting force in the World and part of a Family that has a bond that no man can break. Be proud of your Son and express to him, how proud you are of him. I am a U.S. Marine and I tell my Son frequently how proud I am of him and the sacrifice he has chosen to give as well.

It is 'better late, than never' and you have now realized that. Be proud of your Marine and always support him.

JD - Sgt. of Marines '79-85'

"Good news that isn't news. American forces are having great success in Iraq and Afghanistan. You have to dig deep to find the stories."

On Monday, June 23rd, I attended a funeral for a family friend who had served with the Army in WWII. A military honor guard was there and is made up of veterans from various branches. The guard was lined up between the hearse and the burial site with one member at front end with a sword, at parade rest. That was the first time I had seen a guard member with a sword. As the casket was escorted by three members of the guard to the burial site, one member, a female, stood out like a sore thumb. The guard wears a grey uniform with a barracks cover. Each member wears an emblem of their branch of service. The female wore the EGA, her uniform squared away. The other members looking pretty sloppy. She looked, walked and wore her uniform like a Marine. Later I saw the sword bearer, I should have realized that he was a Marine. Looked sharp. The female member was the only one that rendered a proper salute. But then again, the other guards are between 50 and 70+, so that is somewhat understandable. Made me proud of them and the Corps.

Semper Fi
Frank D Briceno 1914866
USMC/USMCR

Good Day Sgt. Grit.

First let me say thank you for the amazing (often tear causing) newsletter that gets emailed to me weekly. I look forward to Wednesdays because I know it's coming.

I wanted to tell you about an experience I recently had with my brother who is a Marine. First let me give you a little history. I am younger than him by four years, yet always seemed to be the big sister and we are really close. He always wanted to join the Marines (like our father) but bad decisions led him down a different path. At 25, he decided enough was enough and joined the Marines. I think I am more proud of him than anyone in my family because I saw the reality of his bad choices. I loved seeing him as a mature, disciplined, and proud Marine. I attended every graduation (even the SOI) and proudly speak about him any chance I get. This past Memorial Day weekend, I drove to Twenty-nine Palms to spend the long weekend with him and my sister-in-law. Upon arriving, I told him that we needed to do something to remember all the fallen troops. He agreed with me, although we both did not know how we were going to do it. We both continued to ponder what we could do while his wife suggested we go to a talent show up on base. It sounded fun so we got ready and drove up on base. The talent show was amazing and funny. Some of those Marines have some serious talent. The one that caught my attention was a very large man. He got up to sing. He said this is for everyone we have lost and everyone we will lose, and began to sing the National Anthem. Immediately, the second the song began, every Marine in the house was standing at a tension. WHAT A SIGHT!

I began to cry and my sister-in-law didn't understand it. I could only explain it as an overwhelming feeling of pride that I was able to be present for an awesome moment. I was proud that we have an amazing country that our service men and women freely fight for what they believe in. I was so thankful that I got to experience that with my brother and his brothers.

Thank you to everyone who has served, is serving, or will serve. You're all in my heart, always!

Jennifer B.
Proud Daughter & Sister of a UNITED STATES MARINE!

"Our cause is noble; it is the cause of mankind!"

George Washington

Please help me get the word out that American Legion Riders from Chapters in San Diego and Orange County, California will be taking gift cards to Camp Pendleton's Wounded Warriors and their families on SUN 7/13. This will probably be the first of many visits to the Wounded Warrior West Battalion so any cards not received by 7/13, will make it to them ASAP. We've been told they cannot accept cash gifts but gift cards (e.g. food or chain stores) are appreciated because they like to shop off base when their families visit and eat somewhere other than the chow hall. Many of our Legion Riders are disabled and a number are Purple Hearts and/or Combat Vets so please pray that we'll be a blessing to these Warriors and their families plus build some bridges with Camp Pendleton for on-going support of many who struggle with PTSD.

David Noland, USN SCDV & father of a Marine SGT
American Legion Riders Chapter 146

Gentlemen:

I read with great interest the note to "Jeremy", which was the lead-off article in he most recent issue of Sgt. Grit's ongoing effort. I wholly concur with the author of that article. I served for about 12 years in THE CORPS, during the years some people even spat on those of us who served our country, reaching the rank of Captain.

I expressed, for many years, the mood of the article to Jeremy in this way: "I will fight for your right to be wrong." Nothing I could think of was more revealing of the overall philosophy of THE CORPS.

T. L. Cain, Captain, 061045, USMC

Dear Sgt. Grit.

I've been writing about my Marine years to pass on to my great grandchildren. I enlisted as the Korean war was closing, but didn't land there. Did cruse the waters as the korean were always war-ing about something.

I read your e-mails every time, and love almost everything. It was a true honor to wear those herringbone battle dress of WW2 and Korea. When we were issued that uniform, it was sacred, with the USMC and eagle, globe and anchor on the front pocket. That uniform was made sacred by the blood of all those Marines who sanctified it in battles we only read about. I became a sergeant, and it was truly an honor to lead the Marines who were in my company. As I write about those years, I recall great men, brothers in arms, and couldn't think of any I didn't respect. We had great officers, and non-coms that make up a great Marine Corps. One of my sons is now in the Corps, and will be deployed in April.

Keep up your outstanding job of keeping us together.

Semper Fidelis
Jim Wade 1533271

Soon after being transferred to a new duty station, my Marine husband called home to tell me he would be late - again.

He went on to say that dirty magazines had been discovered in the platoon's quarters and they had to discipline the whole squad. I launched into a tirade, arguing that many men had pictures hanging in their quarters at our previous post, so his new platoon should not be penalized for something trivial.

My husband calmly listened to my gripes and then explained, "Honey, dirty magazines: the clips from their rifles had not been cleaned."

"Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Brief!"

Sgt.grit,
it motivates the crap out of me to have found your site. Hearing stories of both vets and current marines alike makes me proud as hell to say that I will be leaving for parris island on july 21 to join the ranks of the few and the proud. I may not be a marine yet but esprit de corps is still there. Oooh-rah! - Michael fingulin dep since february 2.
Semper fidelis y'all.

I am proud to say that I am a vet. I served in the us marines from 1968 to 1970. When people ask me if I was in nam, and give them my answer they look at me as if im a murderer or something. When I mentioned to them that freedom doesn't come free, well they just don't get it.

I was a sergeant in the mike 3/12 unit and I can proudly say im a american who is proud to have fought for my country.

Semper Fi!
Dp

My son served 6 years in the USMC. His discharge was this last week. The 4th of July, as I've been told, since as of today I still have not seen him since he went on a 10 day vacation with the wonderful young woman he is to marry and her family. I am one of the proudest Mothers in this Country and it was an Honor to give Birth to a man who would become a USMC. Jesse was born to be a Marine! I remember the day he first saw the image of the Marine climbing to the top in that commercial. He was about 8 years old. He was playing "war" with his friends in Valrico, Fl.. He stopped dead in his tracks and watched. He looked at me and I told him "That is a man". He just stood there and looked at me and said, "Mom, That's Me!". Yes it was, as it turned out to be. He has been to Iraq. Afghanistan, the Philippines and ALL over the world. It is all Thanks to the United States Marine Corps. I would like to take this opportunity to Thank the USMC for making my son, who is so dear to my heart the man he is today. Thanks to the USMC I know that he will be a success in his life and always hold dear the traditions and honor they instilled in him. I just hope that a small part of it was due to his father and I.

Thank you,
The Extremely Proud MOM of Sgt. Jesse Wayne Linville.

"Diplomacy without force is like music without instruments."

Fredrick the Great

I'm the Proud Aunt of a new Marine, one year in as of June, 2008. I found Sgt. Grit while searching on the internet for some Marine based items.

Found the cammo latex bracelet with USMC embossed on them. I bought one for every family member to wear during his time in Boot camp. Mine means so much to me, that I plan to keep mine on for his entire 5 years of duty (or longer if he re-enlists!) I have not taken it off since the day I put it on in May, 2007. It's my prayer bracelet of sort, and I send up many silent prayers on a daily basis. It has given me the opportunity to share about the Marines and to ask for prayer request for all of our brave men and women in the military, as well as all of the family members keeping the home fires burning.

I so enjoy reading the newsletter, from the new recruit family members; to the seasoned vets and about those that have gone on to guard the golden streets. It gives a sense of connection for the extended family members. Thanks for having such an outlet available..

God Bless every current, future and past Marine that so proudly served our county.

Thank you,

Janet Hardin Arkansas
Very Proud Aunt of Lance Corporal Steve Eason

Sgt. Grit I want to tell about a friend of mine now guarding those golden streets. Pfc. Hobart ezell, from knoxville tn. Unfortunately I can not remember his unit. But he was a flamethrower marine at iwo. As I recall his story he only lasted four days till he took a bullet in the knee. This is my way of saying thank you to him today.

George ellis, s/sgt. 780Th fab

You will want to make sure and open and read the Sgt Grit Newsletter next week. I have been reading and adding the FNG stories. They are outstanding, funny, clever, unique. And many, many of them.

Sgt Grit

"There ain't no ticks like poly-ticks, Bloodsuckers all."

Davy Crockett

Dear Sgt Grit
Our Daddy (as he always likes to be called) has passed away and has now joined the ranks of other fellow Marines. He was a Veteran of both World War II (Espiritu Santo, Munda, Bougainville, Green Islands, Emirau Island, & PELELIU) and the Korean campaigns. He got out of the Corps at the end of the Korean campaign as a Gunnery Sergeant but still needed excitement and camaraderie in his life so he became a Volunteer Fire Fighter in his home town of Fort Washington, Pa. With all the Battles he fought the last was the worse, Asbestosis. Daddy has left an indelible mark on everyone he has ever met-even those who never knew him. To some he is loving, funny, witty, or daring -- to some he is the best son, brother, cousin, loved- one, Father, Friend, Godfather, Marine, Fire Fighter or person they have ever known. We realized that Daddy is not gone. We just can't see him anymore. He let us know in so many ways that he is still with us. That was the first miracle and there are many more to come. We always knew how blessed we were to have him and we still are blessed. Daddy was always here for everyone in life and now he is our Guardian Angel forever.

He loved this saying and he knew he made a difference -

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The MARINES don't have that problem."

President Ronald Reagan - 1985

"I was that which others did not want to be, I went where others feared to go and did what others failed to do, I asked nothing from those that gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness should I fail, I have cried, pained and hoped; but most of all I have lived times others would say are best forgotten. At least every day I can be proud of what I was and will ALWAYS be...A United States Marine!"

-Marlin J. Miller

I just finished reading your American Courage Newsletter #177 - 26 June 2008. I just wanted to tell you that I love to receive and read each and every newsletter. Each article I read brings tears to my eyes. Every feeling is my feeling! There are so many brave men and women in our country....it continues to amaze me at the thousands that continue to join our military....many knowing they will be going to war!

You see....my son, Mario Alberto Anes, joined the Marine Corps. the day after he graduated from Nikki Rowe High School in McAllen, Texas at 18 in 2004. Mario's dream was always to play college football...football was his love. After 9-11, he mentioned a couple of times that he would like to do something to help guarantee our freedom and to prevent another 9-11. Ok I thought...ok son. Never did I imagine he would do that. At the beginning of the Iraq War, (he was 17 years old) he was so energized and kept saying I want to be a Marine....as soon as I turn 18, I'm joining. He said, Tio David joined the Marine Corps. (My younger brother, Sgt. David C. Menchaca). He too felt this is what he needed to do and gave 4 years to the Marine Corps to do his part. Once again I thought, ok son, ok....never did I think he would do just that!

The day after he turned 18, he came home and said, "Ok mom, I joined!" I said, "Joined what?" "The Marine Corps.".....stunned I protested and finally I said, "Well as long as it isn't in the front lines"....My son said, "Infantry"....I said, "What is that?" "He said, "The front line"....Chills, tears, trembling, fear.....so many emotions!

My son left for boot camp May 30, 2004.....I saw him again about 13 weeks later....a totally change man....a Marine....one of the few, the proud, a Marine! He was stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and was deployed to Camp Blessing, Afghanistan in 2005 and then 8 short months after returning from there, they were deployed to Haditha, Iraq.

As all family members know, having a son or daughter or loved-one at war is one of the hardest things we will ever face....it seems like there is nothing else worse in the world than living those minute by minute days and sleepless nights.....praying for their safe return. My son has now completed his 4 years with the Marine Corps. and is back home going to the application process with the Texas Department of Public Safety. I continue being proud of him....he set out to make his mark in history....to do his part in the fight against terrorism.....to do his part in continuing to guarantee our freedom.....he saved some lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.....and helped stabilize 2 countries....I am very proud of him. He currently is applying for Texas State Trooper as he says he wants to continue serving and protecting.

My son.....like so many other sons and daughters, just needed to "do his part"......thank God for men and women such as these......I invite everyone to read "My Miracle Marine" by Connie McClellen about her son, John McClellan, a 3 time Purple Heart recipient....my son helped save his life in Iraq. It is a very emotional and heart-warming story about a mother's faith and prayer for her son's recovery! You can go to mymiraclemarine.com for more information.

Love,
Nilda M. Anes
McAllen, Texas

"The free man is he who does not fear to go to the end of his thought. "

Leon Blum, French politician

Just wanted to drop a line to let you know that I truly agree with several others who have posted stories/comments before me. Our Marines ARE truly the BEST of the BEST! My daughter is a Marine and obviously the pride and joy of my life! My father recently passed away from Multiform Glioblastoma brain cancer. My daughter, LCpl Adams, Ashley took her Red Cross notification to Arizona to be there with her "big buddy". Unfortunately, she arrived in Phoenix from Camp Foster, Okinawa Japan the day after her grampa passed away. Anyway, since my father was cremated and the Memorial Service wasn't until May 31st, in Illinois (where we are all from), my daughter was unable to attend the Memorial.

My father served in the Army National Guard during the Korean Conflict and left the Army as a 1st Sgt. He remained state side due to the loss of his brother, Robert Vaughn, who lost his life returning from WWII. However, the fact that my dad was Army National Guard didn't matter and the recruiters in our local office which Ashley bugged and pestered constantly as to how soon could she leave for boot camp, offered and asked if it would be okay if they, the US Marines, present my mother with the US Flag at my Dad's Memorial. When I gently reminded them that my dad was Army and not USMC, they simply told me it didn't matter.

My daughter, his granddaughter is a US Marine, she wasn't able to attend and the "Marine Corps Family" doesn't just extend to the Marine and his/her parents, it also includes the rest of the immediate family. These 2 young men, US Marines, went above and beyond the call of duty and although it was a very difficult day (the Memorial Service), they truly made myself and the remainder of my family feel very special and very loved! Our Marines do NOT receive the accolades, praises, and thanks that they deserve! Nor, do they realize how much the simplest task/words/actions have an everlasting effect of people!

I thank God EVERY day for these recruiters and it will break my heart when they leave our southern Chicago suburb to return to their units, however, they will ALWAYS be part of my immediate family and I will NEVER forget what they have done for my family, my daughter and myself! God bless each and every young person who chooses to become a united states marine! Thanks to these 2 recruiters, my eyes have been reopened to the true meaning of "family" again. If anyone is from this area and is wondering, these 2 recruiters are SSgt Licona and Sgt Vasquez! God Bless them and keep them safe ALWAYS as with ALL of our Marines! Thank you so VERY much for considering my personal story to put on your pages. Thanks!

PROUD Marine Mom
Valerie V Adams
Mother of: LCpl Ashley N Adams - USMC

Hello to all,
I am writing in response to the Proud Mom of Marine Sgt. Clark. Let me first thank your son for his honorable service. My son served 8 years in the Corps. Also served in Iraq. He has been out since 2006. I had the same feelings as you! I wondered, can I still call myself a Marine Mom, and I felt as though I was leaving my family behind. It was almost like I was experiencing my own separation anxiety, and loneliness. How silly!

My stickers are still on my car, and my American flag still waves proudly on the house. I support our troops, and pay honor to my son, who so bravely called himself a Marine, and still does to this day. It never goes away. I truly understand the meaning of "once a Marine, always a Marine". It comes from within, a feeling bigger than life itself. A brotherhood whose chain cannot be broken. So, Proud Mom, continue to shine in your son's service to our great country. We have also earned the right to always be Marine Moms. Stay proud, stand strong, and SEMPER FI

As a former Marine, 1979-87 I have a real soft spot for our Wounded Vets. I've been a Fly-fishing guide for 15 years and try to do my part any way I can. A few years ago a Navy Capt Ed Nicholson started a program to teach wounded Vets the fine art of Fly-fishing and Tying. For the past 2 years the Project Healing Waters has had a fishing tournament in VA for Vets and their families to practice what they had learned. Along with some 15 other professional guides we were paired with a vet and we fished 2 beats on the Rose River in VA to raise money for PHW. Number of fish plus 2 measured fish are added together to find the winners. Last year I had the honor to be paired with a fellow Marine 1ST LT. who had lost his lower extremities to an IAD, and who had never flyfished before. With the cooperation of the fish he landed the most fish out of all the vets, not bad for his first time. I am so proud of these young men and women who have taken up the call and are upholding the honor and traditions of our CORPS! Attached is a pic. Semper Fi !

Harold Harsh
Retired Sgt HMM-264

"The United States leads the world in too many areas for us to start imitating those who are trailing behind. "

Thomas Sowell

Service Flag, USA Flag and USMC Emblem Pin

Oohrah with Eagle Globe and Anchor Pin

God Bless America!
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done.
Gung Ho
Sgt Grit

New Items

Eagle Globe and Anchor Heart Silver Bracelet Marine Rub on Transfers USMC Dad Blanket Marine Brat Day Bag Semper Fidelis T-Shirt Marine Girl Overalls Daddy Went to Iraq T-shirt Daddy Went to Iraq Onsie Brown & Black Leather Wallet Real Men Raise Marines - Proud Dad Plaque All Our New Items

Only While In Stock

Proud Parent Long Sleeved T-Shirt Martial Arts Mug - Now $10.49 Marine Cowboy Hat - Now $26.60 View All Closeouts

Sgt Grit Newsletter VS AmericanCourage Newsletter:

You receive both (alternating weeks)...so what's the difference?

In short...The AmericanCourage Newsletter has MORE family member stories, "support the Corps" stories from Marines, and patriotic quotes. It started after the events of Sept. 11, 2001 to give supporters of the Marine Corps and American patriots a voice.

The Sgt Grit Newsletter is HARD CORPS Marine! If you are interested in topics that delve into Marine Corps history, Corps Stories, Boot Camp and other things that "only a Marine might understand" - then be sure to read the Sgt Grit Newsletter (every other week) - More about the newsletter

Sgt Grit Marine Specialties
7100 SW 44th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73179
Call 888-NOV-1775 (888-668-1775)