"Freedom isn't free, you must pay for it somehow -- see
your nearest Marine recruiter!"
Ken Smalley
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NEW STUFF
Decal - 1st Battalion/11th Marines
Decal - 2nd Battalion MCRD San Diego
Decal - Bomb w/Wings
Decal - Combat Aircrew
Decal - FMF PAC
Decal - Purple Heart Medal
Decal - US Marine Corps Parris Island
Decal - Operation Iraqi Freedom
Guadalcanal Semper Fi Series Game
Honor Courage Commitment T-Shirt on Gray
My Son Went To Iraq.. T-Shirt on Gray
Every Friday I look so forward to Sgt. Grit's news letter. I
know there are millions of American's that have a passionate
love for our country. However at times, based upon the news
media and certain other groups I feel that I am out of step
with most Americans. The news letter reminds me that I am far
from being alone. Honor, Duty, and Country has been tattooed
on the most inter recesses of a Marine's heart. One of the
best things about being a Marine is we never give lukewarm
support to the truths we hold dear. This leads me to this
conclusion that as a Marine I could never be out of step.
Our God and Commandant for-bode this long ago. Rather it
is America's degenerates that are walking to the wrong
drum beat. We are never alone. We have Brothers.
Don-1958-1964 Semper Fi
C. Don Bowman
Your newsletter possibly saved the best relationship I have
ever been in. How could your newsletter do that? On Thursday
MY Marine told me he 'wanted' to go back to Iraq. I immediately
thought it had something to do with me. Why else would he want
to go back again? He had been there once, missed the birth of
his son, and half of his daughter's life.
Was I doing something wrong?
Then I read the letter from Mrs. Cindy L. Brown about having
what it takes to be a Marine wife. I was also just going to
'run away' because I was too scared to stand behind him any
longer. Needless to say we had a huge argument about me only
being proud if there was no danger involved. Also got blamed
for standing behind everybody but him, I now realize that I
hurt him more than anyone ever could by trying to give him an
ultimatum between his kids and I or fighting for something
he truly believes in.
On Friday I told him that although I would love for him to
stay home with us, it is his decision and I wasn't going
to make him choose.
He signs his papers on Wednesday. I know we will miss him but
he promised he would come home safe. I know there is one Marine
there that is truly fighting for his family.
Thanks Sgt. Grit for adding that letter to your newsletter.
Proud and standing beside MY marine!
Denise T.
Yes in fact I do believe I have what it takes to be a Marine's wife. Why can I say this after a year of being married to my hero??? Maybe because the past 7 months of our married life he has been deployed overseas fighting the good fight. I have been by his side, maybe not literally all of the time, but I have been there for him through everything, I am not one to shrink under stress, or worry. I do not whine because of a missed phone call and I do not feel angry at him or the Marine Corps because he is over there doing a job that needs to be done. I am proud of him and every other marine past and present and I thank each and every one for keeping my family and I free thought out history. I told him on our wedding day in front of God, the minister and family. I will always walk beside you in our life path, and when you need someone to pick you up if you should stumble I will be there, we will find the way together, and that means no matter where the Marine Corps will send him, or us. I will always be by his side literally or through encouraging letters, phone calls and welcome arms when he gets off the bus. So yes I do believe I have what it takes to be a warriors wife, and Proud to be a Marine Wife all the way!
"Liberty has never come from the government. Liberty has always
come from the subjects of the government. The history of
government is a history of resistance. The history of liberty
is the history of the limitation of government, not the
increase of it."
--Woodrow Wilson
Dear Sgt. Grit,
This is my first letter to this newsletter forum. My son-in-law
is a Marine and has been to Afghanistan and Iraq. It took all
the strength I could muster up every day to listen to a few
minutes of the news or to read the newspaper while he was there.
Every time I heard that a Marine had died I was so afraid that
it was him. He returned safe and sound to us, and I am so very
proud of him and everyone in his unit, and of every United
States Marine! To all who serve, my thanks go out to you.
To the families at home, my thanks also for your support
for our troops.
God Bless America!
Semper Fi.
Proud Mom-in-Law of a United States Marine
Freedom is a gift from God, not a political grant from the government.
--Ronald Reagan
"Those who are quick to promise are generally slow to perform.
They promise mountains and perform molehills. He who gives
you fair words and nothing more feeds you with an empty spoon.
People don't think much of a man's piety when his promises
are like pie-crust: made to be broken."
--Charles Spurgeon
We've had enough of the wheeling and dealing, and enough of
schemers and schemes. I think it's time now for dreamers --
practical dreamers -- willing to re-implement the original
dream which became this nation -- that idea that has never
fully been tried before in the world -- that you and I have
the capacity for self-government -- the dignity and the
ability and the God-given freedom to make our own decisions,
to plan our own lives and to control our own destiny."
--Ronald Reagan
Ref: Newsletter quote by Michael Berliner Thursday 15 July,
2004 Interesting that the American Revolution was also the
only one in history that ever "got it right", and now we are
in a battle both home and abroad to maintain. I do NOT fear
the enemy, or death, or privation. The only fear I have in my
"old age" is that the Revolution seems to be turning around
on US and our posterity. The only regret I have is that I made
the wrong decision 36 years ago, 22 July 1968, and listened
to a now ex-wife instead of my heart and soul.
"Not as lean, a little meaner, a little smarter, but;
FOREVER A UNITED STATES MARINE!"
Semper Fidelis brothers,
D. H. Gilmour
Sgt. U.S.M.C.
64-68 RVN vet
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because
rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
-- Winston Churchill
"Marines kill 25 in Ramadi"
"22 MEU kills over 100 during 4 month deployment in Afghanistan".
Like the commercial says "Lovin It"
Sgt. J F Frawley Jr USMC 1969 - Eternity
Marine Barracks
NAS Kodiak, Alaska 70-71
16 July 2004
To: SgtMaj J.N. Rougas (Ret.)
Senior DI Plt 372 13Sep61-7Dec61
Re: Visit to C Company, 6th Eng. Sup. Bn.
SgtMaj Rougas,
I'm writing you today in the manner of a back-channel report
on the fitness of one of our reserve organizations. Charlie
Company is based in Peoria, Illinois, is activated, and is
preparing to ship out for Camp Pendleton next week. When they
get to their final destination, estimated to be Iraq, it
will be their second time in country.
I may have told you before that I'm a member of the Marine
Corps League and Association, but never told you that I'm also
a member of the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club, Intl., Inc. Our
Illinois Detachment of the Leathernecks MC, Intl., has done
some things in the past for our veterans, but this week we were
able to do something for our active reserves, too. On Wednesday,
we gathered enough food and drinks, plus donated items, for the
entire company and put on an extended noon chow for them. We
cooked hamburgers and hotdogs on a grill we towed in, and had
lots of baked beans, salads, and desserts donated by the Archway
Company (of cookie fame). Several other companies in the area
donated some nice items, not the least of which were handheld
GPS units, compasses, fishing kits (presumably for the Tigris
and Euphrates rivers), work gloves, folding multi-tools,
pocketknives, and calculators. Thus, as well as feeding them,
we "raffled" off the donated items by giving each person a
numbered ticket, then drawing the tickets to see who would
come up and choose an item.
We talked briefly to both the Company Gunny, GySgt Howard, and
the I & I NCOIC, 1stSgt Zamborski, who both said that these
Marines are well trained and ready for the tasks ahead. To
be honest, I was worried about my young brothers and sisters,
but I think that was more because of me than them. After
talking to them, from the enlisted, NCOs, Staff NCOs, and
Officers, I found that I really had nothing to worry about.
The Marine Corps can be assured that Company C, 6th Engineers,
is ready for anything the world situation can throw at them!
(Were we ever that young?)
Here's hoping this letter finds you well! You have my best
wishes, and please give my best to your family.
Semper Fi!
L/Cpl Kenneth G. Smalley
1958634 USMC
"If you kick a tiger in the ass, you'd better have a plan
for dealing with his teeth."
-- Tom Clancy
Howdy, Sgt. Grit! Just sat thru another inane "legal issues"
seminar at the college where I work. The Dean of Students made
a big deal of how she hates the Patriot Act, because it "invades
the privacy" of our foreign students. She wanted us to know
that she doesn't like the idea of cooperating with the Feds
for the sake of Homeland Security. I told her that the Patriot
Act is a great idea, and long overdue. The room went very quiet.
She told me that "others would disagree." I told her that's OK;
it's their right, but then I asked her why WOULDN'T she want to
help the Feds out if it avoided another 9/11? I guess I will
hear about the fallout on Monday, but I no longer give a d@mn
about the PC police. Guess I shouldn't have read your
newsletter before I left for work! Got me all worked up!
Thanks, Anson Rohr.
"The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon."
--George Washington
dear Sgt. Grit,
My son, Pfc V.M.Quevedo Jr., has just received
his orders for deployment to Iraq, I'm scared for him.
See I'm 35 and never served in any branch. I was raised in
the westside of San Antonio,Tex. with the upbringing of
F**** everything. Not from my parents but from the people
I thought were cool. Never realizing the sacrifice of every
person that wears a uniform. Until now, man am I ever sorry
to you all !! But I do thank GOD for my son's decision
to join the CORPS. Seeing him graduate on 1/30/04 was a miracle
in its self. Because, just a year before on the same day I
was getting arrestted again for DWI well needless to say in
one years time we made amends because we had stopped talking
some time before. Then as fate would have it he asked to move
in with his girlfriend Veronica and their son Brian,my grandson!!
Well after graduation he came back and made her his wife. The
CORPS has transformed not only my son but all of us. So to all
you devil dogs out there in the sh!t of Iraq here comes ah-lluva
MARINE I know he'll be in great hands in yours and my LORDS.
Thank you for time and your ear,HOORAH from one proud F'ing father,
Victor M. Quevedo Sr.
I am the wife a USMC Sgt. , who is currently inactive and
we're from Ohio. I would like to thank everyone in the military
for everything they do! I currently volunteer with the Army
Reserves, since there are no Marines in our area, that we know
of who need help. We are seeking Marines who may need help
with pen pals & that may have websites that they want us to
add a link to from ours. www.geocities.com/yellowribbonwebsite/Main.html
I'm sure you can understand why we want to help out the USMC,
so please let us know if you need help with anything!
Your Friend,
Winter Dryden
Cincinnati, Ohio
Sgt Grit: I read this in today's edition of the Star Ledger,
a major NJ newspaper) and thought you might want to share
this with your readers. Not all Americans are sh!tb!rds!!!
NaggyB!tch
TITLE: Air travelers upgrade 8 soldiers to first class
DALLAS - Eight soldiers flying home from Iraq for two weeks
of R & R flew in style instead of coach after first-class
passengers offered to swap seats with them.
"The soldiers were very, very happy, and the whole aircraft
had a different feeling," flight attendant Lorrie Gammon told
The Dallas Morning News in yesterdays editions. The June 29
seat-swap on American Airlines Flight 866 from Atlanta to
Chicago started before boarding, when a businessman
approached one of the soldiers and traded his seat.
When the swapping was done, "the other two first-class
passengers wanted to give up their seats, too, but they
couldn't find any more soldiers," Gammon said.
I read Gunny Garrett's letter regarding his son in the 3/6
still in combat. I just wanted the Gunny and his young LCpl.
that even though LCpl. Garrett may feel forgotten over there,
he and all other Marines are in the minds of many as they do
their jobs that only they can do as U.S. Marine Grunts. Others
may get credit by the media, but every Marine knows where our
American forces would be without the guts and precision of our
young "Mud Marines" in this present day defilement breaks my
heart to hear of any of our troops becoming casualties in Iraq,
or any other foreign land they're serving in, but it is
especially hard when I hear of a fallen Marine knowing his
only job was to defend our freedom liberty. I hope LCpl.
Garrett knows there are many here at home and abroad that
think of him and his comradery day. Our prayers and
thoughts are with you LCpl. Garrett, and you too Gunny.
Semper Fi
Detective T. R. Ashley - Former active duty Marine ''75 -' 76
A Message from the Commanding Officer of VMU-2-July 2004
16 July 2004. Well, who would have guessed that the Coalition
Provisional Authority would transfer sovereignty to an interim
Iraqi Government two days earlier than planned? I was pleasantly
surprised that the "bad guys" were also caught off guard by this
unannounced schedule change. We (the US military and Interim
Iraqi Government) still have quite a challenge ahead, but progress
is made each day although it may not always appear that way in
the press at home. I can tell you that your Marines are tired
and worn, but they are also determined. I have spent many
afternoons on a flight line with temperatures past 120 degrees
working to get an aircraft off the deck for the next flight,
and your Marines never pause, never complain, and always get
the mission done. They are a superb bunch, and each day they
remind me why America will inevitably win this fight.
Although our products are classified, the details of the service
we provide to the many Marines that patrol in our area of
operations are not, and I thought I would share with you a
sense of the role that your Marines play in this conflict.
For simplicity sake, I use the word "customer" later in this
discussion to denote any organization that we have been tasked
to support with aerial reconnaissance. Most of you know that
we operate remote controlled aircraft over the cities of Iraq.
They weigh about 450 pounds and have a 16 foot wingspan.
Onboard we have all the electronics to control and downlink
imagery, both color TV and Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR),
that allow us to "view" the battlefield both day and night.
We control the aircraft and the sensor from a ground control
station using all enlisted pilots (unlike other Marine aviation
squadrons where officers are responsible for operating the
aircraft). The few officers that we have in the squadron
perform a supervisory role with the mission crews and also
coordinate with other agencies on the battlefield. With
literally a bird's eye view of Iraq, we examine the imagery
and do a few things with it. First, our intelligence analysts
take a look at the image and interpret what it means. For
instance, a truck to you and me is just a truck, but to our
Intel analysts, they look at what kind of truck it is, how
weighted down it is, how many personnel are in it, and so on.
They also compare what they see with other intelligence
products to correlate the image within the bigger picture
of what is going on. Like CSI, from just a small bit of
information, they are able to interpret a great deal about
what they see, and they create annotated images that provide
the customer with a better understanding of the situation
on the ground around them.
Besides providing these images, we also communicate, via
classified chat rooms, directly with our customers during
every mission to give them a detailed description of what
we see. The closest analogy I can use is that of a sports
announcer describing the action and players during a football
game. This is an extremely effective means of disseminating
information, and if numbers are any indication of our
effectiveness, our chat room is usually at maximum capacity.
Additionally, some of your Marines are also forward based
with ground units, and they each have a laptop computer and
the capability to directly downlink a video feed from our
aircraft to give Marines on the ground a live picture of
what is in front of them. This has also been extremely
effective, and there are many arguments within Division
about who gets to "own" and use these special teams.
That is just a snapshot of the surveillance and reconnaissance
mission that we perform, and I have only discussed a small
part of the service we provide. It is not as easy as it
sounds, and everyday your Marines solve a new set of problems.
But for them, these challenges are half the fun of operating
the Night Owl Flying Circus. I didn't get into the details
of maintaining the aircraft, managing the communications
networks, generating power, or transporting people, fuel
and equipment around the site. The bottom line is that all
of your spouses play a specific and critical role in
maintaining this complex activity, and they make it look
easy. You should be very proud of them. I am! In the
simplest terms, we send our aircraft where it is too dangerous
to send Marines. I can assure you that the bad guys do not
appreciate our presence, and they have come to associate the
sound of our aircraft as an omen of bad things to come.
This is a testament to the focus and determination of your
Night Owls, and I am fortunate to be surrounded by some
incredibly smart and motivated Marines who are passionate
about getting the mission accomplished.
Our advance party has made it to VMU-1 where they are
signing over equipment for our training this fall as we
prepare for VMU-1's arrival here. I would also like to
mention that the Key Volunteers are sponsoring our last
family day event at the Cherry Point Bowling Alley on 7
August before our homecoming. It should be a great time,
and they plan on making welcome home banners during this
get-together also. Your KV should be calling you shortly
with specific information on this event as well as more
detailed information concerning our return. Again, I ask
that you be patient. We have a window for a return date,
and I am hoping to narrow that window by the end of the month
as our plans become more solidified. I will relay that
information via the KV network. However, please hold me
responsible if there are changes at the last minute. Your
KV's information is only as good as what they receive from me.
Like the end of a marathon, you can feel the spirits and
attitudes of the Marines around here begin to rise because
they can see the finish line ahead. What never ceases to
amaze me is the dedication and professionalism that they
display each and every day under some very harsh conditions.
With a little more than a month to go, they still continue
to work on improving our operating site and billeting area
while we maintain an almost constant presence in the air
over Iraq. My previous experiences during this phase of a
deployment usually involved keeping Marines focused on their
daily tasks and managing the tempers that would routinely
flare from the months of close quarters. However, that is
not the case here, and I believe the key difference between
then and now is a heightened sense of purpose with the
mission we perform.
I wish I could tell you that this war was over, and that
the world was once again a safe place. But the Global War
on Terror is a long term effort, and unfortunately, there
are still many groups out there that see the American way
of life and the freedoms that we enjoy as a direct challenge
to their own perverse sense of culture and religion. The
Marine Corps, along with the US Army, has a large role to
play in this conflict. What does that mean to you and your
spouses when we arrive home? Make each day you have together
count because for those in uniform the next deployment is
one day closer with every sunrise. Take care and God Bless.
Semper Fi,
Lieutenant Colonel Doug Hardison
Commanding Officer, VMU-2
"Mankind censures injustice, fearing that they may be victims
of it and not because they shrink from committing it."
--Plato
I'm not sure this comment will reach print. I am very negative
about some things that Marines and others fight and die for.
I have a bad attitude about the USA repairing and rebuilding
countries that "picks a fight with us" and lose. I served 20
years in the Corps, retired as a MSgt E8, two tours in RVN "66
and 69". It just break my spirit to have our"men" die in a
war that is being fought in the papers and politics. My rambles
tell me we could have won the RVN war very easily. True we
would have to "kill" and burn everything in sight. As I
remember in history a general named "Grant" cut a wide path
thru the South.
We bombed Germany in submission and many were killed of all
gender and the same at Hiroshima and Nagaski. America must
wake up to the call. We are so busy trying to be "good guys".
There are no "good guys" in a battle and a fired round does
not choose its target. Get in war destroy and get the job
done pull our troops and let the enemy fend for itself.
D@mn the torpedoes and full speed ahead!~
God Bless the Marine Corps and a big thanks to all who helped!
Semper Fi. Dave
Hi Sgt. Grit, I enjoy reading your news letter. I just returned
from visiting my son, L/Cpl Matthew at Camp Lejeune. What an
experience to see the base, his living conditions and his
friends personally! I have found, even at the airport, people
working there that are past/retired Marines and everyone I
talk to say to give him their best. That has to be for one
reason and that is that we are ALL proud of the Marines and
other service personnel protecting our freedom. My son has
always wanted to be a Marine. He was 9 years in the Chosan
Young marine (Pico Rivera, CA) and graduated there as Sgt
Major. Enlisted upon graduating high school and graduated
MCRD San Diego as Company Honorman/ Lance Corporal. What
an honor and I felt so proud. I feel proud every letter,
every good word someone says and reading your news. Just
wanted to thank you.
Nancy/Proud Mom of Marine L/Cpl Matthew,
Camp LeJeuene, NC, Data Systems Analyst
My wife and I had the great pleasure and honor being in
Washington D.C. for the Memorial Day weekend and dedication
of the WWII Memorial. It was a weekend filled with respect,
reverence, appreciation and patriotism. We started at
Arlington National Cemetery as we arrived early 0730 hrs,
I suggested to my wife that we walk to the USMC Iwo Jima
Memorial, I had always wanted me picture taken there. Upon
arrival some 20 minutes later, a WWII Marine was taking
pictures of his family there, I noticed his Marine Corps
League cover and approached and offered to take his picture
with his family and he accepted. Turns out he was a Native
American "Code Talker"! After the photo he shook my hand and
noticed my 1st Marine Division Viet Nam Veteran cover and
said, I was with the 2nd Marine Division and listen a number
of Island in the Pacific that he went into battle on ending
with Okinawa and said, "I didn't see you there"? We laughed
and I said I wasn't there but perhaps I saw you on the History
channel? And we laugh again, I thanked him for his service
to our country wished he and his family a good day and we
moved on after getting the picture I also wanted. We moved
on to the National Mall and the Vietnam Memorial and the
area of the WWII Memorial ceremony we didn't have tickets
but moved towards the Washington Monument and observed the
WWII vets getting off buses and making there way towards
the access points to their memorial and its dedication.
Senior warriors some wearing the WWII uniforms others
caps indicating there service USMC, Navy, USA, Air Corps,
and Coast Guard. They made there way some with a slow
step, some with a cane, some with a walker, others in
wheel chairs assisted by son's or family members others
yet had a brisk walk all with pride in their eyes and
determination on their faces to participate in the largest
gathering of WWII veterans and the dedication of their
memorial. One had to reflect upon their effort and the
number of years at War our country united collectively
in support of their service and sacrifice and you had
to feel the pride and patriotism. To think of it brought
tears to my eyes and my wife's it was a commitment to
success. From North Africa to Italy and Normandy, from
Pearl Harbor to Midway , Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Okinawa,
Iwo Jima and Tokyo they fought, were wounded, died and
or survived and over came the evil of the world. They
were and are Patriots and of the 16 million who served
in that war 400,000 gave all of their tomorrows for the
freedom we defend today. Makes one think about the word
Patriotism and it's true meaning. And when you listen to
those in the news media today who have taken an oath to
defend our Constitution and our Freedoms you have to
think again about the word "PATRIOTISM" and our commitment
to our Armed Forces on the ground, in the air and on the
seas defending "FREEDOM" and are those making comments
in support of the goal of freedom? We were proud to share
in this Memorial Day event and to remember and honor these
veterans of WWII and all who served our great country.
God bless America and God bless our Commander in Chief!
Doc Ray Knispel HM3
Hq Co 5th Marines 1st Marine Division VN 1966-67
Just got home from a whirlwind week. My son,one of many, of
1/5 arrived stateside this week in California and I was one
of the many that got to witness the beauty of homecoming. The
people I have gotten to be friends with online were there in
strength and many more learned about Sgt Grit and the MMOL
groups. I do want everyone to know what my son said happened
that sent him to the bathroom to wipe his eyes and to pass
a thank you to all that participated.
They arrived at Bangor Maine around 2/230 and when they started
down the walkway at the airport...the halls were lined with
vets of all wars offering the young men cell phones and thanks
and pats on the backs and words of kindness... Dixon said
that one thing made EVERYTHING worthwhile.
After going to my first MARINE homecoming, I would like to
encourage everyone to try to attend on sometime. The warmth
of the others and the smiles of joy on the soldiers' faces
makes everything they have done for us even more real and
appreciated. Thanks to all for a life time of wonderful memories.
Beth Harper,
Proud Marine Momma of LCpl Micheal Dixon Harper
"...every citizen who enjoys the protection of a free government
owes his personal services to the defense of it."
George Washington
Recently a civilian came up to me and said Thank You for serving
our country. It made this old Marine feel very Grateful for that.
So as a Disabled Service Connected Veteran and Marine for Life.
I want to say Thank You to all My Brothers and Sisters who are
now veterans. May God watch over all. And For those who have
gone on to watch the pearly gates of Heaven. You are not
forgotten. And to my old unit in Iraq 2/4. I keep you all
in my prayers. as well for the rest.
Semper Fi
E-3 Lugo 2/4 Fuji 1979
p.s. My brothers who I physically lost, I keep you in my heart
and mind. Also will not be forgotten. Magnificent Bastards
SGT. GRIT:
RECEIVED YOUR NEW CATALOG. WOW!!!!!
HOWEVER, I SAW SOMETHING YOU OVER LOOKED.
YOU SHOW SOME STATURES OF THE D.I. AND OTHER SUCH AS COLOR
GUARD - MARINE BOBBIE HEAD - DRILL TEAM - CAUCASIAN-
DRILL INSTRUCTOR AFRICAN AMERICAN - DRILL TEAM AFRICAN
AMERICA.
A SHORT TRUE STORY THAT HAPPENED IN MARINE CORPS RECRUITING
STATION. I ANSWERED THE PHONE AND A MALE VOICE ASKED TO
SPEAK WITH THE OFFICER IN CHARGE.
I SAID THE OFFICER IN CHARGE IS NOT AVAILABLE (MAJOR FLORENCE
BUT HIS ASSISTANT, CAPT. McCORY WAS AVAILABLE.
CAPT. McCORY ANSWERED THE PHONE. THE CONVERSATION WENT LIKE
THIS. WHEN DID THE BLACK MARINE COME ON DUTY?
CAPT. McCORY ANSWERED. WE HAVE NO BLACK MARINE ON DUTY.
(AT THE TIME WE DID HAVE CPL. RONAD BORROW ON BOARD).
THIS TIME HE HAD THE MARINES IN THE OFFICE TO PICK UP ANY
PHONE TO LISTEN IN. THE MAN INSISTED THAT HE SAW A BLACK
MARINE ENTER THE POST OFFICE AND SAID HE FOLLOWED HIM AND
WATCHED HIM ENTER THE RECRUITING OFFICE.
AGAIN CAPT. McCORY ASSURED HIM THAT WE HAD NO BLACK MARINE
ON BOARD. THE MAN BECAME IRATE AND SAID, "YOU CALLING ME A LIAR/"
CAPT. McCORY ANSWERED, "NO I AM NOT CALLING YOU A LIAR".
THIS RECRUITING OFFICE HAS ONLY "GREEN MARINES".
END OF CONVERSATION. EACH MARINE IN THE OFFICE AT THAT
TIME YELLED..OOOOHHHHHRRRRAAAAAHHHHH.
I 'M SURE YOU GET THE PICTURE. NO NEED TO HAVE AFRICAN MARINE
IN MY OPINION. NOW IF YOU CAN HAVE MARINE FIGURES OR STATURES
LISTED AS IRISH MARINE - ITALIAN MARINE - MEXICAN MARINE -
POLISH MARINE - GERMAN MARINE - ETC...THEN ADD AFRICAN MARINE.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE JUST THE FIGURE AND THE WORD
DRILL SERGEANT MARINE OR COLOR GUARD MARINE ETC.
HOPE THIS DOESN'T RUB YOU THE WRONG WAY.
BY THE WAY THE STAFF WHO MAKES UP YOUR COMPANY
(INCLUDING OUR SPOUSE...LOOK GREAT.
SEMPER FI
APACHE JOE USMC 32 AND 6...RETIRED
Sgt "storm"
My son was one of Tim's best friends since 4th grade.
He stood along side you husband as a pall bearer at his funeral.
My son is also a Marine, who we were fortunate enough to see
come back from Iraq. Tim was a huge influence on my son on
becoming a Marine. My son always wanted to be military, but
until Tim he wasn't sure which branch.
They competed against each other constantly. Boy scouts,
band, JROTC, and the scholarship that sent Tim to the Citadel
(well deserved). We have camped together, rappelled together,
laughed together, cried together. He will always be one of my
adopted children. I still see his truck in my driveway "Cowboy Up".
I loved him dearly.
Thank you for responding about Lance Corporal Creager.
My son, Corporal Andrew Gilliam stood with your husband
during that funeral, and it was very tough for all. I have some
articles from local newspapers that I can send to you if you would like.
Semper Fi,
Debra Gilliam (mom of Cpl. Andrew Gilliam)
The other day, I was remembering listening to the old AFRTS
(Armed Forces Radio Television Service, we called it "Afarts")
and there is one skit that I always remembered and liked to
listen to while I was in Kuwait in '91 even though it was stupid.
It was called "Chicken Man" and it would start off in a Jimmy
Olson/Price Is Right announcer's voice, "It's time now for the
greatest superhero the world has ever known.....bwak, bwak,
BWAAK, CHICKEN MAN.....he's everywhere, he's everywhere!".
Listening to this everyday, it got stuck in my head and I
was wondering if there was any way that old shows like this
are available on cassette tape/CD format for veterans? It
would be great to hear some of the old shows from AFRTS
from the time fellow veterans were in.
William N. Thompson Former L/Cpl '89-92
Dear SGT,
I am a proud member of the Marine Corps Musicians Association (MCMA). We are
about 400 strong. We are made up of Marines Bandsmen from the Last China
Band to active duty Bandsmen.
Each April we enjoy 4 days of reunion. We change locations each year with a
Marine Band as our host. This year we were at Quantico, last year at New
Orleans, the year before at Pendleton.
Next year we will be at San Diego. April 26-29, 2005. Our headquarters will
be the "Hanalei Hotel.
I would like for any former Marine Musician to contact me
Gordon Bennett at GOJOBENNETT@msn.com for any info about the MCMA.
Semper Fi,
Gordon Bennett
4411 Walnut St
Pascagoula, MS 39567
Marine Combat Veteran bumper sticker. BS246
My Dear Mrs. Brown,
What a lovely tribute you have written regarding your life
with your Marine husband. Our similarities are the same except
I knew exactly what was put in my path and I thanked God every
day for my wonderful Marine. Just to see him walk through the
door was a joy for me and would put a smile on my face. We
could have a disagreement and then look at each other and all
it would take was a smile from him and my heart would melt and
I would bust up laughing and we would end up making fireworks.
When he would leave on short trips upon his return I would be
so eager to see him again. When our eyes met my stomach
would have butterfly's in it. We were truly soul mates.
We believed in LOVE, LOYALTY AND FRIENDSHIP.....the sign of
the Claddaugh. It was the theme for our wedding. What a truly
wonderful man he was....However our time together was too short.
We were married for only 9 short months. A total of only 4
years together. We had just married and at two months into
our marriage he became ill. We found out it was cancer.
He passed away February 1994, from agent orange.
In honor of our enduring love I made sure the Claddaugh symbol
was etched on our headstone in our neighboring cemetery.
I will be with him again someday. To those of you who still
have your Marine hang onto him tight . Your times together
are so very, very precious. I still have my memories but
oh how I miss my Marine.......My heart still aches for him.
Semper Fi.
Ruth Sheehan wife of
Earl R. Sheehan
MGYSGT USMC
In response to GySgt. Steve Garrett's comment on the apathy of the public regarding our troops in Afghanistan, I couldn't agree more! Unfortunately, it also applies to the troops in Iraq. My husband was deployed 8 days ago to Iraq (by way of California) and left myself and two great kids. My neighbors all know he was deployed, yet no one has said a word to me about it. I work at an agency of more than 500 employees. Except for a few close friends, no one has mentioned it. Yesterday, I sent an agency-wide email asking for donations for care packages. I GOT ONE RESPONSE! Don't get me wrong, I am not asking for a medal or some kind of an award. However, I am asking for someone, anyone, to acknowledge the sacrifice that my husband is making (along with thousands of others) so that we can rid the world of terrorism. People who are willing to make that sacrifice are special and should be honored...all of them (even when the new has worn off). Proud wife of USMC Sgt. on the way to Iraq
Dear SGT Grit,
In regards to Cpl. Smith's remarks about using SEMPER FI. I
am a father of a Marine , Stationed in Okinawa, Japan . I have
a large collection of Marine Corps hats and T-shirts and other
Marine Corps objects. I wear Marine Corps clothing every day.
I am proud to be a Marine Dad. I have had a lot of Marines
walk up to me and say " SEMPER FI" My reaction to them is
"SEMPER FI" . Now I know I am not a Marine but my son is
and that is a big part of me. I am proud to say "Semper Fi".
Ever since my son became a Marine the rest of our family has
become part of the Marine family. I have become very good
friends with the recruiters at RSS Denver and all the Marines
I have met there have taken us in and we've become family.
So Cpl. Smith I say to you "SEMPER FI" . I'm sure your
parents are just as proud of you as I am of my son.
Thank you for being a Marine!! OORAH!!
Proud Marine Dad Of CPL. Jonathan Hass U.S.M.C.
Rick Hass
Sgt Grit
Please check out my website sir
http://liljoshwright.blogspot.com
Thank you sir !!
Josh Wright
Marines,
Hello and hope this letter finds you all well. I want
to take time first to Thank you one and all for serving.
I always heard.. and later it was confirmed by the man my
Father was, that Marines are the Best. He gave the Corps.
the credit for the man he was and I am so so grateful to
the Corps. The Corps would be proud of him as I am and how
he lived his life with Honor, he died with Honor too, March
of 2002. I cant explain but believe me, It's so. I'm proud
as h-ll to be named after him. I miss the stories and
listening to him sing his Cadences, his stories always kept
our attention, especially as we got older and were allowed
to hear more of them. Thanks to your Newsletter I'm still
hearing them :) Thank you SGT GRIT and all of you who write
in. If I meet a Marine, standing talking with them.. I feel
as if I've met them before, what a wonderful feeling.
I hope you all feel loved..you are loved and revered by many.
I had the Blessing of being the child of a Marine and am so
grateful because I know it had "all" to do with the woman I
am today. You're the Best! We love you, Marines! Please don't
ever forget it. Thank you Sgt Grit and all who support this forum.
Any Marine needing a pen pal that are in Iraq..etc. or not..
Please write me, I'd be honored and it would be my pleasure
to write you.
Proud daughter of Former U.S. Marine, Sgt. Robt. W. Walton.
Robin Utt. Lancaster, Ohio.
BizzyDitch@aol.com
Dear SGT,
I am a proud member of the Marine Corps Musicians Association
(MCMA). We are about 400 strong. We are made up of Marines
Bandsmen from the Last China Band to active duty Bandsmen.
Each April we enjoy 4 days of reunion. We change locations
each year with a Marine Band as our host. This year we were
at Quantico, last year at New Orleans, the year before at Pendleton.
Next year we will be at San Diego. April 26-29, 2005. Our
headquarters will be the "Hanalei Hotel.
I would like for any former Marine Musician to contact me
Gordon Bennett at GOJOBENNETT@msn.com for any info about the MCMA.
Semper Fi,
Gordon Bennett
4411 Walnut St
Pascagoula, MS 39567
lucinda landino
lsugaraz@netzero.com
disabled american veterans (dav)
patriot day benefit dinner 9/11/04 (sat) 4:00 - 8:00 pm benefiting the
freedom alliance scholarship fund. continuous buffet $10.00 donation.please
e-mail or join us. 1510 n. 79th street. scottsdale, az. we'er always the red
headed sept child.you can help by e-mailing your local customers. thank you,
a marine wife P.S. these are a marines b-day presents. thanks again
hello, i am a dad to a marine recruit, he will graduate on
september the 10th. he has said that the drill sgt. has told
them that they will most likely be sent to iraq. he is so
proud of becoming a marine. he has written me often from boot
camp, he loves it & is proud, he just got his desert cammies,
& he said when they gave him his name tapes, he held the one
with his last name in his left hand & the other that said
marines, he said it was so motivational he almost cried. he
isn't a marine yet but he will be soon. this is the first time
i have sit & read some of the stories on your site, they are
very touching. i am very proud of my son, he could have chosen
any path he wanted after he graduated but he wanted to be a
U.S.MARINE.so i will close with this, we all should be & are
proud of our sons & daughters that choose this path, if
they didn't where would we be now.
proud dad of a U.S.MARINE
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I need to take a minute to say 'THANK YOU' to all of our men
and women in the armed forces everywhere around the world and
especially to my nephew, Marine Capt. T.D. Giersch, who is
currently based near Fallujah. I thank ALL of you past, present
and future for allowing me to watch and raise my family in freedom.
Thank you and your families for your sacrifices on my behalf
and that of my family. As a nonservice member I am truly grateful
for all that you have done, continue to do and will do in
the future to keep our country free.
God Bless America and ALL of our troops,
Pete Giersch
Waterford, WI
My boyfriend, LCpl Jeffrey Gaczewski, has been stationed in
Okinawa Japan since November. We are fortunate to be able to
talk on the phone at least once a week and I even bought us
webcams to use with the computer. I was also lucky enough to
be able to visit him a few weeks ago. It was an amazing feeling
to see what his life is like. Honestly I was extremely scared
to be traveling out of the country by myself but it was very
comforting to know that most of the island is military base.
Of course the guys were all googley eyed to see a girl that
was not in the military or Japanese. Most of them acted only
with up-most politeness. It was the best time of my life and
I cried like a baby when I had to leave. But when I thought
about why he was there I remembered how important it is and
how proud I was. At that point I knew I could handle anything.
He has been looking into msg (marine security
guard) and had began to work on a packet for that. Than he
started to forget the idea because he thought it would be
to hard for me, for us. But I as I said before I knew I
could handle it. When he had first mentioned it he told me
that if accepted he would be able to train with the FBI
(his ultimate goal is to be in the FBI or something of the
sort). He was so excited I could just imagine his eyes
getting wide and his face lighting up. It took several talks
but he finally realized that I was behind him 100% and in
fact that I thought it was a great idea. So at the moment
Jeff is waiting on a few last interviews than will hopefully
receive notice of acceptance and begin training in a few
months. He's so worried he wont make it, the failure rate
is 60%. But I tell him he'll regret it if he doesn't try
and he knows I'm right. Everyone should be sure to encourage
the marine they know as much as they can. Love them and
no matter how they will come back to you.
Proud girlfriend,
Stephanie Roske
Yo, Grit;
Near Gallatin, TN, there is a brand new highway overpass just
completed. I am proud to say that I had a hand in convincing
the Sumner County Commissioners to pass a resolution to name
the overpass in honor of Corporal Patrick Nixon, the first
Tennessean, in our local area, KIA in Iraq. The TDOT (TN
Dept.of Trans.) approved the idea; local state senator and
representative, wanting to look good, also ok'd the idea.
Right now, we're still hanging fire as to when the dedication
will take place.
About two months ago there was an article in the local paper,
with the headline "Overpass to be named in honor of local soldier".
I got an email off to the paper right away, stating that it is
down-right insulting to refer to a Marine as "soldier".
'Course, never did hear from the paper.
Problem comes about because of lousy media coverage, and all
those "ijits" calling everyone "soldier". Seems their
mentality is, if you carry a rifle into combat, you're a soldier.
Semper Fi, and all that good stuff!!!
James R. McMahon
Hendersonville, TN
Gunnery Sergeant of Marines (1949-1970)
I am a civilian contractor, and had the great privilege today
while working to see the new recruits at the Great Lakes Naval
Base in N. Chicago, IL.
To see so many young Americans working hard, at a common goal,
with such enthusiasm and no grumbling was a great inspiration!
"It is up to us ... to work together for progress and humanity
so that our grandchildren, when they look back at us, can truly
say that we not only preserved the flame of freedom, but cast
its warmth and light further than those who came before us."
--Ronald Reagan
In reply to a question from T Newman about Marines that were
not coffee drinkers, I served three years (medically discharged)
and don't recall drinking coffee more than once. To this day I
can't tolerate the taste of it. I'll eat coffee Ice Cream like
it is going out of style, but I just can't drink the stuff. I
am also a fluke, I don't drink, don't smoke, and tried both a
few times while I served. Never took up either habit but gave
it a shot. No shame in it either. I work as a Paramedic now
(you'd be surprised how many former Marines are Medics out
there too) and somehow I manage to get through this job
without the coffee.
Semper Fidelis. And to our brothers in arms now deployed, stay
safe. To their families, we miss them as much as you do. We
mourn their loss as brothers as well. And I think most of us
are humbled by their sacrifice for that most precious gift
from the Great Commandant - Liberty.
Mark Navin
1992 - 1995
Cpl. A Co., 1st Radio Battalion (now 3rd Radio battalion).
BURIAL AT SEA
In my 76th year, the events of my life appear to me, from
time to time, as a series of vignettes. Some were
significant; most were trivial.
War is the seminal event in the life of everyone that has
endured it. Though I fought in Korea and the Dominican
Republic and was wounded there Vietnam was my war.
Now 37 years have passed and, thankfully, I rarely think of
those days in Cambodia, Laos, and the panhandle of North
Vietnam where small teams of Americans and Montangards
fought much larger elements of the North Vietnamese Army.
Instead I see vignettes: some exotic, some mundane:
- The smell of Nuc Mam.
- The heat, dust, and humidity.
- The blue exhaust of cyclos clogging the streets.
- Elephants moving silently through the tall grass.
- Hard eyes behind the servile smiles of the villagers.
- Standing on a mountain in Laos and hearing a tiger roar.
- A young girl squeezing my hand as my medic delivered her baby.
- The flowing Ao Dais of the young women biking down Tran Hung Dao.
- My two years as Casualty Notification Officer in North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
It was late 1967. I had just returned after 18 months in
Vietnam. Casualties were increasing. I moved my family
from Indianapolis to Norfolk, rented a house, enrolled my
children in their fifth or sixth new school, and bought
a second car.
A week later, I put on my uniform and drove 10 miles to Little
Creek, Virginia. I hesitated before entering my new office.
Appearance is important to career Marines. I was no longer,
if ever, a poster Marine. I had returned from my third tour
in Vietnam only 30 days before. At 5'9", I now weighed 128
pounds 37 pounds below my normal weight. My uniforms fit
ludicrously, my skin was yellow from malaria medication,
and I think I had a twitch or two.
I straightened my shoulders, walked into the office, looked
at the nameplate on a Staff Sergeant's desk and said, "Sergeant
Jolly, I'm Lieutenant Colonel Goodson. Here are my orders
and my Qualification Jacket."
Sergeant Jolly stood, looked carefully at me, took my orders,
stuck out his hand we shook and said, "How long were you
there, Colonel?" I replied "18 months this time." Jolly breathed,
"Jesus, you must be a slow learner Colonel." I smiled.
Jolly said, "Colonel, I'll show you to your office and bring
in the Sergeant Major. I said, "No, let's just go straight
to his office." Jolly nodded, hesitated, and lowered his
voice, "Colonel, the Sergeant Major. He's been in this
G*dd@mn job two years. He's packed pretty tight.
I'm worried about him." I nodded.
Jolly escorted me into the Sergeant Major's office. "Sergeant
Major, this is Colonel Goodson, the new Commanding Office. The
Sergeant Major stood, extended his hand and said, "Good to see
you again, Colonel." I responded, "Hello Walt, how are you?"
Jolly looked at me, raised an eyebrow, walked out, and closed
the door.
I sat down with the Sergeant Major. We had the obligatory
cup of coffee and talked about mutual acquaintances. Walt's
stress was palpable. Finally, I said, "Walt, what's the h-ll's
wrong?" He turned his chair, looked out the window and said,
"George, you're going to wish you were back in Nam before you
leave here. I've been in the Marine Corps since 1939. I was
in the Pacific 36 months, Korea for 14 months, and Vietnam for
12 months. Now I come here to bury these kids. I'm putting
my letter in. I can't take it anymore." I said, "OK Walt.
If that's what you want, I'll endorse your request for retirement
and do what I can to push it through Headquarters Marine Corps."
Sergeant Major Walt Xxxxx retired 12 weeks later. He had been
a good Marine for 28 years, but he had seen too much death
and too much suffering. He was used up.
Over the next 16 months, I made 28 death notifications, conducted
28 military funerals, and made 30 notifications to the families
of Marines that were severely wounded or missing in action.
Most of the details of those casualty notifications have now,
thankfully, faded from memory. Four, however, remain.
MY FIRST NOTIFICATION
My third or fourth day in Norfolk, I was notified of the death
of a 19 year old Marine. This notification came by telephone
from Headquarters Marine Corps. The information detailed:
- Name, rank, and serial number.
- Name, address, and phone number of next of kin.
- Date of and limited details about the Marine's death.
- Approximate date the body would arrive at the Norfolk Naval Air Station.
- A strong recommendation on whether the casket should be opened or closed.
The boy's family lived over the border in North Carolina,
about 60 miles away. I drove there in a Marine Corps staff
car. Crossing the state line into North Carolina, I stopped
at a small country store / service station / Post Office.
I went in to ask directions.
Three people were in the store. A man and woman approached
the small Post Office window. The man held a package. The
Storeowner walked up and addressed them by name, "Hello John.
Good morning Mrs. Cooper."
I was stunned. My casualty's next-of-kin's name was John Cooper!
I hesitated, then stepped forward and said, "I beg your pardon.
Are you Mr. and Mrs. John Copper of (address.)
The father looked at me-I was in uniform-and then, shaking,
bent at the waist, and vomited. His wife looked horrified at
him and then at me. Understanding came into her eyes and she
collapsed in slow motion. I think I caught her before she
hit the floor.
The owner took a bottle of whiskey out of a drawer and handed
it to Mr. Cooper who drank. I answered their questions for a
few minutes. Then I drove them home in my staff car. The
storeowner locked the store and followed in their truck.
We stayed an hour or so until the family began arriving.
I returned the storeowner to his business. He thanked me
and said, "Mister, I wouldn't have your job for a million
dollars." I shook his hand and said; "Neither would I."
I vaguely remember the drive back to Norfolk. Violating
about five Marine Corps regulations, I drove the staff car
straight to my house. I sat with my family while they ate
dinner, went into the den, closed the door, and sat there
all night, alone.
My Marines steered clear of me for days. I had made my
first death notification.
THE FUNERALS
Weeks passed with more notifications and more funerals.
I borrowed Marines from the local Marine Corps Reserve and
taught them to conduct a military funeral: how to carry a
casket, how to fire the volleys and how to fold the flag.
When I presented the flag to the mother, wife, or father, I
always said, "All Marines share in your grief." I had been
instructed to say, "On behalf of a grateful nation."
I didn't think the nation was grateful, so I didn't say that.
Sometimes, my emotions got the best of me and I couldn't speak.
When that happened, I just handed them the flag and touched a
shoulder. They would look at me and nod. Once a mother said
to me, "I'm so sorry you have this terrible job." My eyes
filled with tears and I leaned over and kissed her.
ANOTHER NOTIFICATION
Six weeks after my first notification, I had another. This
was a young PFC. I drove to his mother's house. As always,
I was in uniform and driving a Marine Corps staff car. I parked
in front of the house, took a deep breath, and walked towards
the house. Suddenly the door flew open, a middle-aged woman
rushed out. She looked at me and ran across the yard,
screaming "NO! NO! NO! NO!"
I hesitated. Neighbors came out. I ran to her, grabbed her,
and whispered stupid things to reassure her. She collapsed.
I picked her up and carried her into the house. Eight or
nine neighbors followed. Ten or fifteen later, the father
came in followed by ambulance personnel. I have no
recollection of leaving.
The funeral took place about two weeks later. We went through
the drill. The mother never looked at me. The father
looked at me once and shook his head sadly.
ANOTHER NOTIFICATION
One morning, as I walked in the office, the phone was ringing.
Sergeant Jolly held the phone up and said, "You've got another
one, Colonel." I nodded, walked into my office, picked up
the phone, took notes, thanked the officer making the call
I have no idea why and hung up. Jolly, who had listened,
came in with a special Telephone Directory that translates
telephone numbers into the person's address and place of employment.
The father of this casualty was a Longshoreman. He lived a
mile from my office. I called the Longshoreman's Union Office
and asked for the Business Manager. He answered the phone,
I told him who I was, and asked for the father's schedule.
The Business Manager asked, "Is it his son?" I said nothing.
After a moment, he said, in a low voice, "Tom is at home today."
I said, "Don't call him. I'll take care of that." The Business
Manager said, "Aye, Aye Sir," and then explained,
"Tom and I were Marines in WWII."
I got in my staff car and drove to the house. I was in uniform.
I knocked and a woman in her early forties answered the door.
I saw instantly that she was clueless. I asked, "Is Mr. Smith
home?" She smiled pleasantly and responded, "Yes, but he's
eating breakfast now. Can you come back later?" I said,
"I'm sorry. It's important, I need to see him now."
She nodded, stepped back into the beach house and said,
"Tom, it's for you."
A moment later, a ruddy man in his late forties, appeared at
the door. He looked at me, turned absolutely pale, steadied
himself, and said, "Jesus Christ man, he's only been there
three weeks!"
BURIAL AT SEA
Months passed. More notifications and more funerals. Then
one day while I was running, Sergeant Jolly stepped outside
the building and gave a loud whistle, two fingers in his mouth
I never could do that and held an imaginary phone to his ear.
Another call from Headquarters Marine Corps. I took notes,
said, "Got it." and hung up. I had stopped saying "Thank You" long ago.
Jolly, "Where?"
Me, "Eastern Shore of Maryland. The father is a retired Chief
Petty Officer. His brother will accompany the body back from Vietnam."
Jolly shook his head slowly, straightened, and then said, "This
ti