Sgt Grit's Marine Corps Art Volume 1

Art Work & Tattoo

Sgt. Grit,

I am the mother of two fine men who both have the honor of being called United States Marines! My oldest son, Cpl. Jonathan Rolfes, served from 2003 to 2008. Jonathan fought with 1st Recon. in Iraq for three deployments. His claim to fame is on the internet following a mishap with a Camel Spider! You can actually see his bite/wound at: http://www.camelspiders.net/camel-spider-bite.htm. My other son, LCpl. David Rolfes, joined the Marine Corps in 2008; just months after his brother got home! David is currently on his first deployment over seas in Afghanistan. He is serving with 1/6 2nd Marine Div., H&S Co., Motor-T Platoon. Before leaving to Afghanistan, David went out and got himself a new tattoo. The tattoo is an image of a soldiers hands in prayer while holding his precious rosary. I wanted to share with you the shadowbox picture frame that I painted; using the image of my son, the United States Flag, and his tattoo. I am very proud of both of my sons.



Semper Fi,
Janet Carlisle

Plaques, U.S.M.C.

Marines,

I make Plaques for fellow Marines, Past, present , and for families of those gone before us.

"Guarding the streets of Heaven"

Recently I made SGT GRIT, a Plaque, and he in turn sent me a photo of it on his wall. I inturn took a photo of the photo and added a few SGT Grit things to it and it now Hangs on my Wall in my War Room

A photo, of a Photo, of a Photo

It gives me Pleasure to do these for my Brother Marines.

Honor Courage Commitment

Semper Fi
Frank

Enduring Freedom Marine Memorial

Dear Sgt. Grit,

I never served my country in the military but I, like millions of other Americans, deeply respect the sacrifices that our military men and women have made defending the United States; especially the Marines. I wanted to do something to show that respect.

I made the "Enduring Freedom Marine Memorial" to honor the 33 Arizona Marines that have paid the ultimate price in defending our liberty. The memorial lists each Marine lost in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom since 2003. It is an "enduring" memorial because, unfortunately, the lower panel is detachable so that other names may be added as difficult circumstances require. This will continue until our troops finally come home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The tribute is made of solid Corain with the names laser engraved on each panel. The Field Cross (which was ordered from your company) is an appropriate, and beautiful, addition to honor all of these brave soldiers. This memorial is available for any of the 22 Arizona Marine Corps League Detachments to display at an appropriate event of their choosing.

The names on the memorial are not just "names"; they were real men, fathers, sons, brothers. They were Marines. I never want for any of them to be forgotten.

Respectfully,

"Just An American"
Mesa, Arizona

Paintings

Hello Sgt. Grit, I am a World War ll Marine and a self taught portrait painter. "Hq-3-25-4th div." Because I am able to do that, I am now on what I call a mission. I paint portraits in oil and give them to the parents and wifes of our "Fallen Hero's" free of charge. It is hard to fined parents or wifes that want a painting, so I was wondering if you or someone that you know can help. I will give you my address and e-mail address and if you can find anyone that want a painting, tell them to get in touch with me. Threw in a photo of me helping cut the birthday cake. "Oldest 86 and youngest Marine at the party." The other photos are of some of my paintings I did for parents. I did 15 so far.

Alexander Yawor

Home Made Marine Swagger Stick

Hey Sarge; On this Nov.10th I was given this home made swagger stick to see if I could find it's owner

The top band reads "MED CRUSE USMC"
The nex brass double band reads 1 9 6 7
LAN FUR
A M T R A U S

The circular brass bandS lists all the Med landings
SPAIN, BARCELLONA, FRANCE, TURKEY, ATHENS, ITALY, SARDINIA, NAPLES, SICILY, GREECE, CRETE.

Being a MARINE, you can understand it's significants. Hope you might squeeze this in some where.

Joe Shea

USMC Pumpkin pattern

My fiancé' LCpl Josh Fisher is currently in Afghanistan, so I've been trying to find different ways to stay busy and with this time of season, fall and Halloween I went on a search for a USMC pumpkin pattern. Alas I found none. So I got creative and made my own and it turned out better than I could have ever expected. I just wanted to share those pictures with everyone.

Thank you sgt grit for all you do!

Proud Marine Fiancée' missin' him all day every day until he returns.
Sabrina Billings

Copper EGA I made in honor of son's graduation

I am enclosing a copper EGA I made in honor of my son who is graduating from Parris Island on Oct 16TH, 2009.. Being a Marine from 1969 to 1970

I could not think of a better way to express how proud I am of him then making this EGA which He has earned 40 years after I did.. There will always be the bond of going through Parris Island that only the few and proud share and that is one thing I will always share with my son.

Semper-Fi
Will Spause

Attitude

sgt grit:

you & i might have been on the same inbound transport...

I landed danang 5 mar 1969, heading for hq btry 3/12 at quang tri. recently finished a 'Sgt. Grit' inspired bean bag toss board (not an item offered in your catalog) - thought you might appreciate seeing it.

semper fi
M.L.Milano u.s.m.c. 1966-1969

Vest

Sgt.,

I have been going high and low looking for a quilt pattern for a retired USMC vet. I could not find a thing so I made my own appliqué pattern and placed it on a vest. I thought some of your patrons might be interested in it. It only took me two days, but I work dusk to dawn when I get this kind of feeling about a project. Tell me what you think.

Soldier's Quilt

Dear Sgt. Grit, One of the most unique quilts that was made to Honor you all was not entered into the quilt show because of it's size and the fact that it could not travel.

The ladies of The Old Time Quilt be created a quilt with 112 actual photos of Soldier's Past and Present, measures 112 by 72 inches. The photos are the reason that the quilt can not travel. But I thought that you might want a photo of it to show that there are actually folks who are thinking about all Soldiers and want to show how proud we are of you and to Honor you with a tribute of such grandure.

The link below is a starter page for the quilt. I need to put more information about the History of the Quilt on the page and will as soon as I can. We are doing charity quilts at the present and we also have more photos of Soldiers that we are creating a banner to go along the side of the quilt when it is presented.

But know that you all are thought of and prayed for every day.

God Bless you all and keep you safe.

Kitten Rice
The Old Time Quilt Bee
Pigeon Forge, TN

The Soldier's Quilt External website

A little Corps art for you

Hi –

You said to email you the pictures of the Marines quilt I was making for my son’s (Chris L. Heady) birthday Oct.26th and it will also be for Veterans Day as well- I am so proud of his service in the Desert Storm conflict- His wife could not find his patches and they were on his shorts so I ordered 4 new ones to put in the outside corners of this quilt and they have not arrived- once it is finished, I will send you pictures of the completed one-

I have so much fun doing this for him- He is married and has four children, 2 boys and 2 girls- (my grandchildren) and I love him very much- Picture 122, 149 and 142 are the Marines quilt- ignore the other pictures of the butterfly quilt- I just finished that one for someone’s birthday- I just did not know how to send it – My Chris was part of the tank unit out of Fort Knox, KY.

Thank you for asking,
A proud Mom
Dr. Dotty Heady

Honor Quilt made for USMC Vietnam Veteran

Hello Sgt. Grit,

I wanted to share some photos of an Honor Quilt that I made for USMC Major Woodrow Franklin (Retired).

His family decided to surprise him with the quilt while he was at a regular Police Reserves monthly meeting. The Chief was in on the surprise presentation and we all had a wonderful time honoring Woody for his service to his country, faithfulness to his family and selfless hours devoted to serving his community!

He truly is one Semper Fidelis Marine!
Sandy

A little Corps art for you

Everyone loves cake, so here's the cake I made for a going away party at my husband's office. Semper fi!

Katrina Duff
Proud Marine Wife
MCB Quantico

USMC Seal Pumpkin

For the past 3 years that my some has been in the Marines. My husband has carved a pumpkin for him. We managed 292 pumpkin this past Halloween, and every year the Marine Corps pumpkin has been a huge hit. When we tell people it is to honor my son, Bryan & all the other Marines for their brave service, they tell us how great those men & women are. My husband is still trying to find a NAVY stencil for our daughter-in-law. Here's a pic of the pumpkin... before it was lit and after. Thank you all Marines & service personnel, stay blessed.

Catherine Riddle
Very proud mom of LCPL Bryan Woiewucki

USMC Recon Pumpkin Carving

Here is my submission.

Bill Moser
Alpha Co. 3-A-1
RVN 1969

Taps for a great friend, Marine

Sgt Grit

March 14th I lost a great friend, Marine…MGYSGT Del Yetter.

Attached are a couple of Photos of the Urn I made for Del and his family.

Del was a member of the Marine Air Traffic control Association from it’s start,

And will be missed by all.

What a fine Marine he was/is.

Semper Fi, Del.

Skip Redpath (former GYSGT, 7324)
Phoenix, Az.

Hand-painted USMC Emblem

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

Marine Corps 5-String Banjo

Drawing

Here is a great drawing from our deployed Marine, 6th com Alpha company New York Sgt JJ Deritter
Marine Momma

New Drawing by Sgt Je DeRidder

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA SIR

This is Marine Momma of 6th com Alpha company USMC New York New York Here is just acute drawing you can use ....Sgt Je DeRidder (says it OK to display) SEMPER FI Marine Momma amore' Gentile.

Custom EGA Plaque

I do not have a new Marine Corps tattoo to show, but I do have something that one of my friends created for me. His name is David Bayley and as far as I am concerned he is a Marine at heart. We are both instructors at Universal Technical Institute in Rancho Cucamonga, Ca. I have known Dave both as a friend and a boss for almost 10 years now. I knew that he did woodworking so I asked him if he could make me an EGA out of wood. When I gave him the picture, his statement was interesting and then I heard nothing for about 6 months, then at work one day he walked up and presented me with the one that I have attached pictures of, it just about floored me. It took some probing but he finally admitted that he has over 60 hours in labor alone in this and the list of the woods,are below.

Mounting Back  Redwood Burl  N/W USA Head and Neck  Lace wood  Australia Body and Legs  Walnut  USA Tail Feathers  Birds Eye Maple  USA Wings  Aeromatic Cedar  Eastern USA Continents  Red Oak  USA/Canada Oceans  Maple  USA/Canada Anchor  Padauk  Africa Rope  Zebra Wood  Africa

If you look at the rope, Dave took the time and effort to make the lines of the Zebra wood look like a real rope, this is in my den and will have a place of honor for the rest of my days.

Rod Jerls
SSgt USMC

Marine Clay Bust

I don't have a story just a picture to share. This is a clay bust that I made in the art program at the college I attend. You can see it is not finished as it has not been fired yet and still needs the buttons and eagle, globe and anchors. It is modeled after my husband though the facial likeness is not exact. (This was my first time ever doing this kind of thing!) Just so proud of my husband, my father-in-law and my own service in the Marines.

Semper Fi
Dana

Pencil Portraits

Semper Fi Devil Dogs. Look forward to getting your newsletters and hearing the stories from our brother and sisters, and also their families. Keep up the great work. Glad you have the catalog sales. My wonderful wife surprises me with something from your website every once in a while. I noticed that you are offering a pencil sketch of portraits. Attached is one my wife surprised me with several Christmas' ago. My son serves our country in the Navy( Our beloved Marine Corps Taxi Service) he is in the portrait with me and if you can make it out in the back ground a scroll with the Oath of Enlistment. Every bit of Marine materials I receive even after being retired for 12 years it makes my chest swell with pride.

Just wanted to say thanks and keep up the great job. God Bless all my brothers and sisters out there where ever you might be.

Jim Burroughs 1stSgt USMC Retired
'74-'95

Metal USMC Poster

Sgt. Grit and all other fellow Marines and family members,

My wife and I purchased this awhile back at an estate auction. I got into a bidding war with one person when it came down to it. Guess he didn't know he was dealing with two former U.S. Marines that never give up when they want something. Especially something like this. It is the heavy guage metal and is in really good shape considering. Maybe someone out there will recognize the Marine in the picture and the two other men with dreams of becoming one of us.

Semper Fidelis
Robert R. Barnes 1981-1995
0311, 3533, 8511, 8921
Tricia D. Cogburn 1992-1995 3533

USMC Poster in France

My daughter and son-in-law were on a business trip to France. While in Paris, they toured the Napoleon burial site and the war museum (Musee deI'Armee). One of the World War 1 displays was this USMC poster. I have never seen it before and thought all of us old (but not that old) USMC vets would like to see that the Corps is still fondly remembered in France.

Wood Craft Gifts

Sarge,
I live in a retirement community which is also home to several Marines - WWI Guadalcanal, Chosen Reservoir, the Cold War and Viet Nam. A couple years ago I made myself an EGA from American black walnut and got a few comments from the vets. So I set to work making one for each and every one of them, plus a few for my fellow-Marines with whom I served in the 1950's. Thought you might like to see what they look like. Keep up the good work of keeping us "old" Corps guys informed and in touch. Semper If!
John Tonkin
USMC 1955 - 58

Proud To Be Enlisted

Sgt. Grit,
I am writing this letter to say that i am newly enlisted in the USMC [040716] and I am seventeen years-old. I have been wanting to be a Marine since i was in 8th grade, and I am now currently an early grad [dec 04] and I am set to ship out in feb 05. I have worked extremely hard to graduate ahead of my class so I set out to achieve my goal of claiming the title of the few and the proud. The USMC has become such a part of my life that I am now currently doing art based around the marine corps. I have enclosed a few dif. pictures of my piece entitled, "The DI Creed" I hope you enjoy these as much as my recruiter does. Thanks...Semper Fi!
[Poole] Vanessa-Rose Dorband

Memorial Day Drawing

Sgt. Grit,
I did this drawing for Memorial Day. I know it is late but ,if you like, you can use it. Thank you for your service to your Country.
Respectfully,
Gary Sullivan
Proud Father of a Marine son in 2/8.

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