Sgt. Grit's Motorheads BS Page Volume 6

El Camino

Sgt. Grit, I enjoy receiving your newsletters and have especially checking out pix of tats and rides. I have enclosed three pix of my 1987 El Camino, De license DRSSBLU. Perhaps you might want to post one or more in an upcoming newsletter. Semper Fi and Out.

Chris Buck DI BO CHET 1/9 67-68

Cpl. Gwidt's Truck

Cpl. Gwidt, Roger F.
Korean War disabled Veteran
Kodiake, Alaska - Japan

DIY USMC Decal

Sgt Grit,

I met my boyfriend about two years ago, and he's in MCRD right now, about four weeks left. He enlisted with two of his good friends, and they're all doing very well. Before my boyfriend enlisted, I never really thought of all the people out there who put their own lives on the line for people they don't even know. When he joined, it gave me new light to those people. Now, at work, on the streets; wherever I am, I always make a point of telling every man and woman I know 'Thank you for your service.' One of the boys' moms teases me all the time 'leave those poor people alone! You're probably scaring them!' But I just look at her and tell her, 'Nah.. They shake my hand back and look me in the eyes and *normally* say 'you're welcome' but I've gotten a few odd looks like 'you've got to be kidding... wait... what!?!''

I recently had to use duct-tape to fix the front bumper on my car, and thought 'well, while I've got the duct-tape, I'll do a little personalized decal work on the hood.... I get some kind-of funny looks, but also some one-fingered waves. Like "cool but I'm too lazy to really actually pay attention" :]

Well, about two days after the duct-tape fix, it came loose again while I was driving to the mall to get something for him, and there was an older gentleman who pulled over to help me tie it up with a shoestring. :] He saw the USMC on the hood and asked, "Oh, who's in the Marines?" I replied *very* proudly, "My boyfriend and two of his good friends." He said, "Well good for them, pass on that we're all proud of them and tell them good luck." "I will." He finished tying the shoestring to the bumper, and we went our separate ways.

It makes me so happy when people are thanked for putting their lives on the line for others, and I'm glad I'm one who thanks them. They aren't thanked nearly enough sometimes, and sometimes they are even bashed for it...

One of the boys' moms was at a gas station a couple of days ago, and the man behind the counter had a hat or something on, I can't remember what she told me. But she knew that he had served, and it turned out it was in Vietnam (I think - I wasn't there). Well there was another woman at the next cashier who was bashing the troops a bit and just carried her mouth and ended up saying to my friend's mom, "Well if you support the troops that much, why don't YOU go over there?" my friend's mom just looked at the man behind the counter and said "Thank you, sir, for your service" and left.

I guess the point to this was just to say that it's really not that hard to go a few inches outside your shell to say thank you to a serviceman or woman.

Semper Fi!
Lindsay

Active Duty Marine Racer – LCPL Morehead

This is the most recent picture of me at a race it was I Yadkinville NC. I finished 18th of 250 I think I was in fourth but had mechanical problems. Looking to plaster a bunch of Marine stuff on it – more pictures to come!

Have a great motivated day

LCpl Morehead

Semper Fi License Plate

Hi Sarge,

Here are some photos of my motor scooter - a real "conversation piece" wherever I go!

Jim Phillabaum
S/Sgt USMC
1963 - 1972

Customer License Plate

Semper Fidelis Harley

Last year me and a small group of riders road our bikes from Sacramento, Ca. to Washington, DC. to spread Patriotism across our great nation and promote National Military Appreciation Month. We participated in the Rolling Thunder parade in our Nations Capitol. A camera crew followed us and filmed a documentary that should be out in August. It was and probably will remain one of the greatest experiences of my life. My family has 3 generations of Marines me being in the middle with my Father, his brothers, and my nephew being the rest. I had always dreamed of owning a Harley and having it painetd as a tribute to my Fathers generation in Vietnam and to all our Vets. The picture attached is a frame from the DVD coming out soon. The front of my bike says it all. "Semper Fidelis", Always Faithful to my Marine Corps and to all our Vets. It is pretty obvious that the painting is to represent "The Wall". The names are from KIA and MIA from California as well as a few of my Fathers friends that he lost in Vietnam. I will dig up some photos of the rest of the bike and send them to you. You can see a trailer of the documentary at WandaKproductions.com under Road to Thunder. My goal, like so many others is to keep the memory alive of our Fallen Heroes and using my bike as a moving tribute has been a wonderful tool. Thank you for having your newsletter as a way to heal, share, laugh, cry and so much more. When people ask me why I am so Gung Ho and why Marines are so proud, I simply tell them you can't and wouldn't understand unless you earned your Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. Being a Marine is truly embedded in your heart forever.

Semper Fi
"Scout"
Mike Perry
USMC / 2nd Bn 4th Mar
1996-2003

Truck Pictures

This is my truck. after loosing my son on his 2nd tour in the war.i keep in touch with his paltoon 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.its been 4 yrs and i will keep this untill i die. MARINES rule
Thank you

USMC Acura TSX

Here's a picture of my Acura TSX.

Semper Fi
Dean
1986-1990
3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion
1stMarDiv, CamPen

Fathers Day Present

Attached is a picture my wife had mad and attached to our 34' fifth wheel trailer. Thought some of the guys might like it.

David "JR" Wells
Cpl. 81-85
Body Bearer
Marine Barracks 8th & I
Washington, DC

USMC Truck Decals

SEMPER FI.
SV

USMC Force Recon Truck

Dear Sgt.Grit,

Just wanted to drop you a line a tell you how much I enjoy your newsletter from Marines, old and new. These stories from Marines past and present make me swell with pride of having served with some of the greatest. I am enclosing a picture of my truck, it says how much pride I have in being a Marine. I get compliments from former Marines, active duty and civilians thanking me for having served, something that servicemen never recieved when we returned home from Vietnam. Keep up the good work and to all Marines out there, SEMPER FI.

SSgt C. Staley, USMC/Ret.

Honks

I sure get a lot of Honk's and Thumbs up with my Florida plates.

Sgt Polk
Plt 41 MCRD-SD 1948

This Plate says it all

I had this license plate on my truck and it says it all.

CWO3 Paul DeLaricheliere
Henderson, NV
1971-1999

USMC bike

Here is a pic of a bike I put together over the winter. I got most of the idea's from stuff in your catalog. I am a 22 year retired Gunny. Thank you for all your support to Marines past and present.

Michael Munoz
Semper Fi

American Spirit Parade in Lancaster, Pa.

Here's some photos for ya.

Mine is the Yellow with black stripes on hood and spoiler and of course the Marine Corps flag.

The 2 photos are looking left and right during the parade when we had to stop, I jumped out and got the photo.

The other photo is before we all got the flags on, but the Grand LeMans has the POW and USMC flags on already !!

By the way, the USMC band from Camp Lejeune were in the parade also !

Thanks again from the SVGTO Tigers to Sgt. Grit and all the employees for the donation !!!!

You guys rock !!!!

Semper Fi,
Smitty

Marine Pickup Truck

While attending a get together in Sarasota Florida I found this truck parked outside my motel. Did not meet the owner..

Semper Fidelis
Larry Pate
God Bless America and the United States Marine Corps

Racing for Tots

Here at 15 years old (youngest late-model driver we know!) - Kristian Kalch - Racing for Tots with the Marines in 2007 in his 650HP Ford Fusion at Mahoning Valley Speedway.

Here are a few more pictures from our fundraising efforts from last year the Picture with the Toys for Tots hummer was at the race at Mahoning Valley Speedway, The Picture with the color guard is at Lehigh Valley Quarter Midget Racing Club Where we did a car display, USMC was present and we collected donations and toys all day and the 3rd picture is of a Toys for Tots car show in TannersVille Pa. Where Kristian Kalch and friend Tanya Fuentes presented a check from people who sponsored laps for Kristian to race on our Racing for Tots day the money was collected by the Kalch family and Ken's PDQ Lube and Service Center in Tannersville, Pa.

Update from Marines Helping Marines Organization

I just wanted to send you a few pictures of the fund raises we have completed to date. We still have one more to do on Aug. 24, 2008 at the West End Fair. I wanted to say thank you for all the USMC shirts you sent We sold them at the race track and gave all the money to Marines helping Marines up to date we have raised $4,325.30 and we really appreciate all that you have done! Along with all the money we raised we also were given a donation of 1,800 dvd movies and are very pleased to say that half of that was shipped to Afghanistan and the other half is going to men and women recovering in the hospital! all and all everything is been going great and I wanted to send you some photos to post one of the photos is of two little girls who bought your Marine clothing and are wearing it heheheh they look so cute anyways thank you so much and please just reply to this email so I know you received it and the pictures ... thank you again ... Jamie Kalch The first four pictures were shot at Mahoning Valley Speedway.com and the rest were taken at Lehigh Valley Quarter Midget Track thanks again we will send pictures from the other fundraiser when we have completed it.

Yours truly
Jamie Kalch
Infinity Racing Team

Marines who ride

Sgt Grit,

Here are some of our guys at the "dog house" we are bikers who are Marines and not Marines who ride. There is a difference. The "bull dog" chapter of the Leathernecks is located in Mesa Arizona. We meet every week and go on runs a lot. Do the "toys for tots" and the run to Camp Pendleton for the wounded vets. Etc etc etc. Involved in lots of "good" works for the community and we are respected as we should be. Have pictures of Smedly Butler, Chesty Puller, and many others who have made a name for themselves in the Corps on our walls. We get no flack from any and just want to be "in the wind" Just thought other Marines would like to see and hear about us. We are open to more Marines in the area who would like to check us out. Note above the "No Smoking sign" is the bull dog smoking a cigar. Ha ha ha never did like to be told not to do anything. Cpl RD Cargill 58-62

My Marine Car

Wanted to show off my Marine Pride.
Also car comes with Sgt Grit,Musical car horn w/marine hymn.
Semper-Fi
Once-a Marine-Always -a Marine
AL: Marnelli

Truck Pictures

'88 Shortbox Chevy  Took me along time to restore. The painting on the hood rally turned out nice.
Gordy Johnston

Sgt McDowell's motorhome

I can't begin to express thanks to Sgt Grit and the staff for what you bring to old and young marines alike. This forum is just the tool for some old vets to appreciate what so many Americans are saying today about the men and women who have gone forward to prior wars and conflicts. I've lived with this for the pass 38 years, since returning home from Viet Nam. I always believed what I had to do was right and I still do today. No military person should hang their heads about what happened there. They were there and did their duty as ordered by our government. The politicans of this country should hang their heads in shame forever. They say we are marines forever, yes I honestly believe this. If I have to, I will go down fighting with the cold steel in my hands and do so honorably. Hard cold fact, Marines are trained killers and very good at it, just ask the enemies of prior wars. BUT, there are times when they show compassion beyond their years. The Marine Corp gave me a re-birth from a smart aleck kid, to a viable product for employment in this country. My pride in the Corps is greater today than at anytime in the past. My wife and I were able to retire at younger ages and purchase a motorhome. I just finished putting a large mural on the back of the coach. Anyone who sees me and little woman on the road, honk, the first beer is on me. We plan on seeing all we can of this great country in our years of retirement.

Fritz McDowell (Sgt)
#2349865
1967/1970

MGySgt J. Foley

MGySgt J. Foley

GHOSTRIDE DI-DOG

DI-DOG'S NEW LOOK IN CUSTOM. CALLED GHOSTRIDE IN THE LOOK OF CUSTOM

THANKS TO ILL PHIL AND SOUTHSIDE CUSTOM CYCLES, POTTSVILLE, PA.

THE Family

Hey Sarge,
I find that the more I decorate my rides with USMC regalia the more Marines I gather into the family of the Marine Corps League.

Having served in SE Asia for three years with HQMC and some very interesting alphabet organizations during 1960-61-62, I find that family matters and in this case, THE Family is the Corps.

My "Troop Transport" Diesel Ford Excursion and my two-wheeled ride, a Honda Valkyrie, are decorated like a couple of mobile USMC recruiting stations, including the license plate on the bike (photo attached).

In our MCL detachment, we have, more times than not, overspent our wallets at the Sgt. Grit store and often quote some of the items from your newsletter in our monthly "News From The Front" detachment newsletter.

One of our members, John Link, aged 91, and a member of the "Class of '34", is still active within our detachment and still fits into the uniform that he wore when he was discharged.

(photo attached - John [2nd from right] with Sgt. Zachary Fincannon (r), as they were receiving their slices of the Marine Corps Ball cake.) Thanks for keeping the "family" together.

Semper Fi
Mike Mooney
Cpl. E-4 (MOS 2571)
Judge Advocate
Detachment 1163
Hickory, N.C.

USMC Race Car

Sgt Grit,

Heres a pick of our race car raced at Dillon Motor Speedway, Dillon, SC last year. We are putting a new body and paint scheme on it this year and Ill send those pics when the car is ready.

S/F
David Jeffcoat
Stafford, VA

S. North's Truck

1933 Plymouth

Once a Marine always a Marine is very true. I'm sending you a picture I had air brush painted on the back of my 1933 Plymouth Street Rod. When I go to car shows everyone is taking picture's of the back. Really makes me feel proud to be a Marine and to see people backing our troops. You don't see other service's with as much pride after they get out as the Marine Corps. Keep up the good work Sgt. Grit.

George Hahn Vietnam 67-68
Sgt. of Marines 62-72
Semper Fi

Marine Corps Edition ZX-1100 Ninja

Sgt. Grit,
I restored this bike in trubute to all my fellow marines. Whereever I go it get's a lot of attention. The emblems came from your catalog. Thanks alot and Semper Fi!!!

CPL Roger Gwidt - Disabled Veteran's Marine Truck

A memorial to Marine PFC Ryan Jerabek.

Respect

I was active from 1968 thru 1974 with a tour in Vietnam.

I've relocated several times in my civilian life, just couldn't settle down.

I now work on an airforce base as a civilian employee.

I take a lot of good natured kidding about having Been in The Marines.
Mostly derogatory remarks like "Jarhead" and such.
But they also show a lot of respect.
Many times I ride my bike into the base and it has Marine On the front and Last out no one
left behind on the rear.
many times the gate guards after checking my ID have come to attention and saluted,
even though I'm civilian and they don't have too. Pic of bike is attached.
They admit they considered it, but didn't feel they would be able to meet the challenge
of our boot camp and training.
Many of the active Airforce people I have come into contact with have been TAD with a Marine unit (air towers, brigs, construction units).

They all say they came away with respect for us, but still feel they couldn't take the
discipline.
Most airforce people are just civilians in a uniform.
Very little respect in the enlisted ranks.
Jr enlisted back talk to the senior and everybody calls each other by first name regularly
or hey "bro" and such, during official duty assignments.

Sgt of Marines
'68 -74'

1996 ZX-1100 Ninja Marine Corps Edition

This bike was restored to honor my fellow Marines whom have served their country well. The emblems came from your Sgt Grit Catalog. Thanks for helping me in completing this project. Semper Fi!!!!

Marine Truck

I am a retired Korean Marine Vet I wanted to praise the Military Men and Women for the sacrifices they endured for our country so when I drive I am a mobile advertisement for the Marines and what they have done. Where ever I go I recieve great compliments on the Truck.. If you would like more pictures I can send more. I hope you use them...

SSG John McNamara

Marine Jeep

I bought this 1977 CJ-5 5 years ago. A friend and I were in the Army/Navy store trying on wool clothing when as we went to leave and hadn’t purchased anything it occurred to me that we should. Beside the cash register was a rack with sticker bullet holes 6 for $1.49. Bingo I grabbed them and out we went. He asked what I was going to do with them and I told him the jeep had a crinkled fender and these would be way cheaper and easier than fixing it. About a week later we invaded Iraq.

On the way to work I heard about a peace protest at the college so I pulled into my friendly Marine Corps recruiter and asked for some stickers. Behold the birth of my Marine Jeep.

My dad: William M Beatty served and was wounded on Iwo, March 7, 1945. (my birthday March 7, 1949)
Myself: William T Beatty served in Vietnam, 1967-1970.
My son: William J Beatty served 1987-1991.

We were all Cpl’s and 18 when we entered the Corps. It is proudly dedicated to all who have served and sacrificed for the freedoms we all hold so dear. Semper Fi.

My Two Loves

Joined in Feb. 11, 1952 and 8 weeks vacation at Parris Island. Spent 14 months in Korea and met Chesty Puller. Attached to 1st Tanks. Married my wife May 15, 1955 and bought a car. She picked it out. She and my car became my two loves.

George Branch

From the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run

The first thing I thought when I woke up this morning, hearing the raindrops outside my window, how nice the weather permitted the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run

In Collin County yesterday!

For the second year, David and Hans worked hard with Ron, Jerry and Mike to make this a successful event. From the attached pictures you will see they accomplished their mission. One Marine soon to be heading back home with his family permenantly, will take tips from these guys to get one started in his hometown located in Arizona. Participation had doubled from the first year; from these rides I see many onlookers thinking, “I got to get a bike”. And the passengers now want to get their very own bike. Sells are up, I am sure, after each of these rides! Each sponsor will be happy to participate again next year I am sure.

With the donations from many businesses for raffle prizes, more toys can be purchased for children around the world. The song “Feed the World” comes to mind as I visualize Marines all over the world passing these gifts of love to many. Yes, these are also “duties” our military signed when they made the commitment to serve. “Whatever we can do for the children!” one biker said as she took her helmet off after the ride.

The McKinney VFW Post looks forward to next year as they were serving breakfast and lunch to live music on stage, with only a donation jar next to the food. Only a few challenge coins and t-shirts remained; no patch or pin to store. Blue Star Mothers sold magnets, “Supporting our Troops”, Guardian Bells were purchased supporting Relief Nursery of Collin County, a cash matched program sponsored by the State of Texas. (A child abuse prevention program modeled after the Relief Nursery in Oregon.) Vendors were present, sewing the patches on jackets to Taylor’s delight; riding on the back of “Papa’s” bike it was official, “Biker Princess” had been earned. I was not aware until I met the “Devil Derby” girls at the ride, Roller Derby still exists.

Marines were noticed as soon as I pulled up walking around in their cammies; those in their Dress Blues stood proudly at the 7-ton! “David was in high hopes to fill this full of toys!” I told them and as they parted for me to see, “It’s full!” they exclaimed.

Sgt. Major Huff was looking forward to this ride, but much to his disappointment his flight was later in the day; his wife showed up, much to our delight, as she filmed the ride taking off. Marine Mom Diane was in tears as she rode on the back of her husband’s bike; just as they were pulling away from the VFW parking lot her son Nicholas called from Iraq, “How fitting” she told me when they got back. “He never calls this early!” she says. “It only seemed right” I tell her.

“This ride was great!” many were heard saying, “Looking forward to next year!” and “Keep this one the same, good route!” Could it be the scenic route itself throughout Collin County rural area? Or was it the Girl Scouts in Princeton waving as they passed through the neighborhood, the citizens of Melissa waving them on, the people pulling over and getting out of their cars to see this beautiful sight?

Veteran's Parade Boat

Sir I was told by someone you might like these photos, I entered my 24 ft pontoon boat in the 2007 and 2008 Phoenix Veterans parade and got first place in 2007, here are the photos. I was a SGT in the Marine Corps in the 60s---Dennis

Updated to include image of boat from 2008 parade (last photo).