Other Marine Corps BS Volume 11

What Chesty meant to me

Sgt. Grit,

I'm not old enough to have met the general personally (being only 40 years old) but, did have an experience I want to pass along. Several years ago I joined the National Guard after a 15 year break in service. I attended AIT at Ft. Eustis, Va, and it was while I was there, that I was traveling with a friend that lived in that area. While in the car I noticed a menu from a restaurant that had an address of Puller Parkway. I asked my friend about it and he said that the Pullers had lived in that area and Chesty was buried not to far away. I, very excitedly asked if he could show me and of we went. We arrived at a church out in the middle of nowhere and I walked up to the cemetery. There was nothing special about the marker except the small American and Marine Corps flags at the head. I stood there for a moment and heard the echoes of "Good Night Chesty, wherever you might be" from that squadbay at Parris Island. I felt the tears well up inside as I stood there in the presence of why I had joined the Corps so many years ago. I took the time to take a few pictures for posterity, saluted and about faced. This is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Semper Fi!!!!!!
Ross Jones
Lcpl. 87-91
Alabama National Guard 2006-Present

Honorary Member Induction article and photo

The Columbus Ohio Marine Corps League Detachment has made Gilles Lagin, a citizen of France, an Honorary Member of their unit. He has been mailed a framed copy of the League Certificate so recognizing him. Marine Lagin was recognized earlier in 2008 by becoming only the second non-US citizen to be named an Honorary United States Marine. This took place through action of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, as part of a commemorative ceremony held at Belleau Wood. The Commandant took that action in recognition of Lagin's lifelong devotion to preservation of the memory of the bravery and sacrifices of the Marines at Belleau Wood during WWI, and for his creation of a museum in France honoring the WWI Marine Corps. The Belleau Wood Detachment members thought it only proper to induct Lagin as a member, and wish all Marines to be aware of Gilles Lagin's contributions to the Corps.

Submitted by:

John Maurer, Commandant
Belleau Wood Detachment #508
www.mcleague508.com

Father and Son

Dear Sgt.Grit,

I served in the MARINE'S from 1975-1979 at EL-TORO with MARINE AIR CONTROL GROUP 38 then with the 3rd MARINE DIVISION.This is is about how proud I'am of my son Justin who is a CPL. in the MARINE'S who is serving overseas in the GULF REGION on the U.S.S. Iwo Jima.We both went in at 17 right out of High School and I wanted to attach both our pictures from boot camp.You must remember that there is and age difference of 31 years but when I saw his picture I had to find mine and do a double take.What I saw was myself and I just could not belive the likeness. I know this will not be important to others but I wanted to share it with you at Sgt. Grit.

Sincerely,
Mark Henry
Sgt. U.S.M.C.

Due to My MOS

I was not one of the most loved in the Corps due to my MOS, (5811, Military Police). However, that start served me well as I went on to serve over 20 years with the U. S. Border Patrol, protecting my country on an entirely different front.

My dad dug this clipping up from somewhere. The photo was taken in June of 1973.

Francis Jeschke
Cpl of Marines and USBP (ret)

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Veterans of the Day

Dear Sgt Grit...

Just wanted to share a picture of GSgt George Lanes and Sgt Rick Holton USMC both Vietnam Vets...We participated in the Flag ceremony at Disney World on 12 December 2008...It was indeed an honor and a pleasure as we marched in a parade and were given a Certificate and a Disney pin...that can only be earned as Vet of the Day...(not available for sale)

Thanks...former Sergeant Rick Holton

Benefit for LCpl Matt Bradford

I would like to extend an open invitation to all the Marines in the Nashville TN area. My son, LCpl Matt Bradford, is being honored with a benefit on the 16th of January at the Batter's Box Bar. A very special friend has written a song for him called My Friend Matt and it tells his story. He was injured in Iraq on 18 January 2007. He lost both legs and his vision. His right hand was damaged, but his spirit was not touched. I know that he would like for all to come and enjoy drinks as his Alive Day 2 is approaching.

Thank you
Debbie
Matt's Mother
P.S.
Attached is a picture of Matt and my friend, Michele at Thanksgiving---dancing!!!

No - thank you

Received your email thank you today. It was so great to get! But I want to thank you for the wonderful stories I read in your periodic emails. Attached is a picture of my son LCPL Asa Carpenter, Iwakuni Japan. This pic was taken on Family Day 10-25-07 at MCRD San Diego.

Reading the different stories, from young and old, provides this mom with strength and hope. Every issue provides more than the last. God Bless you all, and all your subscribers, and certainly, all of our troops, past, present and future!

Marine Mom,
Ann Carpenter

Commissioning Ceremony Aboard USS Midway

On December 20, 2008, my family and I was fortunate enough to witness the commissioning of our son SSgt. Clayton Anderson to Second Lieutenant, aboard the USS Midway, San Diego, CA. (Pictured above is our son and his mother prior to the commissioning ceremony.) Second Lieutenant Anderson's Marine Corps service started on Jan. 14, 2002 at Parris Island, SC and soon after on to the School of Infantry (SOI). He was then assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton California. During his first 4 year enlistment his Unit was deployed 3 separate times to Iraq. In March of 2003, 1/5 was spearheading the initial invasion of Iraq and later into Baghdad. In Dec. of 03 and into 04, Cpl. Anderson served as squad leader during the battle of Fallujah, and in 2005, Sgt. Anderson became part of the 1/5 Scout/Snipers and deployed to the city of Ramadi. 2nd Lt. Anderson was then accepted into the MECEP program, and graduated from California State University, San Marcos with a B.A. in Communications in Dec. of 2008. Following commissioning, 2nd Lt. Anderson will be attending The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. His personal decorations include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal w/Combat 'V', Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal w/Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Iraqi Campain Medal. The newly commissioned officers who were pinned at this cememony included five other prior service Marines, and eleven others, made up of ensigns in the Navy and Second Lieutenants in the Army and Air Force. It was truly a joyous occassion for the hundreds of parents, friends, and guest who attended.

Semper Fi,
J. T. Anderson,
Cpl. USMC,71-73.

In Memory of Dr. John "JP" Pryor

Could you all please pray for the repose of Dr. John "JP" Pryor's soul. On Christmas Eve, my Jim called me to let me know that after he got off work, he and his paramedic would be stopping off at a party at another "PENNStar person's home". When he got home earlier than I thought he would, he told me that Jim McCans (a PENNStar paramedic who went to Iraq in 2007 as a "private contractor" w/his "cadaver dog" looking for missing soldiers killed by terrorists...if you saw the reports in 12/2007 of mass graves found...that was Jim and Stache his dog...they were recently honored by the ASPCA as dog of the year...) had come in with the news that JP had died that morning...Christmas morning...in Iraq. He was supposed to have been making a Christmas morning phone call to his wife and kids...but the call never came. He died in a mortar attack, in Mosel, having just gotten back from Christmas morning mass. Jim remember's JP as a "brilliant trauma surgeon who would grill the flight crews on the patient's condition from the start of the accident scene and the person's condition and care through out the flight"...and if you knew he was on, you'd better be on you toes... He was a kind and caring individual who, during his first deployment to Iraq, learned Farsi so he could communicate with the Iraqi people...especially the children...so he could earn their trust and facilitate their recovery... PENNStar...and everyone at Penn...will miss JP greatly!

--Christine Armstrong, wife of a Marine no longer on active duty who now serves as a CDR w/the Navy Nurse Corps taking care of his BELOVED MARINES

Semper Fi #1

SGT. GRIT,

I would like to tell you about a great group of former MARINES I found out about 2 years ago. The group is called SEMPER FI #1 We are all volunteers. We have about 70 members, active and inactive. ,Once a month we provide full military honors to Veterans at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside Ca. We usually do about 10- 15 funerals each duty day which is the 2nd Friday of each month. The branch of service does not matter. They are Veterans who earned and deserve this honor and it is our privilege to give them the full respect they deserve. The comments and thanks that we get from the families just adds to the pride we get from doing these services. We have men & women who drive 2-3 hours 1 way to be there on our duty day. The unit is just a great bunch of people from all walks of life with one thing in common, we are still MARINES. The pride we all get when we put on our Dress Blues on that 1 day each month cannot be expressed fully to you. The unit was formed 11 years ago and gets stronger each year. We are always looking for new members. If you are a Honorably discharged MARINE and would like to serve again in our unit, you can contact our president Mac Mcclain at jmksmcclain [at] gmail.com or at 909-225-2346 for more information.
Steve Fisher former SGT. of MARINES 1ST. Recon Vietnam 68-69

Honoring LCpl Anthony Grundy

We stood the new poles and flags 10 Nov 2008 to honor LCpl Anthony Grundy from Henryetta, Ok. It was wet and cold, that did not matter and at 0800 we had the flags flying.

11 Nov 2008 we held a ceremony to honor all veterans

from left to right USMC Mike Doak
USMC Ray Heminover
UNS Corpsman Stanley Page
USMC Bill Walker

Fallen Army Brother

Sgt. Grit,
This was the scene at my local airport where I have my office in Atlanta (PDK) where they brought a soldier home. We were all teary eyed and stood at attention as the casket was moved. Brings back bad memories. At least this time, we care.
Sgt. D R George

Jingle Bell Run To Honor Our Fallen

Team "Trying To Raise Money For Our Grunts" did it's first Holiday run to honor our Heroes.
What better way to remind people that we have many, many heroes thousands of miles away from their loved ones this holiday season and to honor those whose families will never spend another holiday with them, no? I sported 22 pounds of gear as well as pictures of some of the fallen Marines from units we have supported. Yep, I have them hanging off the back of my pack to so that folks could see em coming and going

Jingle Bell Run 2008 Finish Thanks in large part to the hundreds of Sgt Grit Readers who have supported us and our efforts, Support Our Marines, Inc will actually hit our 08 fundraising goal! I have made new friends all over the country who have humbled and inspired me daily and, better yet, have helped us to send our 3700th package to our Marines forward deployed. OORAH

Semper Fi

Dianne Villano
Support Our Marines, Inc
www.supportourmarinesinc.org

Farm And Livestock

Interesting that Gen. Krulak closed the Mess Hall. He knew a little about USMC Food Services, as he had a friend who was the first commissioned officer( Chesty pinned on his bars) in what Food Services of the Corps is today. The Lt.Col. I am speaking of, Peter Paul Yezerski, was a good friend , and at the time the oldest living , having served the earliest of any known Old Breed China Marine, before his passing. Went through boot at Parris Island when they had a farm and livestock as did most bases at the time to feed the troops. Ski was from Mass. also, enlisted at 15 in 1931 and at 16 was in China. Gen. Krulak and Ski were friends, when Ski asked the Gen. for anything he usually got it as was the case with most Marines Ski served with. Here's a photo of Gen. Krulak speaking at the Food Services School at Camp Lejeune. Ski is to the left, with the glasses, of Gen. Krulak. Another photo is Gen. Krulak cutting one of the graduation cakes at the school and the third is Chesty cutting one of Ski's ( to the right) USMC Birthday cakes, Pearl 1949

Semper Fi,
Jim Donovan

Going To Be Old Corps

Went out to MCRD in October to take part in the Boot Camp Challenge - a three mile run around the Depot that went over, under, and through many of the obstacles the recruits use. There were about 3,000 people, most civilians, taking part. All along the way DIs were strategically stationed to provide encouragement to the runners. As you can see from the DI's body posture in the picture, he was gently suggesting I pick up the pace, just like in the old days! Most folks wore running shorts and tennis shoes, but I figured if you're going to be Old Corps you might as well dress like it. It's been 37 years since boot camp, and I swear someone must have raised the height of the log and wall obstacles since then! One note for next year - don't wear white socks. They cost me about 50 bends and thrusts at various obstacles when a DI would notice them and politely inquire, "so when did we start wearing white socks in my Corps, huh?". One nice change from running the "O" course as a recruit, though - swapping sea stories and enjoying a cold one from the beer tent afterwards.

Dwight Lada
Mustang
1971-91

Homecoming for Okinawa Marines

This was a story from our local Stars and Stripes (Saturday, September 22, 2008 Okinawa Edition.) when our Marines were welcomed home last month. It is a little sad for the single guys who come back to Okinawa from a deployment with no family or friends to welcome them. The single and unaccompanied Marines and Corpsmen without families on island were welcomed back from a 9 month deployment by a group of volunteers. Banners, gift cards and letters were sent from all over the states to let these guys know they are not forgotten!

2008 Phoenix Veterans Parade, 5th largest in the nation

Sgt. and Mrs. John Sherman Lillard Jr.

I am one of the lucky ones, my Marine is home with me. He would not agree. He would rather be overseas with his "brothers". I met and married my Marine one year out of service. He is 90% disabled and gave 8.5 years of his life to the Marine Corps. He wore his dress blues for the last time the day of our wedding (picture attached). I am very proud of him and of our Military but I am partial to the Marine Corps.

I have two sons from a previous marriage who love and respect their step-father and want to follow in his footsteps. One will be joining the Marines this summer (delayed entry program). He will be a Senior in high school next year. My other one has 3 years before he can join.

My husband did 2 tours to the "sand box" as he calls it. I am very new to what is and what isn't allowed when you are married to a Marine. He is very fickle about every part of him especially his Military career memorabilia. He had his back fused this past February (first back surgery in Japan , a few years ago) and has severe PTSD. We have a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of doctors appts. Even though he is disabled he would rather be fighting the fight then to fight the Veterans Affairs Department. I am very thankful for the years he spent in the Marine Corps even with his disabilities, because they made him who he is today. I fell in love with my Marine just like he is and wouldn't trade any part of him for anything. I wish the best to all the Marines that are overseas and especially to the ones that are not with their families. My heart goes out to the families that are without their loved ones and I pray that all our men and women serving our country come home safe. To the Marine families Semper FI.

Sgt. and Mrs. John Sherman Lillard Jr.
Shelley R Lillard

Cpl Robert Jackson and Cpl David Jackson

We recently went to the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington D.C. My sons, Cpl. Robert Jackson, 20 and Cpl. David Jackson 21, stand in front of the memorial. Their older brother, First Class Petty Officer Daniel Jackson was on duty in the Persian Gulf so he was unable to go with us. We are from the Gila River Indian Reservation in Arizona---Ira Hayes's home.

In the next photo they are standing in between their Marine cousin's name, Pfc. Peter G. Ruiz, who was killed in Vietnam.

Robert served in Iraq and David has served in Djibouti, Africa.

Semper Fi from their father, Cpl. A. L. Jackson 1975-79

McHugh A-1-5 KIA 11-28-1950

Ted and Hal, Bob went up TODAY to again get this picture, that he first saw on November 28th, 1960, exactly 10 years to the day when he was working on a telephone line and looked down across the street and saw a headstone, knowing the type it was. He went over and it was none other than his buddy who went over with him and their ship landed on November 10th, '50, the Corps, birthday. He has pictures of him and other KIA's that he is sending to post on the KWP., site, ALL with him in his unit that was called up from Pittsburgh.

Another meaning of Semper Fi,

From a Marine of yesterday AND, it doesn't change.

Belated HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Here is a memory.

Thomas John Saito

This is as received from my buddy from boot camp, Gary Setbacken:

It is with a feeling of deep, personal loss and sadness to report the passing of Thomas John Saito. The Lord called upon him November 14, 2008.

Tom Saito was the Editor/Publisher of Guns and Ammo for >40 years.

As most of you know it is hard to get in a word in when I'm in a conversation but not with this guy.

I listened for hours to his tales of fighting in the South Pacific.

His stories of guns, gun people and hunting were like a movie script.

He fought tirelessly for all of us to keep and bear arms.

His love for the Corps and his Country were second only to his lovely wife Brigitte.

Another Marine reporting for Guard Duty, St. Peter!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through the memorial website to the Devils Pups Inc. and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Please leave your kind messages, "smart ass" remarks, stories and photos in the Memory Book on Tom's Memorial Website.

OSPREY & Brithday Cake

Osprey is amazing, Although the same for our Birthday Cake...

Semper Fidelis
Gunny

Prayers for a fellow Marine

Semper Fi Marines. I have a special Prayer request for a fellow Marine that is in the hospital fighting a battle of his own right now. His name is SSGT Manford James Kenner. Jim is one of the one niners from the Viet Nam era. He received 6 Purple Hearts in his life with the Corps. His blood has stopped producing what ever it does to make more blood. He fell at a Veterans Day function and has been going down hill ever since. Enclosed is a picture of him. He is Marine to core. I told him he had to get well cause his orders hasn't been cut yet for that trip to guard Heavens gate. This picture was taken last year at graduation. My husband and Jim Kenner and another fellow vet received their high school diploma's through our local school district. The lovely lady standing next to Jim is his wife Becky Kenner. Of course they were the highlight of the evening cause all of them were in their dress uniforms. Needless to say the standing ovations and rousing applause brought tears to everyone. Please join me and our friends and fellow Marines in Prayer for a very special person in our lives. Thanks.

Robin Taylor, wife of SGT Dearl W. Taylor. Disabled Vet. proud to be Marine!

From Gavin

My grandson wrote this letter to his uncle on Veteran's Day. As you can tell he worships his uncle and wants to be a US Marine someday. His name is Gavin Jones and he is 9 years old.
Toye Little

Marine Family

August 15th, 1981 I stepped on a plane for the first time to Parris Island South Carolina into a world I knew nothing about. What a wonderful world it was. I left the Marine Corps on February 2nd, 1987. I became a mother of three and "Once a Marine, Always a Marine". My children knew about the Marine Corps. They all insisted that they would never be Marines. At one point in life I believed them. But, it was my foundation and other than my faith, it was what kept my head above water in the bad times and what I could attribute to my good times.

My oldest son, Adam, turned 19 and was going nowhere in life. I had told him to join, but he said no. Then one day; on the right day a recruiter called him. He said yes. Needless to say I was so psyched. Going to San Diego was so awesome. But wait, that same year my daughter, Kathleen, enlisted in the delayed entry program. I was going to be returning to my old stomping grounds in Parris Island along with my parents who had been there 24 years before with me. It was like walking into another dimension; a time machine into my past. She looked so good in that uniform.

There was still one more. He fought and fought with me to leave him alone about it. Even the recruiters didn't push him. They knew, like me, he would walk in one day. He was 18 and I told him to move out and get a job. Well he moved out, but had a terrible time trying to find a job. He said that one day it hit him, “It’s only natural to become a Marine like the rest of the family. He knew it wouldn’t be a waste of time. Sean asked me to make the call and to go with him. Another vacation to boot camp; it was great.

They all chose because of the foundation they knew it would give them for life and for the educational benefits. The thing I am most proud of; they didn’t hesitate because there was a war. They all knew that serving God, country and corps with honor, courage and commitment would make them the good and whole people that they have become. Adam has served in Afghanistan and Iraq; Kathleen is in Iraq now and Sean is going on his first MEU soon.

Former Marine Cpl. Patricia Aragon-De Herrera

Support our Troops

Love this web site and the effort that Sgt Grit and his crew put forth is awesome. You cannot deny it........the Corps is a unique fraternity! Just wanted to add my "two cents" to the push to do something to support all of our troops - no matter the branch of service! Here I am, a former member of the Corps from 1959 to 1965 (Platoon 285, 2nd RTB, Parris Island, SC) just trying to do something to add my voice to the call to support all those in uniform.

Michael Knox.......Bridgeport, Washington

Grandpas Marine

Joshua wants to be just like Grandpa Tony Fialkowski, US Marine Scout Sniper 2 tours in NAM, Qui-nohn Province, Cho-lai, SEMPER FI Joshua. As I have told him I am a better man today, thanks to the Marine Corps....OORAH
Tony-Ski

Happy Birthday

Marines:

This day, Our Marine Corps is 233 years old. I had the wonderful pleasure this weekend to be in Arlington National Cemetary, and see also the Iwo Jima Memorial, also know as the Marine Corps Memorial. I walked around the Iwo Jima Memorial, not knowing what I was supposed to be feeling. I circled it twice, snapped photos of the sculpture, the base, it was beautiful. As I walked around the side to the right, a 12 or 13 year old boy was on the surrounding ledge, walking around the memorial. I motioned with my arm for him to get down. He did, and walked back to his folks. Another guy from my training class, asked why I did that.

"Are you kdding? He was walking on my memorial!"

He wanted me to explain, but I didn't bother. He was Air Force.

In addition to not allowing others to tarnish anything representative of the Marine Corps, do not forget about yourselves. Others see you, and know who you are, what you represent. Don't allow the heritage of the Corps to be anything but the best within your life.

Happy Birthday, and Semper Fidelis!

-Jeremy Doxey, Former Corporal of Marines, 1992-1996

Gunny Ermey visit

Hi Sarge,

Just checking in with some info I thought you may deem worthy of passing on. A bunch of old Marine Air-wingers have restored back to flying condition their exact UH34D (tail number YN19), they dug up from the boneyard in Arizona. They have put it back together on an old potato farm on Long Island, New York.

GySgt. Ermey (Full Metal Jacket & Mail Call) was in the neighborhood and decided to pay a vist, here are some pics. My company, All-System Aerospace is made up of a CH46 Nam era mechanic and two of us are MALS 26 Marines from the 92-97, we have helped in this restoration by donating spare parts to get this bird back in the air. Anyway the Gunny was impressed with the efforts of these old Devildogs and we hope to bring them some publicity, as they are only driven by donations. Enjoy.

www.Freedomsflyingmemorial.org

Happy Early Birthday.
Semper Fidelis!
Best Regards,
Mike

1/9 Homecoming

I would like to say welcome home to 1/9. We missed them all I'm glad that everyone came back safe and sound. I just want to tell my husband that I love him and I'm so glad that he came back safe. I want to say thank you to all the other people that risk there lives and their families. I know its not the easiest thing to do. This is a pic of my husband and our daughter at his homecoming.

Thank you
Amanda Westfall
Camp Lejeune, NC

Letter from KB in Chicago

Greetings from one of a 5 children who is very proud of our dad and the many Marines that have come before him and after. Many years ago a young man talked his very best friend into joining the Marine corp. The United States was in at war with North Korea. Although many say it wasn't one; just a little old police action. His friends mother had wanted him to be a priest and Eddie had other ideas one was the Air Force. My dad convinced him the Corp was the right choice. They left and each went to different boot camps and then onto different outfits. But they kept in touch each describing what they experienced through out their training. Eddie was sent over seas first. He was CPL Edward Trautwein 7th Mar Reg. F Co 2 BN He ended on a place called Out-Post Vegas , where he died along with many others defending one of many hills in Korea 03-28-'53. He was a radio operator.

My dad over the last few years has started to talk to us kids about this and his time over in Korea. He just carries this guilt around with him. Although he has found some peace through talking it out with our minister. There is a part of him that wonders what happened that day. He wishes he could talk to someone anyone who might recall that day.

I don't know if there is anyone who might remember or want to share. I respect that because I have a son who came back from Iraq after serving 18 months. He doesn't talk to me or his step-dad to much about his time over there. He gives us vague information and we won't push. If ever he wants he knows he can share with me. I know though that he talks to my dad sometimes but stops when someone comes near.

So Sgt Grit if any of your readers can help a man who I respect and love dearly I would greatly appreciate it. It would mean the world to him too.

Sincerely
K G Smith

Letter from KB in Chicago

Dear Sgt Grit,
I would like to thank KB for his help that day on the tour. My son is the young Marine from 2/3 and his name is Lcpl Matthew Bradford. He is a very courageous young man and I am very proud of him. He has overcome some tremendous obstacles and is still going strong. He is a true Marine and is very proud of his brothers. He is hoping to stay in the Corp and work with the wounded Marines and their families at the hospitals. He also wants to do some public speaking. He has a lot of heart and soul. As you can see, he has his legs and is walking whenever he can. He is currently at the Hines VA Hospital at the Center for the Blind. He has learned so many things so that he can be independent once again. I know that he will achieve whatever goals he sets for himself. I know that Matt can help others with whatever injury they have because he is such an inspiration. He has helped me thru all of this just by not giving up on himself. This is just a sidestep for Matt to take and then he will be able to go forward for the rest of his life.

Thank You
Debbie Bradford
PMM Mom LCPL Bradford

EOD and EGA carvings

Hi Sgt Grit,

Just wanted to share with you my pumpkin masterpiece for this year… My son is in EOD… he spent 7 months in Iraq this year. He is now back in NC with his wife and they await their first born within the next 2-4 weeks. This year I carved the EOD, last year, the EGA… (I think I may have sent that to you last year but here it is again)

Candas Konop
Proud Mom of Sgt Chase Konop

EGA pumpkin

Sgt. Grit , Love your newsletter. Thanks for everything you do for all who have served and who are currently serving.

This is my entry into my company's pumpkin decorating contest. It took me about two and a half hours to complete.

R. M. Lozano
CPL 87-91
Kilo 3/8

The rest of the story

Dear Sgt. Grit,

Last year about this time, you asked, "Who was our best officer?" I wrote about a Lt. Capers that I was with at Fort George G. Meade, MD when I was a security guard at NSA, and how the Lt. influenced my successful Marine Corps career. At the time I had no idea where know Major Capers was, and Sgt Grit forwarded several e-mails that told me his location.

Because of the Sgt. Grit news letter, I also found that the NSA Marines have a yearly reunion that I was proud to attend this September. It was a great reunion and Major Capers was there. We enjoyed a long talk and I found out that he is still leading by example. He is working with the Wounded Warriors Barracks at Camp LeJeune, NC. He is still offering guidance and mentoring our wounded Marines returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of them may stay in the corps, but some will have to go back to civilian life. Major Capers is there offering his help, experience, and leadership in whatever path they follow. (Major Capers is the good looking Marine pictured on the left.)

I also had the opportunity to visit the new National Marine Corps Museum. It is an awesome place and anyone who has ever been a Marine should take the time to go see it, because it will bring back proud memories that were long forgotten.

Thank you, Sgt Grit for your service and for your service to Marines past and present.

Joe Orlandi
MSGT Retired

Sgt Coyne and his children

I think these pictures say it all. They stand for the sacrifice that all military families make, but the reward of Freedom is so great. God Bless the US Marines and all other Military Branches for their service. May all American families be as happy to have a homecoming such as my Son's. Proud MOM of Sgt Bernard J. Coyne Jr.

Wyatt And His Marine

From age 3-to-now: Wyatt's clothes have consisted of, green camo or dessert camo, no hunter's camo (soldiers don't wear that), and boots just like the soldiers wear. His toys consist of wooden guns (his father and pawpaw make for him), binoculars, canteens, survival gear, MRE's (which he actually eats) and of course a back-pack to carry it all in. His birthdays consist of camo everything, even face paint. He sends out 100 Christmas cards each year (four years now) to soldiers, signing each one.

Wyatt, at age 3 yrs, began asking questions about our country, soldiers and fighting for freedom. He has always been a very thoughtful and serious child. At bedtime, he would ask his father questions such as: "Why do we have soldiers?" "Why do they have to fight?" "Why do other people want to take our freedom away?" "What are all the different soldiers called?"

One night Wyatt asked, "What soldier goes in first, daddy?"
His father said, "Well, that would be the Marines, son."
Wyatt replied, "Then that's what I want to be, daddy, a Marine."

Then one night Michael (his father) read him a bedtime story, an article from: BRIGADE QUARTERMASTERS, CATALOG #70, "Something That Didn't Make The News" by: Bob Lonsberry, about Marine Capt. Brian R. Chontosh. An awe-inspiring story. After hearing the story, Wyatt ask if he could write a letter to Capt. Chontosh, to thank him. His parents said, "Sure, why not." In his letter Wyatt thanked him for fighting for our freedom, telling him he would pray for him and that he thought he was a hero. (letter attached pic #3 email 2) Then came the tough part, searching for an address and getting the letter to Capt. Chontosh. This task fell to Wyatt's mother, Brandy, who tried an extensive Internet search, called Marine Corp Family Line, also called the base where Capt. Chontosh was stationed at the time of the article. (Not being a family member of a Marine they could not give out any information) After 2 months of searching, not knowing what else to try, I suggested to his mother that we drive to Lawton, OK to the Marine recruiting office, tell his story, maybe someone would help us. (We of course took Wyatt with us, hoping they could not resist the request coming from him.) (pic #4) It happened that the Recruiting Officer there that day was head of recruiting for the state of OK. He patiently listened to our story, ask a few questions, was amazed at the lengths that we had gone to to send a letter to a Marine. He also saw how important it was to a little 4 yr. old boy to be able to deliver his letter to 'his' Marine. He picked up the phone and one phone call later we had an email address that would reach Capt. Brian Chontosh.

We then sent Capt. Chontosh, Wyatt's letter and picture. A few weeks later Wyatt received an email from Capt. Chontosh thanking him for the letter and asking Wyatt for his address and ask if he could send him something. Wyatt watched the mail.................. Two years later, (a Marine never breaks his promise, Right?) Wyatt (6 yrs) received a package: Inside was a note saying, "Wyatt, I have never forgotten your letter.", some Iraqi money, and Capt. Chontosh's personal boonie hat he wore in Iraq. (pic #2 ) (which Wyatt wears proudly to this day) Brian Chontosh may never know the extent to which he touched a life. First, with the bravery he showed in war, fighting for our freedom, never stopping, not until the job was done. Second, by the humility he showed in the email and letter that he sent to Wyatt. He may never know what his actions, his story meant to a little boy. (To young to even read the story himself) Wyatt adopted Brian Chontosh as 'his' Marine, a soldier to look up to, an example of the soldier he wants to be. Wyatt will never forget 'his Marine', Brian Chontosh, he prays for him all the time, for all Marines, for all soldiers.

Please don't misunderstand, Wyatt has other things going on in his life. He raises cows, chickens, enjoys four-wheeling, karate class and target practice. Of course, the last two are in preparation for being a Marine, because that is always first in his mind. While on vacation this summer in Alaska, (July`08) he picked up sticks to use as guns (because his parents wouldn't let him take his in his luggage) and would scout the trails, protecting his family. Because isn't that exactly what a soldier would do? (pic #3)

Wyatt Graves
Marlow, OK
Son of Michael and Brandy Graves,
Brother of Mariah Graves,
Grandson of David & Janet Graves

I hope that I have told this in such a way that will help you understand a little boy's pursuit of a soldier, of a dream and his longing to protect the freedom of our great country.

Thank you,
Janet Graves (Wyatt's Mamaw)

Rick Dobbs

Sgt. Grit
My husband, Rick Dobbs, was a Corpsman in Viet Nam, and, like many other veterans, suffers from PTSD. It took many years of broken relationships, lost jobs, various compulsive behaviors, and finally the onset of horrible nightmares almost 30 years after he came home to prompt him that he needed help. With the help of the Veteran's Service Center here in Sacramento he began counseling & spent a month in a program at Roseburg, Oregon which helped him tremendously. For the first time, he began talking about his experiences, his "survivor's guilt," the pain of not being able to save everyone, and other horrors of war. I felt I was finally getting to know him after almost 20 years of marriage, and I love him even more if that's possible. But the story I want to share is something totally unexpected that happened that helped him more than anything else. After a series of events only God could have put together, our Pastor asked us to go to Uganda as husband and wife to represent our church as part of a "sister parish" program.

Our church had sponsored the Pastor of our sister parish there to come here and meet our congregation, and he wanted to host someone from our church and let them meet the people in his parish in Uganda. As a result, my husband and I came home totally changed from seeing the lives of the people, especially the AIDS orphans, there. Some of the landscape and houses reminded Rick of Viet Nam, but it didn't cause the problems he thought it would. Instead, after we came home we both began feeling more and more strongly that we were supposed to do something to help the orphans in Uganda. We made several more trips there on our own, and Rick became the hero of the local children. He would go out every day with pockets full of balloons and lollipops. The kids would swarm him, giving him hugs and vying for his attention. He got to know all their names, where they lived. He made up little games with them that they remember between our trips. When they hear we will be coming, they are all there waiting in front of the Pastor's home when we arrive. They mob the mob the car and start chanting "Rick, Rick, Rick."

He has been absolutely transformed by this. We felt God was calling us to build an orphanage in that town in Uganda. We spent our savings on buying a piece of property, setting up a non-profit to raise funds for the building and operation of the orphanage. Rick sold his pickup truck and his Harley-Davidson and put the money in the orphanage account. He has quit smoking, quit gambling, even quit having as many war nightmares and sleepless nights. He is now president of our non-profit and working hard all the time to raise awareness about the orphans' plight and raise money to keep the orphanage going. And (this a really beautiful part), three of the biggest supporters of this project are Vets. Rick has become really close friends with all three of these men. He has known them all for years as acquaintances, but it was this chance to do something to help the helpless that has brought them together as brothers. This is huge. Rick has never had any real friends or been close to anyone but me in the 22 years we have been married. Helping these kids has been so healing for Rick and the other veterans involved. I know I will never truly understand what he experienced, but I can see the healing and transformation this orphanage has brought with my own eyes and I thank God for it. Anyone who wants to know more, or help in any way with the orphanage, please check out our web site at www.shepherdslove.com. Or just send Rick an e-mail through the web site to say "way to go, Doc!"

I want to conclude by saying a big thank you to all the men and women who have served this great country by giving years of their lives in the military.

Proud to be the granddaughter of a WWI soldier, daughter of a WWII sailor, aunt of a Green Beret, and really proud to be the wife of a Corpsman.

April Dobbs

2 Illinois Marines!

Cpl. John Tracey - Korea
Sgt. George Delp - Vietnam
Sgt. Delp's Grandson Keegan "Has the Stare."

11th Marines, Hq Btty, Comm Plt

Dear Marines and others,

I wanted to sincerely thank you for letting me sit in and listen in on your stories of the past. I truly enjoyed being apart of your reunion ( 11th Marines, Hq Btty, Comm Plt.) and loved being able to put a picture with the name. It was a real sight to see you all recall your accounts and discuss some really cool memories. It is a wonderful bond that you guys share, and I am was very lucky to be apart of it. Thank you.

I will never be able to put into words how much I appreciate everything you guys did for our country. The Veterans' Day Cards that my students create is just a small way that I could think of to show how much I am grateful for what you did for our community. One of my philosophies of teaching that I carry out throughout each year is, "It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you. Freedom is never free." I try to make my students understand and really wrap their brain around that concept. Without you guys, the world would have never been the same. You guys are absolutely AMAZING....heros in my book.

Sincerely,
Tracy Walker (Knavel)
11th Marines, Hq Btty, Comm Plt.

Platoon 371

Sgt. Grit,
Thank you for your very Marine merchandise. Semper Fi.
SGT. DR. George

Cpl Chuck Lindberg Memorial

DEAR SGT. GRIT,
Over a period of time I have read many stories regarding the last surviving marine from the first flag raising on iwo jima, Cpl. Chuck Lindberg in your newsletter. For those who are not aware, the Richfield American Legion, Richfield, Minnesota have erected a memorial in his honor on the grounds of the legion in Richfield. It has not been completed as of yet, however I have attached 3 photos of what has been done to date. I have heard that it should be completed sometime next year. Thank you for some very interesting reading each week.
SEMPER FI, CPL. ITCHMO

President at 8th and I

Jack,

Thanks for once again taking care of us. I look forward to seeing your pics. A friend sent these of photos of POTUS and Laura Bush at the parade.

Hope all is well. We just got home today.

John Regal

Camp Reasoner

Hi Don,

Here are a few photos of Camp Reasoner in Da Nang as it looks today, or at least a few months ago.

When I get back to Da Nang and can spend another few hours I'll get some more and better. The area is still VN military even though the Marine Corps signage is still obvious.

The Freedom Hill area is a gravel pit.

SF
db

H & S Co MCRD San Diego

Letter from
Sid Gerling
Sgt of Marines
1406162

August of 1948 I was assigned to H & S Co MCRD San Diego. As you pointed , there was a small room in the Administration building, directely across from the then Base Chapel. A retired Marine lived there along with two ducks. This retired Marine had a long and glorious career to be proud of and on occasion would share sea stories to us inexperienced Marines regarding Haiti, China and WW-2. He spent many of those years as a Boxer representing the Corps against any and all. He had a copy of a old "Leatherneck" which had a spread regarding his career as a boxer in the Corps. As you remember his quarters were "donated" to him by the then Commanding general of MCRD. The Sgt had trained his two "Duck" friends to March, About Face and many other commands as well as Push Up. The Sgt was responsible for maintenance of the Generals office on the second deck. And believe me it was as squared away as you describe his own quarters. The attached picture was taken in the Administration building, Christmas 1949. If any Marines in the picture recognizes themselves and want a copy Please have them contact me at

ADAKUSMC2 [at] AOL [dot] COM

W B POLK
SGT OF MARINES
1948-1956

Never Forget 9-11

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