Blue Angels Memorial Day Air Show at Jones Beach, NY attracts 444,000 spectators
The Huntington Detachment #792 of the Marine Corps League set up a recruiting booth for Marine veterans at Jones Beach and handed out Marine Roses to the spectators. Suddenly dozens of Code Pink anti-war protectors descended upon us shouting obscenities and anti-military slogans as they read off names of deceased Marines and soldiers KIA in the war on terror. Spotting me in uniform they attempted to tie me up with a pink rope. A small group of Marine bikers calling themselves the Gathering of Eagles came to my rescue as did the SWAT team of the New York State Park Police, armed with M-16 assault rifles, and they prevented any contact between the opposing groups. This same group attempts to disrupt military funerals but the Gathering of Eagles is always there to prevent this disgrace from happening. Whatever happened to the true meaning of Memorial Day?
Bill Ober, Commandant
Huntington Detachment #792
Marine Corps League
Shown in photo is Sr. Vice Commandant Art McCormick distributing the Marine Roses.
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Thank you all!
I just wanted to say thank you to all marines. What you do and have done for our country can never be repaid. There are just not enough words. My youngest has graduated high school and she will be leaving for Paris Island in August. We could not be prouder of the choice she has made. My son is in the Army and could not be prouder of his little sister. I am proud of my children and the choice they have made to serve their country and when other parents ask me how could you let them do that I could never let my child go like that. First off there is no let about it, my kids are adults and can make their own choice and as my favorite saying goes it can't always be someone else's son (or daughter). God Bless you all!
Future Marine Mom & Proud Of It
Rae Patterson
Colorado
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Photo worth a million words.
They say a photo is worth a million words. I say this is worth a countless number of words, but only three strong words. HONOR....... COURAGE.......COMMITMENT....... Please pass this on, and keep the AMERICAN PRIDE ALIVE..................
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PFC Garcia
Dear Sgt. Grit,
Here is a picture of my young Marine and the Gentlemen that changed the course of our lives forever, for the best I must say. They are my son PFC. Joshua J. Garcia, currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, Ca., kneeling, then left to right. SSgt. Humphries, SSgt. Hendrixson, and Sgt. Milbourne. These are the gentlemen that saved my son from throwing his life away and gave him some idea of a direction to head in. I will be forever and eternally thankful to them for this.
Proud Marine mom......Jessie
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WWII Woman Marine (My Momma!) visits 8th & I
Sgt Grit,
As an old Marine I was “volunteered” to escort my Mother, Cpl Annette (Schubert) Howards, USMCWR on a pilgrimage to the Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico to fulfill a part of both of our bucket lists. Responding to a request posted in Sgt Grit’s newsletter, we coordinated a side trip to the Marine Barracks at 8th and I to donate various squadron memorabilia that my Mother had been holding on to for the last 64 years. Mother and Father both served in Air Base Group-Two (ABG-2) at MCAS El Toro and NAS North Island during the WWII. While at the Barracks we had the unbelievable opportunity to meet and greet the “13th Chesty of the Marine Corps” who was being taken though his paces by his trainer! What a treat for one old and one older Marine! Of course, neither the side trip nor the meeting with Chesty could have happened without the assistance of Cpl Aaron Clark from the Marine Barracks PAO office who graciously took us under his wing, gave us VIP treatment, and even politely smiled at our old sea stories all morning long.
Semper Fi Cpl Clark, and Semper Fi Chesty, where ever you are!
Jeff Howards
Sgt 73-77
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My Marines
Just thought I would send this picture of MY MARINES. It was created by a friend of ours – the final version will be a Christmas gift to each of our families.
The top left is Posey S. Stanley – an ordinance specialist at Quantico; while doing a training demonstration blasting caps exploded in his hand. He lost some use of his hand and shrapnel was still left in his face; as a side bar – the first thing he said when they got to him was ‘make sure the other guy demonstrating knows about the caps’.
Posey was in the Army first and then went into the Marines; he was in the 3rd wave on Guadalcanal. We figure he served about 13 years maybe a couple more;
Top right is Lawrence E Winston Sr “HOP” – also served in WWII as a clerk;
Middle left is Graham E. Winston – served in heavy equipment at 29 Palms and as a DI at Lejeune, retired in 2002
Bottom is Lawrence E Winston Jr – served in supply during Viet Nam era until 1963.
Three generations; Posey is the uncle; LEW Sr is father; LEW Jr. and GEW are sons. Posey and Hop have passed
Alice Winston
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Adventure for 2008
Sgt. Grit,
I may be 59 but I still love my Corps and the traits they instilled in me over 37 years ago!
I realize there will come a day when I am no longer able to have an annual physical adventure like I've been doing every year. I'll get older, less strong, less flexible, less fit. But, that day is NOT today! My adventure for 2008 was to run the Obstacle Course at Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, where Colonel Mike Gilman (retired) and I shared the struggles of becoming a Marine officer. Having remained close friends all these years (over 37 years now since we attended OCS), Mike Gilman agreed to share this adventure with me. And, it was a good thing, too, since we encouraged each other to go every step of the way.
I have rope burns on both lower legs and very sore chest and arm muscles (my 4 mile running course 3 days a week and weight lifting program at the gym each week was simply not enough to overcome the challenges of this "O" course). With a determination to make the Corps proud, though, we got over every obstacle, jumped "the red wall" and climbed to the top of the rope. Pain really is weakness leaving your body as we both felt strong in heart at the end of the course. As my Marines would say, "ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING."
I've attached 9 photos of the course adventure from beginning to end (thanks to our wives, Nancy and Sallie, for the photos and the laughter which just made us run harder!). The last picture was taken in front of The Basic School HQ where Mike and I spent 6 months learning to become infantry officers and leaders of men. I may be "Old Corps" but I still bleed Marine green and that pride I'll take to my grave.
Semper Fi!
Jim Hill
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Salute To Our Heroes 2007
Salute to our Heroes Golf Tournament - San Marcos, CA - Sept 6, 2008
Raise $ for Semper Fi Fund and for Families of Combat Service Members
Contact fshubert@roadrunner.com for more information on this year's tournament.
It was a beautiful sunny day at the Lake San Marcos, a twenty minute drive from MCAS Camp Pendleton, the current home of HMM-364, where eight members of the Squadron were treated to lunch and a round of golf before being joined by there wives or girl friends for dinner. Sixty eight Marines and Naval personnel, recent returnees from Iraq and Afghanistan, and from units based at Camp Pendleton and MCAS Miramar, accepted invitations from
the men's and women's clubs at this Southern California retirement community for the golf outing.
Also invited were the entire 17 members of the Wounded Warrior Center at the US Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton. The Wounded Warriors, their wives and girl friends, were treated to box lunches provided by a local Chick-fil-A Restaurant, a lake outing on houseboats belonging to local residents and a magic show performed by several professional magicians who donated their time for the day. All these Marines were guests at a sit down dinner where they sat with the Club Members with whom they had played golf.The M-C for the program following dinner was a former HMM-364 pilot Dennis McKee, USMC(Ret) who led the assembled Marines in
a loud OOOORAH thanking the members for a memorable day. The Marines got to their feet to serenade their hosts with a full volume rendition of The Marine Corps Hymn and all 250 there sang God Bless America to conclude the program. In excess of $20,000. in golf equipment, dinners, shopping
trips and beauty treatments for the ladies were showered on the beaming Marines and their wives during the evening.
Members of the Club had spent weeks gathering gifts and funds from local merchants with some national corporations donating funds to support the major charity supported by the event, The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. A fund representative was present to receive over $14,000. in
checks. McKee, Event Co-Chair, said that all donations had yet to be received and that amount was certain to grow. A number of the Marines paid their respects to 96 year old Morgan Jones, a long time LSM resident, who was captured at Bataan in early 1942, endured the infamous Death March and a perilous boat trip to Manchuria, where he worked in the mines until being rescued at the end of World War II. This years event was the second time that LSM residents have hosted this event. They unanimously indicate their reason for participating in the honoring of these young men and women is their abiding admiration for our fighting forces who battle terrorism and protect our way of life. In an emotional moment during his remarks McKee spoke
for the local residents when he said, "As you go forth from here tonight, let it be known that the men and women of Lake San Marcos stand solidly behind you. You will always be in our thoughts, you will always be in our hearts, you will always be in our prayers. Your service will not be forgotten."
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Daddy and Son
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I wanted to send these GREAT pictures to you. The first one is where on Feb. 25,2008 me and my grand-son Alexzander was sitting, waiting for that very important bus to arrive with my Alex's daddy on it.
Alex had not seen his daddy for several months. My son had came home a few days before, but that was not good enough in my grandsons eyes, he wanted Daddy.
 man's life is like. Missing daddy and fighting Pirates.
As we sat, Alex kept his eyes peeled (Texas talk) for that very important Pirate Fighter Sgt. Osborn. Then I said to the little guy, "Alex there is your daddy" Alex jumped up and ran towards his daddy as Jeremy did the same and I got the very best picture I could have captured. Both running towards each other with arms reaching for each other. It brought tears to my eyes to see such the very best Home Coming ever. But the home coming was cut short. SIL had to return 6 weeks later. That's the second picture of a very sad day. Alex thinks his daddy is off fighting Pirates as he did for months before. Alex called me on Mother's Day, "LaLa, my daddy is at work, fighting Pirates, and I miss him" I replied with tears in my eyes, "I know Alex, but daddy will be home soon ok." As you can see in the last photo Alex wearing one of his daddy's Boonie covers, no telling what this little guy is think, probably about fighting Pirates maybe. One day about 3 weeks ago my daughter called and told me that on base where Alex is in daycare there was a group of Marines at the daycare wanting the little ones to send a messages to OUR TROOPS over seas. Well the Marines walked over to Alex who had paint on his face and asked him if his daddy was over seas. Alex told them "No, my daddy is at work fighting pirates." So they asked him to say hello to him well Alex took this golden opportunity and took the mic and went on to say "Hi daddy, I love you and I want to fight pirates with you some day ok." If that isn't a future Marine...fighting pirates with daddy". I just hope my daughter got a copy of that little speech. Well that's about it, I just wanted to share with you what this little
Laura Leeds
Very Proud Mother of 2 Marine Sgt's
Semper Fi - Sgt Grit - Semper Fi
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Master Sergeant Merna
Sgt Grit:
I'm very pleased you enabled your readers to see the numerous photos provided by Sgt J. Cris Yarborough, USMC, 1979-1983, ("Thumbnails," SgtGrit Newsletter, 24Apr08). I looked at every one of them and they are terrific.
Though my Corps' time (1947-1968) was a bit before Sgt.Yarborough's, I nonetheless chuckled at many of his pictures of barracks life, time aboard ship, on liberty, etc., and enjoyed the humor in a lot of them. I particularly appreciated his numerous pictures of the LVT's and especially the LST he served aboard and for a very good reason. My oldest Brother, Signalman Second Class George Charles Merna, USN, was serving aboard the LST-577 returning from the Leyte Invasion with an Army crew and their vehicles. On 11Feb45 Japanese submarine RO-50 commanded by LT.CMR Kimura unloaded a couple of torpedoes and sunk it, taking my 19-year old Brother to the bottom of the Pacific where his remains are to this day. Attached is a picture of LST-577 after it was cut in two and one half sunk, taken by other LST's in that convoy--the casualties were drastic.
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Got misty eyed
A few weeks ago I was searching on the Internet for horse items.
I found a website about a young lady who makes what she calls
"rhythm beads" for horses. She mentioned that she had Army and
Navy related items to put a military theme on the beads but had
not found any Marine Corps or Air Force items. I searched and
found some Marine Corps pendants and emailed her the information
mentioning that I would like to buy rhythm beads with a Marine
pendant. She replied that she had found some Marine pendants
and would look at the information that I had sent her. This
young lady then thanked me for my service to our country and
offered to send me the rhythm beads with an EGA as a gift for my
service. I received the beads and the picture is of my horse with the beads on. This old Marine got misty eyed.
I was stationed at Camp Margarita in 1961 with L/3/5 and in
1962/1963 with C/1/5 and I remember the roach coaches that came
around. Don’t remember the names of the coaches.
I went thru boot camp at MCRD San Diego starting in August of
1960 and remember very well going thru the rifle range. Not
sure whether it was Camp Elliott or Camp Matthews. We were in
tents and did a lot of duck walking. Did some of that at MCRD
plus the bucket drills. MCRD had Quonset huts rather than
barracks. We did a force march from the rifle range back to
MCRD with one steep hill. All non-quals had to run around the
platoon all the way back to MCRD. Fortunately, I qualified
expert that being the only time I shot expert during the time at
rifle range.
I was fortunate in that during active duty we were using M1-
Garands until 1962 then were issued M-14’s. While in the
reserves we used M-16’s. Life is great.
Semper Fi
Frank D Briceno
USMC/USMCR
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Chattanooga National Cemetery
To a bunch of REAL GOOD MEN!!!!!!!!!
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Brooklyn Young Marines
In 1972 I commanded the Brooklyn Young Marines of the Marine Corps League. The youngsters performed the Iwo Jima flag raising at many ceremonies and veteran functions.
Semper Fi,
Joe Saluzzi
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Blake is home
Maggie and I had the pleasure to accompanied Crystal to Blakes arrival this morning. Crystal was very excited. He actual arrived earlier than expected. All is well!
The first photo is the reality of the situation Blake and the Marines faced over the past 6 months. The next three are the joyous return.
Love
Maggie and Steve
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Grandpa and Grandson
Used bike $20.00..
Parts and misc $20.00..
Happiest grandson in the world.....PRICELESS
My son in currently serving in Iraq with the 3/5 India Co. 2nd
platoon. His nephew has great hero worship for him. He decorated
everything in the Marine Corps colors, emblem, songs etc. My
husband served in Desert Storm as a Combat Engineers for the US
Army. Two people couldn't be prouder. Grandpa and grandson day
produced this great bike. Look at the great pictures!
Proud Mother of LCPL Casey S. Matlock
Toye Little
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Raymond Pursell
Sgt. Grit,
My dad, Raymond Pursell, was in the Pacific Theatre in WWII.
His service time was 1943 to 1946. The group picture of his
platoon says 380th Platoon, San Diego, 1943 (Boot Camp). From
there he went to radio school and then on to Camp Pendleton
where he joined the 2nd Separate Engineer's Battalion, and via
the VAC- 5th Amphibious Corps, went to Iwo Jima in February of
1945. I am including a picture of him.
Proud daughter of a WWII vet
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Master Gunnery Sgt. Billy K. Nelson
Sgt. Grit,
Thanks for a great newsletter that often brings a tear to this former Marine. It's been almost a year since we buried my father in-law, Master Gunnery Sgt. Billy K. Nelson 1943-1973. He joined the Marine Corps when he was only 17 and was a combat veteran in WWII, The Korean War and Vietnam.
While the family gathered at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego I watched as a van full of Marines came and checked in at the main entrance. I walked up asked them if they were there for the burial service of my father in-law and they said yes. I proceeded to give them a brief history of him and how he was in 3 wars and spent 30 years in the Corps. I told them it was an honor to have them perform the burial ceremony. A few minutes later a Sgt. Major exited his car and checked in at the entrance, I shouted "Good Morning Sgt. Maj. and he responded back to myself and the family. Little did I know he was to be part of the burial ceremony also.
There is a ceremonial location that they perform the burial with military honors and as we drove to that point through all the white headstones it was all I could do to not break down. The Sgt. Maj. and two other Marines, one holding the urn with my father in-laws ashes slowly saluted as we drove up. In the background among the headstones were the seven Marines who were to do the 21 gun salute. What a moving and touching tribute they gave to a fallen hero. Three rounds from each volley were brought back to my mother in-law and the young Sgt. kneeled down and asked her if he could insert them into the flag. I have never heard of this until recently when I was reading one of your newsletters.
As we left the cemetery I told my son to remember this place with reverence, this is where hero's are buried.
Thank you for letting me share the story of an American Hero, my father in-law. Attached is a picture taken in the early 70's. It should be a recruiting poster!
Semper Fi,
Sgt. Kevin T. Shannon 75-79
TOW Co., C 1/5
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Marine Article
Good After noon,
Attached is an article from Stars and Stripes to give everyone who isn't a former Marine an ideal who we are.
Semper Fi
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Marines Won't Separate Family - Even If It Means Not Seeing Theirs
My son, Pvt Christopher Merrin got married on St. Patrick's Day, 2007 and joined the Marines that same October. He is currently waiting to begin his MOS training at Camp Lejeune. He was given a few days leave this week (Spring Break 2008) and his intention was to surprise his wife for their first anniversary. Everyone knew that he was coming home — except his wife!
The crazy weather in the midwest meant that his connector flight in Chicago would be grounded so the airline diverted him to Washington DC. He called me at 3:45AM expressing his frustration and disappointment while he waited for the DC flight to leave. He wanted to call his wife but couldn't because he still was hoping to surprise her. Our elaborate scheme included my mother asking my daughter-in- law to take her to the airport to pick up a friend of hers who was flying in from Chicago. Was she ever going to be surprised to see that my mother's friend was really her husband!
My son and a fellow Marine were finally on the plane waiting to take off when they learned that a family would be separated and not be able to fly together. The family needed two seats on my son's flight so they could all travel together. Without hesitation - that commitment to something greater than themselves, my son and his fellow Marine gave up their seats. They gave up their chances to see their families.
The few make us so proud everyday.
Cathy Zavala, CA
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Pics of my son
My son, Sgt. Matthew Aldridge returned home from Iraq in April of 2007. I flew to Twentynine Palms, CA to be there when he arrived. The first picture is of the bus bringing our soldiers to the field to meet their families. I sent this pic to you because you can see our soldiers in the bus and the reflection of their loved ones in the bus windows. Next photo is my son calling home after his arrival. Next pic, he is in San Diego on Pacific Beach. He wanted me to see the ocean, so we spent 3 days there. It was wonderful. (San Diego apparently is more receptive to Marines than "pink" Berkley, the people there were friendly). Last two photos were when he arrived back home in Indiana. He visited my nephews school. The children and staff at Mackey Elementary were so excited to meet a "real soldier". I just wanted to brag a little. Thank you for you publications and newsletters.
Sincerely, Natalin Akles, Marine Mom
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In Memory
Here is a little appreciation to the crew of MAG 39 whether
abroad or in the states. i know this will be late but i hope
everyone has a safe Easter weekend.
charles harris in memory of my son CPL JOSHUA HARRIS (best man at his brothers wedding)
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Passing of a WWII Marine
Dear Sgt. Grit,
This is the second letter to you. I wrote about my two sons
serving in the Marine Corps at the same time this past summer.
Well one is out and my youngest is at Camp Lejeune. We were able
to visit with him in January but it was a bittersweet visit. His
grandfather, my father, passed away on January 25, the same
morning my son, Johnny returned from his MEU. He was on the USS
Gunston Hall. His brother Jerry contacted the Red Cross and they
were able to get the message to the proper authority. He was
allowed a ten day emergency leave. My father was a Sgt. in the
Marine Corps during WWII. I miss my dad very much, but I do know
he was so proud that his grandsons became Marines and I am too.
They were both in uniform at his funeral and I couldn't have
been more proud.
All you young Marines out there, be very proud of the service
you do for this great country of ours. There will always be
people who look down on you but nothing can take away your
pride. I am so proud to be the daughter of a Marine and a mom of
two Marines. Semper Fi all of you and God bless you.
Jean in Schenectady, NY
Mom of LCpl Johnny T. Rockenstire and his veteran brother Cpl Jerry J. Rockenstire
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RE-UPPING
As most of you know, my marine recently re-upped, quite to a shocked mother's mind and heart. In a telephone call from my marine, SSGT. currently serving his 4th tour in Iraq, he and I further discussed his choice. I am VERY PROUD to say that my son is a very wise man who had taken a good long look at the prices of things today, the current status of employment/or lack thereof, the benefits available to himself, his wife, and his one year old son. These things, discussed btn husband and wife, led to their decision.
I admit that I was so very hopeful that he was finally going to get out. I haven't seen him in 3 years, I've never met his wife, I've never seen my grandson. All in all, I'm sure we'll make some type of arrangements for me to get to see them all again once he returns stateside and gets settled once again.
He will, most likely, after returning stateside, go to either 29 Palms or Yuma and become an instructor. His plans are for staying in the Corps for his 20 years in. Come Dec. this year he will have already served 9 of those years.
I am very proud of the man whom I call son! Any and all that know him should and would, say the same. He has the fortitude and strength and has answered this country's call for duty in several very wonderful ways. I commend him and respect, yes...even AGREE drat it, with his decision and that of his wife.
My daughter is still in the USN also. She was due to finish up this year also. As of yet I'm unsure if she'll walk in her brother's shoes or decide to leave the USN. I know that she has certainly enjoyed the traveling to numerous countries. If I'm the mother I think I am, she too, will re-up. She follows in her brother's shoe steps more than either one of them will ever admit!
Yes, and "poor mom" is RIGHT! Shame on my off-spring for giving me these gray hairs! lolol
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Marine brothers at the War Memorial
Here is a photo that was taken of a few of my club brothers & myself. The picture was taken on December 14, 2006 at the War Memorial. We were at Arlington National Cemetary the help lay wreaths for the wreath project. I can identify everyone in the picture but do not have the name of the person that took the picture. It was an individual that happened to be there and asked if he could take the photo. Thanks.
Semper Fi
Mike Shugar (Cowboy)
VP, Iwo Jima Chapter
Leathernecks MC
Reading, PA
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A Heck of a Marine: In memory of PFC Daniel B. McClenney, USMC
I'm an Air Force veteran but enjoy reading the newsletter. I have a strong respect for Marines as my nephew was one. He fell in battle in Afghanistan on June 24th, 2004. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and his devotion and sacrifice for his fellow Marines. The military is indeed a band of brothers, regardless of service affiliation. The chain is strongest at local squadron/company levels but then encompasses each subunit, the service division, and finally the military as a whole.
I've stood with my Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marine brethren as we protected Memorials in Washington DC as part of Gathering of Eagles and Eagles Up. Those that do not know the resolve of the military brotherhood and hope to spread their venomous hatred for the military through their recent actions in Berkeley, California and at a recruiting center in Washington DC, will be met toe-to-toe and eye-to-eye wherever they gather.
I look forward to meeting many of you brothers in the future at pro-troop rallies. I am Mustng959 or Mustang, listed with www.freerepublic.com www.eaglesup.us as well as on the Air Force-Together We Served web site and the Charlie Daniels message board web site so give me a shout.
Semper Fi to each of you,
Mark Welsh
U.S. Air Force veteran
Tennessee
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Reunited
Dear Sgt. Grit
I am the happiest girl in the world to share with you that my husband is finally home! He deployed [second tour in Iraq] in January 2007 in support of OIF 06-08. While there he received his 4th Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. After nearly thirteen long months, he finally came home January 31st 2008. I cannot begin to express the level of pride I have for that man. It's more than just "what he does". Being a Marine is who he is. And he is my hero, the one I look up to, my one true love. It is so touching to read all the stories Marines & their families send in, it always fills me with pride and admiration. The Marine Corps is an amazing family, filled with some of the most outstanding people this country has ever produced. Thank you all for your loyalty, service, and dedication to this country. So to my Marine, and to his fellow Wolverines from MALS 29, welcome home and a job well done! OOHRAH SSGT!
Genevieve B.M
Proudest Marine Wife
Semper Fi!
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