Sgt Grit Newsletter - February 16, 2006

"Our enemies may be irrational, even outright insane, driven by nationalism, religion, ethnicity or ideology. They do not fear the United States for its diplomatic skills or the number of automobiles and software programs it produces. They respect only the firepower of our tanks, planes and helicopter gunships."
-Ronald Reagan

Mrs. Puller's Passing

Sgt Grit and Marines.

Upon receiving word of Mrs. Puller's passing, my I reflect on a just simple word. A Marine, stands no taller, than the woman whom supports him.

There are a number here that we have connected because of our ties with "Chesty." The respect of "Chesty" was in both his leadership and love of both the "Corps" and his family. Yes, he missed and loved his family greatly, yet, he put his Marines first and your pages of history show this. Over 25 years in oversea service in combat.

As with American History, our "great ones" leave. We remember their so called "greatness and love," yet we forget the ones that supported them, at home and truly sacrificed so they could serve us all. Mrs. Puller and their entire family gave all. So not just the Marine Corps, but America; can enjoy what we have today.

I do not need to ask, that the "Puller" Family be remembered in your prayers nor that in the Marine Corps. Fore, I know each will truly show respect in his/her way, just like the Marines I know to this day, still care of his "love" for the Corps.

Thank you. Marines, "Chesty" still stands and assist in "Guarding The Streets On Heaven's Scenes."
God Bless America. God Bless the Marine Corps.
Steve Robertson

Signed Susie

In 67 I was medivaced out to Guam. It was going to be a bummer as it was almost Christmas and it looked like I would be spending it in the hospital at Guam. The doc seemed to pick up on our thoughts of home and Christmas dinner and being with family and he took a few of us to his house on Christmas morning. We had dinner and a small present and good conversation.

The best was saved for last. After dinner his young daughter gave me a piece of paper with a little bow. I opened the folded paper and on it she had written.

"I love you." signed Susie. It was the best gift I had ever received. I have long ago forgot their names but Susie if you are out there, I still have the note and I take it out from time to time to just set things right again and get a better perspective. It is still the best present I have ever received bar none.

Sgt Jerone A. Bowers
1st Recon

Second to None

Sarge.. I'm a son of one.. tough Marine.. my Dad whom will be 84 in Sept. was at the Battle of Guadalcanal then he was with The Second Marine Division at Tarawa. He disembarked from the troop transport "Rochambeau" first wave" (Combat Engineers 18th). When the Amtrak got along the long pier he was shot in the shoulder (Left) he and Sgt. Vacca bailed out of the boat as several (landing craft) were "Vaporized" from the huge siege field pieces that were firing Point blank. He was shot again (Left Buttocks) as he swam/wadded in under the pier. The two of them made it to the beach went on to destroy a heavy buttressed gun emplacement (my dad was a Flame Thrower operator) his "bottleman was killed in the assault dad was shot a third time. (Rt Leg) The enemy fire was so intense that he and the Sgt were stuck on the beach with out reinforcements for what seemed like an eternity.... they were Bonzi attacked over and over through that night no cover they could only use there dead brothers stacked for cover ....emptying box after box of ammo "burning up barrel after barrel of machine guns By the time the Sun was rising my dad got shot the fourth time in 24hrs....that one put the Marine down he took the round from a sniper high in a palm tree down through the right shoulder exiting the mid back just missing his spine. Sgt Vacca was shot up as badly as my Dad. When reinforcements got in my dad was unconscious..they took him to an American Hospital Ship that was with The Fleet. He went to San Diego Naval Hospital(28 months). He subsequently worked until 1982 as a railroad conductor for New York Central RR and PennCentral.( He has a 60% disability (Paralyzed on right side (shoulder/arm/hand) Semper Fi!..Second to None!

Gerald Weisenburn II

It's A Shame

It's a shame more Americans can't read the Sgt. Grit Newsletter. If they could, they would be truly grateful for the wonderful young men and women this great nation is still producing. It is these fine young people who are graduating from PI, San Diego, or Officer's Basic School at Quantico, and then going to the Sand Box, or Afghanistan, and showing the world what is to be a U.S. Marine.

They are reporting to battalions, some of which now have two or more tours in the Iraqi Theatre. They are Marines, and they remind me of what General Chesty Puller once said about our Corps. "New Breed, Old Breed, it doesn't make a d^mned bit of difference as long as they're the Marine Breed.

The media and the spin doctors can say what they want, and analyze this war until H&ll freezes over, but the people who are going to make the difference in the end, are the splendid young men and women we're sending in harm's way today. I'm awfully d^mned proud of them!

Semper Fi!
L/Cpl P.C. Callahan 1959899 USMC
1961-1966

I Have Noticed

Sgt. Grit,
I have been reading your newsletters for a while now. I have noticed that very few letters are from Marines that have served during the mid to late 90's. My time was spent mostly on Parris Island from 95-99. I did do one year in Okinawa, a lot of fun was had there. Where are all the other Marines that served during this time frame? I know many of us didn't see any combat time, so we don't have those stories to tell. But I know we have many stories about the fun we had & stories about the trouble we got into for having a brain fart from time to time. So lets hear from all of you out there.

Semper Fi,
Cpl. Robertson, David
'95-'99

All Those Stories

Hi Everyone !

I'm a former Marine and a proud father of two active Marines, Lcpl. Benjamin Hernandez, and Pfc. Luis Hernandez. Ben is now serving a seven month tour of Afghanistan and Luis is in Virginia at MOS school for security forces. They had choices and decided to join the Marines, like me. I guess all those stories growing up had a lot more influence in their lives than I thought. They are both very proud Americans and wanted to give a part of their lives to their country that had given so much to them. I had the privilege of going not only once but twice back to Parris Island to see them graduate. The second week Ben was in Afghanistan he lost his good friend to a mine. Was a very upsetting experience for him but he knows what him and the rest of his Pltn. Has to do and that is to finish the job they set out to do. His friend will be remembered like many others before him who gave it all and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. God bless my sons, his friend and all other Marines past, present, and future because thanks to them is that we live in this great country of ours.

Proud Father
Cpl. Hernandez, l
Usmc 1978-1981
Semper fi !

Who I Really Am

Sir:
I keep reading familiar themes and it makes me think about who I really am. For instance the chatter about "Dinky Dau"? I only learned one phrase and one phrase only, it was intended to be the only thing that any one who I might have encountered day or night by fate either on morning patrol, mine sweep, sand bag detail or even LP. Dung Lai Dinky Dua MF'er! The next sound if the crazy individual didn't stop was gonna be an eternal matter. Such was the time it was. The remarks of a writer rendering help after a car accident wherein he acted based on what he was trained to do, reminds me of a car that flipped and how I dove through the window to retrieve the elderly lady asap as the car was about to erupt in flame, and on yet another occasion when a lady policeman was fighting w/4 suspects as I unawares came around the corner and it was "on". Even on two occasions when armed robbers had the drop on all of us when discretion was clearly the better part of valor! These are the benies of having answered the call.

Stewart Resmer
Lima 4-11 Rvn 69-70
Hill 55
An Hoa
Co-Event manager Viet Nam Womens Memorial Tour (Wabasha Group)

Garden Party

I joined the Corps right out of high school in Pennsylvania. The farthest south I had even been until I hit USMCRDPISC was a road trip to Baltimore earlier that summer. The year was 1960 and I was a green as April grass. Straight A student, honor roll, all of that but not a lick of social skills. About half way through the Boot Camp training, a notice was posted that read, "Garden Party at 0900 Saturday. Dress: utilities. Well, Lord have mercy, this poor old yankee gal immediately saw pictures on her eyelids of southern belles in flowing gowns in sherbet colors, sipping juleps and passing out tea cookies and goodies to each of us gals. Well, duh. Not so. When we arrived at the "garden party" site indicated on the memo we were met by a battalion of rakes, a company of shovels and a squad of wheelbarrows. The "garden party" turned out to be a misnomer for a general pick up and cleaning of the area. We were disappointed but did not let it show. We fell in and got busy raking and shoveling and hauling and in a couple of hours we had the yard looking like a picture from Homes and Gardens. We cleaned and secured the equipment and were marched (back then we marched everywhere) back to the mess hall. There we were treated to cold cuts and assortment of "pogey bait" not allowed previously in our training. A Garden Party has never since been the same for this Marine. In fact, I pulled this on my daughters when they were about 10. They were not amused either. Some things never change.

Semper Fi.
Sunny 1960-62.

Never Forget

Sgt Grit,

It's strange how the memories of the Corps come back and you seem to never forget them. I recently checked out a DVD movie from the base library titled "Ice Station Zebra" with Rock Hudson. Upon watching it, it brought back memories when I first watched the movie. I was in auto mechanic school at Camp Pendleton, 13 area, which we called the Hill. Every night after class, we would grab a blanket and mosey on to the outdoor theater to watch the flick. On this particular night Ice Station Zebra was the flick. Strange, this is the only movie I remember watching in my whole time there (30 days), maybe it's because there was Marines in the movie. Whenever the Marines were shown on the big screen, all of us jarheads would shout Aaaauuoooogah. We really enjoyed that movie that night, however it was a sad ending, the Captain (Jim Brown) got killed and the LT got shot. We hated to see our fellow Marines get killed and wounded (even though they were actors). Once a Marine always a Marine.

Semper FI,
Cpl Joe L. Reyna
MTM Co, 1st FSR (FMF)

Our Thing

Hey Marines and Corpsman,

Sgt Grit, I have been reading your newsletter for few years now. I love reading the stories of my Brothers and Sisters Marines and their families. I look forward to these newsletter. I am just as proud as all those who has earned the title of Unites States Marine.

I am the Junior Vice Commandant for the Marine Corps League, Sacramento Detachment #023 and with the American Legion Post # 392. What I have seen is very disturbing to me. I have seen senior members of these fine organizations going one by one to the Pearly Gate. These organizations are deteriorating in numbers to the point they can not continue to operate. They need you, if you are not already an active member or don't know about them, find out.

I got my Honorable discharge in May 1974. It wasn't until 2004, 30 years later that I even learned about the Marine Corps League. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, AmVets and so on; they are all fine organizations. But for me, the Marine Corps League is the most important. The only ones that has earn the right to be a member are Marines with Honorable Discharge and FMF Corpsman.

This is "Our Thing" as the expression goes. If we do not participate, some of these Detachments will ever be gone. So, I ask each and every Marine and Corpsman to join and get involved with the Marine Corps League in your town. If there is not one; start one, it only takes 20 of you to start a new Detachment. You can get on www.mcl.org, which is the Marine Corps League National website, to learn more. I hope all of you will take the time and find a detachment near you. Become active, sure your membership due that you pay help, but not as much as your involvement and participation for your brother and sister Marines and their families. "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" I live by it, how about you?
Semper Fi,
Sergeant of the Marines
James "Chino" Mead
1970-1974

Definition

In reading the Feb 2nd newsletter, Wally Pfeifer's letter about terms used in the Marine Corps particularly the word survey, and it being used as reference to turning in gear for replacement, conjured up a memory of my own.

In school the term "field day" had been used to describe a sports outing of various events. When the DI's said we would have a Field Day on Thursday evening, you can imagine my disappointment when I learned the Marine Corps definition of field day.

Nat Holmes
Plt 154, 1966-1972

Wanted Libo

When I was a corporal with C Co 1/1, 1990, we were doing a lot of field training. In Wpns Plt we were a little more prepared than your average 0311, because of many gun drills and just it seemed we had a better attitude about life in general. It was a late night at the range, all ammo expended and we were really tired of being in the field across from the barracks and the married men wanted libo and their wives. I think the LT and the Gunny thought so too, but did not want to show it. They told us to line up to get blanks. Everyone knows that blanks will make your rifle even dirtier than real bullets but we dutifully did as ordered. To our surprise, the LT and Gunny issued us all a Budweiser. From that point on the phrase "get your blanks " always meant beer call. Semper F! Eric A. Eaton, Sgt. USMC 1987-1993

Shellbacks

Here's one for the newsletter. I knew a guy who was with the MEU during Desert Storm. He said while on ship, they crossed the equator, thus they had a ceremony to graduate all the polywogs to trusty shellbacks. This ceremony included low crawling through various kinds of filth and then they had to pick a cherry out of the belly button of the fattest master chief on ship with their mouths. I never went on a float but knew some other guys who were trusty shellbacks. They actually had a certificate filed in their SRB's. Any other stories out there on this particular ceremony?

Sgt DeSpain
USMC 91-95

Quite Different

Until this past Veterans day I could not emotionally address the wall or entertain any thoughts of looking at images even on the news. During the past year or so GOD has given me strength and courage to go to the traveling WALL that was on display here in Jacksonville Fla. I secured a set of Dress Blues and thanks to the Marines stationed in Kings Bay and the 4/4 Amphibian Battalion here in Jacksonville and wore them to the wall. My emotions were as I expected them to be and I can't tell you how long I knelt and cried in front of Panel-62. I remember coming back to the US in late 1968 standing outside the San Francisco Airport waiting for a flight back to Atlanta when I had eggs, tomatoes, and various other fluids and objects thrown at me all the while being taunted by "Baby Killer", "War Monger," and other things.

This time it was quite different as I had young people and some Korean War Vets come up to me and thank me, embrace me, and cry with me. My oh my how times have changed. I go to Church now and wear my Blues with all my medals and ribbons for our July 4th Service, and there are many people who come up to me shake my hand and say "THANK YOU MARINE". This is very touching and emotional for me after dealing with the 60's and 70's attitude. Isn't it strange that we never meet a stranger who is or was a Marine? We seem to have that common bond and brotherhood no other branch can even begin to understand. I would give anything, even knowing my life would be shortened today, if only I could serve just one more time and be in Iraq with those Marines now serving. Being 60 years old and having Leukemia would be disqualify me but if I could get a message to those young men and women now protecting us I would say THANK YOU, SEMPER-FI and Carry On.

God Bless you Sgt. Grit,
God Bless our Beloved Corps and those active and past serving

GOD BLESS THE USA.
Semper FI
Cpl. Paul Hout
3/26, 1967-68

I Am Past The Time

This is an answer to John F Danko's letter in your 2/2/06 letter. He wondered why only the Army could wear the combat Medics Ribbon.

First, we are not medics, that's an army designation. I know during the Korean war, any corpsman who served with the FMF wore a globe and anchor device on his battle ribbon. However I think a Purple Heart pretty well designates a combat corpsman. It's pretty hard to not be hit by something with all that metal flying around. I am proud to have been part of the Corps, a time I will always remember along with my comrades in G/3/5 but that was 55 years ago! I am past the time where I worry about a ribbon to wear on a uniform that appears so small that I wonder how I ever fit in it! I'd suggest that we always remember our time in the Corps, honor those who gave all they had, then get on with our lives.

Semper Fi!
T. Suttles HM3 1950 - 1954

Outrageous Things

One of your writers mentioned being called a soldier while riding a bus. It reminded me of a favorite story of my own. In the spring of 68, I was part of a 3 month class studying Vietnamese at DLIWC Presidio of Monterey. I went over to the nearby Army hospital at Fort Ord for a look at my knees which were bothering me some. We wore our winter Greens in that school. I was sitting there in the waiting room with an Army boot Private on my right and an Army Sgt 1st Class to his right. All of a sudden out of the blue, the Army Pvt says to me, "How do you like the Air Force"? I was stunned that he would dare speak to anyone at all, wearing a stripe. And I was further stunned that he could mistake a Marine PFC in Dress Greens for a Zoomie. After recovering, I relied that I liked the Air Force just fine and I began to tell how good I had it there. Outrageous things, like my own room, television, telephone, bankers hours, air conditioning, etc, etc, etc. I was going on about steak for dinner and I don't remember what else. Well the Pvt's eyes were bulging but on the his right I could see the Army Sgt 1st Class, hiding his face and smothering laughs. Every once in while, he would look up, grin and bury his face again. He started choking on the laughs and I couldn't stand it myself either. Finally, I broke down and informed the Pvt that I wasn't in the Air Force. So he asks what I was in? I showed him the Eagle, Ball and Anchor on my cover but he still didn't know. He guessed the Army, Navy and the Coast Guard but was utterly stumped. Frustrated, I told I was in the Marines and informed him that in the Marine Boot Camp, Pvts weren't allowed to speak to any one with a stripe with out asking permission first. The Army Sgt was now laughing out loud, and slapping his leg. He was in tears, he was laughing that much. And yes, I also resent Marines being referred to as soldiers, especially by the news media. Some seem especially dumb considering the business that they are in. There is nothing wrong being a soldier, it's just service pride and rivalry. I had two Black Army Pvts come to my aid when me and another Marine were confronted by five White townies looking for a fight. The townies fled. Five on four wasn't enough for them. These two Dogfaces overcame service rivalry and racial prejudice at the same time. I never forgot them. You should have seen the townies run. I wonder if they could tell the difference in uniforms.

Semper Fi
Snuffy (Joe) Jackson
Da0730 @ banet.net
HQ-2-13,E-2-13,L-4-11,C-1-11

Members Of The Other

Sgt Grit,

In reply to Mr. Danko's letter about the Combat Medic Ribbon. Marines (and Navy Corpsman) have never gotten all the ribbons like other services. As a young Marine walking through the airports between duty stations and going TAD, I would always see members of other branches of the service with many ribbons. They tend not to mean as much when you get them for things like shooting, throwing a grenade, or completing NCO School. Let the Army Medics have their badge. I understand the frustration but we (Marines and Corpsman) "don't need no stinking badges" to prove who we are and what we have done. We are Marines or "Marine like" and that says it all.

Thanks to all former and present Corpsman. You are one of us.

Semper Fi
Scott E. Hunt
CWO2 USMC
Aviation Ordnance 89-Present

Perez Said Ladies

Sgt. Grit
Just a short story about Cpl. Perez a drill instructor with platoon 163, this was November 1963 MCRD San Diego, the series nearing graduation, by now we knew we were tough, well OK we thought we were tough Cpl. Perez proved us wrong. We had all just finished struggling our way up and down a 20' unknotted rope after watching us and putting us back in formation Cpl. Perez said ladies this is how I want it done. at that he preceded to grab 1 rope in each hand and hand over hand up to the top' maybe took 10-15 seconds, did about 10 pull ups and back down the rope. He then ask with the usual DI bravado who's next. To this day the silence rings in my ears

Sgt. Jack Munger
63--67 Nam 64--66

Definite Impact

Sgt. Grit: I thoroughly enjoy all the Corps stories the news letter, especially those shared by former Marines like me. I served active from March 1958-March 1962, starting with MCRD San Diego; then Hq. 3/11 1st MARDIV (Naval Gunfire); then the Naval Amphibious School, Coronado, CA. It's true, Marine Boot Camp is a life-changing rewarding experience, and our DI's are unforgettable Marines that make a definite impact on us for the rest of our lives. As a matter of fact, even now in my senior years, I believe that the entire Marine Corps challenge is a positive life-forming experience, and in my four years it was definitely the most self-enrichment period of my life. And that includes the 8 years of evening college classes I attended while working full time, post my USMC experience, to earn a college degree.

Semper Fi!
(Cpl) I. Macias, Jr.; San Antonio, TX

While Traveling

It's funny how sometimes the smallest and seemingly inconsequential things can resonate in your minds eye as if they happened only days ago. Two such things come to mind. The first happening many times over, starting in October of 1963 while going through ITR at Camp Geiger. I remember one of my favorite things to do was clean my M1 (yes we trained with the M1 as late as 62) while sitting on the floor of a small launder mat located near the barracks in front of a juke box with the Four Seasons "Sherry" blasting away behind my head. I go back there every time I hear the song.

The second happened a year or so later. I remember while traveling by bus in my greens with a spit shined frame cap on my lap and shoes to match. (I wish the frame caps would come back for greens and troops and also losing the corfam shoes might not be a bad idea either. You could quickly tell a lot about a Marine by his shoes, but that's a story for another day.) A mother was leading her small child ahead of her down the aisle of the bus. I'd guess the child was about 5 or 6 years old. The kid spots me and then announces to her mother "Look mommy, there's a soldier." Taking into consideration the kid's age it didn't bother me and I just smiled back at her. But the conversation continued as they walked. The mother said, in an instructional tone of voice, "that's not a soldier, that's a Marine." The child replied "Is there a difference?" and the mother replied "Yes. A very big difference." I go back there every time I smell the exhaust from a bus. Yeh, sometimes it's the small things.

Robert Pierce
Sgt. 2016343
Marine Barracks, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Statute Of Limitations

Sgt. Grit,
Just received my first order; God willing it won't be my last. Thank you and your staff for the great service. So many stories to tell but I know you get lots of emails. Maybe I should write a book. I think the statute of limitations has run out on at least some of the adventures in which I was involved. I'm enclosing a photo from Chu Lai, of me, taken in 1969. Sincerely and always Semper Fi!

Peter Swanson, USMC service 1966-1970, VietNam vet,
Sgt. (e-5) of Marines.

Woman Marines

I just wanted to say glad you were officially founded Feb 1943 I was the first male Marine to be operations Chief at Parris Island Recruit training Battalion in 1973-74 Happy Birthday & many more some of the best recruits I had the pleasure to be with in there training I will never forget those days.

Semper Fi
M/Sgt Conrad Nilsson Ret.

I was stationed at Treasure Island 66/67 first as a Brig Guard, then to Barracks Supply. That is where I met Mabel Ottum. Ms Ottum was a Msgt at time. A short time later she was promoted to Master Gunnery Sergeant. She would walk through my area everyday and we would greet each other (She scared the h&ll out of me!) I was a Cpl. at that time. One weekend Larry Mabry and I went snow skiing in the mountains. During a run down one of the slopes, near the bottom I hit ridges and ice. Needless to say I bit the ground pretty hard, cause I had a nice cut under my right eye. When we returned to T.I. my eye was a nice shade of black and blue.

Monday morning I went to work like nothing happened, Top Ottum walked past said Good Morning then stopped, turned back to me and said "I told you not to f^*k with my WM's". Everyone in the office burst out laughing.

I returned from my first tour in RVN in July of 69 and was stationed at HQMC. One day to my surprise, SGTMAJ. Ottum walked up and greeted me. I had picked up another stripe, however she was now the SgtMaj. of WM's.

She looked at my face and saw that it had healed pretty well, then stated "I see you haven't been messing with my WM's!" We both burst out laughing.

Semper Fi
Norm Hayes
USMC 1965-1975

One evening at the bowling alley about 15 years ago, our league secretary, Loretta, had noticed that my wife was wearing a shirt with the Marine Corps emblem on it. Loretta asked my wife, "Were you in the Marines?" My wife replied, "No, but Tom was." Loretta then said, "I was in the Marines." So my wife said, "Oh, you were a BAM!" Loretta then said sternly, "I was a Woman Marine!" We became close friends from that night on. Loretta was in the Marine Corps for two years before the end of WWII, and she was very proud of being a Woman Marine. She was admitted to a nursing home about two years ago, and when we found out about it, we went to visit her. I gave her a set of small flags - the American flag and the Marine Corps flag. She was in very good spirits, and before we left, I told her, "Loretta, hang in there. And don't forget, you're my favorite BAM! Semper Fi." She responded with "Semper Fi." She passed five days later.

Tom Kano
VietNam Vet
CWO-4, USMCR

Marine Barracks Reunion July 2nd. & 3rd. 2006

Attn: All Marine Barracks Mare Island Marines from any era.

Sir or Madam: We are organizing a reunion for all Marines from any era who served at the barracks and CSTSC.

Mare Island Marine David Zambrano, aka (Cpl. Z), has confirmed that his production company will be on hand to film and interview all personnel at the event for a documentary about the old barracks which has since has been closed. There is much in the way of history and memories of this facility. This may be the last chance for many to attend such an event, besides the filming of its personnel at this time. We hope you can make the reunion if only to stop in and have a brief moment with all Marines. We wish you Godspeed in all your endeavors.

Location: The Leatherneck Club, Las Vegas, NV. Time and further details for events and accommodations to be posted soon.

Contacts: Bill Fillicetti ph.262 434 6797
or email billfillicetti @ yahoo .com
Mike Wilson Hm/Bus. 702 646 7306 or Cell 714 423 3040
or email mikeybp0311 @ yahoo .com
Visit web sites: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/leatherneckclub www.marinebarracks.com and www.military.com/Resources/ReunionDisplay
Semper Fi, Always Faithful
William J. Fillicetti - Mare Island 6/1972 - 10/ 1974
Mike Wilson - Mare Island 6/1984 - 12/ 1985

The Few, the Proud, The Marines

Watching It Again

I love getting your Newsletters and all of the specials attached to them!

My son is a squad leader for 2nd squad, 3rd platoon 3/7 Kilo Company, in Ramadi, Iraq. This is his 3rd tour over there. He should be returning at the end of March - first of April. He was with Ollie North on his War Stories special so I got to see him on TV - which was great. I have to tell you that tape is just about worn out from watching the few seconds that you can see him and then backing it up and watching it again, over and over!

Also comforting was his Captain, who talked about all of his Marines and how much he cared about them. I can't quote him word for word, but he said something like, if you don't love a United States Marine, then you've missed the boat. He was almost in tears when he was talking about his men. That meant a lot to have someone over there looking out for my son who really cares about him. I love the United States Marine Corps!

Semper Fi!
Linda Dodson

Hallowed Grounds

My brother is a young marine, but recently was exposed to one of the most meaningful things a young marine could experience....He is stationed in Japan and got to visit Iwo Jima. I was blown away by how powerful this was! Below are his thoughts on the trip.... I am so proud of him and thankful to be part of the USMC family! ~Teresa M.

"Walking those hallowed grounds where my brothers before me have given their lives for our country was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. Standing atop Suribachi I could not help but imagine what it must have been like to fight yard by yard to reach the top. And the incredible feeling of pride and accomplishment that must have been felt between those Marines as they raised the flag. The courage and the sheer perseverance in my mind is completely unfathomable for anyone living today. For just a moment while I was atop that mountain with everything silent except for the wind chiming the dog tags left by generations before me together, I felt more honor and pride in my heart than words could ever explain. Kneeling down to hang my dog tags on that memorial like so many before me, I could almost feel a hand on my shoulder. I consider myself blessed to be able to set foot on the land that so many died to overcome, and to bring home a small portion of the sand that my brothers have shed their blood on is something that I will keep in my heart for all eternity. In the silence atop Suribachi I could almost hear the wind whisper: *Saepe Expertus Semper Fidelis Fratres Aeterni* (often tested always faithful brothers forever). In utter reverence I state my claim: After being on that island I will never be the same."

By: Lance Corporal A.K McCambridge
United States Marine Corps
February 2nd 2006

Col's Daughter

Grit,
Having served in Nam and some of it's bordering countries in the early days of my time in the Corps. I have experienced the lose of men I have called brother. There are eleven names on the wall that are near and dear to me. Through my life's journey since my exit from Southeast Asia I have had some downer times with dealing with the lose of my brothers. But two things that help me most were the fact that my family brought me up to be as follows, " To thy self be true, first as it will lead you to be true to others." The second thing, was the fact those guys that wear that Smokey bear cover build that strength and inner self that sustains you throughout your life. I'm thankful to them and my family for developing these inner strengths and courage.

I end up marrying a Col's. daughter, the youngest of ten. At that point I ended up with nine brother-in-laws, seven Marine Officers and two Navy. The brotherhood still runs deep and true. There has been many a brew drank and story or two told among this brewed. My father-in-law relieved Puller on Pelelieu. My Uncle served on the Canal and is one of the Chosin Few. In 1943 my father tried to enlist in the Corps but was to big at six foot six, two sixty-five. He served in the Army's 94th Infantry Div and at the Battle of the Bulge. But up until his death he would stand every time the Hymn was played. Having no sons myself the sword has been passed and I have three nephews, all brothers, still in the Corps.

The brotherhood runs deep and true. Know matter how they try to change it, it still is "God, Country and Corps" "Freedom is not Free and no man (women) shall not be another's slave"

Semper FI,
NJE , RVN 65-67

P.S. At fifty-nine I still can meet the requirements of physical strength but they say I'm to old to go play in the sandbox. We always said in Nam the next big one would be brown side out. Those of you that can remember the old poncho's will know what I'm talking about.

Sgt. Major Of The Marine Corps

I understand that this rank was originally instituted sometime in the early to late 50's and there have been approx. 15 Marines appointed.

I'm active in a MCL Det. With a couple of Birds, majors, Tops and Gunnys' ---- Nobody knows how one attains this rank ------ Is one appointed by the incoming

Commandant, and if so --- does he serve at the Commandants' pleasure ?? If someone could look into this, I would appreciate it.

Thank you in advance, Charlie Irvine, FOB {Friend of Barneys'}.

Putting Gas In

I was driving along doing 65 miles per hour in a 35 mile zone, A young State trooper pulled me over . I just known I had a big ticket coming.. I might add I had a sticker on the back bumper, you guess what it was. He said the sun must be in my eyes and to slow down, which I did. I also thanked him for over looking my driving that day.

I was driving along doing 60(see I slowed down) in a 45 mile zone and A local cop pulled me over. I stopped before he had to chase me. had a new bumper sticker on again. he pulled beside me. said I was going 60 in a 45 zone. said slow the f--k down. I said ok . as he pulled off he said semper fi.

But the best two things are the best . I was putting gas in my gas hog a young fellow came up to me and thanked me for what we did, Now this was the first time in 35 plus yrs anybody did that to me I was taken back, didn't known what to say but thank you.

I never wear a cover (hat) it was raining so I wore a old Marine ball cap will a few pins on it, My girlfriend and I ate and asked for the bill, was told somebody paid it. that was a first also' now this all happened in the last yr. people do care, remember once a MARINE always a Marine. I have slowed down my speed in driving .

Richard Kuykendall
1963-1967 Sgt
D-1-9 1963

Jumped At The Chance

So I'm home on leave after my first deployment overseas.(Camp Kinser, Okinawa 1987). I'm just a boot Corporal that made somewhat of an impression on a young lady that happened to be my sister's secretary. Well this gal immediately started reconning the situation and got the needed intel from my sister, and proceeded to call me on the phone to invite me to a New Years Eve bash at the local country club that her father was a member of. Of course I jumped at the chance to don those fabulous U.S.M.C Dress Blues with all my ribbons and badges and such..(both of em' ;)

Well we get to this Country Club full of all them wealthy snooty types i.e. Doctors, Lawyers, Real Estate tycoons and the like. And there is a coat-check room to drop off that stuff you don't want to carry around all night. I thought it a grand place to store my Brilliant White Cover and Gloves, so I hand the items over to the girl and was waiting for my ticket to reclaim my belongings. Several folks go after me and hand over their coats and got their tickets and vanished into the crowd...all the while, me still with no ticket. Patiently I lay-in-wait for about 15-20 more minutes and was fed up with getting snubbed. So I go up to the window and very curtly tell this girl that I'd like my items back if I can't have a ticket because I didn't want anyone else to get MY cover and gloves.

The girl then started to giggle and then she spoke......"Oh you'll not be needing a ticket sir....You're the only one of those here"! My date got all puffy and proud and I even stood a lil straighter. It sure felt good to stand out, and in a good way....considering the company.

Semper Fi brothers and sisters...God Bless Chesty!

Sgt Ted "Sas" Sasiadek

Grit,
I am looking for information on an "old breed" Marine that used to live at MCRD San Diego. He actually lived ON the depot. For about 20 odd years. His name was Sgt Ted "Sas" Sasiadek. He was a an old Marine boxer, served in just about every conflict there was during the 30 years he was in.
Semper Fi.
Sgt L
MCRDSD

Joke

Marine Sergeant

A Marine Corps Sergeant, resplendent in his dress blues, was standing at the entrance of a large hotel.

A fairly new car pulled up to the entrance and an army Lieutenant exited the car with his wife.

Upon seeing the Marine Sergeant the Lieutenant smiling to his wife remarked, "Boy, would you come over here and take my bag into the hotel?"

The Marine Sergeant snapped to attention, said, "Yes sir." then marched up to the Lieutenant's wife, extended his arm and said, "Maam".

As the Marine Sergeant escorted the wife into the hotel, the wife turned to her army Lieutenant and while laughing saying,

"Smart @ss"!

Submitted by: Roy M.

Never Affected Him

I left the Corps in May 66 after 52 months of active duty with three airwings. Met a number of tremendous people in the Corps, including one of the best SDIs at Parris Island, SSGT Jettie Rivers, Jr. A great leader and inspiration to everyone who served under him. Later FSGT Rivers was awarded the Navy Cross, with D/1/9 in May 67 and later KIA at Con Tien in July 67 together with his D Company's Commander. Because of his demonstrated leadership under fire, Jettie was promoted to 2LT posthumously. I doubt that he knew he was awarded the Navy Cross and the promotion to 2LT was signed by the Secretary of Navy after his death. Jettie was a black man in a deeply segregated South. It never affected him. He treated everyone, white and black, with the same calm demeanor. As an SDI he never raised his voice in anger, cursed, or every abused any recruit. This in only six after Ribbon Creek when recruits were motivated often by physical abuse. I'm 63 years old and I will never forget this man and what he did for a skinny 19 year kid from Philly. If God allowed him to show up today and said: "Saddle-up. We need your help." I would leave my family without hesitation. Like Mrs. Murphy I proudly wear my Marine Corps baseball covers wherever I go. Thank God that we have people like her and her kids to wear the uniform with the EGA.

Semper Fi,

Cpl Robert O'Dowd
1st, 3rd, & 4th MAWs
1/62 to 5/66

MOS Nicknames

From a thread on the bulletin board.

I know as EW-type, I was called "Secret Squirrel" by the Drill Instructors (they were none to happy with how much training I missed to go through screenings). At the RagBag (Radio Bn), our company was made up of mostly "Geeks" (Linguists) and "Ditty- Boppers" (Morse-types). Of course we also had those upstart "Wannabees," aka "Radio GEEK-on" (Radio Recon).

I was a tin bender/bubble chaser metal smith hydraulic man duel rated

As a former 51 (Comm God) we used to call the Radio Recon guys "Roger Rabbit Platoon"

was a Remington Raider because I knew how to type (MOS 4312 Combat Correspondent). 0100s also were called samey same.

I was a 6114/ 6167/ 6174 (H-1 Mechanic Plane Captain/ H-1 Aircrewman/ H-I Crew Chief) 6114 - Grease Monkey or Wrench Turner 6167/6174 - "Cry Chiefs" (Prima-donna attitude, for the whiners)/ Suits (Always wearing a Flight suit and Flt Jacket)/ "Chick Magnet" self-explanatory)

Tank mechanic = $hitfister.
Radio Operator = Ditty Dot.
Office Pogue = Remington Raider.
Truck Driver = Motor T Dude.
Corpsman = Doc, Pecker Checker, Chanker Checker.
Infantryman = Grunt, Chrunchie, Legs.
Winger = Prop Heads, Rotor Heads, Chick Moggots.
Ordies = Turds.

Tanker - "Rump Rider"...."Rough Rider"...."Tin Can Man"

Avionics Technicians = Twidgets.

We called you Avi Guys: "Tweeks" and "Spark Chasers"!
Had a Dark Green Avi Dude, who's call sign was "Dark Spark"!
Tanker- "Iron Head" or "Iron Bottom"!
Tanker = Agaile, Hostiel and Mobile!

Well I was in Maint Bn for what seems like forever.

We Had.
Stich B!tches
Scivy Dipers
Freq Chasers
Nail Benders
Cannon Cockers

I was avionics by MOS and man we had some nicknames for everyone...
Avionics (com/nav) tweets
Electricians one wires
Hydrualics Bubble chasers
SE Mechs ground junkers
Ordnance BB stackers
Supply Box kickers
Airframe tin benders
ECM secret squirrels
IMA hamsters
Power plant mech knuckle draggers or nose pickers

I just remembered something funny about H&MS-15 GSE in Iwakuni. These guys had a large door that could be seen from the flightline as a plane taxied by.

They had this painted on the door: "Knock softly, but firmly. We like soft, firm knockers."

I was driving the "Follow Me" truck when I worked on the VAL line as an Air Force plane followed me to his parking spot. He read the sign as we rolled past, and then he comes on the radio laughing hysterically, "Soft, firm knockers...I LOVE IT. You Marines are nuts!".

IYAOYAS

Don't remember any for us 1371 (Combat Engineers). But when we yelled "Fire in the hole", everyone listened! Lol

0811...Field Artillery Battery Man..Cannon Cocker, Gun Goon
Linemen = Pole Climbers.
Cooks = $hit slingers
Old 2571 Intercept Ops were known as "static-happy, armpit- smellin' dit chasers".

Master Gunny= master guns, WO= gunner, 1stSgt= 1stShirt, anything above E-7= Top. Helicopter Mech= raggie, Sheetmetal mech= tinpecker, Hydraulics mech= bubblechaser, pink shirts, Crew Chief= 1st rag, Electrician= sparkie, Clerk= office pinky, office puke "Skivvy Stacker". I was Supply Admin (3043). "Box Kickers" were the 3051's (Warehousemen).
Also heard, "bean counters", and "Hide-and-Slide" bunch (H&S Company). Wiremen = Stump Jumpers Aviation Ordnance = Knuckle Draggers!, Tow Crew Bait!, Lefty! Phrog Leggs!

Being a Dog Handler (5812) bet ya can't guess what they called us. yep Puppy#$&*ers.

6312, Avionics AV-8B... we were mostly called Tweaks, wire chasers...D^mn... M/C had too many names for some of us sometimes. But, the worst name by far was "Meatgazer" for the poor bastard in the S Shops that had to monitor the p!ss tests... we usually surrendered an NCO from each shop to "meatgaze." those poor bastards

1833= AAV Amtrackers, war pigs, gators
What makes the Marine Corps ampibious.
YAT-YAS YAT-YAS YAT-YAS YAT-YAS YAT-YAS YAT-YAS

As far back as I can remember, in the 2800 community, at least in the shops I worked in or ran, we called our crypto guys(2881's) TROLLS. Because they would disappear into their cave(vault) in the early morning, and wouldn't be seen again till c-cure. But I always know where to go to get a body for something.

I Could not Believe

Sgt Grit,

Last evening my boyfriend PFC Andrew Carlson brought me out to dinner at the Wild Horse Cafe in Beverly Ma for Valentines Day. Andrew is currently on his 10 day leave after his Parris Island graduation and will be going to North Carolina next week. We were both dressed up, he in his uniform and I in a dress. We were seated and ordered our dinners in the quiet dimly lit restaurant. I could not help but notice that there were few people dining that evening primarily because it was the night before Valentines Day. After we ordered our dessert the waitress came up and said " I just wanted to let you know that your dinner has been paid for by a gentleman who was dining here earlier. He is a former Marine and noticed you coming in and has paid for your evening together." Both Andrew and I were in disbelief. She then added, "it is an honorable thing to be in the Marines and I thank you for your service." I asked if the former Marine left his name or number and she said he didn't leave anything but just wanted to pay for our dinner. Andrew and I could not believe the generosity and unselfishness this Marine gave to us. As we sat there almost feeling guilty Andrew said "That is the first time I've experience the 'brotherhood' of the Marines The only way we can thank him is to do the same thing for a Marine someday." I nodded and we sat at our table in silence holding hands and hoping that the Marine will know how much it meant to us. I am so proud of Andrew and his decision to leave his career at 28 years old and serve his country. I am amazed at the pride and bond that Marines have for one another even if they have never met. This bond was shown to us through the thoughtfulness of the Marine who paid for our dinner. We will never forget that and I only hope and pray that he knows how grateful we are.

Semper Fidelis,
Julia Lower and PFC Andrew Carlson

Short Rounds

As usual, your news and other Marine letters are a most welcome sight to an old guy Parris Island Boot Camp Platoon 272 1944

Sgt Grit.
I remember the song as many "old corps" Marines do and the use the recruiting department put it to. The Marine DI shown was GySgt. Larry Howel a Parris Island DI. We served together after his tour on the grinder at Tacoma Washington with the I&I Staff during 71-73. Larry retired at Tacoma, bought a motor home and moved back to the east coast with his family.
Norman Overland
MSgt
USMC
Retired 57-79

Seems to me, Yankee Bill Clark needs a good old fashion southern ^ss whipping, talking about Gen Lee like that!
Greg Hill, southern and proud
USMC, 1st Blt 2nd Marines, 81 mm Weapons Plt 1982-86

Don't believe this Marine signed his name to his paragraph but I just had to tell him it sure brought a tear to my eyes. The scene was at a car wreck where he helped, like a Marine does. Bless you and ALL our Marines here and over there.
Roy A. 1260769 PI 51
Thanks Sgt. Grit for your Newsletters.

Would like to see some comments from 6th Mar Div jar heads who were in Tsingtao, China at the end of WWII. Wal-Mart sells a great book China Marine Tsingtao China that is very Interesting for those who were there. We were lucky we went to China rather than being part of the invasion force of Japan.
Ellis Charris

Welcome home, Job Well Done!
Semper fi
Sgt Grit