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American Courage Newsletter #114 - January 12, 2006
"There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the
enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion."
--Gen. William Thornson, U.S. Army
I cannot describe how thankful my Marines and I are to have you supporting
us in our time of need, by encouraging words, by friendly and funny jokes,
by news of friends and family, and warmth that you give us, to do what we
do.
The feeling we get, standing in the edge of he!l and paradise, sweeting,
heart pounding, your body senses are no longer connected to your brain, time
slows down as if everybody around you is moving extremely slow and you are
still at normal speed, your eye catching and checking every thing that you
have been taught, going threw what could happen and what might happen, all
this things are being processed at lighting speed. The weight of our assault
pack filled with 800 linked rounds and 200 lose 5.56 rounds, 2-4 grenades,
2-4 flares, 1 weeks worth of chow (MRE's), one set of dry cloths. Then two
ballistic 10 pound plates and flac jacket, one 5 pound ballistic helmet, all
this no longer weighing no more than a feather, looking to your left and
then to your right keeping a mental note of who is supporting you in combat
and then remembering every one back home, almost like a slide show, hearing
the snap of your ear when rounds pass within a few feet from hitting you.
Then a blast kicks time back to normal, at that moment all those years of
training come out threw your mouth screaming at the top of your lungs ,
putting yourself in danger to keep your marines safe, energy and adrenaline
surging threw your veins burning your skin
Sorry I have to go back to work and sorry I got caught into the moment of
one of my memories.
Talk to you letters and once again thanks for being there for us
My dad was a man that in the last year of is life, Breath and bleed the
Corps. He would watch the news and see and hear of the Marines dying and
injured in Iraq.
It would bring tears to his eyes. You see he was one of the FROZEN CHOSEN.
He never talked of his time over there, he served as a flag Marine for two
Admirals, Station in McAlester OK, and the Ammo depot. The thing he talked
about the most was the time he did as and DI on PI (Paris Island). He spoke
often of the pride he felt seeing the Marines, at the end of the training.
In the last year he was able to join the Sea going Marines. got a Plank
award had stuff all over his car showing how proud he was of just being
giving the chance to serve as a MARINE.
A friend of his has son was thing of going in to the Army, and my Dad
talked him into becoming a Marine.
My Farther Billy Dale Underhill (years of service 1948-1953). passed away
in his sleep on Christmas Eve. 2005. the young man that my dad help to
become a Marine was able to get leave to attend the service. I know my dad
was met at the gate by fellow Marines who have gone before.
For those of you who knew him you knew how much he loved his Corps.
I can be reached by e-mail @ "wdu3580 @ netzero.com"
Thanks Dale Underhill
Tears well up with each newsletter I read. Thanks for continuing to share
your thoughts and stories.
Today marks the end of a 26 plus year career with the FBI, many of those
years spent undercover. I've successfully posed as a contract killer, drug
dealer, residential burglar, international arms dealer, homose#ual
pedophile, degenerate gambler and assorted white collar criminals. But I
take more pride in saying "I was a Marine and my son's a Marine."
One of the greatest lines ever written for the big screen was delivered by
Jack Nicholson in A FEW GOOD MEN..."we live in a world that has walls and
those walls need to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? ...You
don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at
parties you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words
like honor, code, loyalty. We use them as the backbone of a life trying to
defend something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor
the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the
blanket of the very freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which
I provide it..."
Thanks to all who guard the "walls." May God continue to bless you, our
Marine Corps family and this nation.
Bob Hamer
1975-1979
Sgt. Grit,
I am writing this to let you know about a fellow Marine &
co-worker. in your American Courage Newsletter # 112, one Richard Roderick
had written to you about a memory brought back by another newsletter, Well
Sgt. Grit, I have the HONOR & PRIVILEGE of working with this same person.
What the note of thanks is for, our brother Marine unselfishly sent me the
newsletter, ( when I was unable to receive it otherwise, due to system
failure), and I just wanted it to be known that even though it's been a good
many yrs. since we were both active, the assistance from one brother to
another is greatly appreciated. I hope this makes the newsletter in time, so
that our brother can read it.
Once & Always,
Former Cpl. P. A. Viets 71 to 75
Semper Fi!
To all retired and Honorable discharged UNITED STATES MARINES, Like the
bumper sticker say Not as mean Not as lean but still a MARINE, Wouldn't you
like to be of some active service to the corp. There are things we do
,things
we know, places we've been. Remember what the D.I. told you when you left
basic training mine was P.I. that you'll never be in the physical condition
your in now. It was all in the training you thought you might not see the
next day. YOU DID! It's too bad for all of us we can't go back and recapture
our past to some sort of boot camp for the elderly.
I think it would do a lot of good both mentally and physically could be
MARINES in reserve-reserve. For the good of our country and our beloved
corp. SEMPER FI michael ferrarelli USMC 1966
As a Proud Marine Mom I had become the "Poster Mom" for them in this
Minnesota Town. My clothing was always something showing the USMC team, my
home and also my SUV sporting magnets, bumperstickers, special plates. More
so than the local HS teams my sons had played for. Recently it came time to
trade in that SUV for a more fuel efficient vehicle. Not wanting to "jinx"
anything by removing any of the USMC paraphenalia that was attached to it
inside & out I told the sales person that the only way I would accept his
"final offer" was that those items had to stay attached (except the special
MOM plates of course which went with me) & go with the new buyer. Preferably
forever but I would settle for at least April 2006 when my son & his
men/women would be back from his 2nd tour of Fallujah. He said he would
honor that without hesitation not because of just the sale but because he
was an 20 year Army Veteran and was not able to have been a Marine but
always had wanted to be . Needless to say ~ that vehicle sold right away and
I see it driving around town from time to time ~~~ with all of the USMC
support attached !
Proud Marine Mom
Minnesota
Hi all, have been reading the News Letter for years and enjoy all of it. I
also did not serve in combat, the closest
I got was as a floating reserve w/ 1-2 from LeJune in 65 if my memory is
correct. I also remember our Doc that served in my unit, he had some time
under his kit bag when I met him, I do remember he suffered from the worst
case of smelly feet I have ever experienced, He was made to put His boots
out side on the deck at night, but
we all would have given our all to keep Him safe. Prior to serving with the
2ed Div. in 65,I was a Sea Going Marine two years with the MarDet. on the
USS
Midway, CVA 41. Nothing can replaced my love for my Corps, my
oldest Son also is a Marine, served in Desert Storm, FAST Co./ CQB
instructor .
SEMPER FI,
Cpl.Wheeler USMC
62-65
Reading some of the Christmas stories in a recent Sgt. Grit newsletter
reminded me of my Christmas of 1957 spent on Okinawa. Bob Hope and his
troupe entertained us with two shows at Sukiran and at Camp Courtney.
He had Jayne Mansfield, Jerry Colonna, Erin O'Brien and the Les Brown band.
They put on a terrific show for us and you could tell it was from the heart,
not for publicity. All members of the U.S. armed forces owe a debt of
gratitude to this man for the many trips he took overseas putting on
shows for the troops while spending the holidays away from the safety,
warmth and company of his own family and friends. I also enjoyed watching
many years of his shows for the troops on TV. I don't know how much
entertainment is put on for our armed forces around the world today, but I
don't think anyone of Bob Hope's status is doing much recently. Most
entertainers in Hollywood today do not strike me as being too intelligent or
patriotic, and certainly do not have the love and loyalty for our great
country that Mr. Hope did.
I appreciated all the trips he took he took for the men and women defending
our country and I will never forget seeing him in person on Okinawa.
Semper Fi, Marines
Joe Blanck, Cpl
1st battalion, 3rd Marines
I am a new Marine mom and have taken to reading the great stories in this
news letter and forwarding many on. Thought I would share this. My brothers
family decided to send a care package to Iraq and my sister in law asked my
nephew to write a letter of encouragement to enclose. He is a recent college
graduate who is entering the world with high expectations for the life that
is ahead of him here is what he wrote( a welcome change from the many people
who upon hearing that my son is a Marine feel the need to tell me that the
war is stupid, Bush sucks and why in Gods name would I LET my boy join
that?)
Dear Service men and women,
Thank you for the time you have given and the sacrifices that you have made
in service of our country and its people.
Please remember that the continuous debate over the motives and practicality
of the war in Iraq are small pieces of the American freedom and liberty
which you have proudly enlisted to protect, and that people at all ends of
the political spectrum wish for your safe return home. Despite the fact that
media outlets often focus on the controversy and setbacks of the war and
subsequent occupation, Americans know in their hearts that members of the
American armed forces have only the most altruistic motives, and sincerely
wish to serve and protect their country and its people. They also recognize
that you are working hard to improve the lives of Iraqi citizens by
providing security and contributing to vital infrastructure projects.
We are confident that you will continue to represent the American people and
their spirit well in Iraq, to help bridge the cultural, lingual, and
religious gaps that might otherwise divide us.
We hope that you enjoy the enclosed items which were included to provide you
with fond memories of home.
Best wishes and sincerest thanks,
Bob
Harleysville Pa
Janet Winton mom of PFC Dan
..............
I just finished reading newsletter #113.
and to a marine concerned with soldiers lives, I want to say, hang in there.
I was recently dropped from the deployment roster of my WY ARNG unit. They
are headed to Ft. Lewis for training, then going to Iraq.
I had the same thoughts and fears about the men in my unit, but for one
thing, there are alot of Marines in the WYARNG.
I have faith that you'll do the job and bring everyone home in 1 piece. They
will appreciate your Marine Corp experience.
Semper Fi and Good Luck!
Steven Contryman
Cpl USMC 1983-1991
Spc WARNG 2005 - ?
this letter is just a quick note to the writer who asked should he bring
some Marine Corps values to the national guard. i say he!l yes, i also
joined the national guard after was turned away by the marines. i was a
ssgt and in for just under 10 years and same as that marine wanted to see
what "civilian" life would bring me. unfortunately not the same joy as the
marines but since i joined the guard i am trying to bring some of my marine
attitude to the guard. as long as you stick with the honor courage and
commitment that the marines taught you everything you do in the guard and
life will make your soldiers better.
SSGT Brandon J Musso
marines 93-03
guard 05-current
Sgt. Grit,
In reply to the young man that joined the Guard so he could see combat, but
was having second thoughts.
No matter your rank or position in your unit, stand like a Marine, walk and
talk like a Marine. If opportunity shows its face train others as if they
were Marines. When the time comes fight with courage and honor like a
Marine. You are a Marine in a different uniform.
Semper Fi
Now a Navy Grunt
OIF 03-04
Thought I'd give you a little insight, as I was in a very similar situation.
I was USMC from 67-71,and gone back active duty Army 86-93.
The first thing I learned was, that for the most part, people in the Army
DID
NOT JOIN TO FIGHT.
And I know in a guard unit, you are going to have problems. Remember that
for
over 30 years no one went anywhere or did anything. I was in the guards from
84-86 and Army reserves 93-96,For years, these forces where run on a 'good
ol
boy'network.
Serving with the Army in Somalia in 93,was a WHOLE lot different than
serving with the Marines in DaNang in 69.
You have to remember, in the Marines we were taught our primary mission, was
to seek out and destroy our given enemy.
I guess all you can do now is to use the skills the Corps taught you, to
help
you and your unit through your deployment.
Best of luck. And SEMPER FI........
Scratchie
In response to "Marine concerned with Soldiers lives":
Good day and Semper Fi brother. As an Infantryman (0351) in the middle
of my third Iraq tour I can understand and sympathize with your situation.
I joined the Corps late in life, at 27, I'm now going to be a Sgt in two
days at 31. I'm a Sqd Ldr/Veh Sect Ldr for I Co 3/7.
As a former Marine Sgt I'm sure you are aware of "leadership challenges"
and this does seem to be one for yourself. I'm only vaguely familiar with
Army doctrine and training but I do know it varies somewhat from the Marine
Corps'. Coming from The Wing you at least won't have the conflict of Marine
ground concepts vs. Army. That being said, the only real issue, as I see
it,
is whether or not to attempt to instill some discipline in your men. I
think that if things are truly as bad as you perceive then you must.
Whether or not those under you command will think that you are trying to
"turn them into Marines" or not is irrelevant, ultimately the only thing
that matters is bringing them home and making it home yourself. If you can
make them understand that survival and success in the mission are what
matters it shouldn't be an issue.
As far as "letting the Corps down" goes, no worries brother. You did
your time in this gun club. If your goal is to serve on the ground and the
only option available was Army Nat'l Guard, then so be it. Once a
Marine..... If anything, the Corps let you down, understandably you have
tech skills that they don't want to lose, however, we always need guys on
the ground. You tried, no one can ask for more, you are realizing your
goals by whatever means you can, congrats.
Finally, I thank you. Show those Army Dawgs what professionalism and
proficiency is all about. Square 'em away, they'll never be Marines but
they need some guidance and it sounds as if they are lucky enough to have
found someone who knows how to provide it.
Semper Fi and good luck,
Cpl. Whittaker, J.S. USMC
SGT Grit,
To the Marine who wrote in newsletter #113 that made a valid attempt to
rejoin the Corps but instead enlisted in the Army National Guard... Let it
be known Marine, there are many like you out there. That is - prior service
Marines who, for one reason or another, joined the Army National Guard (or
other
service) after their honorable service in the Marines.
I too am a Marine. Served 6 years in the USMCR from 1988-1994.
Did my time in Operation Desert Shield/Storm - CAR, t-shirt and all then
upon my ETS decided I was smarter than the military and would better spend
my life in civilian clothes. Three and a half years, one wife and two
daughters later, trying to work full time and earn a college degree, I made
the choice to reenter the USMCR. Took 6 months to get back in and finally
swore in for one year. Drilled with the unit for one month and was dam*
proud to be back in the uniform. Then one evening at college I met a
classmate who was wearing a USMC tie tack, as I was. We starting chatting
and I found out he was in the ARNG OCS program. Within a month I was
released from the USMCR and enlisted in the ARNG. Attended OCS, earned a
commission, branched Infantry and haven't looked back in regret.
The Army has since afforded me many opportunities. During my 6 years so far
in the guard, I've had many rewarding and memorable assignments and
experiences as a rifle PL, specialty PL and XO.
I'm currently serving as a Battalion S4 with company command soon on the
horizon. Served two 1 year tours for Operation Noble Eagle (Homeland
Defense). Sure, the Marine in me would've rather spent my time sending lead
downrange in Iraq or Afghanistan, but as I told my soldiers b#%ching about
performing gate guard and other security missions at CONUS bases, we were
given a job to do for a reason, so STFU and soldier with pride.
I'm often asked from soldiers I run across, without knowledge of my past, if
I was in the Marine Corps simply by my appearance, bearing, how I carry out
my duties and take care of soldiers (Barking orders during D&S gives me away
a bit too). I keep standards equivalent to the Marine Corps, something that
has earned me respect from my soldiers. Sure, there are some real slugs in
the guard, but it's my job to fix them or I fail as a leader. I am
constantly running across prior service Marines in the NG - many of us are
currently wearing Army name tapes. Most of us proudly stand out above our
Army peers and take the helm.
So fear not soldier. You're still a Marine - once and always.
Carry that pride with you in all you do. Earn the respect of your fellow
soldiers thru hard work, attention to detail and the billion other traits
your DI's shoved down your throat at MCRD.
You say you're a Team Leader - well act like one! Be the badest MF'r in
your squad. Train your soldiers hard, demand perfection, adhere to/surpass
Army standards, live the Army Values and memorize and never retract from the
NCO Creed - it's your job. Your soldiers will probably hate you, but once
the sh*t hits the fan, they'll thank you and forever respect you for it!
Semper Fi
Once a Marine..
A proud prior service Marine
current Army NG CPT
"All see, and most admire, the glare which hovers round the external
trappings of elevated office. To me there is nothing in it, beyond the
lustre which may be reflected from its connection with a power of promoting
human felicity."
-- George Washington
Sgt Grit,
As I read your newsletters, I am reminded of a couple of special
moments that made me proud to be a Marine. One time I was at a wedding
for a girlfriend of my wife. We were in New Jersey and I was in my
greens. A as the band was playing they stopped and played the Marine
Corp Hymn and announced that a Marine was in the house. Everyone
stopped dancing and talking and applauded. Another time I was at
Watkins Glen race track (my son volunteers there) and was proudly
wearing gear purchased from your store and a older Marine walked up to
me and we started talking. Turns out he was he was at Khe Sanh. He
was surprised that I knew what Marine units were there and the
siege that ensued. Even though I joined the Corp in July 77 I told him
I read many books (most purchased from you) and was very familiar with
the storied history of the Marine Corp. I have been stopped many times
by old Marines and my wife has learned to just walk away and let us
brothers talk. Many thanks to the current and former Marines that
stand or have stood on the wall to keep us safe and free.
Semper Fi!
Jim Wheeler
10Th Marines
77-81
Sgt.grit:
I just wanted to take one minute to respond to Polly Huenke, Marine mom, who
made me laugh and cry at the same time..i too am a proud mom, and I always
have people asking me how my son is doing, and I had to laugh out loud
because my car, my kayak, and my camper are all plastered with marine
stuff..it was great to know that im not the only one out there..i am luck
enough to have my Marine home this year, but do want to thank her, and her
Marine and her family for their service to our country along with all the
other great Marines serving..this truly is the toughest time of year to have
them away..we are praying for them all..
Proud Marine Mom in Texas
Dear Sgt Grit,
I would like to thank you for this great forum in which we can all learn and
share thoughts and feelings that anyone who is influenced by the Marine
Corps have.
Our son is a brand new Marine, who recently graduated from his MOS School in
Twentynine Palms. We took him to the airport today to join his new unit at
Camp Pendleton. He enjoyed his time at home but was anxious to get to work.
He told us there was talk that his unit would be deployed to Iraq very soon.
As this is a scary thought for parents of an 18 year old Marine, I am
comforted by the thought that he is doing what HE wants to do and believes
with all his heart that We, as a country are doing what WE have to do
.
Luis talked about joining the military for the past four years, so we were
somewhat prepared for what was to come. Nothing...could ever have prepared
me for the day he left for boot camp. We are a very close loving family that
enjoys to be around each other. It was really hard not being able to talk to
him for so long. It was all worth the wait when we went to MCRD for
graduation. Other than the days my two sons were born have I ever been so
proud. It has not been an easy road for him, but he has no regrets.
Thanks to all the instructors and teachers who help to mold our young men
into Young Marines.
Sincerely,
Raymond & Elizabeth Cavazos
San Marcos, Texas
Parents of:
PFC Luis Cavazos
Sgt,Grit;
Thank you so much for all the letters you publish on your
website. I look forward to each one. I wrote you almost a yr.ago, about when
my
Grandson graduated or was about to, from boot camp, at Camp Pendleton. That
was
just the most awesome thing I've ever seen. He has since gone on to become a
Field Radio Operator, home based at Camp Lejeune,NC. As I type this
letter,he's VERY PROUDLY serving in Iraq.He volunteered 2 times,to go,& was
finally chosen.Right now he's doing security & radio watch.Loves it there,&
is thinking about volunteering for another tour there.I told him he's either
brave or crazy.He said maybe a little of both. His name is Kyle Willard.He
marks # 20 in our family to serve in the military. I wear my Marine Grandma
pen with his picture under it, everywhere I go. I also have a light burning
in
my window,& it has been since he left for boot camp, January 24,2005,& it
will remain there till he comes home for good. My SUV, is also loaded down
with Marine stickers that was purchased from SGT GRIT, on line. Before he
left
the last time, I prepared his favorite food( which included deviled eggs),&
he put up a special flag that I ordered from you, it's an American Flag,
with
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS,written across the middle, all that with yellow
ribbons on 4 huge oak trees in my yard. When people come here, they want to
know if I've turned this into a Marine Base! I would if I could. Guess
I've bragged enough, but we are all so very proud of ALL the military men &
women, I just want to say THANK YOU, to each one,& especially to
PFC.Kyle R.Willard, we love you so very much.
A proud Marine Granny,
Thelma
Montgomery, West Plainsmen.
Dear US Marine, Family and Friends,
I can not stand to tell you of how great the Marine Corps has
performed in both the past and present. Know we each are proud
of this "fine" history of young Americans wearing the "Eagle, Globe and
Anchor". Not just present, but the past. Yet I can tell you of something I
know most well. You might not like It but it is the very truth. No matter
how great our Government, Congress and all put forth Defense Bills that
supposedly help increase the life style/money to support those whom serve;
well you are mistaken. The cost of living steadily increases. We each feel
it. And yes so does our Military Enlisted. Your son/daughter and neighbor.
Every year, a small group of civilians raise money at Thanksgiving and
Christmas to give a Marine Family, a good Holiday dinner at their home
(married). Why??? Because our married Enlisted and even single, struggle.
Many in our Nation put on stickers saying " I Support Our Troops." Well,
how many really do? The question most asked is how can I support? It is
easy. If in a store at a 7-ll, at a Supermarket, etc., and see a Marine or
a family in the military; pick up their tab. Find a local Marine Base or
Reserve Center. Meet with the Company Gunny! Tell him/her you wish to help
Marines. If no Marines in your area, well go to the nearest Military
Installation and meet with the Senior Enlisted.
Sgt. Grit. Because of this site, you have put me infront of a
number that we stay in touch personally. This group served with "Chesty."
They supported me most meritoriously to support young Marines and their
families in our little home town of Marines. Close to Chesty's home. I just
ask. That each one of us remember what so many give. Yet, remember it is
the family of the Marines whom pays so we can still have a freedom, second
to none. I am one lucky man. For 230 years, the freedoms fought for I get
to enjoy. And the cost? Well it is free to me. And that is granted to me
by the US Constitution and the United States Marine Corps.
In 2006, remember and think of not just our Marines, but all whom
serve. Buy them a cup of coffee or a Turkey for Thanksgiving. They gave us
a heck of alot more. Thank you Sgt. Grit, Tom and Ralph.
Semper Fi
Steve Robertson
SjrobertsonR @ aol .com
SGT GRIT
This is for NICK W who is carrying baggage on his back he does not
deserve. He did not kill a child intentionally .It was an accident.When they
gave him those emblems to wear at boot camp they did not say he would not
make mistakes. When you are ordered to combat by the president of the U S he
shares the blame. On the canel a first sgt. and platoon first lt , the sgt
went to the head one night when he came back the lt. shot him and killed him
,but it was an accident. So get the monkey off of your back, it was pres.
JOHNSON fault as much it was yours.
The pilot how flew the ENOLA GAY to japan did not drop the bomb that
killed a lot of kids, it was the boombdier so who shares the guilt Which i
might add let me see my 18th birthday.
LUIS M DELA CRUZ
If you put that uniform on in war time you are a hero
L MARTIN
CPL USMC WW11
To all our soldiers serving our great country,
I had the privilege of being in a mall prior to Christmas, I had to sit
in an area at a coffee shop due to recently having a total knee
Replacement, (I am a retired PA State Narcotics Agent, who was assigned to
our special operations unit, my assignments in the unit were long gun
shooter, or breacher in the stacked deck, I served my time in law
enforcement for 25 1/2 years) well anyway there was a man sitting at a table
next to me, he appeared to be in his 60's, when he started to speak at me
about how messed up our country is and how our president is breaking the law
by listening to phone calls, and how our troops are not accomplishing
anything and how we are loosing our freedoms, well you get the idea, being
retired I do not have to be politically correct and I proceeded to tell this
dissident, liberal, f_ _ _ ,that anyone can listen to my calls, which are
not being made to the middle east or some-- r _ g_ ,h _ _ d, and if it saves
one American life it is worth it, or if we can disrupt or i.d. a terrorist,
or terrorist cell it is worth it, thank God that through the efforts of our
military and intel agencies we have not had one act of terrorism on u.s.
soil since 9-11 so we must be doing something right,,,,, I also told this
person that if he spoke like this in some other country he would be tortured
and probably executed, he then mentioned the alleged torturing of
insurgents, and I vocally stated "I don't care about that, if that saved one
American life or stopped an act of terrorism then it was worth it, we are
involved in an unconventional war that we did not start"" -I ended the
discussion with "if you don't like this country "get the f _ _ k out, and I
will be more than happy to help anyone who wants to meet Allah, and the
river of honey, and 74 virg ins, with this the man got up to leave and I
wished him a "Merry Christmas", unbeknown to me a crowd formed and
applauded, this occurred at the laurel mall in Hazleton, PA. God Bless,
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, be safe, when in doubt shoot, you are
appreciated
Retired PA State Narcotics Agent II
Frank Dimiceli
Ret. PA. Office of the Attorney General,
Bureau of Narcotics Investigations
S.O.G. Member
Just wanted to pass on to all our Marines in Iraq and around the world,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and may God protect them and bring them
home safe. I served as an 0331 with Charlie Company, 1st Bn, 3rd Marines,
3rd Marine Division in Vietnam, 1968-1969, I am so proud of our Marines, or
should I say as my DI said, "My Beloved Corps". My only regret right now,
is that I cant be with my Marines, I wish to God I could be. To all of you,
I want you to know, that the people back home overwhelmingly support you,
and
the motorcycle club I ride with, the U. S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club has
had benefit runs to support our troops in Iraq. You all are holding the
guidon high, and are carrying on the proud tradition of our Corps by
defending everyone here at home, hold your heads high my brothers, you are
the very best. Stay low, stay safe, and make the hits count.
Semper Fi
Jack O'Brien
I can't even tell you how much I appreciate being able to read these
newsletters. My fiancé recently left for boot camp in Parris Island, SC and
it has been very difficult to adjust to his absence as I am used to having
him home everyday. When I hear stories of marine wives, marine moms, and
even servicemen that have such a love for the Marine Corp it really helps me
put thing into perspective. They too, had to go through this rough time of
adjustment while their loved ones are away in boot camp, or on tour. But
with all that the Marines offer us in the way of opportunity, it's more
important to focus on the time that we have shared, and the valuable time
that we will share when he comes home.
I am always proud of every decisions that my Marine, or soon to be Marine
technically, has made in his life, but I couldn't be prouder of this one.
While it was difficult for me to initially get behind him in deciding to
enlist, I have really come to respect, and appreciate him doing so on a
level that I never thought I could.
I just wanted a chance to tell any wary girlfriends, fiancés, or wives in my
position, that you are not alone. We all wish not to be apart from our loved
ones, but we need to show our support to them for all that they sacrifice in
the name of our happiness, and the happiness of all who live in our country.
While Recruit Mark Antony Barone will have the honor of serving bravely for
his country, I will have the honor of being loved by such a brave and
amazing man, and MARINE. That's not something that every woman can say for
herself, and I understand now how lucky I really am. Once things are put
into perspective, it becomes so much easier to cope with the many changes
that we need to overcome, and so much easier to do so with a proud smile on
my face.
-Proudest Woman In The World :)
Thank you,
Liia Watson
I've read about the respect the Corps gives the Docs that serve FMF. It goes
both ways. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I know now it was my
pleasure and honor to have served among such heroes.
In VN in 1971, when I got up to guys that had been wounded, they'd ask how I
got to them unharmed myself. I realized 30 yrs later that when the shooting
started, the Lord made me bulletproof and invisible to the enemy. That is my
only explanation for surviving with no visible scars. The enemy guys were
NOT so bad at Marksmanship. They just couldn't see me.
Don't try to confuse me with facts and date. I KNOW how it really went down.
Excellent job on your newsletter!
Doc Chuck Hancock
RVN 1971
heydoc71 @ aol.com
Sgt Grit, I to have been Santa Claus just like CWO-4 Melotte at Camp
Fallujah Iraq. I would like to say thank you who all support our Marines
during the holiday seasons, birthdays, and beyond. While at Camp Fallujah,
Iraq Christmas 2004 I had the pleasure to deliver many such care packages to
Marines young and old. The nice thing about this responsibility is that I
could monitor the mail out of the back of my eye and see that some Marines
never received as much mail, packages, and presents as most. The position as
the Executive Officer CSSC-122, CSSB-1, IMEF during OIF II-2 and UT Officer
SPMAGTF OIF gave me the ability to enlighten and bring joy and smiles on the
faces of Marines whom thought were forgotten. Thank you all for your support
and giving me the gifts to give.
Have a safe new year,
CWO4 Jay J. Partch
Executive Officer
EMC, 4th Maint Bn, 4th MLC, MFR
Sgt. Grit,
I first must say that this is the best newsletter that I have found to keep
my head in the game and to allow me to never forget all that have served
before us in our beloved Corps. In reading your latest issue of your
newsletter, I came across the letter from Allison McKowen that was speaking
of "Big O". I sat on the couch laughing and having to explain to my wife
why. You see, I too met Big O in a recruiting substation. However, I met
him as a young Civil Air Patrol cadet in 1984. I worked in the Air Force
recruiters office as a gopher and interpreter in Downtown Los Angeles for 2
years. When Big O came in to work at that station, I remember him being not
only a Marine, but a great motivator of people. He was proud of his Corps,
and would not bend just to get a number for his quota. I will never forget
the day that a young kid walked into his office and asked him what the
Marine Corps could do for him. Big O quickly leaned back in his chair and
stated that "the Marine Corps doesn't do things for recruits. Therefore,
what can you do for the Marine Corps!" Needless to say, Big O was the
reason that I too became a Marine to be able to say that I had done
something for the Corps.
Semper Fi!
Frank Quinonez, Sgt
1986-1992
Garden Grove, California
To HM2 Barry "DOC" Stevens
If there ever was an angel on the battlefield, it is a Corpsman. I have use
for your services 31 May 1945 on Okinawa. The DOC who attended me save my
life. In my book, and all Marines, the Corpsman is a true Marine. I salute
you DOC.
Semper fi
Malcolm T. Lear
L322
This is a reply to a message sent in by HM3 Luis M. De La Cruz who questions
his service because he was to late to deploy to Viet Nam. Listen up "DOC"
your service stands alone not to be questioned by anyone. After my service
in the Marines (67-71) which included a tour in Viet Nam, I spent 20 years
as a Seabee retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. My experience with those
Corpsman who spent time as "DOCS" with the Marines and Seabees in
Construction Battalions were the same as those in FMF, That you didn't
serve in Nam doesn't detract from your service, the title DOC, The unit you
were with or the Marines you helped. Is a Marine any less a Marine, did he
go to a peacetime boot camp did he learn to become proficient with peacetime
dope on his weapon? Stand tall that you served with the finest you did your
best, it's okay to have wanted to do more "we all do".
CEC Patrick
S. Corrie USN 1974-1994
Sgt USMC 1967-1971
I learned a long time ago in a land far, far away (sounds like some movie
lead-in about the Land of Lice, Rice and Diarrhea) that the next best thing
to a Marine is a Corpsman! Also, that the next best place for a Marine to be
... is next to a Corpsman! To all the FMF Corpsmen, Bravo Zulu Doc! OORAH!
Bill "Moose" Wilson
Another "Tet Vet"
O.F.GySgt (Old Fart Gunny)
Correction
In the news letter #113 29 Dec.05 I would like to inform Mr.Brad Howe that
Capt.Hines was the CO. of LIMA Co.No finer leader of men was ever born into
our corps we would of followed him into the gates of he!l !
De Grazia F.J. cpl.
Lima Co. 3rd Btln. 26th Marines
Nam 66-67
I am a mother of a Marine. He has only been a Marine for one year . But to
me it seems to have been a long year to my heart . He has not been called to
duty in Iraq , yet . He is a reservist , but a Marine all the same . My
heart aches for all who have been lost to this useless war . But I am very
proud to be the mother of a Marine . When he is called , I will be brave .
It is a plan for him to leave for Iraq in June . I hope that day does not
come for him . I hope this war will be over by then . But you never know . I
do support this war at all cost . We as Americans are true winners above it
all . And I truly believe we make a difference . I will always support our
armed forces , to the end . Good luck to all in Iraq and come home safe .
OOH RAHH Marine Corp !
Proud Mother of a Marine
Renee Prince
Semper Fi
Welcome Home
Job Well Done!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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