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Hi Sgt. Grit,
It was the morning of 31 January, 1968. The Tet Offensive had
started a few hours before. I was leading a patrol through a
hamlet that had some hooches with women that catered to some of
the Marines. In my briefing, I told my Marines that a head
count would be taken after emerging from that hamlet, and every
Marine had best be present. After leaving the hamlet, true to
my word, a head count was taken, and we had GAINED one Marine.
When the Tet Offensive started, he was stuck in that hamlet,
fearing both Viet Cong/NVA and edgy Marines. Once inside our
perimeter wire, he went on his way to face the consequences with
his C.O., but not before thanking us for safe passage.
Gary Nash, 0302
IWO JIMA Birthday Ball T-Shirt
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Flags Of Our Fathers
Last Friday night, October 20th, we honored four Iwo Jima
Veterans (3 Marines and 1 Sailor) in Oxford, MS at the screening
of Flags of Our Fathers. Only 2 of the Iwo Jima Veterans were
well enough to attend. One of these Veterans, Baxter Tucker
lost his grandson last year as a KIA in Iraq. All together, we
had over 140 people attending with over 30 WWII Veterans. Two
of these WWII Veterans were from this same area but had not seen
each other in almost 60 years. One of the persons attending was
a woman who was taken prisoner by the Japanese on one of the
Pacific island invasions and she was a POW for over 3 years.
Although she had been rescued by British troops, she wanted to
come and thank all of the WWII Vets for liberating Europe and
the Pacific. At the end of the movie, everyone applauded but
more impressively, no one got up to leave as the credits began.
Everyone sat in humble awe and silence while watching the actual
photos from Iwo Jima until the end of the movie. It was just as
well as it gave everyone including our Iwo Jima Vets time to
compose themselves before a short presentation in the lobby of
the movie theater. Dan Dye, Vice-Commandant for the J.C. Hooker
Detachment, Marine Corps League, Pontotoc, MS presented our 2
Marine Iwo Jima Veterans Paul Sharrer Jr. and Baxter Tucker with
Certificates of Appreciation. Both Marines are 82 years young.
During the presentation in true Marine Corps fashion while
posing for newspaper pictures, Paul Sharrer Jr. shook hands with
Baxter Tucker and proclaimed loudly to all assembled "This is
the guy I hid behind during the entire invasion!"
Semper Fidelis,
Gene Hays
MSgt, USMC Retired
1965-1986
I highly recommend this movie "Flags of Our Father" to all our
brothers, epically the old grunts. Having had the honor to talk
extensively to "Iwo" survivors and the horrors they faced. They
fought and overcame a enemy like these young Marines face today
in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although it's mostly about raising
money to support the war, it does show the camaraderie that
Marines have over the other services and the desire to save
there buddy, it also shows how Corpsmen are so important to each
Marine unit. All the survivors I have spoken to stated the
would have rather been in the buddies place and not have had to
live with the nightmares they have had to face over the years.
I have meet 4 survivors who fought on "Iwo" and watched the
flags go up they had more stories to tell and one landing craft
operator who never will forget the trips back with the wounded
and the dead. I joined in 1972 at the end of Vietnam and served
stateside for my whole tour. I will never forget these men nor
their stories and the honor of knowing they where Marines and
the pride of being a Marine.
Larry Coston
Cpl 1972 - 1975
MCDEC Quantico, VA
Turn Heads
With great pleasure I read the response from Cpl. Vince
Fischelli. I ended up forwarding his comments to several family
and friends that I knew would understand. I am glad to know
that there are "others" out there who act and do these strange
things as I do. Have you ever let out your "War Cry" in a
public place just because you felt the unction? Oh yes, it will
turn heads. At work I will put on Marine Corps Band music and
you know what that does, don't you? Parade rest and the position
of attention just comes natural. As does several "War Cries"!
Thank you Cpl. Fischelli for your comments and for staying
motivated.
Cpl. Russell 1981-1985 U.S.M.C.
Everyday At 0500
I get up everyday at 0500. I then make sure Our Flags are
outside my house. I give myself my trademark high and tight flat
top every two weeks. I proudly glance at my U.S.M.C. tattoo's,
while I catch myself not getting my cammies on, blousing my
boots, checking out my uniform and placing my cover on squarely
in the mirror. Ready to step outside the door and do what I do
best!
Well, then it hits me, I am not on active duty any longer,
but I am still in! We Always will be Marine. Then I remember
also that I am 100% disabled now and that is one of the reasons
I get up so early so that I may be able to move by 11:00 or
12:00 o clock.
I talk Everyday with active duty Marine's, Ret Marines,
disabled Marine's, Marines that served with me during my times
in! Marine's that have been to combat and one's that have not.
Key word, "Times". To much and many details to go into, but I
served Four times in Our Corps Cpl and it doesn't matter whether
ya got to the fight Marine! You and All other Marine's are and
Always will be a Brotherhood and Sisterhood! Any given second,
you can pick up the phone, e-mail, or drive to one of Our
warriors homes or locations and Know that they are there for you
and in turn you are there for them!
I keep waiting on the phone to ring to give me the word to
gear up, but it ain't gonna happen! We all can feel safe and
comfortable about the current Marine's in the battle right now
and the future!
Most importantly, Us Vets, combat and non must be there for
All of Our returning Vets from the current battle! We all know
that we can Only relate to each other! Sponsor a Vet, be there
for them 24 hrs a day and especially night for them to be able
to reach out and call you! That's the Most important job that we
can do for our future's and theirs! And Our Country!
I was in six infantry battalions, made over 15 deployments
and fly aways, 0311 all the way! Got in on some of the fights
from 1978-2003! Highest rank of Sgt. four times, even at 39
years old. The Best rank I believe! And am Very Proud of the
state of Our Corps and how it is doing.
My vehicle's have all of their bumper stickers, all my covers
that I wear when I get out, my canteen cup that I drink my
coffee with, (although I somewhat stopped going out into the
yard to use my heat tabs), and the grenade lighter I use to
light my smokes. My Dress Blue's are cleaned, pressed and
squared away, covered in the closet waiting on my final mission
for when I pass away to help guard the gates of Heaven with Our
other Brothers and Sisters. And "All Doc's", Thank You! My 782
gear is always packed and will be going me, just in case.
Everything will Always be with Us, The Few, The Proud, The
Marine's!
"Semper Fi"
Sgt. C-Monster
!978-2003 Broken Time Marine
Plt 2064 PI-2/6-1/6-3/23-1/9-3/9-3/4
1st/2nd/3rd&4th Marine Div.
Thank You also Sgt Grit! Great store and site!
Turns Out
Sgt Grit,
Last Saturday I went to my home town to watch a high school
football game. When I walked in I saw an "I Survived Iwo Jima"
cover. The old timer saw my "Bulldog" cover so naturally we had
to swap "Semper Fi" and talk awhile. While we were talking he
said "I wasn't really a Marine" Turns out he was a Corpsman with
the landing Marines. I told him he was as much a Marine as any
other. I found out later that he has the Purple Heart and
several medals from Iwo Jima.
Here's the 'rest of the story'. I've known this man since I
was a kid. He was in the hunting camp with my Dad, both
Grandpa's, Uncles. cousins, etc and helped teach me to hunt when
I was 12 back in 1952. I never knew he was a "Hero". He never
talked about it.
Next subject:
Any readers out there from PI Plt 146 graduated 28 Aug 58? (my
18th birthday) Any from Great Lakes ET school Oct 58-Apr 59?
What about Comm., H&S 3/6 from Apr 59-Mar 62?
Semper Fi
Jim Martin
Emporium, Pa.
I Stood
Dear Grit;
As a 82 year old I was able to go back and relive a day at boot
camp. through the eyes and stories of a young Marine on his
graduation day.
It made a old man feel so great to hear and see the way young
men leave the Base and start Life as Marines. The pride in the
parents and also the pride in us Great uncles to see young men
walk tall and have that feeling of pride.
It was 63 years ago that I went through Parris Island, we had no
such family day, and I want to thank the US MARINE CORPS for
helping a old man relive a time in life. YES I STOOD ON THE
YELLOW FOOTPRINTS and felt a tear on my cheek.
May God Bless and Keep all of our Marines and bring them home
safe.
Uncle Rusty
Bid Farewell
Sgt Grit,
The city of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio - city and community bid
farewell to a fallen Marine who was injured in Iraq on 10/4/06
and passed away on 10/11/06 as a result of injuries from an IED
explosion. Justin was with the EOD and was defusing an IED when
the situation went sour as he discovered a second near-by to
late that was set off.
Our City bid Sgt Walsh god speed as he leaves for Arlington
National for his last request that will take place on 10/24/06
in Arlington.
Justin is the fifth service person with ties to our city to have
given his all since 9/11/01 in the fight against terrorism.
God Bless our Marines.
Dave Sebastian
Proud Marine Dad
Change In Our MOS
Regarding CPL Haines feelings. I have read the replies of
everyone and it seems that we all, myself included, missed the
change in our MOS. We went from 0311, 8404 (combat doc), etc to
4313 which as defined by the USMC MOS manual is
1. Introduction. The Public Affairs field gathers, prepares,
publishes and disseminates news and feature materials about
Marine Corps plans, policies, programs, regulations, operations
and exercises. This information is disseminated to military and
civilian broadcast and print media outlets. Marines in OccFld 43
conduct community relations programs to promote harmonious
relations with civilian communities, produce command newspapers,
magazines, and radio and television programs. Public Affairs
Marines also act as the Marine Corps' official spokespersons.
They arrange interviews for and escort members of the civilian
media within the confines of military bases and installations,
or in the area of operations during exercises and contingencies.
Public Affairs Marines are assigned to all major commands,
Marine Expeditionary Units, Recruiting Districts, Recruiting
Stations, and many Joint Staffs. Marines entering the 43 OccFld
are assigned as Basic Combat Correspondents, MOS 4300, until
they complete training in print and broadcast journalism skills.
2. MOS 4313, Broadcast Journalist (MGySgt to Pvt) NMOS (4341) a.
Summary. Broadcast journalist electronically gathers news and
feature materials for radio and television programming. Duties
include producing programming for on-base radio and cable
television, and producing broadcast products for civilian media
outlets. Only MOS 4341 Marines may hold the 4313 MOS.
As "Once a Marine always a Marine" tells us we never "leave" the
Corps we just change jobs. As we do what the 4313 MOS says we
should, we promote Our Corps (USMC and Hospital). We are the
recruiters of the next generation of Marines. If we keep
extolling what we love about our Corps then we are still doing
our job and it is one that will never be finished until we
report to the final Sgt of the Guard, ST Peter.
Doc Higgins
Chesty
While at ITR (Infantry Training Regiment) at Camp LeJuene in
January 1962, (see right away an old Marine, brown shoes too)
the General was presented to our regiment. 3.2 beer did not
work well so we were well behaved and was one of my most
memorable days to be in "Chesty's" presence.
Semper Fidelis
Fred Trapkin
Cpl USMC
MAG 32
VMF 333
The Blast From
Sgt Grit.
My name is Cpl. Garrett I'm an 0311 with 3/6 lima co. I've done
tours in Afghanistan and Iraq with 3/6. Last year on the Marine
Corps birthday my squad was participating in operation steel
curtain in husaybah and karibilah Iraq. after the sun had set we
were setting up in a house for the night when we were ordered to
move to another house. As my squad was walking through an alley
we tripped a pressure plate attached to 2 mortar rounds stuck in
the alley walls their was a second IED but it failed to go. the
blast from the mortar rounds killed lance Corporal daniel swaim
and wounded an Iraqi soldier a Corpsman and two other Marines. I
thought I'd share this story to you so when it is read everyone
will see the Nov 10 a little different and think of swaim and
his family.
Cpl. Garrett
0311 3/6 lima
Our Wives
I don't know if this is were I write a short note but I like
LtCol Henry Tom Cook I also share his thoughts on our wives I
got Married while in the Marine Corps in Jan. 1952 and still
married to the greatest women a man would want. She raised our
three children most of the time as I was over seas more then in
the states. They all have grown up to be the best kids a man
will want also.
Robert O. Smith
MSgt. USMC Ret
1949-1970
Vote
We have Marines and other military fighting and dying attempting
to bring democracy to a foreign country. What will you be doing
on November 7? In Iraq, even attempting to vote can get you or
a relative assassinated. Through two plus centuries, freedom is
one of the things Marines have fought, bled and died for. File
your absentee ballot or wear your gear to the polls and vote for
the candidate of your choice. Don't like any of the choices?
Write in your own name. This nation has been well served by
Marines and Marine Family. We need more of those people in
Washington.
s/f Dennis Benson
Proud Marine Dad
Halt, Who Goes There
Don't know how funny this is to anyone else, but I get a chuckle
every time I think of it. While standing guard late on night at
the weapons armory outside the fence and my partner inside the
fence at Camp Horno area at Camp Pendleton, I observed a Marine
getting kind of close to the armory. In good Marine Corps guard
fashion, I yelled "Halt, who goes there? The Marine said
'Officer of the Day.' Being someone who likes to 'rock the
boat' sometimes, I decided to play a little game with the
obviously a 2nd Lt. I replied, 'Officer of the Day not
recognized, Sir, Place your ID on the ground in front of you,
take 10 steps back and get into the pushup position, sir.'
Officer of the day did as I requested and once in the pushup
position, I approached and picked up his ID card and proceeded
to question him to verify it was him on the military ID card
with the indefinite expiration date. He was able to answer my
questions along with looking like the young LT on the ID card. I
allowed him to stand up and reported my post as being secure.
Little did I know, he then went to the Sgt of the Guard and gave
me an ATTA BOY! Not the response I expected, but as I look back,
he was not an officer with a holier than thou attitude as many
were and respect him for that. Sir, wherever you are, Thank You.
Cpl Wayne Duprey
Golf 2/1, 1st Mar Div
1977-1981
PS – Love the quote from Albert Einstein, "The world is a
dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil,
but because of the people who do not do anything about it."
OOH RAH!
Personal to Them
I took my son 12 year old son to see Flags Of Our Fathers this
last weekend. At first it may look like the movie is trying to
tear down the most identifiable icon we as Marines know today.
But hang in there, the movie does justice to all generations. My
son told me that it was now one of his top two favorite movies
of all time (yes out of ALL 12 of his many years). It's called
Flags Of Our Fathers, and there were indeed TWO different flags
on Iwo. But not only in the historical sense. I think the movie
tries to emphasize that the first flag that was raised was for
the Marines and Corpsmen that were actually on the island at
about 10:20 AM 23 Feb 45. That first flag went up along with the
cheers from the men all around that rock. It was for those men
that the first flag was raised. They fought and died there UNDER
that first flag, and FOR that first flag. The immortalized
second flag, and the subsequent Rosenthal photo, was for the
rest of us. And has been an icon for every Marine Recruit since
the day that photo appeared in papers across the country. In the
end it is only fitting that there were two. Because as American
Marines we can all look to the Iwo Flag Raising Memorial and see
a proud history, and look to a proud future. But the first flag
raising, that one is an indelible image only in the minds of
those that were there in February 1945. Something that is
personal to them, and we cannot share in that. Where we will
honor the memory of those men every time we look at that famous
picture, or stand next to that Memorial. Those men that were
there, will honor their fellow Marines and Sailors with an image
that disappears a little more each year, as that generation of
warriors pass from this life to their next duty station. Half of
the men that raised those flags never left the island. And half
of the ones that did come back paid an additional price. It made
me and my son all the more thankful and proud of the heritage
that has been passed down. Go see the movie. Invest in a Large
Drink in case you end up with something wrong with your throat
at the end too. And stay seated during the credits and watch the
actual stills taken on the island during and after the assault.
A special Thanks to Ira Hayes, Franklin Sousley, John Bradley,
Harlon Block, Michael Strank, and Rene Gagnon. And the first
flag raisers - 1st LT Lieutenant Harold Schrier, Sergeant Boots
Thomas, Sergeant Hank Hansen, Private First Class Louis Charlo,
Private First Class Jim Michaels, Corporal Charles W. Lindberg,
Raymond Jacobs, and 33 more of their tightest buddies.
Gary Cagle
Sgt, USMC, 79-83
Wireman
In April 1951, I was a wireman (2511) with H&SCo,5thMar in
Korea. Me and my wire team partner Fred Stirdivant were out
scrounging for speed reel telephone wire from the Army. We had
been recovering our used wire every day when we moved out. In
those days it was almost every day or two. When we reran the
used wire we were constantly having to troubleshoot the lines
because of shorts.
We were in the Rear and drove into the CP of the 2nd Army Div.
They had a guard at the gate as usual. We asked for a Capt
(fictitious name) with the Comm. Sect. and the guard directed us
to the Div Comm. Section. We drove by and noticed a 1 ton
trailer full of Comm wire, a donut shaped reel that paid out
thru the donut hole. We used it as the wire for land line
telephone communications. We cruised the CP for a while and then
drove back to the trailer of wire, hooked up to our jeep and
just drove out of the Army CP. What a find! We drove back up to
front to our CP and as luck would have it our Regt. CO, Col.
Dick Hayward saw us. He asked where we got the wire and we told
him we found it abandoned on the MSR. He smiled and said, "I
d*mn sure don't want to have to explain this to some Army guy".
Never heard about it, ever. Needless to say our job was a whole
lot easier until the day I left Korea.
Hugh Shockey
Korea 1950-51
Semper Fi.
It Came As A Surprise
Dear Sgt Grit:
While I was in Greensboro NC Conducting Training for the Company
That I work For, my wife and youngest son ordered a T-shirt and
sweat shirt. It came as a surprise package 3 days before my
51st birthday. The Weather here in CA is still warm so the
sweat shirt has been relegated to a hanger in the closet until
cooler weather arrives. I do wear the T-shirt with pride and
get questions on where I got. I tell everyone with pride that
My wife and son ordered it from Sgt. Grit and then I give them
your web Address. By the Way I got your web Address from a
former Marine that I met at the county fair in July/August of
this year. Until that time I had no idea where to get Marine
gear. Keep up the Good work and Semper Fi
Dennis Beach
Former Sgt. of Marines
last Unit VMFP-3 El Toro Ca.
Might Be The Last
Don
My name is Paul Laskodi, Capt (Ret) U.S.M.C. I was wondering if
ya could help in any way. I live in a sub-division called
Remington Point, in Fort Worth, TX. The sales rep for
KHovaininan homes is a young lady who thinks she is a commanding
general. All of 24 years old. In the past they would fly our
flag outside the sales office 24-7. Prior to her arrival I had
the same issue with other reps. I explained the proper etiquette
for flying the flag at night. They didn't listen and the flags
came down. Yes! I took them. I had quite a collection and gave
them to military friends. Two weeks ago they had another lapse
and 2 more flags came down. The young lady came to my house and
proceeded to give my wife the 3rd degree. I naturally stopped
off at the sales office to give the young general a safety
lecture as well as an education on how to display the flag.
She asked that in the future, a simple reminder would sure help,
if the lights were out. I agreed. Well............Today while
going to work at O dark thirty, I notice the lights were out
again. While on my way home I stopped off and kindly informed
the young lady that the lights were out. She became upset and
said that it was impossible. I said I wasn't there to argue.
Just to inform as instructed. I was walking out to inform the
other builder sales rep that their lights were out as
well.......... The young lady followed behind and said "There is
nothing that says we have to take that flag down". I stopped,
turned around, and said "Don't take it down", and walked away.
I had finished with the other builder sales rep, when the young
general came walking across the street and in a loud voice said
"How dare you disrespect me" (there were now two vehicles with
people outside them in ear-shot of all that was being said) I
asked her not to shout at me and please get away. She said
"I'll have you arrested, and I'll call the police right now. I
informed her that I spent 20 years defending MY flag and knew
that at some point I might have to lay down my life for it, and
if she thought that calling the police would intimidate
me.......she was dead wrong
I went home and then attended to some customers (I own a Blinds
business) . My wife called to inform me that there were two
police cars in front of our house at different times. I drove by
the sales office on my way home and notice that the flag was
still flying and it was dark.
I intend to take the flag down on my way to work in the AM...so
this might be the last bit of correspondence for a while. Take
care and God Bless.......Semper Fi
paul_44253 @ yahoo .com
Paul S. Laskodi
U.S.M.C. Retired
Semper Fi
She Turned Around
Sgt. Grit,
You were looking for a humorous story. This is something that
happened to me a few years ago while I was visiting Parris
Island.
I was going through training at the Federal Law Enforcement
Training Center at what was once NAS Glynco, GA. One weekend I
drove up to Parris Island. I'm a Hollywood Marine, having gone
through training at MCRD San Diego in 1974 and I was curious on
what type of sunglasses the recruits at MCRD Parris Island were
issued.
I was in the PX stocking up on Marine Corps logo gear. Unlike
the days when I was a recruit, the recruits these days are
allowed to go to the PX a few days before their graduation. On
this day there were several female recruits in the PX. I got
into the check out line behind several of the female recruits
and was wondering if the line was reserved just for the
recruits.
I said to the young lady in front of me, "Excuse me, miss. Is
this check out line just for the recruits or can I also be in
line?" She turned around and snapped to attention and in a
louder than normal voice replied, "Sir. No sir. This line is for
anyone, sir." She had so much snap and pop in her reply. I said
to her in a very easygoing tone, "Miss, you don't have to
address me as sir. I'm just a retired Marine first sergeant" at
which time her eyes got bigger, she snapped back to attention,
and in a louder voice replied "Sir! Yes, Sir!"
I realized that during her training she might not have even met
a first sergeant. The highest ranking enlisted may have been her
senior drill instructor, possibly a staff sergeant. I said to
her, "You're going to make a good Marine. My best wishes for
you." I then decided to find another line. I didn't want to be
responsible for undoing weeks of training by her DI's. Besides,
her motivation, bearing, and enthusiasm intimidated the heck out
of me.
They don't make recruits like they use to. Nope. They make them
better.
Semper Fidelis
Henry Miyashita
1stSgt, USMC 1974-1994
Lights Out
While going through Tank mechanic school at Ft. Knox we had one
army cpl. in our class (we were fresh out of boot) so he was in
charge of us. Needless to say none of us liked him. One night
before he come in after lights out some of the guys short
sheeted his bunk but the worst part they found some steel wool
and tore it up down at the bottom. We all caught h&ll for that.
This happened around the middle of 1952.
R. Moyers 1260769
Parris Island
Once a Marine - Always a Marine
ram
My Wife
A Col. and a LCpl are sitting in the barber shop both getting a
haircut. The Barber finishes the Col hair and asks if the Col
would like some after shave lotion. The Col replies "H#ll no, If
I came home smelling like that my wife will think I've been
hanging out in a French Whorehouse". The second Barber asks the
LCpl if he'd like any aftershave lotion. The LCpl replies "Yes
please, MY WIFE doesn't know what a French Whorehouse smells
like".-God Bless the Lcpl's
Head Call
I appreciate your newsletter so much! I entered the USMC, (or
as I liked to call us: Uncle Sam's Misguided Children!) on
April 21, 1975, and was discharged on July 2, 1982. Those were
seven great years that I would not change for anything. I too
have tried to get back in, but like so many, at 52 I'm too old.
I have fond and humorous memories of my time in the Corps. One
of the strangest was while at Parris Island during boot camp. I
was in platoon 342.
I entered the Corps just six months after I was ordained as a
Baptist minister. I prayed a lot during boot camp. After a
particularly trying day, I had gotten in my rack and was doing
some talking to the Lord when I realized I really needed to make
a head call....bad! As most of you remember, in order to make a
head call, you had to have the DI's permission. I got up, went
to the DI's door, slapped the red square with my hand and
shouted: "LORD!, private Harrell requests permission to make a
head call sir!". For some reason, the DI had a very strange
look on his face when the door opened, and then the smile as he
saw this red faced private standing there in his skivvies.
Thank you for the service you are doing for our Corps through
your newsletter. I read it from my church office religiously.
Sincerely
SSgt R. S. Harrell
Aviation Radio Technician
1975-1982
His Personal Aid
On or about February 1974 I was a short-timer with India 3/9 on
Okinawa when the company was sent on a float. I had 30 days or
less and was sent to a casual company until I rotated state
side. This was at Camp Schwab and the Commanding General of the
3rd Marine Division, Gen. Fred Haynes was coming to visit.
Well, being the squared away Corporal that I was, and they
needing to find things for those of us in this casual co. to do,
I was ordered to be in the morning Guard Mount for the General.
Problem was that when I was detached from I, 3/9 I had to turn
in all my deuce gear. No problem Corporal, improvise. Go to
supply and check out some more gear. As I remember it was a
rush rush deal and I got my gear, got on my best starcheys and
hurried to the area. Man oh man, boots shined, you could cut
yourself on the creases of my starcheys, I was one squared away
Marine. In fact, after the General witnesses me and my
performance, I will probably be promoted. No wait, promoted and
reassigned as his personal aide and bodyguard. Gosh no telling
what will become of me after he beholds me in all my splendor,
the sky's the limit. Ok get your deuce gear on and squared away,
wait why doesn't my helmet fit. Adjust it, but it, improvise
come on it's almost time to........ start. They had given me a
pot without a liner. I put it on strapped the chin strap as
tight as I could, maybe they won't notice, and....... Ah-Ten-
Hut. We began to march, there he is, the General and his staff,
do they know, can they tell? Well H&ll Yes! With every step,
the pot rocked back and forth, to and fro. Halt. Right face.
When I made that last move, I thought the pot was going to spin
around on my pin head in circles, like the cartoons. There I
stood, hard, erect like a statue. What a squared away Marine. As
the General and his inspection team approached each man in turn,
alls I could see were their feet. I wasn't about to screw up and
move, I was at attention. As the General stood directly in
front of me alls I could do was hold my breath. He stood there,
silently, and then...... he moved on down the line........ as
thoughts of me on the USMC recruiting poster faded away. Later
on that day the Captain who had been next in line to the General
told me he almost reached over and set my helmet square but
didn't.
Semper Fi
Cpl. "Cal" Calahan
USMC 72-74 and Forever
Mountain Climbers
Sgt. Grit,
Thank you for the newsletter...I get a boost every time I see it
in my inbox.
I was a recruit at Parris Island in 1983. The big thing at 3rd
Bn was 'mountain climbers'. As we all know, these things can
wear a recruit out quickly, if done correctly.
Our hammer was Sgt. McKnight...Masochist McKnight is what we
called him, but I digress. Sgt McKnight was wearing out a
recruit on the quarterdeck one afternoon...pushup, sit-up,
pushup, sit-up, mountain climb. After a bit, Sgt McKnight
walked around a rack to discipline another recruit in the squad
bay and apparently forgot about the original recruit on the
quarterdeck he left performing mountain climbers. By the time
Sgt. McKnight got back to the recruit on the quarterdeck, the
recruit had completely stopped and was standing at attention,
albeit sweating profusely. Sgt. McKnight charges the recruit,
stops, points the infamous index finger in the recruit's face,
and at the very top of his lungs, bellows out "I thought I told
you to mountain climb?!".
The recruit crisply responds back at the top of his lungs, "Sir,
this recruit reached the top of the mountain, Sir."
A sliver of a smirk appeared on Sgt. McKnight's face and then he
barked, "Well, go back down and climb it again."
The recruit, "Aye sir."
Sgt. John Couturier
1983-1988, 3rd Marine Air Wing
1988-1990, Drill Instructor 2nd Bn, MCRD San Diego
Go For A Beverage
In your request for some humor I have a story that I laughed my
boots off when it happened. Others as told thought yuck. Here
goes.
I was attached to HQBN north of DaNang. It was summer of 68 if
memory is correct. We were on sandbag detail. Filling bukkoo
sandbags and beefing up the bunker around the comm center.
There was one guy who always would cop you can of pop (soda)
from the fridge in the comm center, always. So this day the big
ole boy from Texas decided to spit his chew juice into an open
top pop can. About two thirds full, Tex placed this can in the
fridge.
We all kept working keeping one eye on ole Dick G. waiting,,
just knowing he would eventually go for a beverage. Well about
a half hour went by and then there goes Dick G. We all
positioned ourselves where we could watch. And then as Dick G.
grabbed the can from the fridge, turned to walk out of the comm
center, took that ever so large gulp of what he thought was
thirst quenching pop and as he hit the door we all scattered to
avoid the eruption of what was coming out of Dick's mouth. Well
after about 5 minutes of watching Dick G. toss everything he had
eaten for two days we went back to work. Ever few minutes
though there was a few more out loud chuckles.
Well, after that you could leave your open can of pop anywhere
and it was safe from good ole Dick G.
Dick Weber, Veteran Cpl. USMC DaNang RVN
67 Nov - 69 July
In Remembrance of BOB HOPE. Thank You MR. HOPE
World Series
You asked for a humorous – story. How about a "lighter side"
story about how inventive we can be.
Early '80s I am assigned to 2nd LAAM Bn, as a maintenance
technician. troubleshooting and repairing radar systems and the
Battery Control Center, and the primary integrator of all of the
components of the battery. As part of our maintenance platoon,
we had a disproportionate number of Marines from Michigan. It
is October, and we are deploying on a training exercise to the
ranges outside Yuma.
For those of you who have had the pleasure to serve at MCAS
Yuma, you recall that the ranges are to the east of the Air
Station on the other side of the mountain range.
Recall, that it is October. We are on our way out for a two
week deployment and the Detroit Tigers are in the NLCS and look
to be headed to the world series. I am loading and inventorying
the "van" that has all the tool boxes, test equipment, the
classified document safe, etc. and getting it ready to seal up
for the trip. In walks one of the Gunny's with a Sergeant and
two "special" pieces of test equipment, all nicely bubble
wrapped and bundled up to be transported.
We get the gear stowed, locked down and head out.
Normal deployment routine, emplace the gear, string the cable,
get the generators running, cammo everything, fire everything
up, post travel checks, turn the battery over to the operators
for the exercise and then provide battery security and support
until something breaks.
So a few of us are hanging around waiting to be tapped for
various details, and a couple of guys start methodically working
their way through the equipment "adjusting" the cammo nets. By
the time they are done, the have a small collection of excess
support poles.
I have my little office setup on the back of the truck with the
equipment van and one of the guys comes through looking for a
roll of duct tape. A few minutes later, one of the guys
requisitions the lighter piece of the special equipment. Soon,
I notice a couple of the engineers running romex from one of the
generators over to where my little "shop" is set up.
As the sun is starting set, a group of 2-3 of my show up with
one of the cammo poles with a TV antenna duct taped to it. (For
all the young Marines out there, TV used to only accessible from
transmitted waves, like radio and still are in some places, you
don't have to have cable). So two of the guys pull out their
cache of cammo poles, and assemble them on to the antenna. The
third guy requisitions the last piece of special equipment and
unpacks it on the back end of the truck, connects the antenna
wire to the antenna, and the power leads to the romex. A flip
of the circuit breaker on the generator, some additional height
and adjustments to the antenna and you get very snowy reception
of the World Series broadcast and a lot of happy Marines
watching the Tigers win.
Certainly not High Definition but it does work.
Semper fi,
Mike Fry
USMC 1982-86
Having Been A Cannoncocker
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I had the incredible honor of helping in planning the first
ever Vietnam-Era Reunion for the 3rd BN, 11th Marines this past
September in Arlington, VA. I have enclosed a few pictures
from the event for your enjoyment. Many of these men had not
seen each other in over 35 years, for some it had been 40. We
had our own private hospitality suite and as men and their
families started to arrive, I knew right away that we were going
to have a very fun, successful and powerful weekend. To be in
the company of their brothers again, to tell tales and remember
whens with those who truly understood what it meant to be in
their Vietnam, was obviously the most significant aspect of
their weekend together. I wish there were some way to express
in words what was written on their faces as they reunited with
old friends, the looks in their eyes, these will be memories
forever etched in my mind. I mean no disrespect to any other
Marines, past or present when I say that there is no finer group
of Marines than the men of the 3/11. Each and every one of them
are not just fine men, but fine human beings and I consider
myself blessed to have been in their company.
You having been
a Cannoncocker yourself, know full well what I mean. It is
true what your bumper sticker says, Artillery brings dignity to
what would otherwise be just a brawl". Dignity was most
definitely what was in the air the entire reunion weekend.
Our weekend was such a success that plans are in the making for
next year's event in Las Vegas. Many of those unable to attend
due to prior commitments are very excited for another
opportunity to be with their brothers. I want to publicly thank
Lt. Col. Tom Pace for all of his help in planning the event with
me. Although he claims that he didn't do much at all, don't
let him fool you, he is a wonderful man, a proud and outstanding
Marine and he was an integral part of the weekend's success.
Thank you, Colonel!
And finally, I would like to thank one of your sales staff,
Kristy, whose efforts with our order for the reunion were
nothing short of perfection. She maintained close contact and
was proactive when issues arose and I just cannot say enough
about her dedication to helping us make this reunion special for
these men. Covers off to Kristy! I hope she continues to be
our POC for many more reunions to come.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Reitano
3/11 - Vietnam-Era Administrator
ma_reitano @ msn.com
More Artillery Bumper Stickers:
Artillery Men Have Iron Balls
God Fights on the Side with the Best Artillery
Sir, The Private
Sgt Grit
I was a DI, San Diego MCRD, From 1974 thru 1976. I had a recruit
that was really slow and did not seem to be all there. No matter
what we did he would foul it up. I finally asked him where he
was from and why he join my Marine Corps. His response was. Sir,
the Private is from Amarillo Texas and the Private thought it
was going to be like Gomer Pyle on TV. Needless to say his time
in the Marine Corps was short lived and NOT like Gomer Pyle, if
you get my drift!
Paul J. DeLaricheliere
USMC 1971 - 1979, SSgt
USMCR 1979 - 1999, CWO3
P.S. Yes they did learn to say and spell my name correctly.
Bolt Of Black Fabric
Devil Dogs,
Here it is you asked for an amusing story, well here is
one of mine. Back in the fist Gulf War, I was stationed at the
Port of Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia. I was told that the government
paid for a cruise ship to be docked at a neighboring country -
Bahrain (sp) for some R&R for all the troops. It was in Bahrain
because Saudi was a dry country (no alcohol), at least until we
got there - that's a totally different story; maybe for another
time. Anyway, here we are on this docked cruise ship, just
livin' it up. I was there with about 15 other Marines from my
Battalion (2nd Supply Bn.), and most wanted to go into this
little town near the ship. So here we are, a gaggle of jar
heads in some foreign country just wandering about. Idle hands
seem to find mischief.... We weren't supposed to bring any
alcohol off the ship, but you know how things go. This little
town wasn't anything to write home about, but at least we were
out of the base for a while, and got to be quasi normal for a
few hours. As we were going from little shop to little shop,
we walked into a fabric store that had rows of bolts of cloth
about 4' tall all standing upright. Well being my wise azz
self, I saw a small bolt of black fabric. So I bent down and
picked up the corner of this seemingly innocent black fabric. I
put it to my face like I was wearing the traditional garment
worn by the local women. Just then to my surprise as well as
hers, that small black bolt of fabric turned around. It wasn't
an innocent bolt of fabric at all, it was actually a short local
woman buying fabric to make other garments. She turned to me,
her eyes were as big as saucers, and she looked scared. I was
pretty well freaked out too. Here I am holding the bottom of
this ladies dress to my nose, remembering the stories of how
criminals get there hands cut off and crap. For a few seconds
we both just froze and stared at each other. I didn't know what
to do... I've never been in a situation like that. Then my
buddy said, "You might want to give the lady her clothes back!"
I promptly apologized and then dropped her dress. Needless to
say, we spent the better part of the rest of the trip laughing
about that. Even today, I can't go into a fabric store with out
a chuckle or two.
Thanks for the Newsletter. Semper Fi Marines - keep up the
good work!
Cpl. Ross P. 1988 - 1992
"Ohio"
Hey Sgt Grit,
Glad to see a request for some good ol' funny stories.
One event in particular comes to mind that I think everyone will
be able to relate to a little. This actually happened to a
buddy of mine but I get a kick out of it every time I tell it,
of course giving him the credit. I'm sure everyone had someone
they called "alphabet" as a nickname because the actual name of
the person looked like it was spelled from a line in a word hunt
puzzle. Well my buddy was acting as scribe marking down
discrepancies for the Platoon Sgt during an Alpha's inspection.
The Sgt asked the young Marine where he was from, which the
Marine answered – Ohio. At the same time the inspecting Sgt
asked the question he was looking for the name stamp on the
inside of the Marine's cover, which was there and prompted him
to say "D*mn, how do you pronounce that?"! The Marine being
inspected, completely serious, in exaggerated pronunciation said
"O –H –I –O ". My buddy said it took every ounce of
concentration he had to keep his bearing. I think the young
Marine got a little stronger that day..
Marc Valois
Sgt of Marines 92-00
Semper Fi
Short Rounds
Hey Cpl. Gerard Ruggero
Cpl Henry H. Hight (2533) here----on the rock part of 63, all
of 64 and part of 65--Hq Batt, 4th Bn 12th Marines--Camp
Sukiran. Remember it well and I still have my stick & loads of
great memories.
Semper Fi.
Sgt. Grit
A thought on North Korea they should take all of the Chosen
vets. We have been there and probably seen more of it than the
people that live there
Jim Woods
1948--- 1952
Sgt. Grit, I am a former FMF CORPSMAN, I served with the Marines
for 12 years, I wish I could still serve. I miss being with my
Marines, and I feel I should be with them now. I regret getting
out. I get very angry when any of our Marines get hit, I should
be there taking care of them. Sorry just venting.
Hm1 (fmf) DOC C. T. MILLER
PTSD post on Sgt Grit forum.
As I read the stories of these younger Marines, their devotion
to duty, their gallantry, and their sacrifices made I think of
what Edmund Burke said, 'The only thing necessary for the
triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.'
Mr. Burke, rest easy knowing that as long as there are Marines
there will always be a few good men and to the last breath of
the last Marine there will always be some to stand in the gap!".
It makes an old Marine, any Marine, proud!
Hershey S. Gehris
L/Cpl. 59-63
After your last news letter I sent you an email asking you to
forward it to a friend that had posted in your news letter. You
did forward it and reunited a couple of old guys that were
stationed together 50 years ago.
Just wanted to say thanks.
Jim
I recall some years ago the Marine Corps had a slogan-might have
been on a poster- which I thought was great. "Nobody likes to
fight, but somebody has to know how"
Regards, Jeff Castello (former Cpl, USMC)
American By Birth, Marine By Choice
America Home of the Free Because of the Brave
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Semper fi
Sgt Grit
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Att Sgt Grit....I have been a customer of yours for the past couple of years and I'd like to inform you how happy I am with your mdse...I received my shipment of golf shirts and t shirts and the quality and fit are excellent....your staff on the phone orders are very customer service oriented and a pleasure to talk to....all in all you have a happy customer in me... keep up the great work
Melvyn A.
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