|
"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."
(Albert Einstein)
I just want to say thank you for your time and effort keeping
this newsletter going. I too am a Gold Star Mother and I found
myself searching for anything Marine to help me stay connected
in some way. I came across this newsletter and lo and behold on
Christmas Eve of 2005 I was reading your newsletter and the
tears were coming when suddenly I noticed an article written
about my son by one of his fellow comrades! I was so excited.
Ever since then I have been reading your column and thoroughly
enjoy it. Thanks again.
Millie Williams
Mother of
Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis,
KIA 3/30/03
HMLA-169
Camp Pendleton, CA
SGT GRIT,
1 year ago, when my son, LCPL Carl was shipping out, his unit
did a stop over in Baltimore, in route to Iraq. It was before
0600 and Carl and his buddies were allowed to disembark their
flight and stretch their legs. Carl and 2 of his buddies went in
search of food. They're walking around a deserted terminal and
rounded a corner and found a large group of people waiting for a
flight to arrive, and off to the side a few tables loaded with
food! When a lady noticed the Marines in their cammies she
rushed over and asked them for a favor. She told them about a
flight that was arriving at the gate that was carrying WWII
vets, from Iwo Jima. Iwo Veterans. Carl and his buddies turned
to alert his unit to who was arriving, and that's when he
noticed that all of his unit was behind him. They let their unit
know what was going on and they all lined up to salute the Corps
as they disembarked their plane. As Carl related to me, the Vets
were overwhelmed to see a welcoming committee of family and
active duty Marines. All of Carl's unit were saluting their
brothers, and as Carl said, "There wasn't a dry eye to be
found!", on both sides. Carl told me that it is the most
profound moment in his life to be there, in History! That was
when Carl realized exactly what 'The Brotherhood' meant. After
shaking hand with every one of the returning Vets and swapping
stories it was chow time. And the boy's of Carl's unit waited
till the end of the line, or as Carl said, "There was nothing
left!" LOL. 10 minutes later they had to board their flight to
the sand box.
Bob
Proud Dad of 2 US Marines;
LCPL Carl
PFC Craig
"You will Defend these Colors with us or die fighting us."
-General George S. Patton
Good Day Sgt Grit
I am a former Marine from the 1st Mar Div, I have been out of
the Corps since February of 02 and have since moved to Norman
Ok. I got bored and missed the camaraderie of having brothers
in arms so I tried to re enter my beloved Corps but due to
service limitations I was not allowed to but I was able to join
the National Guard. I felt like a lower life form for going
Guard but since I joined I have found out that there are many
Marines in the National Guard. What I really wanted to tell you
is that after re enlisting in June I am being mobilized October
2 of this year, which is next Monday, in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom. I volunteered for this deployment due to the
fact that I feel it is my duty to deploy. Others in my unit
wonder why I have volunteered to be deployed and I have
explained it to them but they just don't understand my reasons.
I guess it is because I am in a Maintenance unit as a welder and
they just do not know what a warrior spirit is or maybe it is
just that they are your typical guardsmen I don't know. When I
leave in October I will be out of country for 18 months maybe
more who knows. I know you and all my brothers and sisters who
read your newsletter will understand why I do this and that is
all that matters to me. I may be in the National Guard but I am
still a Marine and always will be. Just thought I would let you
know about my up coming deployment and maybe later on once I get
my internet up and running over there I will drop another line
with an e-mail update just in case anyone would like to keep me
up to date with news from stateside. Oh by the way I have a
young friend who is in 2nd phase of boot camp at MCRD San Diego.
I have informed him that upon graduation he will be part of the
greatest brotherhood on the planet. One last thing I bought a
bumper sticker from your store and have pasted it on my welding
hood which is olive drab in color of course.
It says "Guns Don't Kill People, I Kill People."
Wooohooo you should see the looks I get when I am welding
with my hood on they are priceless and that is one of the
greatest things I have gotten from your store. Keep the great
stuff rolling in and I will keep buying.
OORAHHH
John Hardin
Spc OKARNG
Dale
I know exactly what you are feeling and have been struggling
with this myself but am between you and your buddy in age.
However I think I have an idea what we can do to relieve this
feeling and still feel like we are doing our part for our
country and our the Corp.
I to would like to go and "get some" as you said but I am way
out of shape and would never make it to even try and make the
PFT let alone carry all that gear into combat. So I have finally
resigned myself to letting the our younger brothers do the
fighting. However, with all of these young troops away in Iraq,
Afghanistan or wherever they are these days. This leaves a LOT
of families of those Marines here at home alone and struggling.
As big brothers of these young fire eaters why not find out if
you have any families of Marines in your neck of the woods.
All of us older Marines could take one family and help them deal
with the rigors of life without their Marine. We could help with
the kids or financially if possible or if nothing else just
someone to talk to and cry on our shoulders. As Marines we are
the only ones who could support our Marine families here at
home.
We could also find a Marine that has returned home and may not
have someone to talk to that can relate to their experiences in
combat. Although I was not in combat during my tour I certainly
can relate to much of the emotion that they have experienced.
And could serve as a listening post and support system for a
young Marine. There unfortunate are also those that were wounded
that may have lost limbs. They need support and help learning to
deal with life after this kind of injury.
This would server 2 fold. First it would relive the feeling that
we are not doing enough or that we haven’t done our jobs. It
would also help the families or those Marines in the field and
strengthen the Marine Corp as a whole. Old and New. We need to
do our part here as a support team for our Marines in the field.
I am sure you would be able to find out where a local Marine
family might be or a Marine that has returned from the field
from your local recruiter or Marine Reserve unit.
Semper Fi
David McKay, CPL
USMC 81-85
New River NC
Dale Haines, (and all others who feel this way). I served in
our Beloved Corps from 1981 to 1985. I wanted to "go". I
volunteered for everything that came along. From remaining on
Air Alert (at Camp LeJeune) to any deployment that was offered.
When someone was needed to go to Honduras I was one of the first
in my platoon to raise my hand. And while we were training for
the cruise, guess what happened? You guessed it, October 23rd.
Air Alert was called out. I was awakened that morning and
advised of the sad news. So here I am, trying to do everything
in my power to "go", and I miss it. So I go to Central America
thinking/hoping to get involved in something. NOTHING. You can
hear it in the background but that is as close as it gets.
I also marry. And decide to get out after my hitch to be
with my Bride. A wonderful woman of 23 years now. BUT THE HOLE
STILL IS NOT FILLED. I pursued the need to serve by being
employed at a Nuclear Facility in Security. This patched the
"hole" for a while. But not any more. Oh I have made decent
money, but no fulfillment.
I truly regret getting out of the Corps. I am finding out
that the longer I live, the stronger the feeling. My wife sees
this. Being 45 years old, I know I'm out of the "reenlistment"
stage.
And like you and many others, I know time is not stopping.
So what do you do?
Sure we can say (and rightfully so) that we did our part.
But that just doesn't get it, does it? So again, what to do?
I do not have a "catch all" answer. But I do some things to
help ease the pain. I STAY MOTIVATED! I fly my flags daily. I
encourage others to join the Corps. I tell others that are in
to STAY IN! I stay in shape and advertise the Corps on my
vehicles and clothing and everything else. My wife calls it a
disease. Others call it being "brain washed". I call it a
"stirring". I blame my Drill Instructors for this "disease". I
caught it from them!
I still have to scratch the itch. So yesterday I talked
with my wife about changing jobs. Not a easy topic due to the
fact I have been at this one for over 20 years. But as she put
it, "You are not getting any younger. You are not happy where
you are at. You have a burning inside from the Marines to fill.
If we can swing it financially, go for it. I dare you!" What a
support system!
So to help with your "itch" Dale, have you considered
working for Homeland Security?? I will give it a look.
CPL. Russell, 2nd MAR. DIV.
"These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier
and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the
service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves
the love and thanks of man and woman."
—Thomas Paine
Cpl Haines,
I was "Doc" from 1975 to 1997. I went through Beirut,
Desert Shield, Storm and the follow on cease fire. I was part
of the group that landed in Somalia in 1992 and then went back
to the sandbox in 1993. Like you I have done my time but also
like you I also have the feeling that I should be back over
there. I have continued my medical training since my retirement
so I am at least as well qualified (mentally and job skill wise)
as when I left.
Physically I would have some work to do to get back to PFT
shape. does that stop the dreams at night of being back on
active duty - not only NO but H&ll NO! Just like you I have a
wonderful wife that has been with me now for 18 years, but she
has threatened me with bodily harm if I even think about going
back in. There is a story about a horse that pulled the old
fire trucks. A call came out for a bad fire and this horse
pulled the wagon all the way to the scene. When they got there
the firemen found that the horse had ripped off it's hoof in
pulling the wagon to the scene. That horse is you and I and
just about every other combat vet that I know. We would all
gladly put the uniform back on and continue to serve our
country, Not because we think we are better than the current
force but just because we feel such great love for this nation
of ours.
Doc Higgins
Clark Fork VFW 10320
Dear Corporal Dale Haines:
In response to your letter in Sgt Grit:
when my son was a young boy he wrote you a letter while you were
serving on the Wisconsin. You had written him back and presently
the letter you wrote him was sent to be archived in the USS
Wisconsin museum. You see you have to rest now because my son
Bryan is presently serving in Iraq as a US Marine. Be confident
in knowing that you have done your duty and now it is time for
you to rest Marine. We are proud and I am sure Bryan is proud to
have known you. Please rest, relax and allow Bryan to carry on.
Carry one Marine.
Joe Hawkins Marine Dad
To all those Marines who have already served our Country -
Semper Fidelis! I salute you Men and Women. Our Son is a
Marine now and he grad, from G-Company on 09-08-2006. After
attending grad. As a parent and a patriot, I could see you
working as recruiters across our nation. You can tell it like
it is and most of you want to continue to serve in the USMC. I
believe most Americans see the need for a skilled military
machine and none do it better than our USMC. We truly are a
blessed nation and having seen 1st hand at grad. there are at
least 13 other countries serving in our Marine Corps. The world
recognizes that we are a nation under God!
Thank you again for your service!
LEN SLEEPER, Tulsa, OK
Reply to Dale Haines, CPL c/o Sgt Grit"
Dear fellow Cpl: I share your sentiments about returning to
active duty, but I'm 67 now. That dream, even with our beloved
country under attack, has to be forgotten now. I served from '56
to '63, a Cold War Marine. Went to Cuba in Oct 1962 but we never
landed. Made 2 stripe Corporal then just when I thought I was
finally going to be a Sgt of Marines (E-4)I was told to sew on
crossed rifles and stay a Corporal. Seven years and I'm still a
Corporal. My son served 6 years and made Sgt of Marines (E-5).
To this day he refers to me as "Corporal" in good fun. I remind
him my full rank is "Corporal DAD" and that is that.
So what do we do about those Marine things that haunt us? All I
can tell you is what I am doing which seems to help some. I am a
founding supporter of our new Marine Corps Museum being built at
Quantico. I fly Old Glory and the USMC colors in front of my
home everyday. My truck is duly decorated with USMC and Old
Glory stickers. I framed several pictures of my Marine Corps
time and hang them in my office. I never wear a T-shirt unless
it has something Marine on it. I never wear a baseball cap
unless it has Marine on it. Several of these items I have
purchased from Sgt Grit. I never go to church or attend a men's
group meeting without a USMC pin over my heart. When I hear some
men talk about regrets of never having done anything "manly" in
their life I just smile politely.
I am a member of a Marine Corps League Detachment, "Big D" in
Dallas Texas. I help with Toys for Tots when I can. I attend a
Marine Corps luncheon once a month. Once sat next to an old
Marine who was on the Bataan Death March and was a POW all
during WWII. What a story he told. These opportunities allow me
to interact with other Marines, old and new. I play USMC music
when I need it. I own an M1 Garand and have US govt. surplus
.30-06 ammo which I use when I need some Marine time going down
range. I have a Springfield .45 cal pistol and yes, US govt
surplus .45 cal ammo (some dating back to 1943). I work as a
technical writer at home so sometimes I practice the manual of
arms with my M1 with fixed bayonet for exercise. It just feels
good. Sometimes I strap on my .45 pistol belt with full
magazines while I work quietly alone in my office. It just feels
good too. Each weapon has official USMC holsters and cartridge
or pistol belt. I don't wear the canteen as it doesn't fit in my
office chair. The K-bar I can live with on my left hip. It feels
good too.
Forgot one day when a door-to-door salesman came to sell me some
fruit off his truck. When I opened the door his eyes went
directly to the USMC .45 holster on my right hip. I thought he
was going to have a heart attack and stain my front porch. In
his rapid departure from my front door he never made eye contact
with me. I never got a chance to buy any fruit. Haven't seen him
since.
My sons and I swap emails about the Marines. My lovely wife
wonders about it all but watching the news and hearing about our
Marines in harm's way she has become a Big USMC supporter. She
sees the difference it makes in being Marine. By the way, she
has become quite a shooter with the .45. And last of all, I pray
for our troops in harms way and our President. This all seems to
fulfill my need "to serve again" because I am serving again in a
small way. If you're ever in Garland, Texas, look me up and
we'll send some rounds down range. It just feels good too.
Semper Fi,
Vince Fischelli (Sr.)
Cpl E-4 '56-'63
This article is sobering in it's simplicity and directness.
By Thomas Sowell, USMC
Point Of No Return
This war was a revolution against the moral basis of
civilization. It was conceived by the Nazis in conscious
contempt for the life, dignity and freedom of individual man and
deliberately prosecuted by means of slavery, starvation and the
mass destruction of noncombatants' lives. It was a revolution
against the human soul.
-Time, May 14, 194513
I felt the words of your letter more than I wish I did and I
think you will get a lot of responses from others feeling like
you. I served 8 years in the Marines and was discharged in
1997. I spent a few years in Somalia and Saudi, some on ship
and some on the ground. It took me years before I could watch
Blackhawk Down, and I still don't watch war movies. Besides
having to fight the nightmares they cause, it makes the urge to
go back in even stronger.
I have discussed this same topic with another Marine who has
been a friend of mine for 16 years now. We served together and
we both have these same feelings. We went back to Camp
Pendleton last year. I'm sorry to tell you, but the Corps has
moved on without us. You heard it the whole time you were in
from the older Marines, and now I find myself saying the same
thing. It's not like it was in the "Old Corps".
To all the Marines today, please don't take offense. I'm just
an old dog admitting that my time has passed and a new breed has
taken their rightful place. In the end, I don't think it's the
bullets flying that I miss or the hard Corps training and
discipline. It was the friends I made. The bonds formed with
other Marines under conditions that no one else can understand
except another Marine who's been there done that.
To this day I have a hard time making friends with civilians,
but yet I can bond with a Marine immediately. We have shared
things other Americans will never know. Watching it on
television or movies is not the same as hearing the snap of a
bullet go by your head or feeling the fear instilled by the
scream of a drill instructor. Our bond is the strength of the
Corps. It's what makes our enemies fear us and the other
services wish they were us. Marines fight for our brothers
because they have your back, your trust, and your respect.
My advice is to look at your life not as a retreat from the
Corps, but fighting in another direction. Now you must be the
Marine for your family. Fight for them and their happiness.
The new Marines will carry on and make us proud. You must now
do the same for your family and for yourself. We are all
haunted by our ghosts, but it is your duty to be the father and
husband your family deserves. If you need more, find a way to
help the Marines today. Organize care packages, or volunteer at
a base or for a support group. I work for a company that
rebuilds the areas I once worked so hard to destroy. The travel
helps lessen the urge, and the ugly places I go help to remind
me how blessed my life has been.
Semper Fi
Jeremy Hertel
SGT USMC
Sgt grit ... I have being reading this news letter since before
00...I am currently in Austin, TX and Daphine's letter set me at
laughing but not at a bad or degrading thing as I am a DAV and
served fro 69 to 72 and got out early on a disability (had
people toss stuff at me at san fransico international and had a
railroad tracks in the USMC tell me to stand down)... but if
Daphine would like to see her dad with a smile and a reflection
that no Marine forgets is have someone cut out a set of yellow
footprint at a 45 degree angle and present them to
him...........Daphine watch him stare into space and then laugh
his ass off-SEMPER FI__yell it to him.
Charlie--alias HOTROD
This is to Dale Haines, CPL USMC '88-'92, MarDet USS Wisconsin.
First let me say..Thank You & God Bless!
From talking to my friends who have been active duty..they all
say the same..the feeling never goes away.
Let the young "firebrands" do what they have been trained to do
(not to say that you still can't!)..but..there is another "war"
going on over here that us "pogs" can't do alone. The war I
speak of is with another "brand" of terrorists, the Cindy
Sheehans..Martin Sheens..Danny Glovers etc. And we need your
voice in this battle..you've seen what we haven't..you've walked
the walk and can talk the talk, we can't! So please think of
serving our country in this manner. These "terrorist" can be
just as dangerous! Help us battle the so called politicians in
getting better pay..for out troops..better treatment of Viet
Vets..P.O.W.s ...getting our Southern borders closed..the list
goes on and on!
Your "hitch" isn't up..just a change in the battlefield! My
thanks and prayers go out to all our troops..both active and
inactive..(and I hope I've said it correctly! If not please
forgive me..) Hopefully some day we meet face to face so I can
shake your hand and say thank you in person...just as I do for
every Vet I meet. We civilians owe you more than we can ever
repay!
So again..(from an old man of 53) Thanks & God Bless you and
everyone who's served and presently serving!
Wm.M.Hatton
Lawrenceburg,IN
The study of history is a powerful antidote to contemporary
arrogance. It is humbling to discover how many of our glib
assumptions, which seem to us novel and plausible, have been
tested before, not once but many times and in innumerable
guises; and discovered to be, at great human cost, wholly false.
-Paul Johnson
My son was having trouble adjusting to becoming an adult. As so
many young men do at the age of 17-19 years old. He signed up
for the dep program in high school sr. year. Then before he
left in the summer of 2005, he changed his mind. After his
friends left and a few family members passed away, he changed
his mind and he contacted his recruiter to renew his previous
contract. He left on January 30, 2006. He couldn't wait, and I
had mixed emotions at his leaving home.
When the letters began rolling in from Boot Camp, I watched as
he changed and grew. Then when we went to his graduation on
April 28,2006, I saw how much he really changed. I could never
have been more proud of the Man he became.
Now he is at MOS school at Camp Johnson and I wait anxiously for
his new orders as to where his PDS will be. I know that
wherever he goes and whatever he does he will be successful
because the Marines have prepared him for all that comes.
Thank you for the newsletter, I wait and read it and cry with
all the other mothers weekly.
Susan
There is no safety for honest men but by believing all possible
evil of evil men.
--Edmund Burke
Civilization is not inherited; it has to be learned and earned
by each generation anew; if the transmission should be
interrupted for one century, civilization would die, and we
should be savages again.
--Will and Ariel Durant
Certainly, it is a world of scarcity. But the scarcity is not
confined to iron ore and arable land. The most constricting
scarcities are those of character and personality.
--William R. Allen
For your wise, yet brief word of encouragement to a young female
Marine, I am deeply touched.
For the legacy you leave as an example to the present and future
generations, I am grateful.
Thank you for your years of service and the tremendous impact
you have had on your children and your children's children.
A Marine Mom X 2!
JK Martinez
From John Alstad, U.S. Marine:
The Pope says that jihad violence is against God's nature, and
officials fear that in response, Muslims enraged by this insult
will commit... jihad violence.
- Muslims murder 3,000 innocents in New York and expect no
criticism.
- Muslims murder 202 tourists in Bali and expect no criticism.
- Muslims murder 333 schoolchildren and their teachers in Beslan
and expect no criticism.
- Muslims murder 292 innocents, mainly Kenyans and Tanzanians at
two US Embassies and expect no criticism.
- Muslims murder 241 US and 58 French peacekeepers in Beirut and
expect no criticism.
- Muslims fire 4,000 Katyusha rockets into Northern Israel
killing over 50 innocent civilians and expect no criticism.
- Muslims murder 52 in London and 191 in Madrid and expect no
criticism.
- Muslims murder 200 in Mumbai and expect no criticism.
- Muslims behead Western hostages in Iraq, Buddhist monks in
Thailand and Christian schoolgirls in Indonesia and expect no
criticism.
- Muslims murder 500,000 in Darfur and expect no criticism.
- Muslims regard Jews as 'sons of pigs and monkeys', and vow to
nuke Israel and expect no criticism.
- Muslims force women to wear hideous sacks, stone to death
women for getting r*ped and for leaving the home unescorted,
engage in honor killings of sisters and daughters for unapproved
dating, and expect no criticism.
- Muslims danced in the streets and handed out sweets to their
kids to celebrate the 9/11 atrocity, and still expected no
criticism.
- Since 9/11 Muslims have killed over 26,000 and wounded over
50,000 in terrorist attacks worldwide since 9/11 and expect no
criticism.
Since 9/11 Muslims have committed terrorist attacks in
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Chad, Chechnya,
Dagestan, Denmark, East Timor, Egypt, England, Eritrea,
Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ingushetia, Iran,
Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Jordan-Iraq, Kabardino-Balkans, Kenya,
Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco,
Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Gaza-Palestinian Authority,
Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Somalia,
Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia,
Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Republic, United
States, Uzbekistan and Yemen, and still expect no criticism.
Muslims have carried out over 5,800 fatal terrorist atrocities
since 9/11, and countless thousands since Islamic conquest began
in 623 AD and expect no criticism. But if a Pope dares to tell
the truth about Islam or Danes publish cartoons about Mohammed,
then let the outpourings of Islamic hate and outrage begin.
And, by some twisted reach of logic, the arrogant bastards
demand the Pope issue an apology.
Forwarded by John Wear
"The struggle is always between the individual and his sacred
right to express himself and... the power structure that seeks
conformity, suppression and obedience."
—Justice William O. Douglas
Dear Corporal Haines:
In re: your unfinished business. Yes, I and I'm sure other
Marines who are no longer on active duty feel a sense of
unfinished business. In 1993 I was in Manhattan when the
ragheads tried to blow up the World Trade Center. In 2001 I was
across the river in New Jersey, watching, when the ragheads did
handle the World Trade Center. At the time I was probably less
than one click from "Combat Override" however there was no one
to inflict any grievous harm upon. I have had a sense of
unfinished business since Vietnam, and Yes, It came back very
strong on 9-11-01, and has NOT backed off very much since.
James W.
Thank God that I'm not alone!
I just read Dale Haines, CPL letter regarding the inner
struggles of a discharged Marine longing to contribute to my
Nation and Corp in a time of need!
I have been personally, and silently, struggling with this inner
turmoil since that horrible day in Sept 2001 brought my need to
defend and contribute to the surface in full force. I like
apparently many rushed to the recruiter to jump back into the
mix, but was turned away due to the medical discharge I received
after fracturing my ankle and foot in 1996, which effectively
ended my "Ooh-Ra! Days". I remember feeling utterly depressed
and left out in a way I simply have not been able to get over.
It felt like the team was going to the big game, and I was left
behind. All that training and anticipation of following the
footsteps of earlier generations that have stepped up to the
plate and answered the call when needed.
Last month, I went back to the recruiter and met with the local
recruiters at RSS Greensboro. These guys were great, and
actually got me approved to proceed onto MEPS station in
Charlotte. Now the absolute dilemma comes into focus. Do I leave
my wonderfully supportive wife of seven years and three
beautiful children? Half of me says, "H&ll yes!", while the
rational side cautions against rash action. I have a wonderful
life, excellent job and opportunity to provide my kids with a
life that I could only dream about when growing up. Give all of
this up to re-enlist as an E-3? Everyone my age has made up to
E-6 or higher it seems. It has been 9 years since I last put on
the uniform and much has changed. My wife, God love her, as
affirmed that she would follow me anywhere without complaint.
However this has compounded my turmoil, as I feel such heavy
responsibility for them.
I have kept this issue closely guarded within my immediate
family and best friends who are also Marines in the 1st CIV DIV.
I was surprised to find one night over beers that he has had the
same feelings/ thoughts. We assumed that we all were both
suffering from various degrees of insanity. Still Do I act? I
know I would pickup NCO again quickly, but would be running
around in my 30's doing things that were challenging in my 20's.
My ankle is no longer an issue, but I have many of the same
feelings as apparently Dale has experienced.
Honestly, I am still pondering. I have less than two years
before I am deemed too old to come back into the mix of things.
Until reading Dale's letter, I have often thought that I was
alone in my thoughts, experiencing some measure of insanity for
even considering such a move.
All I have at this point is my love for the Corps, pride for my
service and unending respect for anyone who answers up for
service to this country. Dale, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Brgds,
Chad Crouch, LCPL
1994-1997 USMC
"The real freedom of any individual can always be measured by
the amount of responsibility which he must assume for his own
welfare and security."
—Robert Welch
Hi, Please lets not Forget Our Marines who died in Beirut, on
Oct 23, 1983, at 6:22 am est. Their will be from what I have
read from the website a service and get together.. But the
website is Beirut Marines Memorial. These 241 Marines and 58
French soldiers that were massacred on that day and were the
victims of terrorism. The Beirut Veterans Association is trying
to get a stamp to commemorate the brave men. A stamp has been
drawn up and presented to the U.S. Post office officials but
they have declined it. They said they want some more encouraging
stamps. I guess Mickey Mouse, Goofy is a better stamp. Then
these Brave men. I am not asking for much write to your Senator.
Representative, and ask why this stamp has not been approved and
get the USPS to start printing. I am sorry for the misspelling.
BUT LETS NOT FORGET these MARINES and their FAMILIES, WIVES and
CHILDREN. Thanks to all that served and to all that still fell
the pain and to the ones that came home but took their lives.
I WILL NEVER FORGET, SEMPER FI
Jeff Burnett
1980 to 1984
2nd and 3rd Medical Bn
"The dustbin of history is littered with remains of those
countries that relied on diplomacy to secure their freedom. We
must never forget... in the final analysis... that it is our
military, industrial and economic strength that offers the best
guarantee of peace for America in times of danger."
—Ronald Reagan
Sgt. Grit,
After I got my new baby suv I ordered a Marine Corps tire cover
from you. One day while cruising down the road I noticed a car
approaching me on the left and it had a Marine Corps plate on
the front. As it was passing the Marine inside gave me a
salute. I was a little surprised by that and waved back. I'm
just the wife of a retired Marine, what do I know about
saluting? LOL
I recognized the gesture for what it was, especially seeing as
how this is an Air Force town. Not a lot of us Marine folk
floating around.
Semper Fi
Patricia Bell
Wife of GySgt. Bell (Ret)
"There is already evidence from Guantanamo that the prisoners
there are abusing the guards far worse than any guards have
abused these prisoners. Yet our media have no interest in that
and have been willing to believe every allegation by these
professional terrorists, including the physical absurdity of
trying to flush the Koran—or any other book—down a toilet."
—Thomas Sowell
On 2/26/1961, I was standing on yellow footprints at MCRD in San
Diego and was thinking What a dumb thing I had done.
On 5/27/1965 I was standing on the big grinder and was thinking
that enlisting in the CORPS was the best thing that I had ever
done in my life.
Today at 62 yrs old I still feel that joining the Marine Corps
was the best thing I ever did. The Corps changed a 17yr old kid
and open his eyes the real world.
God bless the Corps and all who have served and to all out there
that are serving now. SEMPER FI
Cpl Earl R. Davis 1961/1967 G/2/5, C/1/3, MP co 3rdMar Div and
Hq, Hq Quantico, Va
Sgt. William Pratt 1958-1967
What a Marine is. After the security of childhood and the
insecurity of a second childhood, you will find a good Joe
called a Marine. Mothers tolerate them, girls love them, and the
United States supports them. Marines are found everywhere, where
they do and don't belong, on leave, in bars, in jail, in love,
and even in debt. Marines come in different sizes, weights and
states of sobriety. He has the energy of a turtle, the slyness
of a fox , the brain of an idiot, the stores of an eighty year
old man, the appetite of a elephant, and the inspiration of a
Casanova. When he is into something it's usually a weekend pass.
He likes girls, dislikes getting up in the morning, writing,
superior officers, walking to chow, swabbies, and wearing his
uniform. No one can get as munch in one pocket, a little black
book, a pair of dice, a letter from his girl, and the rest of
last weeks pay. No one can write so seldom, yet think of you so
often, can get so munch out of civilian clothes, reading letters
and one cigarette. A Marine is a magic creature. You can cross
him out of your mind, but you might as well give up, his your
long distance lover, your bundle of joy. All your shattered
dreams seem insignificant when he comes home and says those two
magic words, HI HONEY.
"Security is like oxygen. You tend not to notice it until you
begin to loose it, but once that occurs there is nothing else
you will think about."
(Joseph Nye)
Part of the answer for a dilemma as you find your self in now.
You have 5 and 8 years to prepare your sons to become Marines.
Its like getting the enemy to roll the USA double or
nothing....either way they lose. That is your unfinished
business. Please, by all means, live the rest of your life
through your Marine kids!
That hound dog feeling of unfinished business will carry you
till the day you die. You don’t carry it-it carries you.
Then after your boys will come grandsons......you got your job
cut out for you.
Semper Fi Brothers.
Krusty the Doorgunner
A lie, no matter how many times told, no matter how many people
believe it, no matter how many people back it up, is still a
lie.
People are always saying "You have to be tolerant of other
peoples ways." If that were true Hitler would rule the world
today. BE NOT TOLERANT OF EVIL!
Submitted by: Christopher E Cherrone Sr
Sgt. Grit,
My name is Brian Morris. I "accidentally" discovered your
site after looking up Clint Eastwood's new movie," Flags of our
Fathers". Though not a Marine, I was a Corpsman. And though I
fought in no campaigns and was awarded no medals, I do have a
story to tell and I was wondering if I might do so here.
I enlisted in the Navy in 1995.I went to boot at Great
Lakes, then proceeded to Hospital Corpsman "A" school. Upon
graduation, I got orders to USNH Portsmouth (VA). Ironically,
with the intent of joining and seeing the world, I spent my
entire tour there. However, I would not trade those four years in
that small town for all the riches in the world. While other
HA's and HN's got stuck in P.S.D or handing out towels in the
gym-my first department was the same day surgery suite.
During my two years there, I received two LOA's-one for
the dedication of the Fisher House and one from my department
head for the smooth transition of the entire suite from the 9th
floor to the 6th floor over the course of a weekend. I then
transferred to the Anesthesia Department, where I continued to
excel. I finally transferred to Emergency Medicine, where I
culminated my tour of duty.
Long story short, I messed up my leg and began to have
trouble maintaining physical fitness. I got out in 1999, and have
missed it ever since. To say my life would be different is an
under-statement. I no longer do what I spent four years learning
and cultivating, and now, with our country at war, I am stuck
doing something I don't want to do and am unable to do that
which I so desire to do. I am in no way, shape or form a war
monger nor do I desire any kind of hero status. I merely want to
continue to take care of America's real heroes'-our fighting
forces.
I've read some letters from your site, and that is what has
prompted me to write. Some past (and present) heroes' have
wondered if wanting to do more, wanting to be "back in", is
normal. Someone asked if he should leave his lucrative job and
take his battered body and try to get back in. Could he make
it?-I don't know. Is it normal to want to do more?-Yes. Because
even though I may not be able to run a mile and a half in under
12 minutes any more, I know I could still do my job.
I still figure out dosages in my head, I still look at
people's veins when I shake hands, and my heart still races when
an ambulance roars by. But most importantly, because deep down
in my soul-in the very essence of who I am, lies the heart and
passion of a Corpsman.
Thank you for your time.
Semper Fidelis, Sgt. Grit-
Brian Morris, HM3 (Former)
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put
darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for
sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their
own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! Woe to men mighty at
drinking wine, Woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink,
Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away justice from
the righteous man!"
—Isaiah 5:20-23
First of 133,000 Disabled Retirees Get 'VA Retro Pay'
A small group of disabled military retirees this month will be
the first of 133,000 to receive lump-sum back payments, which
are tied to start-up challenges for two
"concurrent receipt" programs enacted since 2003, say officials
with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).
The trickle of back payments in September will become a small
geyser at the end of October. By then, officials say, another
40,000 retirees will see their catch-up payments deposited
electronically in their bank accounts by either the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), DFAS or by both.
Back payments will vary in size from several hundred dollars
upwards of $10,000. The average payment, by one estimate, will
be $3700.
Almost all retirees in line for the back pay served 20 or more
years and all have disabilities that made them eligible for
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) or
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC).
"We carry a vision of Islam in our bosoms---a vision of world
domination where Islam will cover the entire world because of
its power."
(Saudi General)
"On the Contrary, when People are universally ignorant, and
debauched in their Manners, they will sink under their own
weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders."
—Samuel Adams
"Wearing your gear puts a glimmer in my eye that no young girl
in a miniskirt can! Keep up the great work! SEMPER FI!"
Anonymous
God Bless America!
Semper fi
Sgt Grit
|
