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On July 29 1987 I was born into the brotherhood. I served for 9
and a half years. I would have stayed until they made me leave,
if it wasn't for injuries that would not let me carry out my
duties. I have walked heavy on the ground in Panama, Saudi
Arabia, Iraq, and Africa. My family always told me that they
were worried about me when I was in harms way, but I always
reassured them that I was a Marine and that Marines never walk
alone. They would always ask if it was hard to cope with the
things that we saw or had done, and I would say no it's part of
the job. There are things that you witness that always stay with
you, but thankfully, for me it's not always the bad things. I
have been out for eleven years and I still get a lump in my
throat, a tear in my eye, and the hair stands up on the back of
my neck when I hear the National Anthem or a Sousa march.
Sometimes the "Feeling" will hit me even when I don't expect it.
The other day I was at the zoo with my son and we were watching
the bird show, they had an American bald eagle and for some
reason, as I was standing there about three feet from this
majestic symbol of all that I hold dear, he and I just stared at
each other. My son noticed this and said "I think he knows you
dad". My wife, the typical multi-tasking Marine wife, never
missed a beat as she handed me a tissue to wipe the tear that I
didn't even know was there, and place a loving hand on my son's
head and said "He does Bubba, he does."
I now work for the government and I help the members of the
services with all of the parts that they need to fix the
vehicles that they have to have in order to accomplish their
mission. Every day I thank God for the chance to help my Bothers
and Sisters in the only capacity that I can now. God bless them
and keep them. God bless Sgt. Grit. God bless the Marine Corps.
If It WASN'T FOR AMERICA There Would BE NO MARINE CORPS,
If It WASN'T FOR THE MARINE CORPS There Would BE NO AMERICA.
SEMPER FI
Thanks/Romie
"An honest man can feel no pleasure in the exercise of power
over his fellow citizens....There has never been a moment of my
life in which I should have relinquished for it the enjoyments
of my family, my farm, my friends and books."
Thomas Jefferson
Sgt Grit,
I just wanted to show you what I did with the Iwo Jima sand I
received. My husband won the sand from your contest, then gave
it to me for my birthday, he's such a romantic *big smile*. So
being a proud Marine and diehard scrap booker I did this with
the sand. Naturally the sand is in the container with a picture
of the flag raising behind it.
Semper Fi,
Anna Grabill
Posted on 07/30/2007, Freerepublic.com
Hey XXXXXXX,
How is everyone doing? It's been awhile since I wrote and wanted
to catch you up on the glorious nation of Iraq. The unit that is
replacing us is starting to arrive and so the end is in sight.
We are more than happy to see them here. We are now starting to
do some turnover actions and will be doing so for the next few
weeks.
It has been typical July weather for the Middle East, that is to
say hot. Although hot doesn't quite describe it, it's pretty
close to southern CA or Arizona so I'm sure most of you can
relate. When going out on a patrol it's pretty easy to get rid of
a couple pounds in sweat. Kind of makes one want to live in
Alaska, but I don't think it's as bad as hot and humid, I'll
take just hot any day. We've got access to pretty good food and
a gym so I managed not to get rid of 20 lbs like last deployment.
The most interesting thing we've seen while we've been here has
been the creation of local watch groups. They go by many names,
but basically they are locals who are conducting security in
their own areas. This is in addition to Iraqi army and police.
Local watch doesn't seem like a big deal? Well, in fact, it is
quite possibly the turning of the tide, a monumental force
multiplier. Why is it a big deal? Basically Iraqis are finally
starting to stand up for themselves and make a choice. See, for
the last 4 years we've been fighting not only al Qaeda foreign
fighters, but also pretty much any Iraqi who was bored and
needed to make a few extra bucks. A large portion of them were
not "terrorists" but just local punks that thought we were the
great invader here to do them harm. It has taken awhile, but for
the first time, and in large numbers, Iraqis in the most violent
province (Al Anbar) have been collectively making a choice to
fight against al Qaeda.
You see, there are two choices for Iraqis: 1. Help the Americans
- this means money, security, and assistance, or 2. Help al
Qaeda - this means a life of imposed harsh religious doctrine
(that very few Iraqis want), murder of Iraqi women and children
as punishment, intimidation campaigns that make the Sopranos
look like the Bradys, and a future bright with subjugation and
oppression. Seems like a no brainer, and you have to wonder why
it took most Iraqis so long to figure this one out, but they are
finally seeing that al Qaeda has nothing to offer and that we
have done nothing but help them. It's a bit hard to understand
but try to imagine that they have been taught mistrust of
outsiders for generations, indoctrinated with a steady diet of
fiery anti-American rhetoric from their local sheikhs, and been
held under control by a tyrannical dictator for 30 years,
followed by mafia-style rule for the last 4. This seems like
slow progress, yes, but it is indeed progress on a scale not
seen before. This is the path toward victory and the only way we
can win a counter-insurgency. These locals are amazing to watch.
An area that Marines had operated in for months had been like
the Wild West, engagements every day, and always something going
on. Once the locals took over it has been completely quiet. It's
not quite Mayberry yet, but to see these guys pull some weight
is an awesome thing, and they are pretty dang good. And they
should be, because through evolution we weeded out all the bad
ones.
An interesting side note: upon talking to a leader in the local
security forces, I discovered that he was part of a crew that
would attack an outpost we had last deployment. We'd get shot at
least a few times a week. Well, apparently this guy was one of
the ones doing that shooting at us last deployment. Yeah, a
little unnerving. We shared an awkward stare down and I kept my
safety off. Although I did have the urge to slam the guy's head
in a HMMWV door, I realized there's a much bigger picture. He
wants me gone just as much as I want to leave, but he realizes
that we can work together for a common goal. Plus fighting
Marines must be hard - Allah d*mn those smart bombs. It's
indicative of a counterinsurgency however; enemies become
friends and vice versa. The point is we're seeing a turning of
the tide, that most of you will not hear about on the news.
Interested in knowing what servicemen think of world events? The
media and anti-war movement disgusts us and couldn't be further
from supporting us - we see it for what it is - just political
jockeying for votes. Whether you agree with the war or not,
supporting us doesn't mean taking away funding, cutting us off
at the knees. Ask anybody here, they say finish what we started.
We are seeing serious success now - why would you set
unrealistic deadlines and not give us the chance to meet them?
I should be coming back sometime next month. I'm getting orders
to XXXXXXXX once I return so I'll be moving from the desert to
the beach. Time for less 18 hr workdays and more 9-12s, followed
by beach volleyball (appropriately shirtless and with top gun
'80s music in the background.) I hope to talk to you all soon
when I get back and get a new phone and number. Hope everything
is going well with all of you, feel free to let me know what's
going on with you.
Love, xxxxxxxx
"Broad-minded is just another way of saying a fellow's too lazy
to form an opinion."
Will Rogers
Sgt Grit –
I wanted to thank you for the contest, and let you know what I
will do with the packet of Iwo Jima sand that I won.
I'm a Navy veteran who enjoys military history as a hobby, and
fortunately knew where to find the answers, including the fact
that Gunnery Sgt. "Manila John" Basilone was the (previous)
Medal of Honor recipient who was killed on Iwo.
I entered the contest early enough, I hoped, to be a winner. I
wanted this special Iwo Jima sand for a friend of mine who is
82, a combat USMC veteran, and who recently was injured in a bad
accident, which has caused some depression, as well as the
physical damage.
Bob was a member of the 3rd Bn, 25th Reg, 4th MARDIV who landed
on Iwo Jima in the first wave on February 19, 1945.
He was a radioman, and was on Iwo until relieved on March 26,
1945. He survived that lengthy horrendous ordeal without any
serious injury.
I'll be sending the packet of sand to Bob with a note, again
thanking him for his sacrifices during World War II, in the hope
that it will rekindle that positive EGA spirit, and help him
quicken his steps on the road to recovery.
(He also proudly wears one of your "Not as Lean......" sweat shirts.)
Best regards,
Tom Smith
(U. S. Navy 1953 – 1957)
"The recent capture of the leading Iraqi in al-Qaeda's Iraq
affiliate is no accident... You capture such people only when
you have good intelligence, and you have good intelligence only
when the locals have turned against the terrorists."
Charles Krauthammer
Sgt. Grit,
I was directed to your website by a 2/3 Marine mom from the
wonderful OKC. She was in Hawaii welcoming home her son coming
home from deployment. I happen to be working at the hotel where
she was staying. Thinking of my mother-in-law. Since then, I
have given your website to pretty much any Marine wife that I
have come across.
I am new to the Marine (especially the spouse side) way of
life, but not to the military. I was not aware that sites like
yours existed. I am grateful for your website. I absolutely love
it.
I received your magazine just a couple weeks ago and
finally had the time to show my husband your inventory. He loves
the inspirational posters that you have. I love your coins that
you have.
If I had known you were in OKC when my father was stationed
at Tinker, man I would have been surprised. I am still green in
the ways of the military, but I keep my head held high and up
hold the Marine Corps code: Honor, Courage and Commitment.
Semper Fi,
Kara Usselman
wife of
LCpl Joshua Usselman
3/3 Lima Co
"That [state] which separates its scholars from its warriors
will have its thinking done by cowards, and its fighting by
fools."
Thucydides, 'The Peloponnesian Wars'
Sgt. Grit:
Thanks for the contest giving small packets of Iwo Jima (not
Iwo To) sand. I was lucky enough to answer all four questions
correctly and be one of the winners.
When it came in the mail the other day I couldn't help but
remember my Dad's service on that cruel piece of valuable real
estate during February and March of 1945.
Dad was a Corporal in the 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines, part
of the 3rd Marine Division, at the time...he was a radio man in
a 75 mm pack-howitzer outfit. The 2/12 provided artillery
support for the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment. Having already
participated in the invasions and occupations of Bougainville
and Guam, his was a battle-hardened crew. The 3rd Division came
ashore D+5 and was assigned to drive up the middle of the island
with the 5th Division to the left of them and the 4th Division
to the right. History and his personal recollections tell the
story of the next month of battle much better than I can. Pop
is still with us, thank God, and at 85 years young his mind is
as sharp as a tack. He'll be thrilled when he sees this pack of
sand.
Thanks again.
- Gary W. Engler
Dear Sgt Grit,
I am an avid reader of your newsletter and thought the readers
would be interested to know about this story that has me floored
and really ****ed off! I have served 8 years in the Marine
Corps and was a Sergeant upon leaving w/ two tours under my belt
and am currently awaiting orders to join the Marine Reserves and
am extremely proud of the Corps. I work as an Investigator in
the Child Protective Services profession in the state of Texas.
In my office I have many Marine Corps items from a flag,
stickers, pictures and recruiting posters from the early 20th
century. I was told by my supervisor that someone came to him
and said that one sticker I had (Winning Battles One Kill At A
Time) was offensive and he told me that he didn't see anything
wrong with it because it was my office, not displayed outside or
on my door and it was my 1st amendment right to have that, but
to keep the peace I moved it from plain view from my office
door.
A couple of weeks later my supervisor came in again and this
time said that the Program Director said that my vintage
reproduced recruiting poster that says "Tell That To The
Marines" is racist and offensive because of the word HUN. I was
livid to say the least. We are too busy of an agency to waste
on debating issues that others are simply too ignorant to figure
out on their own but I had to address this issue. My supervisor
agreed with me that he didn't see a problem in it however the
program director stated that since someone had complained about
it being offensive and racist that I had to take it down. To
make a long story short, I talked to the program director and
informed her that this was not a racist poster and that if
people would do their history search and look before speaking
then this would not be an issue. She obviously doesn't know
what a HUN is nor did the person who complained. Then the
program director changed her stance and said that the word KILL
in the poster was not proper for this type of work environment
because it promoted a sense of concern for clients. I guess our
shaking babies, drinking and driving and doing drugs KILL
posters don't fit in that same category. I don't buy it. I
informed her that if it was a racist poster then no one would be
reproducing this in this day in age of political correctness and
law suits however she would not change her decision. Anyhow, I
find this disrespectful and very prejudiced as well as Un-
American. What is this world coming to when something as
awesome and patriotic as this historical and vintage poster is
considered racist and offensive without the slightest thought of
respect for one's own property and country? Any thoughts?
Suggestions on what I can do?
"I Have Not Yet Begun To Fight" - JOHN PAUL JONES
Sergeant from Texas
"Amplification is the vice of modern oratory."
Thomas Jefferson
My son is stationed at Djbouti, Africa. He is LCpl Colt
Summers, and who would have known with the name Colt and he is
an armoror. My husband is on his second deployment to Al
Taqaddam. He is GySgt Dave Melka.
Enclosed is a photo of them (my son is his stepson) when they
were taking classes at 29 Palms, along with my youngest son. the
other photo is us at the 2006 ball.
Marine Wife and Mom!
Toughest jobs in the CORPS.
"Not only the history of the UN, but the history of the League
of Nations before it, demonstrates again and again that going to
such places [as the UN] is a way for weak-kneed leaders of
democracies to look like they are doing something when in fact
they are doing nothing. The Iranian leaders are not going to
stop unless they get stopped. And, like Hitler, they don't think
we have the guts to stop them."
Thomas Sowell
Sgt. Grit
I am a retired Gunnery Sergeant (1977-1998). I have been serving
with U. S. Customs and Border Protection (formerly USINS) for
nine years on the Mexican border at Tijuana. There are many of
us, Marines working here and we take pride in keeping the
borders of our country safe.
Semper fi, God bless our troops and keep them out of harm's way.
Jose C. Rosillo
To Those Who Help Me Believe
I am currently an NJROTC cadet in high school, and plan on
joining the Marine Corps. My aunt is currently serving as a
Marine and has been to Iraq twice already. She may not know it,
but I'm proud of her every single day and its people like her
who make me want to join the Marines. I recently attended a
Leadership Sailing Academy through the JROTC program and two of
our instructors, two Marine 1stSgts, made my experience amazing.
Most people were, to say the least, intimidated by them. But
when it comes down to it they were just Marines. Two of the
nicest, funniest guys you could ever meet. And it was them who
made me think about the brotherhood of the Corps.
They made me realize that every single Marine I know through my
aunt, they are the best people I've ever had the pleasure of
meeting. They are the type of people I want to grow up to be.
They help me believe that there is hope for me, and that I can
make a difference. It chokes me up just thinking about them, and
I know one day I will make them all proud by continuing the
tradition they fought so hard to keep alive. I want to thank
them all; my aunt, the two 1stSgts, and every other Marine that
I know, and those who I haven't had the pleasure of meeting. You
all are a special breed, and it makes me proud to know one day I
just might have the opportunity to serve alongside you.
C/PO1 A.S.
Semper Fi
"A vote is like a rifle its usefulness depends upon the
character of the user."
Teddy Roosevelt
I am a more modern day Marine (79-85) and love hearing the
stories from the "Ole Salts". The stories from WWII, Korea (the
Frozen Chosin) and Nam, are all good history lessons also. My
1st Sgt. (Mike Mata) {I know he wouldn't mind} was Col. Chesty
Puller's driver, so you can imagine some of the stories we got
to hear. My generation of Marines were trained and learned from
many of the "Ole Salts" and they're lessons that molded my life
in so many ways.
I want to say to all my Marine Brothers before me, "Thank you",
thank you for carrying on a tradition for 204 years, so that I
and many others could continue that tradition. Thank you for
teaching us that followed in your footsteps and giving us the
opportunity to lead others behind us in those same traditions.
I thank my Brothers who followed behind me and serve to this
day. The Marine Corps is and always has been the largest
military family, because many other branches just don't
understand.
As for all the hype about who can wear and display the EGA, any
family member of a Marine is a part of the Marine Corps Family.
Wives (Spouses, {21st Century}) live it, Children feel it,
Parents support it, they earn the right by the mere virtue that
they stand behind and beside their Marines. Claiming the title
is one thing, supporting it is another.
As for Marines who dishonor our beloved Corps, (I'm in Law
Enforcement), you lose bragging rights when you discredit the
Corps! Marines who find them selves in the pokee should never
breathe the words, "United States Marine Corps" while
incarcerated. That is not what the Corps value system is about.
I learned traits like honor, integrity, pride, dignity and
honesty, and would never dishonor the Corps by bragging about
being a Marine if I was to ever get myself in that situation. I
wear my EGA pinned proudly to the uniform that I now wear and
from time to time. will have someone who is incarcerated come up
to me and talk about them being a Marine. Frankly it kind of
disgusts me.
Anyway, Thanks again Sarge for the newsletters, I sit for hours
and indulge myself in reading. To our troops currently serving,
God Bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be
graceful to you.
Semper Fi (Do or Die) Ooh-Rah,
J.D. Bennett, former Sgt. of Marines
A BIG SEMPER FI to all who enter this website and prayers to all
wounded Marines now serving! Thanks to all now as you keep us
free, protect us from terrorists and from those who would
destroy us from within. Also, an OUTSTANDING to VietNam
Marine Robert Duke for correcting that foolish, simple-minded
person in the restaurant. I too endured the same nonsense from
people and I was in '74-78.
J. Davenport, Sgt., 1st Mar.Div.
"There will be no peace until they love their children more than
they hate us."
Golda Meir
Thank you, Thank you, Thank You! As you can see, I'm at a loss
for words to show my gratitude for being one of those to receive
the sacred sand from Iwo Jima. My son is an active Marine, and
has already served a year long tour in Iraq, I can't think of a
better Christmas gift for him. Until the Marines, he never
enjoyed reading, now he can't get enough of the history of the
Marine Corps and like many others, he stands in awe of those who
fought before him and especially those at Iwo Jima. I so
appreciate you sharing this part of history with so many, it
will be a cherished bit of history to stay in the family for
generations.
Cathelyn Jones
PMM of CPL Joshua
"This war happened because men and women with honor and faith
and liberty refused to give in to whims of terrorists. They
refuse to give up those things that make us all uniquely
Americans."
Jerone A Bowers
"You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they
could and should do for themselves."
Abraham Lincoln
Sgt. Larry Bourland - USMC around 1954-1958 (Not Sure).
Semper Fi - Larry Bourland - Sgt of Marines.
Sgt Larry Bourland was also in the reserves 2 different times
for a couple of years each time.
Sgt Larry Bourland's D.I. was a Sgt Bradley (spelling).
Sgt Larry was born in 1935, he was 72, he passed on June 11,
2007 and was buried June 18, 2007.
I met Larry in a hospital; we were both in for a minor
procedure. We found out that we were both Marines and that the
guy that took care of both of us was a Corpsman. Larry and I
talked for about 20-30 minutes about the Corps and other things.
Larry was there was there with a friend, who brought him to the
hospital, I got his phone number from her. I later called Larry
and we decided to meet for lunch some time. I also called Larry
a few times more to set something up. But, because of one thing
or another we never did. I talked to Florence, his wife of 37
years and she gave me most of this information. She said she and
Larry had adopted several children. They both had children from
previous marriages and some of their own. Larry's son is
currently in the Army, and when he found out that his father had
passed he called the Marine Corps and they were represented at
his funeral. Larry's wife said Larry had a grand funeral and
that he really loved the Corps. She also the Corps gave him the
proper gun salute and presented her with the FLAG. I only met
Larry once and talked to him 2-3 times on the phone, but I
thought more people should know about this MARINE.
Semper Fi
Once a Marine - Always a Marine
Bob Reiseck - Cpl of Marines 1960-1963
Sgt. Grit,
I just read the American Courage Newsletter and I wanted to
respond to the letter sent in by former Marine and 60 something
Robert Duke. I know how he feels and I don't think he has
anything to be ashamed of. This also pertains to a letter sent
in about a year ago by another Marine. I think his name was Dale
Haines. It's about wanting to serve again. As a 42 yr. old
former Marine (82-86), I have received support from my family
and now my employer and I am joining the National Guard as an
11B (our 0311). To all Marines who are within the Army's new age
limits, I wish I could reenlist in the Corps but, since I can't,
I am going to do my part the best way I can. If you wish to do
the same, all you have to do is pass the physical, PFT and maybe
take the ASVAB again depending on how long you have been out. I
have a very good paying job and a wife and 3 great kids, but I
still feel compelled to do my duty as a citizen for this country
whether it is in war or to rescue hurricane victims. There are
no excuses for me not to do my best for America. All of the
things that actually kept me from doing this when I first wanted
to in 2000, a whole year before 9/11 are taken care of, so now
it is time.
SEMPER FI,
Brian Porter
"All of us denounce war - -
All of us consider it man's greatest stupidity.
And yet wars happen
And they involve the most passionate lovers of peace because
there are still barbarians in the world who will set the price
for peace at death or enslavement and the price is too high."
Ronald Reagan
Sgt. Grit,
I just want to take a minute to say "thank you" for what your
site means to me. I was a P.I. Marine, 1973 - 1979, and went
through boot camp with Plt. 363. I'll never forget SDI S/Sgt.
Laursen, or ADI's Jim Hay and Paul Tammen, who are all heroes to
me, to this very day. I'm relearning the fact that I am, and
will forever be, a part of the greatest brotherhood that has
ever existed. I am very proud of the fact that I'm a Marine, and
I always will be.
Semper Fi
Ron Hall
Sgt. of Marines '73 - '79
Kind of interesting. Thought provoking.
Maybe a little over the top.
Terrorism Awareness
"[A] wise and frugal government... shall restrain men from
injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to
regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and
shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has
earned."
Thomas Jefferson
Interesting rewrite of Gen. George Patton's speech.
"What we still don't understand is why you Americans stopped the
bombing of Hanoi. You had us on the ropes. If you had pressed
us a little harder, just for another day or two, we were ready
to surrender! It was the same at the battles of TET. You
defeated us! We knew it, and we thought you knew it. But we
were elated to notice your media were definitely helping us.
They were causing more disruption in America than we could in
the battlefields. We were ready to surrender. You had won!"
- General Giap, North Vietnam (memoirs)
A sudden thought struck me with the quickness and force of the
Chi-Com Grenade tearing thru my leg years ago in Vietnam.
Where has the time gone? So quickly Yesterday's, Today's and
Tomorrow's have become one. And I have only succeeded in living
my Today's and Tomorrow's in Yesterday.
My heart and soul was ripped from my body by those who told me
that I had served my country for nothing! My friends had died in
vain! And we had lost our countries first war!
This being told to me by my peers, the Media, our nation's
leaders. And I believed them as I had been taught to do.
The sudden thought screams thru my brain. They were wrong!
D*mmit. They were wrong!
The events of the past years have proven again and again that
the price of Freedom must be paid for in the blood and lives of
those willing to fight and die for it ,for there can be no other
price great enough to merit as great a reward as Freedom.
Thank you God for sparing me so I can tell our children that
Freedom and Liberty have been bought for them by Brave Americans
willing to pay that price and make the ultimate sacrifice. Our
Children are all our Yesterday's, Today's and Tomorrow's. There
is no need for Freedom, if there is no one to enjoy it.
Barry (Doc) Stevens, Vietnam 1968
"I want to remind you that success in life is based on hard
slogging. There will be periods when discouragement is great and
upsetting, and the antidote for this is calmness and fortitude
and a modest yet firm belief in your competence. Be sure that
your priorities are in order so that you can proceed in a
logical manner, and be ever mindful that nothing will take the
place of persistence."
Walter Annenberg
"I support the troops, but not the war."
I tried this logic on my wife.
"I support you dear, but not marriage."
Fortunately we just bought a new couch.
WMD
In light of the of the talk about the Sand of Iwo Jima, I
had the pleasure and HONOR of witnessing a truly awesome event.
On July 14 a group of Marines got together to honor the memory
of a Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima (Pvt George
Phillips). This date is Pvt Phillips birthday. I knew that a
Medal of Honor recipient was buried in Labadie Mo., but I
didn't know exactly where. I read in the local paper that the
MCL was going to have a ceremony at the grave of Pvt Phillips so
I decided to attend. I'm glad I did. Not only did I witness
the time honor TRADITIONS of our Corps but I witness the Corps
is the same no matter what generation you served. Most of the
men assembled fought in WWII some on Iwo and others on the other
Islands that are so embedded in Marine Corps History. At the
grave site a small amount of sand from Iwo Jima is sprinkled
over the grave of Pvt Phillips. As I watched this event take
place I could not help but to be in AWE of the gentleman
standing around me. Some whom fought with Pvt Phillips and
others that fought in other campaigns of WWII and Korea.
After the ceremony was over I knew the Corps has not
changed at all. When the grave site serve was over, the Rifle
detail was returning to the parking lot. I heard one gentleman
state "Move the Rifle around your head, not your Head around the
rifle". I had to stop and laugh to myself as these Honored
"Heroes" who established the Marine lore / traditions that my
generation learned about: say and do the same things that we did
when we I was on active duty in the 80's.
I know time changes some things, but the Marine Corps
remain the same.
Philipp Petersen, Cpl '83-'88
MP Co HQ BN 1st MarDiv
PS When a Corpsman is killed in combat with Marines, is his /
her escort the Navy or Marine Corps?
"...whatever the cost may be we shall fight on the beaches, we
shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields
and the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never
surrender."
Winston Churchill
We are The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation of New Jersey. We
will hold our annual golf tournament on October 11th, 2007 at
Deal Country Club, Deal, NJ. To receive an invitation call
732-264-9275.
Sincerely,
Chairman, Former Sgt. of Marines Peter J. Morley
...And Ooo-Rah!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzJKTMMUAzE
"I just want to spend my whole live thanking God for being in
America. That's all, just for being in America."
Ben Stein
Dear Sgt. Grit,
Yes, boys, I am a Marine Mom and d*mned proud of it. I
have two of four sons in the Corps at this time. My oldest
Marine just started his 11th year and leaves for Iraq in
September. My youngest son just started in November of last
year. Lordy, I thought having a son that was a fireman, and one
a cop was going to give me all the gray (covered red) hair on my
head, but these two Marines of mine are really contributing to
the cause.
With my oldest Marine I missed so much, being in the
middle of a divorce and still raising his younger brothers. I
have always been very proud of him, and at different times was
Mom to a whole bunch of Marines I'd never met, but until my
youngest enlisted I'd never really knew.
Because of a very generous man and one of the loves of my
life, I got to go to my youngest Marines graduation at MCRD in
San Diego this past February for my birthday present. My future
husband (a retired Air Force Major) went too and we stayed on
base in officers quarters. I learned so much while there for 4
days. The "yellow footprints", Corps history, and to "stay off
the commandants parade deck, and if anyone needed to smoke do so
in designated areas and clean up your messes or our sons would.
Of course, the first sighting of my Marine at the beginning
of his final run was overwhelming to say the least, but nothing
compared to the young man that greeted me that day after
receiving his globe, eagle and anchor pin. With the yes mam's,
opening doors, offering me his arm and true concern he showed to
me that day, I wondered what the Corps had done with my
sometimes surly and irritating son. I was told by his buddies
and his Senior Drill Instructor over the course of our stay and
saw it for myself too. His Senior Drill Instructor was the
first to welcome me as a Mother of the Corps, and thanked me for
raising a good Marine. Graduation was fantastic, but I'll never
forget that moment of recognition of what a truly wonderful man
and Marine he had become.
I worry about all four of my sons more than anyone other
than another mother can imagine, but I find comfort and
friendship with the Corps as part of their family and mine. I
love reading the stories in you newsletters and visit several
other sights as well. My oldest son called not too long ago and
I said to him "It's true isn't it once a Marine, always a
Marine"? He replied (after 11yrs in the Corps), "Yes Mam, and
once a Marine Mom, always a Marine Mom!"
I also wanted to thank you for your wonderful catalog and
merchandise. For my oldest son we used to send him money and
told him to buy what he needed or wanted. This was in part for
lack of knowledge of places to get Marine merchandise. I
recently ordered a Ka-bar from you for my youngest sons
birthday, and had you engrave and ship it to him. I must tell
you how thrilled he was when he received it. He said it meant
the world to him that it came from his own "Mom of the Corps"
I also have several shirts from you that I wear with pride, and
I am always getting an "ooh rah" from old and new Marines no
matter where I go.
Thank you for all you do and keep it up. I pray for my
sons every night and I give thanks for all the Marines past and
present for the jobs they do to keep us all safe and free here
in the USA.
Sincerely, Linda Hutchison, Marine Corps Mom (currently on
active duty).
"Let us recollect that peace or war will not always be left to
our option; that however moderate or unambitious we may be, we
cannot count upon the moderation, or hope to extinguish the
ambition of others."
Alexander Hamilton
Hey Sgt Grit.
Just got to tell everyone that the love of the Corps and America
is not Dead.
My wife and I have a friend and for the past 3 years her son has
been bombarding me with questions about the Marine Corps, what
it stands for, customs we have and just general questions. It's
made me rethink and relive my days in the Corps. Think about
what I gave up when I got out after 11 years of service. He made
me think about old buddies, good times and some bad but always
remember able. I never thought much about it until yesterday.
My wife came home from work and told me that he had just joined
the Marine Corps. He turned 18 a few weeks ago. He never told
me, his mother or anyone of his intentions. Today I talked to
him and asked him why he joined. He said that after talking with
lots of people, Army, Navy, some Air Force and lots of Marines,
the Marines were the only real possible choice.
He wanted to be part of something bigger than himself. This
young man has scholarships to several collages and chose to join
the Corps. He said the phrase "Once a Marine, Always a Marine"
was what really sold him. He said that he saw all the pride
that former Marines display and didn't see that with of the
others services and he had to be part of that. He also said that
he didn't tell anyone because he wanted this to be his choice
and didn't want anyone to influence him in anyway.
Semper fi!
Mike England SSGT, USMC
0369 / 74-85
Hey Sgt!
I've been receiving your letters since my boyfriend got out of
basic training. When he came home from MCT his sister and him
got tattoos. Ironically enough, Saddam Hussein was hung that
night!
Anyways this past Monday, after coming home from Twenty-
nine Palms, Ca, he flew to Okinawa where he'll be stationed for
two years. Both our families and I support him very much. After
he's out of the service and I'm done with schooling we plan to
get married. Wish us luck! By the way, I love your store and
I'll probably still be buying from you guys long after he gets
out.
A very Proud Girl,
Chelsea
"National defense is one of the cardinal duties of a statesman."
John Adams
Hi Sarge;
I love your newsletter! It is so great to hear about the
experiences of my Brother Marines. I would like to use your
forum to ask a favor. I am contemplating writing a book about
the Montford Port Marines and would like to hear from any who
served at this camp in any capacity. Please email
RevGeneHill@aol.com. Thank you and Semper Fi to all who served
and all those who love Marines.
Gene Hill
Cpl. of Marines
1957 - 1961
Hi Sarge!
I was reading your AmericanCourage #153 which was sent to me via
a friend. I noticed in the first page that a RC Bailey, JR was
asking about a noon day prayer. I wanted to share what I found.
Maybe you can get it to him.
Meal Graces
Morning Grace
Gracious giver of all good. Thee we thank for rest and food.
Grant that all we do or say, in thy service be, this day
Noon Day Grace
Father, for this noonday meal we would speak the praise we feel.
Health and strength we have from thee;
help us, Lord to faithful be.
Evening Grace
Tireless guardian on our way, thou hast kept us well this day.
While we thank Thee, we request Care continued, pardon, rest.
Priscilla R. Baalhorn
"In political life today, you are considered compassionate if
you demand that government impose your preferences on others."
John Stossel
Lest we forget...General Washington, at no time commanded more
than 17,000 men. No more Americans, fought for our liberty and
established our nation than attend a major sporting event today.
July 1-3, 1863, more Americans died at the battle of Gettysburg,
than in the entire Vietnam War. General Pickett's entire
Division lost on day three.
June 6, 1944, 6000 Americans gave the supreme sacrifice at
Normandy.
For the Battle of Tinian in WWII, 2875 Marines, 1824 soldiers
and 50 sailors names now are on granite markers. Military
geniuses predicted a three day battle, an "easy time," on Iwo
Jima. Some of the nicest boys America would ever produce slogged
on for thirty six days in what would be the worst battle in the
history of the US Marine Corps.
In Korea (conflict?) we lost 62,000 + counting MIA's. In
Vietnam, we lost 58,209 of our country's finest.
We have lost over 3500 of the youth and pride of our nation in
IRAQ.
For each of us that started our journey at Parris Island or San
Diego, and earned the title of United States Marines, let us
never forget the sacrifice of our brother Marines in battles,
whether they served with John Paul Jones, served at our side, or
serve our Corps today. Let us have the greatest respect for any
American that has or will ever raise their hand to protect our
nation, against all enemies, foreign and domestic, to include
law enforcement, firemen and others that are our front line
defense against all that wish to end our existence.
It takes a special kind of person to be one of us. Even today,
at 60, I would take up arms if I could, as would most of the old
Corps that fills this newsletter. Our bodies are not in shape,
but our minds and our hearts have never lost the resolve. I
never understood or believed in the war in Vietnam, but I never
dishonored myself, my Corps or my Country. Semper Fidelis.
Potter, a Marine in Utter's Bn 2/7
RVN 65-66 69-70 73
"The firm basis of government is justice, not pity."
Woodrow Wilson
Today is the 62nd anniversary of the dropping of the Atomic bomb
on Hiroshima, Japan. Thursday, April 9th will be the
anniversary of the Nagasaki bomb. Each year, I am reminded of
what President Harry Truman said when a reporter asked him if he
had any second thoughts about his decision to drop the A-bombs
on Japan. Harry replied, "I'm still waiting for the S.O.B. to
apologize for Pearl Harbor."
Jim
Sgt. Grit,
Some short, unrelated comments:
A quotation--
In your 1 August newsletter, I read a quote attributed to a
Philippine general: "It is better to die standing on your feet,
like a Man Than on your knees in disgrace". That sounds very
much like "Prefiero morir de pie que vivir siempre
arrodillado!," which closely translated is: "I prefer to die
standing than to live forever on my knees," but which has been
more widely quoted as "[Men of the South,] it is better to die
on your feet than to live on your knees." -- Emiliano Zapata
(one of the leaders of the Mexican Revolution of 1910)
A "VIP"--
On our first day as PLC's (Platoon Leaders Class officer
candidates) at Camp Upshur aboard MCB Quantico in July 1963, our
platoon sergeant asked if anyone was related to a VIP.
One young man raised hand.
SSgt Sevene asked him who the VIP was.
"My father is a Marine master sergeant, Sir!" came the proud
reply.
A special father/son moment--
When my son flew home on leave after boot camp at MCRD San
Diego, he phoned and told his mother when his flight was
scheduled to arrive at the local airport. On our drive over to
pick him up, my wife told me, "Sean wants you to wait for us
outside, if you don't mind. I'll go in alone."
A little confused, I did as requested.
As they exited the terminal building Sean, in his dress blues,
put on his cover, stopped in front of me, snapped to attention,
and rendered a sharp salute.
I wanted a big hug; the salute was "icing on the cake".
Semper Fi!
Tom Downey
Once a captain, USMCR; always a Marine
1963-'76 (Vietnam 66-67, including 6 months as I Btry. 3/11's FO for L Co. 3/7)
"Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being
rash."
Gen. George S. Patton
This link below is a pretty neat troop support program I thought
you might want to know about. Pretty neat way for your company
to support the troops if you so desire.
Troop Support Program
S/F,
Maj Salkeld
To JJ Haight, (Dance judge wearing LCpl chevrons)
I would have called or emailed anyway. They need to hear from
us. If they don't like it....F#**-them! (Note to Sgt, Grit,
edit that anyway you need to)
You were right, they were wrong. Clear and simple. You don't
need to be over the top about it, but you have YOUR 1st
Amendment Rights too! You are well within your right to express
your displeasure at what they do.
Remember they are in the entertainment business. Making me mad
is not entertaining me, and I can write lots of letters.
Semper Fi,
Angelo Lema Jr.
MSgt, USMCR, ret
"It is not the function of the government to keep the citizen
from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to
keep the government from falling into error."
Justice Robert H. Jackson
God Bless America!
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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