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Sgt Grit, Thank you for the newsletter, it brings back many
memories. Plt 295 MCRDSD 1964, then on to more fun in Tenn.
Florida, Calif and across the Great Pond to DaNang RVN. One
incident always comes back to me, weekend liberty in Memphis,
coming back from a very exciting day of shopping and bar hopping
when we ran into a rather bad rain storm. As we drove along the
car in front of us blew a rear tire. As we stopped to help we
noticed it was a young mother with a very small child. She was
really in a panic for she was in a bad neighborhood in a bad
storm with a very flat tire. We told her to stay clam and just
hand us the trunk key. She finally figured we meant her no harm
- opened the trunk to a very flat spare. While two of us jacked
the car up the other two ran the tire down to the station about
1 mile away, fixed it, paid for it, installed it and put
everything away. She tried to pay us but the answer was a firm
NO. Then she was crying "Who ARE You PEOPLE?" Just US Marines
on Sat liberty!
Sgt R W PARR 64-68 RVN 66-67-68
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I am a new Recruit's Mother. I have been reading your newsletter
for a little while now preparing myself for my son's boot camp.
I see there has been an issue with treatment of recruits at MCRD
San Diego and P.I.
My son is on his 3rd day in San Diego. The only way I can
respond is:
San Diego D.I., Please do not take it easy on my son! I only ask
that you do not kill him. Make that boy hard, make him tough,
make him strong, make him a Marine! As a mother I can only want
to protect him and in this case that means do not treat him like
a child. I'm sure the enemy doesn't care if he's tired. The
enemy doesn't care if he wants to walk instead of run. The enemy
won't go easy on my child. If you take it easy on my boy the
enemy will love you for it. If you hurt his feelings it won't
kill him. If you push him beyond his limits and show him that
when you think you can go no further there's always a little
more deep down inside you can call upon it won't kill him. If
you baby him and let him have his way it will surely kill him.
Do what you must but make him a Marine. The parents who do not
want their children pushed in this way might want to keep their
kids home because that is not the person I want behind my boy in
the trenches.
C. Taylor
Recruit Mom
My son was deployed for the second time to Iraq, needless to say
this time was much harder to get through than the first because
I knew more. I was driving home from visiting my Marine's wife
and children on the Corps birthday. I pulled into a large rest
stop on the Atlantic City Expressway when right in front of me
was a big black van with a huge Marine Corps logo on it and
outside was 12 Marines in their dress blues talking. I got out
of my car which has Marine stickers on it and slowly walked
around it looking at the Marines and thinking of my son when the
officer came over to me and asked me if I needed something. I
said no I was fine I just am enjoying watching the Marines
because my son is a Marine in Iraq and I miss him very much. He
asked me if I would come over to meet his squad, he gently took
my arm and brought me over to the Marines. He called them to
attention and introduced me as a mother of a Marine and adding
this is what we are doing this all for. At that moment all of
the Marines stood and saluted me and lined up in front of me.
One by one each one of them came to me stood at attention and
saluted me and told me their name and thanked me for the service
that my son was doing for our country then they hugged me. Well
I have to say I wasn't very hard core during all of this, lots
of proud tears ran down my cheeks that day. I will never forget
especially one Marine who was last in line and looked to be the
youngest he introduced himself to me and told me Ma'am I just
came back from Iraq and as you can see I am OK, your son will
come back OK you'll see please don't worry. Tears were running
down the young Marines face as well as mine. I shall never
forget all of those Marines and there kindness to a worried Mom
that had a chance meeting of a lifetime.
My son came home to us safe, earning a Purple Heart and a Bronze
Star with Valor.
Semper Fi
Polly Lambe
"Waste no time arguing what a good man should be. Be one!"
Marcus Aurelius
Dear Sgt. Grit:
I've enjoyed reading your newsletter every time I receive it in
my email. I've been reading a lot of letters concerning the
treatment of recruits at boot. My son, since the age of 6, has
wanted to be a Marine. Not Army, Navy, Air force, or any other
military force...simply, the Marines. In the years since, he
has never wavered from that decision. Last November ('06), he
came to me and asked if I would sign the papers so he could join
(he was only 17 at the time). Of course, I said yes. We drove
that afternoon to the recruiting center and he became a Poolee
until he graduated from high school, this past June. A week
later, he was off to Parris Island. I remember one afternoon,
while he was still a Poolee, he was wearing his camouflage
uniform for an event they had that day. After I picked him up,
we stopped at a store and when he got back in the car he was
just shaking his head. I asked why the head shake and he said,
someone just came up to him and said Thank You. He said, I
haven't even done anything yet and I feel that I don't deserve
that. I told him that he does, indeed, deserve the
thanks...just for making the commitment, if for nothing else.
He graduated from PI Sept 7, 2007, receiving a promotion to PFC
for highest shooter in his Platoon (yes, I'm extremely proud).
On our way home from PI (a 13 hour drive), he began to tell us
some stories of his experience at boot camp. I don't want to get
into too much detail, but, quite simply, my son apparently said
something that was considered disrespectful to a DI and ended up
with a boot in his chest. Of course, he laughed about it and
said he deserved it, but after a while, I had to ask him to stop
telling me stories. All I know is my son is now a man because
of his DI's. He said he wouldn't change a thing. He realizes
that their job is probably one the hardest in the Corps, making
boys/girls into Marines. Needless to say, I am a very proud
Marine Mom, and always will be. Let me just say to that
mom...not only is this my only son that I had to give up, but he
is my only child. Am I afraid, of course I am. But, I trust in
God that he will keep him safe and I trust the United States
Marine Corps, for they did what they were supposed to do and
train these new Marines to do their job and do it well. Well, I
could go on and on because of my passion for defending the
Corps, but I want to save room for others who write to you!
Thank you for allowing me to share my story.
Semper Fi
God Bless all those fighting for our freedom - God Speed for a
safe return
A Proud Marine Mom
New England
I'd like to share what happened to my son. He has been a Marine
for 3 yrs., & recently was charged with several other plt.
members with hazing. This person (and I can't bring myself to
call him a Marine) came in to the plt. with a history of belly-
aching. The rest of the plt. tried to teach him what he would be
up against in Iraq, but he had his family involve a congressman
& the charges were brought. The rest of the guys took company
punishment, but my son believed the truth would come out &
steadfastly said he didn't do anything other than what was done
to him in training. He went to CM & served 30 days in the brig &
lost a couple of stripes. This person is still in the states
because he failed his pee test & my son is proudly serving his
2nd tour in Iraq. His commitment is up next Aug & he will not
re-enlist because of all of this. Which Marine would you rather
have by your side?
Proud Mother of a PVT.
"Communism abolishes all religion and all morality."
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, The Communist Manifesto
Grit:
At least four times a year I read Leading Marines Manuel
FMF1-0. I've been in Law Enforcement since my discharge in 1968
and I use this Manuel to keep me reminded of my responsibilities
and obligations in regards to leadership. I also wanted to
share with you and our brothers and sisters in arms something I
just read that is very inspiring to me. I wish I had said it,
but I didn't.
"My life experience has taught me again and again the value
of time I spent in the Corps. The values I learned and live
while a Marine, the values of self-reliance, self-discipline,
honor, courage as well as physical and mental toughness have
enabled me to make a success of my life. Moreover, I would add
this bit of perspective; the Maine Corps has won many victories
for which it is famous. However, the Corps has won many
personal and private victories in the hearts and minds of men
and women who have worn the uniform. It has ... imbued the
lives of many common Americans with the necessary character
traits to master their own lives and to achieve great things.
These many personal victories sometimes go unnoticed but they
are meaningful of great value, in and of themselves, as well as
to this Nation.'
It is this continuity of the spirit, purpose, and tradition
these many intangible forces, which are the strengths that
support Marines as they go into harm's way. We are what our
institution demands that we be; and our institution is what it
is because of these foundations; no more and no less."
"Marines lead because of the adaptability, innovation,
strength of will, and devotion to our Corps learned from our
predecessors. They lead, and win, not because of what they may
be as individuals, but rather because of what they are as
Marines."
As it get closer to our birthday (and mine) I find my self
more patriotic and grateful for our Corps and the honor to serve
grows each year. I don't have to many birthdays left to
celebrate but I did want to share this with you and 'our'
readers and hope that perhaps they can be encouraged and
inspired as I am.
SEMPER-FI
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Paul Hout
"If you will not fight for the right when you can easily win
without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory will
be sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you
will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a
small chance of survival. There may even be a worse case: you
may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it
is better to perish than to live as slaves."
Winston Churchill
From: Dill LtCol Jeffrey J (1/7 Bn Co)
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2007 3:45 PM
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Family, friends, and Fellow Marines, As promised, here is my
first "update" from this tour in Iraq. I will try and get one
of these out about every month. I hope this finds you all doing
well. It has been a very fast moving month and a half as we
moved the 1,000+ Marines from 1/7 and literally tons of
equipment and material half way around the world through Kuwait
and eventually into Iraq. We have inventoried and signed for
well over a hundred pieces of rolling stock, thousands of pieces
of electronic equipment and computers, joined a few hundred more
reinforcements to 1/7 (making us now "Task Force 1/7") and then
we put everyone in their new positions, spreading us out over
500 square kilometers. Needless to say, the Marines of the
First Team have been busy! Here is the million dollar question I
have been asked repeatedly since I have arrived, "How is it
compared to the last time you were in Iraq?" Well, I was in Hit,
the main city within our AO, last October and daytime operations
were limited to tanks and BFVs driving around the outskirts of
the city because to venture inside meant a certain attack by an
IED, RPG, small arms, or all of the above. Recently, I went on
a3 hour dismounted patrol through town in the middle of the
afternoon and my biggest worry was having enough candy for all
the children that came up to me to say hello and shake my hand.
I stopped in stores and talked to the merchants to see how
business is doing. They told me business is good and improving
everyday. I even went to a few shops to look for a carpet for
my office and enjoyed myself as I tried to get the price lowered
from "rich" American prices to normal Iraqi prices. I wasn't
successful but will keep trying! I stopped in one of the police
stations in the city so I could make plans with the Station
Chief to remove a number of the cement barriers on the street in
order to open traffic back up.
Those barriers were a must
before as there was a constant threat of a suicide vehicle
ramming into the station in an attempt to kill as many of the
police officers as possible. While that threat still exists,
the security provided by the police and my Marines has allowed
us to take risks in certain areas as we try and balance security
needs and normalcy. I spend many hours working with the numerous
city counsels and Mayors in my AO to address and solve many
issues, problems, and to plan for the future. A year ago, the
city councils would not show up to work because if they did,
they were killed as they were seen as "agents" of the Americans
by AQI. Now, they look forward to my arrival so issues like
schools, rubble removal, water treatment plants, sewage repairs,
repairs of the electrical grids, infrastructure modernization,
and an assortment of other issues can be worked out,
prioritized, and assets allocated for them to begin work. I
also spend a great deal of time with the major Sheiks in my AO.
They are some of the most gracious hosts you have ever met. My
Marines and I are treated liked royalty every time we arrive.
Delicious lamb, goat, sheep, kabobs, fresh fruits and vegetables
are served in amounts we could never finish and we always eat
first and get the seats of honor closest to the Sheik. We then
adjourn for Chi tea and discuss issues that require my attention
such as security, economic stimulation, tribal reconciliation,
local government issues, and of course stories of past battles
and fights...all embellished but they make great stories anyway.
Three brothers in the town of Baghdadi, one of whom who happens
to be the Police Chief and is known as the "Lion of Al Anbar",
are particularly gracious hosts . They were some of the first
to stand up against AQI and to stand with the Marines. They have
suffered greatly for choosing to fight AQI and for freedom. The
Police Chief, Colonel Shab'an has had no less then 7 direct
assassination attempts against him. I was here last year and saw
him after one attack against him was nearly successful.
One of
his brothers was killed, a brother-in-law was tortured and
beheaded, and one of his younger brothers lost his legs in a
mortar attack. Yet, he remains committed to a free and
independent Iraq. His talks to me about freedom, democracy, and
his loyalty to Iraq and justice are inspiring. Colonel Shab'an
has become a sort of folk hero to his community and his
willingness to standup for their freedom and safety has inspired
thousands of Iraqis. His two brothers, one a Sheik and the other
a local businessman are also servants to their community. The
Sheik is the City Council Chairman and has almost single
handedly reorganized the local government from a board of
obstructionists to a functioning and effective governing body
who work almost non-stop to improve the lives of the people
within their area. The other brother is a very successful
businessman who has donated tens of thousands of dollars to fix
water treatment plants, to pay of the salaries of the police
before the national government could or would, and his source
network has led to the successful capture of many terrorists and
criminals. The nights in their neighborhood are particularly
enjoyable as we sit outside to eat and the children in the
neighborhood run around, laughing, and sneaking up to listen to
me talk or to try and get some more candy from me. They are so
proud of the security they have established for their families,
their tribe, and the people in their community. I am proud just
to be considered their friend. Overall, the folks I have met are
good people who want to raise their families, farm their land,
and just have the ability to choose their own future for one of
the few times in their country's history. Their admiration and
appreciation to us and to the American people for the
opportunity we have offered them is genuine and heartfelt.
While there has been a great deal of progress, there is still
much to do. While most of the terrorists have been forced from
the population centers, there are still secret cells. We have
found and been attacked by a number of IEDs already. We have
found a good number of buried caches along the river banks that
were planted there for future use against us.
Iraq is far from a
peaceful land; there are many political issues above my level
that must be worked out. The rifts between the religious sects
are as tough a problem to figure out as anything else ever has
been...think Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. But
the bottom line is this...we are winning the counter-insurgency
fight here in Al Anbar. We are winning as a result of the past
5 years of work by thousands of Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers
who worked tirelessly to get us where we are today. This didn't
happen overnight and we lost many good men and women to achieve
it. We have put the enemy on the run and we are not letting the
pressure off. We continue to hunt him down and provide him no
rest. My Marines, actually your Marines, are patrolling in the
cities, in the desert, and on the river to find the enemy and
destroy him. And the Marines do not patrol alone. Almost every
operation we do has Iraqi Police, Army, or both with the
Marines. They are brave, committed to winning, and they try as
hard as they canto emulate the Marines they are serving with. At
the same time we continue to build our relationships with the
local leaders, Sheiks, and most importantly the Iraq people. I
am optimistic that if given the time and support of the American
people, we can help create a country whose vast natural
resources and potential will make it one of the strongest and
most powerful nations in the region. Iraq will be our Ally and
they will not forget the sacrifices the American people have
made on their behalf. I realize and understand that many back
home are tired of this conflict and want it to end. I will not
provide any argument there but I will offer that" wishing" away
this problem is not reality. The Islamic extremists that wish
to destroy us are not going away, they cannot be 'talked' to,
and they will not negotiate. I have been here three years in a
row now and I can see the progress. I can see the improvement in
the capabilities and potential in the Iraqi Security Forces, I
can see the willingness and desire of civic and local leaders to
build a better future for their people, and I can see that most
of the civilian population has turned its back on AQI because of
their empty promises. I can see hope, a hope that many Iraqis
have never known before, and a hope they do not want to loose.
Your Marines are doing exceptionally well. They are focused,
they are disciplined, and they continue to attack each day with
vigor and enthusiasm. I am continually inspired by their
courage, dedication, and willingness to sacrifice for others. I
am truly blessed for the privilege to lead them.
I would like to
thank all of you for your continued prayers and support. It
means the world to us to know you are all still behind us and
that you want us to successfully complete this mission. Please
remember all the 1/7 families and all the families of those
serving here in Iraq that have been left behind in your prayers
as well. Semper Fidelis and God Bless,JJ
LtCol JJ DillCommanding OfficerTF 1/7Hit, Iraq
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Another Day To Serve The Corps
"If you will not fight for right
when you can easily win without bloodshed;
If you will not fight when your victory
is assured and not too costly;
You may come to the moment when you
have to fight with all the odds against you
and only a precarious chance of survival.
There may be even a worse fate;
You may have to fight when there is no hope for victory
because it is better to perish than live as slaves."
Sir Winston Churchill
Sgt Grit,
I have been reading many of the "concerned letters" from family
members who believe that Marine Corps boot camp is too
demanding, too tough, too demeaning. The politically
(in)correct in Washington DC seem to be pushing for a more
sensitive and easy going Marine Corps. What a joke!
I graduated from MCRD (Diego - Platoon 218) on 13 May 1964. The
training was a life-changing experience for me as well all the
others in my platoon. Not all the recruits who began the
training cycle finished with the platoon. Some were not
psychologically able to finish. Some were injured and set back,
and graduated later with different platoons. Some just couldn't
hack it! But those of us who survived and graduated new that we
had accomplished something special! Following in the footsteps
of my big brother, I too was now a MARINE! I am a Marine and
will be until the day I go to help guard the Gates of Heaven -
"Once a Marine - Always a Marine"!
Marines are feared by Americas enemies because training turns
boys into hard-charging Devil Dogs! The name "Devil Dogs" came
after the ferocious fighting by Marines at Belleau Wood in 1918.
German soldiers were so impressed with this ferocity that they
called the Marines "Teufel Hunden" - Devil Dogs! Gen. John
"Black Jack" Pershing once stated, "The deadliest weapon in the
world is a Marine and his rifle." That's quite a compliment
coming from an Army General during WWI!
The training was tough and at times not pleasant. The DIs
actually swore at us and used "force" to get our attention. Did
this language and "physical force" harm my psych or destroy my
"self respect"? NO! It made me stronger and helped to form
each of us to earn the title of United States Marine!
Folks, be happy that the DI is turning your son into a tough
fighting Marine! Hard, physically challenging training is the
key to growth and maturity as a Marine. A "time out card" and
"sensitivity training" do not make for a top notch fighting
force! I pray that the politically (in)correct politicians will
be turned away and sanity will reign again in America.
War is an awful thing, but when bad people and bullies threaten
our nation, sometimes the only answer is force! And force needs
to be swift and hard - no holds barred - down and dirty.
I hated my DIs during boot camp. I actually thought at times
that they were trying to kill me. I was so intent on becoming a
Marine that I came up with my life's motto on a warm Sunday
evening in March 1964. While "policing the area", I looked out
at the surrounding area and said to myself, "They can kill me,
but they can't beat me! I will become a United States Marine"!
Looking back 43 years to that day at MCRD, I thank those DIs
(S/Sgt J. T. Bridges, Cpl J. L. Stelling and Cpl E. R. Wright)
for changing my life and driving me unmercifully to become a
Marine!
Thank you, gentlemen!
Semper Fi!
Bob Lonn
"Anyone negotiating with Muslims should be aware of the Islamic
principle of taquiya, or the approval of lying to infidels in
order to advance the cause of Islam. That principle has been
used by Muslims to adopt a peaceful attitude to deceive their
non-Muslim neighbors until they gain the strength to subjugate
them."
Military Magazine, October 2007
Sgt Grit.
I have been receiving your newsletter for a couple years now,
and have had the honor of purchasing a few items from your on-
line catalog, and will continue to enjoy the articles and
stories presented as well as the unique items offered.
I have been following the articles regarding the treatment of
"recruits" at MCRD, many not in favor, however, the majority are
pro Marine Boot Camp, and many have been penned, or I should say
key stroked by current, former, retired and Marine mothers and
fathers.
I entered the Corps out of high school in late 1966. I was
under the delayed enlistment program of this time.... I then
spent 9 "Glorious" weeks at MCRD San Diego in the spring of
1967, then another 6 fun weeks at Camp Pendleton for ITR and
BIS. After which I was sent to the wonderful land of red mud,
Okinawa, for jungle staging and then into the Jungles of Vietnam
to enjoy the wonders of jungle life for 11 months.
Myself and the rest of my traveling companions with 2/9 were
sent to a great spot in Northern Vietnam known as "Khe Sanh" in
September of 1967. Here we settled in and enjoyed the beauty of
the countryside.
This is one spot that I will never forget, especially the 77
days of fireworks that were provided courtesy of the NVA January
and February of 68.
After surviving this little forte', I was spending a little
time in the A-Shau Valley when I found the need to add a piece
of red hot metal to my body from a 61mm rocket hit, and was
sent home, whether I wanted to or not..
My point in all this story-land stuff is simple.......
In the "Old Corps" of the sixties, the DI's laid hands upon us
frequently....to be preceded, or finalized with loud and not so
nice burst of profanity.
I can remember being struck so hard in the abdomen my first
night in the luxury of Platoon 342's Quonset huts that I was
sure my backbone had touched the bulkhead on the opposite side
of the hut.
This punishment, all for not being in my rack in what was
considered an appropriate time on the count of "ONE!" did not
damage me in anyway....nor did it damage any of us that were the
on the receiving end of our DI's and PC's long reach.
In fact had it not been for the treatment and actions of GySgt
Casto, SSgt Ellis and Sgt E-5 Stoffel, myself as well as many,
many of my fellow Marines would not have made it through our
time in Vietnam.
I continued on after Vietnam and wangled a spot in OCS Quantico,
and from there went on to flight school and flew F-4's for many
years.
I retired after doing 30 years in Uncle Sam's Misguided Children
at the rank of 0-5 in 1996.
To this day, I remember my DI's names, remember well the first
night in boot camp so many years ago.....
Why?
Because of the discipline, training and pride that these fine
Gentleman instilled in me there in MCRD.
I tried to instill the same in my Marines over the years.
So when I read the words of the few that complain about the
"Vulgar" words, and physical abuse that their "Little Johnny"
is, or has endured during his time in Boot Camp I have one bit
of advice for them.....
When you say your prayers each and every night, DO NOT forget to
include the names of the fine Marines that "Abused" him mentally
and physically during his time in Boot Camp. It is because of
these Marines your "Little Johnny" is the man he is today.
If the US Marine Corps ever changes this policy. If the DI's
that mold our kids into the metal that they are at their
graduation are ever told to "Stand Down" in regards to the
mannerisms with which they so uniquely ply their trade, God help
us, everyone!
Thank you for your time.
D. A. Anderson LtCol USMC Ret
Semper Fi!
"We have therefore to resolve to conquer or die: Our won
Country's Honor, all call upon us for vigorous and manly
exertion, and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become
infamous to the whole world. Let us therefore rely upon the
goodness of the Cause, and the aid of the supreme Being, in
whose hands Victory is, to animate and encourage us to great and
noble Actions."
George Washington
Dear Sgt. Grit;
I gave up my "membership card" to the human race in the year
1969. I went to the original "Marine Boot Camp Parris Island".
My training battalion was "First Battalion" (we called it blood
alley). First battalion was located right across the street
from the main parade deck and the "Iwo Jima" monument. My
platoon no.# was 1068. They had just completed the construction
on the brand new barns that they put us in. My SDI was S/Sgt
Davidson, which changed later to S/Sgt Jamison and my ADI'S were
S/Sgt Johnson and S/Sgt Stot. These men were originally members
of "Force Recon Platoon" they wanted to share their expertise
and experience to train us so that we could survive the
"Shooting Gallery across the Pond". These men really new their
sh!t. At that time we only had eight weeks of training.
The reason why I'm telling you all this is that, even back
then we had those panty waist pukes who would write home to
mommy and say that the DI'S were mistreating them. Back then if
that happened there would be a investigation and all training
would cease until the investigation was completed.
What these pukes didn't realize that these men were
toughening them up mentally so that they wouldn't buckle under
when things got hot. These men were the best the Corps. had to
offer to train us so that we could come back ALIVE!
I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that they now have
"Stress Cards" for the recruits, so that when they feel that the
DI is stressing them out too much they hand the card to the DI
and he is supposed to act accordingly. You know what would've
happened if I did that with my DI? What is my Corps. coming too.
These men have to make it hard so that, when you're in a
fire fight and your best buddy gets blown away, you don't fall
apart, because if that happens not only you but other men will
die too.
I wish that I knew where my DI'S were (guaranteed retired
and probably passed away), If I could see them I would buy them
the biggest steak dinner and we would go out and get blind
stinking drunk together.
The lessons that they taught me not only helped me to
survive in the Corps., but in civilian life too.
Semper Fi
Sgt. J. G.
Sgt. Grit- I just finished reading my first installment of the
news letter. It makes my heart glad to see that there are people
out there that still support what this great nation of ours
stands for and always has stood for. living in a fairly liberal
college town and attending class with kids who think they have
it all wired, this forty something former Marine can be a little
dismayed at the disrespect that some of these children have for
their peers who are, as the bumper sticker says, "In Iraq so
they can party at college." I read recently that "The measure of
a man is not in the size of his bank account or the type of car
he drives or the job that he has but what lays in his heart." To
the brothers and sisters that went before me and the brothers
and sisters that have come after me I say simply
SEMPER FI. Thank you.
Mark F Harper Sgt 1984-91
My Kid Fought In Iraq So Your's Can Party In College
"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority,
but to escape finding one's self in the ranks of the insane."
Marcus Aurelius
Hey Sgt Grit
I recently ran into a recruiter walking past a little mom an
pops store where I live. I was done wit a long work day an in
need of some beer as I saw the white cover an dress blue slacks,
I promptly shouted OOOH RAHH Brother Semper Fi. He stopped
turned an shook my hand. He then turned to the 2 young boys he
was talking with an told them to hold on a minute. He then asked
me if I was in Corps. I said h$ll yea, he then asked what my
M.O.S. was, I quickly stated 2512 fieldwireman. then cross
trained as a radio operator (For those that don't know both
fields are in communications platoon), He quickly asked if I
wish I was still in. I replied, (With the biggest smile on my
face H&LL YEA) . Now the two boys that were wit him looked up at
me as if I was crazy an I said as calmly as I could, I wish some
of these punk thugs that walk the street thinking they are
badasses would take the challenge of Marine Corps Boot. Then we
would see how big an bad they are. The recruiter looked at the
boys that are bout my sons age (20) an said "If this man had
stayed in he would be retired right now". The one boy asked me
how old I was. I replied 48. He seemed shocked at how young I
was though I look old from the stone cold hard Corps training of
boot an life lessons in general. The recruiter giggled an shook
my hand again stating Semper Fi, I responded as only a Marine
can. As I turned to go to my vehicle I heard one of the boys
state to the recruiter "He's scary " ... I heard the recruiter
say with sternness in his voice, "He's A Marine". Now even
though I wear a Marine Corps Ring and have a Eagle Globe an
Anchor pin on my vest (the only pin on my vest) this recruiter
was trying to see if I was a phony. I was glad to have answered
his questions knowing what he was doing and I'm glad to tell you
an others just a couple simple ?s from a true Marine and you
will spot the phonies
Semper Fidelis To All My Brothers In The Marine Corps, Nothing
Like The Brotherhood To Perk Up Your Long Hard Work Day.
Turk
Sgt. Grit:
Been meaning to send this for a long time, but just haven't
found the right time.
My father was a career Marine, 1948-1968. Sometime during
one of his tours as a senior DI at MCRD Camp Pendleton, he found
time to "spread pollen" with my mother. Then, after his transfer
to "The Stumps", 29 Palms, I was born, just outside the base. Of
course, he was out on maneuvers! After he retired, we moved back
to North Carolina, just 30 miles from MCAS Cherry Point.
I was in the last cycle of the draft, in 1972, and had
already decided that I would enlist in the Marines. When he
found out that the recruiter had already written up the contract
that would allow me to try for Force Recon, he pulled me aside
and asked that I not do that to my mom, as the chances would be
that I would be coming back from Vietnam with fewer parts than
when I left. I agreed, and instead went into the Air Force.
Still, I feel that growing up as a "boot" has been of the
greatest benefit to me throughout my life. People still look at
me strangely when I tell them that I spent 18 years in the
Corps, and 4 years in the Air Force.
At heart, I will always regret that I didn't join the
Marines, but I will always feel that I am, at heart, a Marine
that never went through 'formal' boot camp (at home, it was
always" It's 0530! Hit the deck! You got 10 minutes before
inspection!"); especially on November 10!
Thank you for keeping the faith!
Michael Hall, son of:
SSgt. Tilford O. Hall, USMC (Ret.)
"Life is so constructed that an event does not, cannot, will not,
match the expectation."
-Charlotte Bronte
It is an honor to find that as a Marine Mom I am associated with
such a sisterhood of courageous women.
Chatting online with my Marine a few years ago, he announced he
would be going to Iraq soon, and he wanted to know my thoughts.
Well, my thoughts were "My Baby!" and he is, being the youngest
of four sons.
But what I wrote back to him was not that, but a distillation of
the solid stuff of knowing who he is, and in Whom he, and I,
have anchored our faith.
"You have had the best possible training that can be given. I
love you more than I can say, and would be very sad if anything
happened to you. But I know that no matter what happens, you are
in God's hands, and I will see you again. I pray He will give
you alertness, wisdom, courage, skill, strength and endurance,
and humor and compassion to receive from and give encouragement
to your brother Marines. God has a plan for you. We may never
know how your presence in any given situation may make an
important difference. I trust God for everything He has in store
for you.
"Oorah" my son wrote back. "That's motivatin'!"
Women throughout the history of the world have seen their men go
off to war, their sons, brothers, sweethearts, husbands,
friends, and fathers, and endured the waiting, the heartbreak of
hearing they won't be coming back, or the joy upon their return.
The choice every woman has to make is, Do I love my man enough
to support what he is doing with my whole heart, instead of
detracting from his job at hand with whining and worries? and
again, are the freedoms and principles we have come to hold so
dear, and for which our founding fathers fought and died, worth
giving the very best we have? as these young American Marines
are definitely the cream of America's very best crop. If we are
willing to make that valuation in our hearts, thus in some way
equating the preciousness of our heritage with the incalculable
preciousness of our sons' lives, our identity as Americans
becomes infinitely more dear.
Very hard questions. And I may not be qualified to give a glib
answer, as my son and his entire battalion came back from Iraq
safe and sound. It is possible that my resolve will be further
tested in the future, as my Marine has recently signed again for
his third enlistment.
Thanks, Sgt. Grit for the chance to connect with other moms and
dads and their Marines.
Marian Schwartz
Mom of
S/Sgt Andy USMC
Sister of
S/Sgt DW Kraft USMC
1974-1990
My son deployed with 2nd Radio Battalion in August. I would
like to publicly recognize and commend the Maine Troop Greeters
for the wonderful gift they give our troops...and their
families.
These people greet airplanes at the Bangor, Maine airport at ALL
HOURS of the day and night (my son's plane arrived at 2am.)
They clap for the troops as they deplane, and shake their hands.
They then spend time with them in the terminal, talking and
taking photos, until it's time to leave for the sandbox.
The photos are then posted on their web site so we can get one
last glimpse of our child or spouse before they leave the
comfort of home.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if this group got as much ink and air
as all of those protestors?
I can't thank them enough for their service.
Phyllis
PMM
"Government is instituted for the common good; for the
protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and
not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man,
family, or class of men."
John Adams
hi i'm a mother of a great Marine who is now deployed and i
have good days and bad day but you news letters help. my son is
going to be a first time dad in January and won't be here for
the event so we are trying to make the best of for his wife and
son to be . we all are very proud of the troops and for what
they do to protect our country we support them 100%. my son is
the youngest of 3 boy's they have always been really close . we
get to email him everyday and somedays hear back which makes our
day brighter as a mother i can't tell of all my fears and
sleepless nights but others mother understand i also as a mother
of a Marine i know my son has a duty and he will fulfill it to
the fullest. he has always been a Marine he signed up on the
enter net at age 14. so when they started calling i said he's 14
you can not have him yet he only 14 but greg that my son was
determined he started reading books about Marines and boot camp
started lifting weight and running , his Christmas tree in his
room was decorated with army men and tanks we all got kinda
worried then but it turned out alright . when he finally joined
i think it was hard on me to let him take those steps, he said
mom i will make it don't worry i'm ready and he was after boot
camp, which we all went to, he said that was the hardest thing i
have ever do, but i would do it again. he said i'll make
Corporal in 2 years and they said it takes almost 3 he did in 2
yrs 4 months so i feel very proud of him. i just really wanted
to thank you for all you do for parents like me but i had to
brag alittle i think most moms do thank you so much.
lori mitchell proud mom of cpl greg
I completely agree with every Marine Mom in this weeks
newsletter. My son graduated boot camp August 24, 2007, and it
was truly amazing to see the transformation he took during that
13 weeks. I always respected my son, but not like I do now. I've
been told I beam with pride when I talk about my son - and why
shouldn't I ? After all - he is - and always will be - a Marine.
Ruthie - a new Marine Mom
"Whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or
whether we abandon the American Revolution and confess that a
little intellectual elite in a far-distant capital can plan our
lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves.... Plutarch
warned, 'The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he
who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits.' The
Founding Fathers knew a government can't control the economy
without controlling people. And they knew when a government sets
out to do that, it must use force and coercion to achieve its
purpose. So we have come to a time for choosing."
Ronald Reagan
Sgt Grit,
As a momma of a recruit at Parris Island as week speak, I agree
completely with Momma Dawg (October 4, 2007 post). How do you
not support your child's decision to step up, give of themselves
for this country? Boot camp is not day camp, it is designed to
teach them to survive, with team work and to build self
confidence. We gave them the morals to decide between right &
wrong. I believe that the DI's will enhance those morals and no
doubt make them stronger. We reward out children through out
their lives for doing right, but when it comes to a life or
death situation I could never teach them the skills it will take
to survive (But I know that the Marine Corps will). I expect
them to be hard on my son, without that he will not make it
through.
I received mixed comments from my so called friends when they
found out that we signed the papers for him to join. I still get
a lot of smack for that, but I look at it this way...my son is
on his way to becoming what he has dreamt of since he was 9
years old. I pray everyday that he reaches that dream and
graduates in November as a UNITED STATES MARINE (this will be
his reward to wear the uniform proudly). I have known a few
Marines over the years and each one although different, still
have the same look....PRIDE ! If you don't want your child to
become a Marine that's fine, but DO NOT look at us with
disapproval for allowing our children to serve this
country....it's young men & women like ours which have for many,
many years allowed "you" the FREEDOM to express your opinion.
I am proud of my son and I have another son that is in the Navy
and am just as proud of him. I was a Navy daughter, wife and now
mom, and I am so looking forward to being a Marine Mom too.
Whether you agree or not, remember the ones who have given you
that right and pray for our Troops and our future Troops and the
men that are making them strong. Thanks for letting a future
Marine and current Navy Mom speak her piece.
Debbie Van Cleave
I went through Marine Corps boot camp in July 1982 and there was
starting to be a change even than, I guess mostly because of the
Mothers of America (god bless them) any way we lost two of our
first drill instructors because they had hit a Pvt, and let me
say these were two outstanding drill instructors and we did have
black flags back than, however drilling inside was worse than
being out in the heat. The Corps is still putting out
outstanding Marines just look at the job those Marines are doing
in Iraq and Afghan. I will never forget after we graduated we
were able to take our family back to the barracks to see what we
had been doing, their were Pvt's at each station, I will never
forget walking up to a station and the Pvt snaps to attention
and says good morning sir!, I'm like who the h&ll is he talking
to, than I realized he was talking to me and that is really when
I said to myself hey I am a Marine! as far as the sand being
sold on eBay I did not see any being sold that was won from Sgt
Grit, I do not agree with this sand being sold on eBay to the
highest bidder, but that's another story Semper Fi
L/Cpl GB Hill H Company 3058 3rd Blt Parris Island July-Oct
1982- 1st Blt 2nd Marines Wpns Company 0341 81mm 1982-86
"The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that
human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds,
can change the outer aspects of their lives."
William James
Hey Sarge! Always good to read your newsletter! I served
during the Korean War while attached to the 1stMarDiv and later
at AirFMFPac, El Toro. As far as the sand of Iwo Jima goes, I
guess I am one of the lucky ones. After I retired from private
practice (Clinical Psych), I worked as a School Counselor in Rio
Rancho, NM. One of my former students, a female Marine
Sergeant, visited Iwo and retrieved a small bottle of sand for
me and for her Dad, a Viet Nam Marine. I would never think of
selling this gift. In reference to the letters concerning
people thanking them for service, I have had several experiences
like that. I always wear my "Once a Marine, Always a Marine"
cover from Sgt. Grit.
Semper Fi!
Lawrence D. Morrell, Ph.D.
Sgt Grit:
I am currently serving as an active duty Army Captain, but did
my enlisted time in the Marine Corps and still that time and the
Corps very dear to me.
The greatest experience in my life (outside my marriage if my
wife reads this) was my graduation from Parris Island. I can
still recall every detail of that day. The pride and sense of
accomplishment I felt is something that has given me strength in
tough times since then. The critical decision making skills and
the ability to think on my feet that I learned as an infantryman
has aided me greatly throughout my military career.
Outside of all of the ways the Marine Corps made me a better
man, the most significant thing that I received from the Marine
Corps was my association with other dedicated men whose selfless
service always helped to carry me along. The best example that
I can use to illustrate this was at my Army commissioning
ceremony, my former Company Commander from the Marine Corps (a
newly promoted Major then) took both his own time and money to
fly to my university to pin my rank on and make me an officer.
Also in attendance were my two USMC recruiters who had brought
me into the military and gave me the opportunity to be a Marine.
I am still in touch with many of my former comrades from the
Corps; from Majors to Sergeants Major to Sergeants, these guys
are still great mentors and men to associate with.
God bless the United States, and God Bless the Marine Corps.
V/R,
P.J. Snyder
CPT/AD
"There is no vice... so contemptible; he who permits himself to
tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and a
third time, till at length it becomes habitual..."
Thomas Jefferson
Lets see being twenty years removed from active duty in our
beloved Corps, I usually wear a Marine Corps identifier on a
daily basis, from a pin to a jacket. The other day a former
"army" person asked me why and my response was as follows.
People will adorn themselves with items to which their
connection starts and ends with T. V, (e.g. sports teams, bands,
so forth) I proudly display my belonging to the finest alumni
in the world. Once a MARINE Always a MARINE!
Semper Fi
Joseph Keeter
U.S.M.C.
81-87
The Best Thing I Ever Did
The best thing I ever did in my life was to allow The United
States Marine Corps teach me how to live it.
I enlisted as a dopey fat kid from The Bronx (11/28/61) I
thought the Marine Corps would be an escape from the disastrous
path I was on. I knew nothing, had nothing and wanted nothing. I
was just like others from my rock and roll generation, headed
toward a dead end in the inner city – literally. Some stayed
there, some died there in the drugs, slime, crime and grime of
NYC. It was a depressing time in a depressing place. The Marine
Corps boot camp was not an escape, rather, it was an entrance to
waking up, allowing change and finding the ability to stand
tall, become humble and yell "YES SIR."
Four years and four months later I returned; I was no longer a
boy, I was a man; a changed man. The Corps had defined my life.
I was taught things which I never considered; things like,
pride, discipline, courage, respect for authority, self respect,
love of God, the Corps, Family and Country.
In every facet of my life, whatever I did, whatever I said and
wherever I went the pride of being a Marine always emanated from
the core of my being. It is a presence we have, like an aura or
something but it is intangible and hard to describe yet, other
Marines recognize it immediately.
I retired from a 30 year civilian career and did a bunch of
other stuff too; but as I said, my service to our country as a
Marine was, and is the fondest and most pride-filled time of my
life. All the rest of it pales before the Eagle Anchor and
Globe.
Thank you Marine Corps, I indeed do love you.
Doherty, JF
61 - 66
"No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be
easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is
preserved. 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
Sgt. Grit. Permit an old sailor to add a few comments about the
recent stateside mistreatment of our military in Oakland, CA. I
just finished reading several articles about the arrival of 200
US soldiers and Marines at Oakland's airport terminal aboard a
chartered flight. These folks were returning from a combat tour
in Iraq.
When they arrived at the tarmac outside the terminal they were
refused entrance to the terminal and had to wait in the
aircraft. Airport personnel blathered on about them not
clearing security, having ammunition, guns, etc., none of which
was true. They had cleared customs at New York and surrendered
their ammo long before arriving in Oakland. Others said there
was no gate for them to deplane. These were all refuted by
numerous official sources other than airport personnel.
When I read this article I actually cried because it reminded
me of 1965 when I was released from 4 years of active duty in
the US Navy. I was serving aboard the oldest aircraft carrier
in the US fleet, the USS Essex, CVS-9. I was proud of my
service to this great country but because of the Vietnam anti-
war protesters around the country we were advised it would be
best not to wear our uniforms in public for fear of being
assaulted, spit upon, and harassed. We were among the first
enlisted shipboard sailors allowed to wear civvies off the ship
because of this. I have never forgotten the anger and anguish I
felt at the time. I was protecting the country where these
anti-military, anti-American idiots were spitting on our
servicemen and I was being treated like the enemy.
To all you servicemen and women: Here is one sailor who would
like to thank you for your service to this country. The vast
majority of loyal Americans support you. May God bless all of
you who wear the uniform and may He keep you safe.
Bob Harris
Barnesville, Minnesota
USN 1961-67
"Every a$s loves to hear himself bray."
- Proverb of Unknown Origin
A Different Path
By: Charles A. McGrath IV
Lance Corporal of the Young Marines
Liberty Unit
United States Marine Corps MAG#49
Willow Grove Naval Air Force Joint Reserve Base
I am a Young Marine. Even as I write this, I feel a surge
of pride. I am proud of my unit, proud of my instructors, and I
am proud of myself. I realize many kids my age can't – or won't
– say that about themselves, but I feel no reservations. I am
honored to be associated with the United States Marine Corps and
with the Marine Corps League. When I entered the Young Marines
two years ago, at the age of 11, I wasn't sure what to expect.
My only experience – really my only ever exposure – to the Young
Marines had been at that year's air show when I'd gotten my face
painted in camouflage colors and admired the uniforms that the
kids had on. I thought it was a fun club – one where I'd get to
wear a uniform and hang out and do cool things. The first
meeting was a rude awakening. In a process that all Young
Marines have to go through to learn to think as a team, I lost
my identity as "I" and became "this recruit". I got a list of
all the things I would have to memorize and be able to recite
and discuss on demand. I got instruction on my physical
appearance, my manners, my demeanor, and my general behavior. I
went home and told my parents I was going to quit. They smiled
and told me no – that I'd committed myself at least through boot
camp (9 months away) and that I would have to stay in until
then. I learned. Soon, I began to refer to myself as "this
recruit" in my own head. I remembered the Young Marine
Obligation and the Young Marine Creed. I began to gain
confidence in what I was doing with the Young Marines and I
became more of a presence in the unit. I attended the meetings,
raised funds during the fundraisers, and marched in my first
parade. Soon it was time for boot camp. It was hot, we got
filthy, and we were exhausted. I pushed myself harder then than
I ever had before. I loved it.
I graduated to become a Private of the Young Marines. I'd
earned my uniform and I'd earned the right to call myself "I"
again. I'd become a team player. The instructors supported me
in my scholastic achievements, in my physical training, and in
setting an example for all youth to follow. I learned how to
show respect and how to earn respect. Discipline became a part
of my everyday ritual. I strove to make sure all of my actions
were honorable. I found honor in everyday actions.
I was promoted to the rank of Private First Class. I took
on more responsibility with the Young Marines. We went on trips
– both educational and fun – and were a presence in the
community. We continued to honor our veterans, learning from
them and learning through them to make ourselves better people
and better Young Marines. I built friendships with my fellow
Young Marines and with my instructors. I went to them for help
and support, and I helped and supported those who came to me.
I was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. This is
where I am right now. I am 13 years old. I have been taking
even more responsibility, both with the Young Marines and in my
life. I am carrying an "A" average in school. I am peer
mentoring. I am involved in my church. I keep myself out of
trouble. I am drug and alcohol free by choice. I am setting a
good example. I am happy. The reason I stay in the Young
Marines? I love it.
Semper Fidelis.
"There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and
pursue it steadily."
George Washington
Dear Mayor,
I was unaware of your city's decision to decline a Marine Corps
request to film a recruiting film on your streets until I read a
reader's report in a newsletter I receive. "I am ashamed to
say that the City of S.F. mistreated our Nation's finest....".
I am ashamed of your city and your officials who made this
decision. Consider the following sentiments from a mother of
two Marines:
"Yesterday, I stopped in to the little convenience store to pay
for my gas and get something to drink. I was wearing the shirt I
had made for hubby and I with the picture of both our boys in
dress uniforms and it says, "My Heroes, My Sons"! Well, a woman
who was standing in the line next to me saw the shirt and
reached over and offered her hand and asked if she could know
the first names of my sons to add them to her prayer list! I
obliged and thanked her. As she continued to tell me about her
brother, a Marine who was killed in Vietnam, we chatted as we
waited. A "male" ( I won't give him the dignity of calling him a
'man') was also listening in. As we talked about support, he
chimed in that "how can you support this war, it has no
mission". I promptly turned on my heels and said, "I don't have
to support the war, or know it's mission, I'm a military mother,
and MY MISSION is to support my sons!" Immediately, the man
behind the counter gave out a stout "Semper Fi, ma'am" and then
proudly lifted his sleeve to show off his "Devil Dog" tattoo! I
gave him the proper "OOOH RAAH" response, and then of course, a
hug! The guy was left standing there speechless, with everyone
looking at him for the idiot he is!
This is the long way of saying "you have joined the ranks of the
idiots". As Viktor Frankl once said, "There are two races of
men in this world, but only these two- the 'race' of the decent
man and the 'race' of the indecent man". To decline such a
request from those charged with protecting our nation, and
putting their lives on the line toward that end, must be either
idiocy or indecency and quite likely both. But fear not, for as
Ned Dolen observed "Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine
Corps will pay most of your share".
Inactive Marine and former Californian,
John Madden
"A dog is wiser than a woman; it does not bark at its master."
- Russian Proverb
I thought this link would be a story your readers would
appreciate knowing about. The next time we are quick to judge
our homeless, perhaps we should remember there is, as Paul
Harvey would say, "the rest of the story."
My wife and I attended Gy Fredere's funeral and were overwhelmed
and humbled by the outpouring of love and respect for this man
that had touched their lives. I wish I had known him. God
Bless, Gy Fredere.
Semper Fidelis,
Mike Snyder
Maj, USMC (Ret)
--
"I think that when statesmen
forsake their own private
conscience for the sake of their
public duties, they lead their
country by a short route to chaos."
-- Sir Thomas More
I enjoy reading the letters and it always reminds me of the fact
that no matter how inept their parents are the Corps cant fix
it. and now my daughter who was born on Parris Island literal at
M110 Argonne, the trailer park on PI between the Rifle range and
Elliot's beach is now a LCpl in Iraq. Dam shame that my daughter
has the intestinal fortitude to be a Marine and some of those
who are Biologically equipped cant make it.
God Bless THE MARINES AND THE CORPS
GySgt Alers L. USMC (ret)
From a Chaplain in Iraq
I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3," here at LSA
Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well
as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the
custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention
when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was
going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through
the National Anthem the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-
olds back in the State s? I imagine there would be hoots,
catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit
down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood
for the National Anthem in the first place.
Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes
fixed forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued
to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the
music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Even here I
would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and
expected the movie to start.
But here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier
continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone
voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the
voices of a thousand Soldiers, finishing where the recording
left off:
"And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave
proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say
does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the
free and the home of the brave?"
It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I
wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins on 5/14/07.
LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad.
Remember them as they fight for you! Pass this along as a
reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers
serving us here at home and abroad... For many have already paid
the ultimate price....
David Ray
"The man who knows the truth and has the opportunity to tell it,
but who nonetheless refuses to, is among the most shameful of
all creatures. God forbid that we should ever become so lax as
that."
Theodore Roosevelt
Hey Sgt Grit,
Haven't written to you in a while, but I wanted to throw you
what I consider a funny poser story. I was in 87 - 91 and I
have a little brother who never served. When fade haircuts were
not yet starting to be a "cool" cut to the young guys in the
civilian world, my brother was already on the ball and kept a
nice clean short haircut, almost reg style. Well he finally
turns 21 and is hanging out with his buds at the local bar when
he was approached by a guy asking if he was in the USMC.
Thinking he could pull off being a stud by using terms he heard
me say, he says yeah, special services. Well he finally tells
me about this a few months later and as soon as he tells me I
start cracking up laughing, he asks what so funny, I said dude,
special services are the guys that hand out volleyballs and
stuff like that. I asked him what the other guy did, he said he
just chuckled and walked away. I still think that's funny to
this day, and he never tried posing again. Actually I think it
was beer muscles and trying to be the "tough" guy. Too bad he
won't ever be as tough as his big sister!
Semper Fi
Michelle (Keim) Christman
Cpl of Marines 87 - 91
Sgt. Grit,
I've been ask several times by a few people. "How many
ships, both active and decommissioned, has the Dept. of the Navy
named after Marines?" "What was their roles when they were
commissioned?" I know the Navy (and the world) respected their
(Marine) presents and have recognized, cheered and feared those
ships.
Thank you for any info – Semper Fi,
Sgt. D. Pretzer 68-69 VN
"One thing our Founding Fathers could not foresee...was a nation
governed by professional politicians who had a vested interest
in getting reelected. They probably envisioned a fellow serving
a couple of hitches and then looking... forward to getting back
to the farm."
Ronald Reagan
Sgt. Grit - Just a note on the Marine Phonies. I had an occasion
last week to run into two of them. The first was wearing a
Marine ball cap and I asked if he was a Marine. He stated yes
and told me he had served with a mechanized unit at Khe Sanh. He
had much of the history down but just didn't sound right. (I
had served with 1/26 with a lot of the Khe Sanh veterans.) I
finally asked him if he had ever served with the mos at Diego.
He said yes. I had earlier told him that I had been a Corpsman
but contrary to all the other FMF Marines I have ever met he
never called me Doc and he walked away without saying Semper Fi.
I went after him and advised him that he was not a Marine and he
walked out quickly. The second encounter was a bit troubling in
that I saw another man wearing a Marine Ball cap. I again asked
if he was a Marine. He did not understand me and only spoke
Spanish. I gestured for him to take the cap off and he did, but
I saw him put it on as he left the store. I don't know how I
could have reacted, but I can only hope he had a son serving in
the Marine Corps as there are some in Iraq from Mexico and I
didn't want to demean him if that was the case.
Barry "Doc" Stevens
1/26 '68-'69
May we all pray for all our Troops in Harms way.
I ride with the Patriot Guard and it seems that we attract lots
of Wannabes.
Ran into one recently who claimed to have been nine weeks
into boot camp when his First Sergeant came into the squad bay
and asked for some volunteers to go parachute jumping. This guy
says he volunteered, so of they go to an abbreviated jump school
right near boot camp. "Top" runs everyone thru parachute folding
and packing, landing and rolling and rip cord pulling and off
they go- in one day. They climb to 22,000 feet- yes, twenty two
THOUSAND feet, and jump out. He pulls his rip cord and nothing
happens. He falls 22,000 ft. and hits at 90 mph and bust 17
vertebrae in his back and is discharged.
I didn't have to ask too many questions to "out" this guy.
One guy asks him" What happened to your reserve?" Ans. "No
reserve" (This faker doesn't even watch the Military channel!),
No static line, no oxygen from 22,000 feet and impact speed
would have been 120 mph- I DO watch the Military channel. It was
the guys first mission with us. I figured he felt a little less
than adequate. I pulled him aside and told him to not try to
pull the BS on a bunch of vets. We could see thru it from miles
away. He at least apologized and then said that he'd been
discharged medical/ honorable from PI after nine weeks. I let it
ride with that, but told him not to claim to be a Marine since
he hadn't earned the EGA.
The second guy was at the reception after the funeral
service. Served with the Marines in Nam. Top secret stuff, he
was a Gunny, four years in the Corps, two tours in Nam, mostly
LRPs to Cambodia ( Up 'til then I thought Cambodia was far south
of I-Corps, Oh well), secret classified unit attached to the
CIA, four digit service number! I called this guy out to anyone
in earshot. Called him a liar and a wannabe and told him what I
thought of his low lifestyle. Avoided really getting into it
since we were at a funeral for a Vet.
These people seem so transparent I can't imagine what goes
thru their pathetic heads that lets them believe that they can
get away with the phony posturing. Like I mentioned, they don't
even watch the Military channel for basic research.
And while I'm on the soap box, there must have been a
shi*load of guys hitting the beach on D-Day and on Iwo and
Guadalcanal cause from what I hear from the survivors of the
Greatest generation, all the support personnel and guys who
never went overseas are all dead, at least I haven't run into
any yet.
Jack Albright Sgt. of Marines
PISC '66, Plt 3084
DaNang '67-'69
A Nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and
its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its
fighting done by fools!"
Thucydides, quoting a Spartan King
At a time when colleges are refusing to allow either recruiters
or ROTC on campus; as military history disappears from their
curricula; I cringe to think what Thucydides (or the Spartans,
for that matter) would have thought of America and her future.
Chris Pangalos
Sgt Grit and all who reads this great news letter....
I added a comment and got a nice reply from one of the readers,
(I will not insert names with out their knowledge) wanting to
send letters to my grandson which is still in Boot Camp but
with less than half way now to becoming a 'REAL MARINE' as Jeff
puts it!
This gentleman ask permission to give Jeff's address to the VFW
where he goes, so the guys there could send letters of
encouragement.
That was a very nice thing to offer and told me 90% were
Marines... I sent him the address explaining that it may be a
one way correspondence street due to time.
In one of my letters I was told he has a 'list' for free time
but never gets it finished :O)
Others in the family/friends complain of not getting letters but
I was proud when Jeff wrote ,"We are being taught to be strong
and get priorities in order and you Grammy and my Mom are mine
for writing".
I know this is the hardest but best place for Jeffrey now...but
back while it was still in the thought process oh the tears I
let shed, asking "Why The Marines?"
I wanted to tell also a P Williams that I love the statement at
the bottom of his letter... " Do not fear your enemy, for your
enemy can only take your life. It is far better that you fear
the media, for they can take your HONOR!"
I exchange letter with an Army guy in Iraq... and he told me not
to believe all we read nor see from the Media... I have never
seen this guy I attend church with his Mother... but he sent
photos showing Cook outs and a few enjoying playing music
together, saying, "Who would believe you can find blue grass way
over here?"
Would I sound so silly to ask what does Semper Fi mean? I notice
it with most notes and letters?
Thanks for all the great and helpful notes and letter I read in
your news letter... it sure helps this Grammy!
Many thanks and Blessings to all,
Shirley Shreve
Having spent a few years in the Corps, I always find it great to
meet fellow Marines.
I currently work at a golf course and on the 20th of October we
have our Founders Cup tournament. For the beginning of the
tournament the golf course plans to recognize all the members
who served during WWII. It was my job to talk to all the
members to include 2 who served in the Corps. One of them I
talk to on a regular basis and the other I spoke to only once
before. It amazed me the chills I had speaking to Mr. Taylor
who served at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Peleliu. He said
the only action he saw was Peleliu. Mr. Bowie doesn't talk a
lot about his part of the war only that he served in the South
Pacific. I love talking to these men & the others who served.
It makes me proud to be a Marine and an American.
Semper Fi
Carol Lawrence
Picayune, MS
"They say the world has become too complex for simple answers.
They are wrong. There are no easy answers, but there are simple
answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally
right...You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will
preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on
earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a
thousand years of darkness."
Ronald Reagan
Hey Sgt Grit!
Thought I'd share our son's tatt he received right after boot
camp. It was done by a local tattoo artist in Belding, MI. I
think he did an excellent job! Hope your readers enjoy. We love
your newsletter! Thanks & keep 'em coming!
VPMM of LCpl Chester, TC
6212/VMA-311
Deidre T.
Cedar Springs, MI
In response to your 11 Oct 2007 issue:
Okay, someone out there must know the REAL story of Walter
Winchell's relative who died while at P.I. First it was a nephew
who drowned in the swamp; then it was his son who killed
himself; the story I heard was that he was in the butts at the
rifle range and decided to "have a look"? caught a 7.62 round
right between the eyes.
Gary Nash
Former 0302
Read the "Personal Life" section on Wikipedia
at the following link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Winchell
"Government is not a necessary good but an unavoidable evil."
Lyn Nofziger
Sgt Grit
I have written you several times, and this one is for me. I was
into our beloved CORPS from Jan 60 to Dec 64. MCRD SD Jan, Feb &
Mar 60. I remember the bus ride to the train station to SD, and
then the bus ride to MCRD SD, arrived about 0030, was issued
some gear sweatshirts and some other stuff I don't remember,
packaged up our civies and sent them home. Then about 0230 we
got to go to bed. I remember being awakened at 0530 with a coke
bottle in a GI can when the lights came on. I also remember
thinking when I rolled over that there was a fire and
remembering where I was and then thinking "What have I done
now?" I was lucky, I only spent that one night in receiving
barracks. Our Senior Drill Instructor, we would never call him a
DI, picked us up that morning. And so it began. My Senior Drill
Instructor was S/Sgt W. R. Jenkins, my Junior Drill Instructors
were Acting S/Sgts G. R. Long and C. A. Neale. They were called
Acting S/Sgts because they were E5 S/Sgts, S/Sgt Neale said he
was a S/Sgt for X years and now they wanted him to start acting
like one. All three were very tough. I was in 3rd Battalion,
Platoon 303, Company I. My Battalion Commander was Lt. Col
McClanahan, My Company C. O. was 1st Lt. J. B. Airola, and my
Series Commander was 1st Lt. J. R. Barrett. Now to get to what I
want to know, about 8 weeks into my training Act. S/Sgt Neale
picked up his own platoon and left and we picked up another JDI,
which I can't member his name. I am hoping that someone out
there that reads your column who was in my platoon can remember
his name. The one thing I remember most about JDI Long were his
eyes, they looked like they would burn right thru you. You can
contact me at reiseckpr@sbcglobal.net. Boy were we a sorry bunch
of $H!# maggots. In the end like most of the other guys in my
platoon when we graduated and our DIs individually shook our
hands and called us MARINES for the first time I got choked up
and my eyes watered. My Mom and Dad were both there and I
introduced both to all 4 of my DIs. Yes S/Sgt Neale also came
by. I have to say if I wrote to my Mom and told her that I was
being mistreated, I am sure she would have had no mercy on me,
you got yourself into this by yourself now live with it.
Semper Fi and OOHRAH
Bob Reiseck Cpl of Marines
Sgt Grit,
My son joined the Marines in March. Graduated boot June 29, Plt
2173, MCRD. Completed 0311 school, Charlie Co,9/21/07. He was
given a questionnaire of 1-10, how much he wanted to go to Iraq?
He said 10. Then he was asked from 1-10 about silent drill
platoon. He said 5. He has since been sent to Washington D.C.
for silent drill. Me as a mom am full of pride, knowing it is an
honor to picked for silent drill and knowing my son is safe. But
I am also carrying a heavy heart. My son is so disappointed in
the Marines. He signed up (voluntary) to 'fight' for his
country. He says he didn't enlist to 'twirl f@*ng ga y rifles!.
What can I say to him so that he knows what he's doing is just
as admirable? (Or is it?)
Marine Mom
B. Lee
"Maturity is achieved when a person postpones immediate
pleasures for long-term values."
Joshua Liebman
Dear Sgt Grit, Marines and Readers;
While I sit here reading all the letters it brings back memories
of years long past. I entered the Marine Corps Reserves in
November, 1955 at the Philly Naval base when I turned 17. Of
course my parents were not pleased but thanks to our neighbor
James McCauley a WWII veteran they calmed down and life went on.
On June 22,1956 I entered the Marine Corps as a Regular Marine.
Oh what a thrill that was! To make matters worse my whole
platoon was from the city of Philadelphia, PA and my DI'S were
from S.C. You can just imagine the thrills we were about to
enjoy for the next 13 weeks?????? We came to PI right after the
mishap in the swamps of NC. I was in Platoon 197, 1st
Battalion. Of course at the time I thought the DI'S were all
Cretans from the Swamps of SC. But now as we look back to those
days I am proud to have known them. I believe they have had
more impact on life than any one else.
As I read the letter form SGM it reminded of my locker box drill
during a red flag day. I had more gear than the others because
I came from the reserves. Well after about 100 or more locker
box pull ups my locker box slipped from my fingers and it hit
the deck. I was then rushed to the center of the squad bay and
the DI told the rest of the platoon it would have been all over
if I hadn't dropped my locker box. "yeah right". As we
proceeded to continue it slipped again, when that happened two
of my fellow team mates grabbed the box and pushed it with me
attached against the bulk head and the locker box hit me in the
face thereby splitting my lip wide open. When I went to the
hospital and the Doc inserted 7 stitches in my lower lip he
asked me what happened, I told him we were outside with our
weapons and when we rushed to go inside I fell and hit my face
on the rear aperture of my weapon. Of course he didn't say
anything and when they then took me to the dentists because in
broke a piece off my tooth, he also asked me what happened. I
told him the same story and stuck to it, he told me he thought
the rear sights were made of steel and showed me a piece of
green locker box wood that was in my tooth. When I went back to
the squad bay the Senior DI told I had two days to recuperate
and back to the normal thrilling routine. During my training my
parents and grand parents visited the base and I was allowed the
day off to visit with them along with my stitches. While
visiting with them my Senior DI came up to them and said I will
become a fine Marine, talk about a swelled head.
Well that was over 50 years ago and I still remember my time in
the USMC and I still quiver with pride when I hear the Marine
Corps hymn playing All I can say is thank you T/Sgt Araque and
the rest of my DI'S were ever you are.
Semper Fi
George C.Derr Sr.6/56-6/59
"The construction applied... to those parts of the Constitution
of the United States which delegate Congress a power... ought
not to be construed as themselves to give unlimited powers."
Thomas Jefferson
SAY GRIT ,
In the Combined Federal Campaign this year is the 'Semper Fi'
fund.
I know a lot of people give to the CFC, and this fund is near
and dear to the hearts of all of your readers.
You may wish to pass this on.
Here is the CFC listing:
* 11459 * Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund 703.725.3680 .
www.Semperfifund.org EIN# 260086305.
Financial assistance for combat and training injured Marines and
others, attached to Marine units during hospitalization and
rehabilitation. Also with adapted homes, vans, and equipment.
1.4% W,T,Z.
Notice that the 'overhead' percentage is 1.4%.
That means 98.6% goes to help the troops!
TODD T. SHEAF
Defense Supply Center Columbus - DOF
God Bless America!
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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