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My Dad passed away tonight. He was much loved by family and
friends, and he was a Marine. He entered combat on the fifth
wave on Iwo Jima and he and his tank crew were the only tank
crew to come off unhurt. He saw both flags raised over the
island, and the first plane to land. He was a great and good
man, a Marine of the finest order. He had no medals, not much
rank but he served as so many did and was waiting to invade
Japan at the time of surrender.
He had two brothers, one who served in WWII, one in Vietnam, and
a grandson, two tours in Iraq (my son). We as a family are proud
of them all. Proud of all Marines. May all of those who have
passed, meet their buddies and friends and have a great time
together forever. Semper Fi!
Judy Quinn
Sgt. Grit,
I married my husband several years after he was honorably
discharged from the Marine Corps. I must admit, at that time I
was a little bit of a hippie wanna-be (this was in 1997). Don't
get me wrong, I loved America I just took my freedom for
granted. Through the years my husband has taught me the true
value of our servicemen and women. I have a deep and abiding
love for those who place their lives on the line every day for
me and my family.
I now go out of my way to shake the hand of someone in uniform.
I thank them for their service and let them know that there are
people in this world who care for them. It makes me so angry to
read these stories about civilians insulting the families of
these brave young people. Those cowards should be ashamed of
themselves.
Recently, my husband and I were visited by a young man my
husband once mentored. Brandon joined the Corps after
graduation, in part because of my husband's influence on him. He
was the second young man who joined the Corps after talking with
my husband. Brandon is on his way to Camp Pendleton and then
overseas next year. We are so proud of this young man and the
sacrifices he has made (he has already spent two tours in Iraq).
He has become a fine, upstanding young Marine.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you, the families of our Marines
and all of the Marines past and present who honorably serve our
country.
Beth Clawges
Sgt Grit
My son is at Quantico and we are very proud of him. We adopted
him from South Korea when he was 5 weeks old and ever since he
was a boy he wanted to be a Marine. Not even born in this
country but so proud to serve it.
I have one of your bumper stickers on my car. As I got out of
my car yesterday, a gentleman said "Thank you for your son" - it
was the proudest moment I have ever experienced. I thanked him
and told him we were extremely proud of him and he said "So are
we".
I miss him terribly but that one little encounter made me so
proud to be a Marine Mom.
Semper Fi,
T. Dioguardi
"Is the relinquishment of the trial by jury and the liberty of
the press necessary for your liberty? Will the abandonment of
your most sacred rights tend to the security of your liberty?
Liberty, the greatest of all earthly blessings - give us that
precious jewel, and you may take every things else! Guard with
jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who
approaches that jewel."
Patrick Henry
Thanks to all who voted in last week's survey answering the question: Who is your favorite Marine?
Chesty was the winner - but there was a "close" second.
This is the tattoo I got Father's day of this year. This is for
all the fallen brothers. You are never forgotten.
Sgt DeWaters
2nd CEB
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Feb 2005 - Feb 2006
Fortitude: mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty,
adversity, danger, or temptation courageously
Dear Sgt. Grit,
First off, I am not a Marine...But, until the day I die, will be
a VERY proud supporter. I am a 21 year old girl living my life
with a Marine by my side, and when I found out he'd be going on
his fourth deployment to Afghanistan I was less than excited,
but knew by the strength of God everything would be just fine.
The moment that I found out he had gotten his orders I was
actually on my way to the gym. As always, I was wearing a USMC
t-shirt, had my "Be Safe, Sleep with a Marine" sticker on my
water bottle...completely normal for me...haha...I checked in
at the gym, proceeded to the elliptical, and as I got closer
realized that there was another girl who was wearing what looked
like a shirt with USMC printed on the back of it...I kept
walking and as I got closer realized that her shirt said
"USMC: United States Massacre Cover-up." To say the least, my
blood started to boil. I got on the machine next to her, threw
my keys down, and before I had a chance to comment at all about
her shirt, SHE commented on MINE! She scoffed at me, saying
"So I see you wear Marine Corps shirts all the time here, how
do you feel about MY shirt?" I stopped what I was doing, turned
and looked at her and proceeded to inform her that because this
was America, we've got the right to say what we want to say,
we've got the ability to wear whatever we want to wear, and
that she should know that the REASON those rights and freedoms
are available to us are because Marines and other armed services
members alike have fought and DIED for those rights and
freedoms. I told her that the next time she decided to wear that
shirt that maybe she should think about the fact that a Marine
sacrificed his life so she could say whatever she pleased and
be seen as an a$s to whomever she wanted! I wasn't surprised
when she started to gather her things, shaking her head at me
like I was some sort of idiot...and right before she got off
the machine I casually mentioned to her that even though I
realize assault is a felony and didn't plan on breaking any
laws that day--that I'm not the only supporter of Marines out
there, and that we can get pretty passionate about our
Jarheads...not to mention there are a handful of veterans who
are members of our gym who won't be afraid to confront her
about her attire...and most likely won't be as "nice" as I was
to her.
Needless to say, I had a great workout! I will always take
every opportunity to stand up strong for my Marines who have
stood strong for me since I entered this world 21 years ago.
Maybe I'll even get lucky enough to marry one someday! Thanks
for all you guys do--you have always been, and will always
continue to be my heroes!
Malia Lape`
Lake Oswego, OR
Girlfriend of Sgt. Redfield
"Gradually it was disclosed to me that the line separating good
and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor
between political parties either-but right through every human
heart."
Alexander Solzhenitsyn
On May 24th of this year, I had the honor of attending my son’s
college graduation with a math degree from the University of
Louisiana at Lafayette. It had been a long time coming since he
had enlisted as a Marine reservist and missed several semesters
due to boot camp and training, then a tour in Ramadi, Iraq along
with more training that was required before deployment.
He went to Quantico for officer candidate school at the end of
his freshman year. Unfortunately, he had injured his leg due to
over-training before his arrival and was not able to surmount
the rigorous demands that require top physical conditioning
before arrival. After some weeks there, the colonel sent him
home after a thorough butt-chewing, and threatened to bust him
down if he returned with the intention of wasting any more of
their time. I guess it takes guts to be a Marine because he
returned after junior year with renewed determination and this
time he succeeded. I guess altogether, between Parris Island
and two visits to Quantico, he has nearly 30 weeks of boot camp
under his belt, certainly more than most.
Finally, university graduation date arrived. My son was one of
hundreds of graduating seniors, whose plans were announced as
part of the ceremony. Some had jobs lined up, others intended
to continue with graduate school, still others would begin the
search for employment. There was even one young lady who was
scheduled to get married on a beach in the Caribbean the
following Wednesday. Finally the time came for 6’6" Corporal
Robert M Locke to walk across the stage and receive his degree
before a heretofore relatively tame audience. The announcer
concluded with his introduction by saying, "A few hours from now
he will be sworn in as an officer in the United States Marine
Corps." The audience instantly erupted in cheers and applause.
What a thrilling end to a lot of hard work. And it was a
reassuring proof that with all the sour ranting of a
predominantly liberal media, the heart and soul of America
remains grateful and supportive.
Semper Fidelis
Bob Locke
Marine Dad
Dear Sgt Grit,
I enjoy receiving this newsletter and look forward to it every
week. I like to browse all the nice Marine products offered
too. My oldest son graduated Parris Island on 4-11-08, and I
purchased several products for him as graduation gifts.
My youngest son now plans to leave for Parris Island on 11-2-08.
We are 2 for 2.....two sons, and both decided to become Marines!
I can't begin to describe the amount of pride I feel as a
parent.
I will never forget the incredible emotions on Family Day. It
is an experience that cannot be put into words.
I am thankful that you offer products that display pride in our
young men and women in the service, and offer them at a
reasonable price. I'm sure I will be placing another order
before my youngest son graduates! You have a lot of cool stuff
to choose from!
It also helps to read articles from other parents and what they
have gone through. Marines truly are a big family......everyone
is so supportive and I feel blessed to be a part of it.
Thanks again for this free newsletter.
Gratefully yours,
Angie
Proud Marine Mom of PFC Derrick S. Rahman,
And soon-to-be Rct Travis J. Rahman
"Were we directed from Washington when to sow, and when to reap,
we should soon want bread."
Thomas Jefferson
My name is Rosie. I wait each month to receive your newsletters.
I love hearing all the heroic stories. Well I have one of my
own. My husband just came back from his tour in Afghanistan
about two months ago. He has been in the Marine Corps for
almost 4 years now. So as a surprise for him I got a yellow
ribbon tattoo with a heart. This deployment was real had on us,
and I wanted to show not just my husband but everyone whom
serves, my support for our troops. About two weeks after I got
it done I was in Wal-Mart shopping. I was going threw the racks
looking at shirts and stuff and there was a women whom was
standing to the left of me. She saw my tattoo and said a rude
comment. Her exact words were " How can YOU support them" I
simply looked back at her and smiled and said with pride " How
can you not SUPPORT THEM" I then left the rack and walked off.
I too can't believe their are people out there whom just don't
understand. That with out our troops their is no freedom! Some
one has to fight for it!
With pride I am a Marine wife!
Semper Fi
Rosie
I don't have a story but I want to say thanks to the brave men
and women who are over seas and I would like to comment about
the story of the mother and son who were insulted I don't think
that anyone that wishes our troops to die in combat really
consider what is being said by that that is like telling a cop,
firemen, medic that they should die in the line of duty. I say
think before speaking you might not agree with what is going on
but telling someone you hope they die for doing there job and
what they feel is there duty to there country is just wrong.
think about it what would happen if we didn't fight the British
because a few people thought it was wrong to go to war where
would we be? Do you think that you would have some of the
freedoms you do now?
Anyway's just want to say thanks and not all of us are cold
hearted B**&s
Thanks for everything
Matt
"You and I know and do not believe that life is so dear and
peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and
slavery. If nothing is worth dying for, when did this begin?
Should Moses have told the children of Israel to live in slavery
under the pharaohs?
Should Christ have refused the cross?
Should the patriots of Concord Bridge have thrown down their
guns and refused to fire the shot heard round the world?"
Ronald Reagan (1964)
Dear Sgt. Grit,
This is in response to Mrs. Peckham's unfortunate encounter in
the Wal-Mart store. I am sorry you had to listen to someone
insult you and your son. I want you to know you're not alone,
it happens all the time.
When my Marine son came back from his first deployment a year
ago, my husband and I had a huge welcome home party for him and
one of his Marine buddies from the same battalion. As I was
mingling outside, I noticed a neighbor lady of ours coming down
through the yard and I immediately went inside the house so I
wouldn't have to deal with her and I know God was protecting
her and me by having me do this. She apparently told my son
how she hated the war and how she didn't feel he should have
been over in Iraq. Fighting words to a Marine Mom! I asked my
son later how he responded and he said just smiled politely and
said, I understand. I wouldn't have been so gracious, I
promise you.
About an hour later, this neighbor's husband came down to
apologize to me and my son for his wife. He was truly livid,
very red in the face, and beyond irate. The reason -- he's a
retired Marine. He was truly appalled that his wife had come
down to my son's homecoming to tell him anything but thank you
and I immediately felt bad for all the things I was thinking I
would have said to her if I'd been outside to hear her. I
think her husband's ire was plenty for her to deal with.
My son is now on his second deployment to Iraq and I am always
beaming with pride and I will wear one of my USMC Marine Mom
t-shirts (I have about eight so far) or my "My Son is a Marine"
pin every time I leave the house so people can see just how
proud I am. So while the ignorant speak, we can listen and
smile and know how foolish they are, while our t-shirts and
pins and smiles say everything for us.
God bless you and your son and all those who are protecting our
freedom.
Melodie Connelly
Proud Marine Mom of Cpl Clements, Nathan
Last month I had the honor of attending the funeral of an
excellent retired Marine named Colonel Elmer Payne. I met him
at a bridal shower. (His grandson married my daughter). Within
a few minutes of arriving at the Shower, it was normal that two
jarheads would find each other and start comparing notes (the
usual lies and BS). I was a electronics repairman during the
early 70's and he was an aviator. To hear him talk of flying,
it was like he was a teenager again.
Several years later, Colonel Payne's health declined
dramatically and he passed away in July of 2008 here in North
Carolina. At his Funeral, (Full military with an outstanding
compliment of Marines led by a really sharp Lt. Colonel -my
guess was Cherry Point) I found out that Colonel Payne had
joined as an enlisted in 1946, served 5 years as an enlisted
and was able to go to OCS. He flew about anything that would
get off the ground in both Korea and Vietnam. He had several
commendations for his air combat missions to support grunts in
Viet Nam and returned in the late 1970's. He went on to be a
Corporate Pilot for another 30 years.
During the Visitation before the service, I had the chance to
talk to his brother (also a Marine). It was so clear that
Colonel Payne was an outstanding Marine of the finest Caliber
and I know he will be missed.
One thing I noticed among the 20 or so Marines in the honor
Guard was the amount of "fruit salad" on their uniforms. We
have a lot of troops spending a lot of time in some rough areas
of the world. God bless them for stepping up to the plate for
the rest of us. I was really proud of them and for the
brotherhood we have.
Signed
Rick Cassel,
USMC 1974-1978
"If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of
the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they
must become happy."
Thomas Jefferson
Thought you guys would get a kick out of these.. Yes, I was
the only one out of over 900 to wear utes n boots but , it's
the very least that I can do to honor our heroes , no?
Semper Fi
Dianne Villano , Support Our Marines, Inc
www.suppportourmarinesinc.org
1. done with the swim .. off on the bike I go
2. Happier times.. before I started .. my inspiration .. Marines, Past & present
3. We had to be there at friggen 0545 ... I wasn't quite awake
in this one
4. I made it .. barely
To whom it may concern,
I am a mother of a 15 year old boy, his goal in life after
high school is to go to North Georgia College, from there, his
goal is to become a Lt. in the Marines. His name is Austin Marx,
he receives his emails through my email address.
I am very proud of your son, what a major accomplishment in his
life, I am also very proud of your advice for him to wear his
uniform under his cap & gown. I am , however, disappointed in
his principal, yet, at the same time, I am very proud of your
son for showing his fellow classmates, principal, mothers and
fathers of students what a well rounded young man he his, and
his role in the Marines, and for standing up , and helping
to keep AMERICA SAFE....... STAND TALL, BE PROUD, BE A MARINE
: )
Semper Fi,
Janet Marx
Worth a listen & a moment of reflection!
Baxter Black - Gold Speak (VIDEO)
"Love your country. Your country is the land where your parents
sleep, where is spoken that language in which the chosen of your
heart, blushing, whispered the first word of love; it is the
home that God has given you that by striving to perfect
yourselves therein you may prepare to ascend to him."
Giuseppe Mazzini
In response to "Marine Wife" from the August 7th newsletter.
Wow! You read my mind and my heart. Your letter really touched
me and I cried the whole time I was reading it. Being a Marine
wife is the hardest thing I have ever done but, it is also very
rewarding. I love that I can say that my husband is one of the
Few and the Proud.
It is very difficult to put into words all of the feelings that
go along with being a Marine wife but, you did it. You are so
right. Every time he leaves, it is harder than the time before.
Helping him pack up his stuff gets to me every time. We have not
had to go through a deployment yet but, we have spent a lot of
time apart. I was not able to go with him to TBS so that was a
very long 6 months. We were able to talk on the phone and I made
a few weekend trips but, you know that is no substitute for
quality time with your man. I am grateful for cell phones and
email! We got to spend a few weeks together in July and he was
off again. Six weeks in Cherry Point and then off to Twenty-nine
Palms for 3 months. This whole time, I will stay at home in
Texas. After it is all done, if he doesn't deploy in January,
we will have spent a whole year living apart. Longer if he does
go in January of course.
It is the strangest feeling to be so torn, wanting to be with
your husband so bad it hurts, and so very proud of him and what
he does. Understanding that his desire and commitment to serve
and be a part of something greater than himself, also means
some sacrifice on your part too. And I wouldn't change any of
it. I will do whatever it takes to support him. So, we try to
talk on the phone as much as possible and I wait until I can
finally join him. I worry about what is to come and welcome it
at the same time. I cry when I read stories in the newsletter
and at other times when something small makes me think of him
and that pain of missing him just washes over me.
I just wanted to say thank you. Sometimes I feel a little alone
in my situation. I am not near a base and don't have the benefit
of being surrounded by other military spouses. Most people here
just can't comprehend what it is like. So, it is a huge comfort
to know that there other spouses that are in the same boat as
me and that really do understand what it is like. God Bless You
for writing that letter. Thank you so much Sgt. Grit for
providing family members a place to communicate. God Bless all
of the families out there that miss their service members. Most
of all God Bless our Marines. They truly are an elite breed and
we are all lucky to have them in our lives.
Proud Marine Wife from Texas
Semper Fi!
Mr. Mahanay: Respectfully, "Take back" nothing! Your daughter
was raised by a Marine. All her life, in covert and overt ways,
she was raised and steeped in the environment of The Corps.
Thus, I respectfully suggest to you that while your heart aches
for the loss of your child, reflect on the fact that your
Marine Corps fervor - especially "why did you join the Army" was
accepted by your baby, because she knew your ‘harassment’ about
joining the Army was love in its purest form: a Father, passing
along to his Offspring, the wisdom of one who’d been there and
done that. And that, Sir, is what we dads are supposed to do.
In the final analysis, your Daughter made her Service-to-Country
choice with her heart and head full of the life-lessons learned
from her Marine daddy. And because she is the Daughter of one
of God’s Chosen Few, she, too, has the honor of moving to her
new Duty Station, On High, and standing formation with Marines
already there guarding God’s Zone: each welcoming her because
she is, was, and always will be, a Marine’ baby girl who gained
from her daddy the courage to go to BadSand and support her
commitment to our Nation. May our Warrior King place His
healing hand upon your heart and bring you a small measure of
peace.
Semper Fi from a Fossilized ‘Nam Vet
Bob Connely
"Whatever enables us to go to war, secures our peace."
Thomas Jefferson
I feel very blessed to have met and fallen in love with a Marine
Vietnam veteran. His name is Tom and I have learned so much from
our talks about Vietnam and what he and other's like him had to
go thru. I must say, that I knew about Vietnam, but that I
didn't have a real grasp on the reality of it all, I was born
in 1961, what can I say?
And what I have learned is how brave all our men and women were
and the sacrifices each one made in order to protect our
country, and the ignorance and ridicule they each had to endure
when they returned home. I work for Hospice and people ask me
how can I do that kind of work, and I tell them it's not what I
give but what I get, and in my knowledge of Vietnam, and all the
war's I have such a high regard for all who gave of themselves,
but most of all for what they could bring back, someone's son,
daughter, father, wife, if not for all our brave men and women
in our military, fighting everyday for our freedom, I could not
imagine where we would be today. My Marine had a heart attack
in February of this year, it made it thru, and every time I hear
his heart beat I think of what a miracle god has given me. I am
proud to say that my son-in-law is on his second tour of Iraq,
his daughter is now four and he has only been home for one of
her birthdays. My daughter I couldn't be prouder of, the way
she has grown into such a beautiful, wonderful adult, mother
and wife and taken on the responsibility of raising their
daughter alone, and never complaining about her husband being
gone, as she tell's me, you have to do what you have to do,
and my beautiful granddaughter knows exactly who her daddy is,
my daughter has made sure of that.
I am proud of all who have served and who are serving, thank
you for making my America ring with pride and thank you to all
you wonderful men and women in our armed force's, for if it
weren't for you I wouldn't have these two beautiful
granddaughters.
Sincerely
Dawn R. Logan (Prescott, Arizona)
My son is a USNavy Corpsman,HM3. Ever since he was a little
fella, he's always played Marine and even made his own uniforms
and weapons.
His father was a Hospital Corpsman and during Desert Storm, was
sent to San Diego because they needed a Doc at the Marine
recruit depot.
My son always talked about joining the military and wanted to be
the best so when he decided to join he was heading for the
Marines. I was very apprehensive, and thought I had talked him
into joining the Navy because Marines are hardcore and the first
in and it's so dangerous; you know typical 'mom concerns' and
with his aptitude and marital art training and nursing classes
he had started, being a hospital corpsman made sense to me.
Well, he visited the recruiters, talked to his dad and all his
friends from different branches and decided the Navy was for him
and he was going to be a hospital corpsman.
What he had planned was as soon as he finished Corps school-and
he finished earlier than his class so he could go on immediately
to FMF at Camp Lejune, a Marine Base.
To be a Marine Corpsman; a Doc with the Marines. And he was hot
to get with his reserve unit so he could go to Iraq with them.
He had his timeline all figured out, except one thing. The
med.unit had to submit the names so many days before
deployment.....he just missed it .
I'm here to tell you now, after I saw the man he became after
Corps school and the man he is today after 'field Marine force',
(as I call it) training, I am very proud of what the Marines
have done with him. He loves the Marines and is still pushing
to get 'hooked up' with a unit.
I'm ok with it all now. The Marines are Awesome.
My sweet natured, loving boy has turned into a decisive,
straight up, Marine Corpsman.
Thank you for listening and I hope I haven't offended anyone
with the locations names and spelling.
Chris Farris
"Don't carry a grudge. While you're carrying the grudge, the
other guy's out dancing."
Buddy Hackett
My son Sonny James was thrown into the Marines at age fourteen,
just eight months after his ten year old brother passed away
(due to a misdiagnosis from a doctor. Sonny could not handle his
passing and began a gothic style regimen. He was such a mess
and began carving on himself amongst other distasteful actions.
I called his counselor and asked for help to save my only
surviving son. He immediately suggested the "golden gate youth
Marines" that took place on the "USS Hornet". We dropped him off
at 7am Saturday morning for PT and retrieved him Sunday evening
at 7pm. Within weeks we saw a dramatic improvement! I had my
son back! Since then he became "Devil Pup" and at 16 went Camp
Pendleton for a two week boot camp. We went to his graduation
and witness his accomplishments to which they gave him a coin
medal the he still carries with him to this day. From 16 on he
went to the recruiting office every Friday for PT and today
just turning 20 July 19 ,2008 in Afghanistan he is a weapons
expert serving our country for you and I and our future
children. He has witnessed many tragedies, lost dear friends but
is still with us to this day. He knows his job and does it well
and will return home late November 2008. My son wants to make a
difference for us and his life. We need more commitment from
these young men and women with a purpose and a goal of
contribution. Please say a prayer for our courageous young men
and women serving our country and prayer for their safe return.
God Bless America, God bless my son for the strength and
courage to make a difference for all us civilians . I am a
PROUD MOTHER of a "MARINE"! Keep them in your prayers and oh so
close to your heart! "God Bless US ALL"!
Pauline
I come from a military family who is always proud to serve. My
grandfather was 26 years in the navy, my father did 23 years in
the navy, my mother worked for DOD navy for 33 years, I married
a Marine, and my brother is a Captain in the Marines now. I have
many cousins, uncles, etc. who have and are serving the country
now as Marines and soldiers.
Nothing changes your life more than the loss of a person younger
than you who is lost at war. January 2008 as we were attending
the funeral of an uncle who had given service to DOD navy for a
number of years, we received the most horrible news you can get.
My cousin serving in Iraq was killed in action. Then as if that
was enough my brother who as completed on previous tour in
Afghanistan, was now given orders to go to Iraq.
All I ask is that every day we remember all who serve no matter
what we are doing, or where we are.
Pray hard, life is short.
Kel
To Denise Wilson,
I have just read your letter about your son, Ivan, and wish to
extend my deepest sympathy to you & your family. Just looking
at the picture of that beautiful smile made me realize the world
has lost a special person.
I have just welcomed my son home after 2 tours and his 4 year
commitment and feel so sad that you couldn't do the same.
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Another Proud Marine Mom
Dear Sgt Grit
I am a VERY proud Marine Mom. I found out this week my son will
be home from Iraq in a few weeks. Thank you God and GYSGT Weber!
Anyway, just wanted to let you know while he was deployed your
news letters where extremely helpful in keeping my head on
straight, so I could be strong for my son.
God Bless you and all our Marines through out the world.
Rebecca Leddy
Mom to LCpl. Mouch, Adam K.
"’Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart
is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue
his principles unto death."
Thomas Paine
Dear Mrs. Wilson, I wanted to write and tell you how sorry I am
for the loss of your son, Ivan. It breaks my heart a little bit
every time I read about a brother Marine lost in action. I am
sure all my fellow Marines would tell you the same thing. In
fact, it stings quite a bit. Fortunately, we take comfort in
knowing we will all attend final formation together in a better
place. I can tell by the picture you sent that your son is a
warrior and because he died in combat, he died with a happy
heart. I hope you can understand that. Perhaps my words offer
you little comfort but although I did not know Ivan, I loved him
because we are brothers and his memory will live forever. I am
proud of him as I am of all my fellow Marines. I want to thank
you very much for your sacrifice as a Marine mother and I hope
God continues to bless you and your family. I don't have much
to give, only that come November 10, 2008, I will raise a toast
to your son and all who are around me will drink to him, and
observe a moment of silence in his honor. I promise. Thank you
again and Semper Fidelis.
Sgt. Robert Miranda
Sgt., Thanks for giving us a place to share.
My son Russell came home on leave in April after boot camp
graduation. When his leave was over he left here with $10 to his
name. Russell ate that before he even got back to San Diego.
The Airlines bumped him up to 1st class. *I thought his chest
was going to explode* It made him feel so good. He had plane
delays which put him at the USO just after all the shuttles to
the base stopped. So here's my son just after Midnight with no
way to get anywhere. Standing out at the curb with all his sea
bags.
A few minutes later another flight must have come in and he
found himself suddenly not alone. 3 other Marines, also with no
shuttle to the base. All standing at the curb. They hailed a
cab and shared it with Russell.
Now all they needed to do was find a hotel... it was too late
to try and head back to base now. Russell told them of the hotel
I stayed in and how well I was treated in San Diego. So that's
where they went, Again taking care of their own, they let
Russell stay with them.
The next morning the Marines went across the street to a
Denny's. They offered to get Russell's breakfast for him. They
knew payday was the next day.
The 4 Marines talked of their visits home over breakfast and
then asked for their check. The waitress told them she hadn't
one for them. And that there were 5 other patrons who drew
straws at the register to see who won the chance to pay their
bill. *Pointing to the man who actually got the bill.*
Russell said it choked him up, they were all choked up. None of
them knew what to say. Just as if on cue, the gentleman stood
up and made his way to the boys table. He told them he was an
Retired Navy and was proud to show what little appreciation he
could for our brave young men, a breakfast was a small price to
pay compared to the one they may be facing.
Russell told me that though they were all Marines, once they
saw a tear flow from that mans face, it was contagious. They
stood and shook his hand and Thanked him for what he had done.
Most of the employees had heard what this man said. Russell
tells me there wasn't a dry eye in the whole place. Everyone
was standing around them. Also before they left others had come
up to them, gave them hugs, shook their hands and Thanked them.
One women said "I missed getting the long straw by an inch.
Maybe next time." as she winked at the boys.
Russell told me that for the first time he couldn't find the
words to even describe how all that made him feel. Doubts if he
ever will.
It was however the boost he needed after watching on the news
about the 12 Marines who had been killed while he was home on
leave.
As of Sunday(May) Russell was told he had a 95% chance of being
deployed to Iraq in about 40 days.
This story was written in 2004.
**== Proud Mom of 3 Marines **==
I recently made the decision to enlist in the US Marine Corps,
and thought that everyone would be "proud" at least--especially
my parents. As it turns out, everyone is extremely disappointed.
At first I shrugged this off as those who cared about me not
wanting me to be put in danger, but then my mother insisted that
I join a different branch that would "Pay more money". I am NOT
joining for the money as I do not wish to become a mercenary. I
want to serve my country with honor, integrity, and pride.
Everyone keeps trying to tell me to join a branch that pays
more...what should I do? The only person who has supported me
is my girlfriend--without her I would not be able to stand up
to the ridicule I have faced from others.
Poolee Hucks
"The hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of
this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend.
Remember Officers and Soldiers, that you are Freemen, fighting
for the blessings of Liberty - that slavery will be your
portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit
yourselves like men."
George Washington
We come from a very traditional Marine family. My Grandfather
was a Marine during WWII, My dad was a career Marine and served
two tours in Vietnam and was a combat decorated Marine with a
Purple Heart. I served in the 3rd MAW from 80 to 83 and did
serve in combat. All of us were proud of our tradition. I
lost my Grandfather and my dad two years apart and I was heart
broken I had lost my Marines.
My young cousin entered OCS and became a young Butter Bar Lt.
that went in to Iraq during the initial invasion in '03. He
came back the following Christmas and during a family function,
it was stated he did not wish to discuss what he had went
through or what he had seen. I was hurt, but respected his
wishes. I had also wrote him several times during the invasion
and had never received a reply. I finally accepted our family
tradition ( as far as my branch ) had been broken.
Last month I received a package from MCRD from my cousin Capt
John Stevens the Company Commander. Inside the package was
shirts and caps of my old units and my dads units. That spoke
volumes, that he had taken the time not only to research this,
but to send them on his own dime without my asking for it.
We will make arrangements to meet later, I could not be more
proud of him.
Billy Stevens
To the Marine Mom who shared her story about being called a
"B----" because she was wearing her "Proud Mom of a Marine"
shirt, I want to say that I have had similar experiences. When
I am asked where son is stationed, I tell them that he is an
M.P., stationed at MCAS Yuma. Yes, there are those who say he
"really isn't serving our country" since he's stationed
stateside, and that upsets me because they just don't understand
that our young men and women go where they are ordered to. I
usually respond to such ignorant statements by asking what their
sons and daughters are doing for our country which is usually
enough to shut them up. I realize that there are people who
don't agree with us being in IRAQ and can't support the troops
regardless of where they stand on the war issue. The vast
majority of my experiences have been very positive though and I
appreciate the kind words and expressions of gratitude for what
my son is doing. Continue to wear your "Proud Mom of a Marine"
shirt and hold your head high. You have every right to be proud!
I know that I am VERY proud to be a Marine Mom!
Semper Fi
Maribeth Park
Proud Mom of LCpl. Timothy R. Marshall
MCAS Yuma
"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a
revolutionary act."
George Orwell
Sgt Grit
My son graduated PI July 18, 2008.
I have never seen or experienced anything so beautiful in my
life.
The pride you feel as a parent is beyond words.
He was on PI for 6 months. In PCP, needed to do more pull ups.
Went into Alpha Co and 10 days into training tore a ligament.
When asked if he wanted to go home he replied "YES SIR, AS A
MARINE"
So he worked hard in PT (God Bless the doctors and all that
helped my son) he healed and was put into Fox Co.
He made Expert Marksman and graduated PFC.
I am volunteer coordinator of a soup kitchen in RI. My son
started helping me there when he was 4 years old, he is now 22.
He would help me every Monday night.
In high school he was in the JROTC and on Thanksgiving and
Christmas Day he and all the JROTC, in full uniform, would seat
our homeless guests as though they were in a 5 star restaurant.
I am so proud to be his mother!
I am also proud to be a part of this wonderful group of Marine
Parents. A Marine Mom went into MRP when my son was hurt and
took his picture. She goes to PI 3 times a year and comforts
the injured, sick and those in PCP.
I call her the Mother Teresa of the Marines.
Her name is Karyn Houser.
She did what I could not--visit, hug and comfort my son. God
Bless her.
Thanks you,
Doreen Holmes
PMM of PFC HOLMES
I really want and hope that Dorothy Hampton does happen upon my
email. My son too is a Marine. He has been interested in the
Marines back when he was a Freshman in High School. He, too,
graduated early (in January) and off to boot camp in March. The
timing was good as well that he graduated MCRD on June 6 and
his high school graduation was on the 13th. He wanted to wear
his dress blues, however, the principal of his high school said
"No" and that he would have to wear his cap and gown. Eric wore
his blues under his cap and gown and once on stage, he pulled
off the cap and gown and the crowd went wild.
We are so proud of him!
Laurie Brehm,
Very Proud Marine Mom
Bravo to Mrs Hampton, to graduate boot camp is like graduating
from High School, Harvard, Yale, and being elected President all
in the same day. I think there is a good chance the principle
was not a Marine
(Cpl) Doug Scrivner
USMC 1967-1970 Semper Fi RVN 68-69
BLT 2/7 B & C Co. 1st Tanks (Zippo) 1st Mar.Div.
"Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and
direction"
Joe Alvino
Sgt. USMC
Sgt. Grit,
You can title this as "Prospective Marines", or "Recruits Go To
MEPS". . .
I spent 10 of the best years of my life, from June 1968 thru
June 1978, in our beloved Corps. During my "tour", I made 2
different tours in Okinawa, 1 tour of Nam, a tour on Recruiting
Duty, and stateside did some time at Camp LeJeune, Camp
Pendleton, MCRD San Diego (boot camp & ComElec School), and my
last stateside tour was at Quantico. I did get around. But,
this is not about me. I now work for DOD at DFAS-IN as a IT
specialist. Because I get to work at approximately 5:45 am,
yes, I am still an early riser, thanks to the Corps, I often
see 1 or 2 busloads of new "recruits" offloading in the parking
lot to head to the MEPS, which is co-located in the DFAS-IN
Finance Center. Usually there are anywhere from 50 to 75 bright
shining faces lined up to go thru the security checkpoint before
entering the building. Admittedly, the bulk of these young men
and women are not Marine Corps recruits, but, I can always spot
those who are. They seem to stand a little straighter, look a
little more proud, and are dressed a little sharper. Granted,
at 5:45 am, it is hard for the normal American teen-ager to look
sharp, but, these future Marines seem to do just that.
I want to let everyone know that, from what I see of these young
Americans, that the American spirit is alive and well. I am
extremely proud of these young people, whether Marine recruits,
Army, Navy or Air Force. They are beginning their lives anew.
They are continuing the traditions that all veterans have
protected and that the service men and women of today continue
to protect.
My war ended over 30 years ago, theirs is ongoing. I wear my
service in the Corps proudly. I have a "Bull Dog" tattoo on my
right forearm. I can only hope and pray that these young
future Marines, soldiers, sailors and air men will be as proud
of their service as I am of mine. God Bless these young men and
women.
I left active duty in 1978, but I have never left the Corps!
I'll be getting my first EGA tattoo soon. When I do, I will
send pics of the Bull Dog I have had since 1969 and the new one.
God Bless Our Corps & America.
Jim Gerard
SGT of Marines, Service # 2470862
June 27, 1968 - June 9, 1978
Viet Nam 1970 - 71
Sgt. Grit
I want to contribute my story, because it is of a nature that I
do not usually see on the newsletter. First, however, I want to
thank the jarhead who posted the Skelton YouTube link. I had
the pleasure of giving rating number 1775 to it. Five star
stuff.
Too often, those who oppose the current president are lumped
into a group here as godless and ignorant, and no doubt, some
of them are. But I will tell you, this is just not the case.
I was out and about the other day, in one of my Sgt. Grit issue
jarhead shirts. I was pushing my shopping cart back up to the
front of the parking lot and I passed a Honda SUV with some
rather colorful bumper stickers plastered on the back. They
did not paint a very nice picture of our commander-in-chief.
The POV's owner was just finished putting her stuff away and was
walking around to return her cart. I offered to take it (force
of habit) and she noticed my EGA. She smiled, looked down at
her bumper stickers and looked back at me. I smiled back. This
is, word for word, as near as I can recall, how the conversation
went:
"You were in the Corps?" (I guess my belly made her use the
past tense)
"Six years active."
"My son is in Iraq right now."
"Been there long?"
"It's his third trip. I'm so proud of him."
I guess I looked surprised, because she continued:
"As long as this war goes on, even if (it was started on false
pretenses), it's the Marines who will do the right thing over
there. Like it or not, its all our war."
I travel in circles that bring me into contact with people
diverse in race, creed, nationality, political leaning and
general outlook. The only universal I have found, with so few
exceptions that I cannot recall one here, is that my Marine
status counts for instant credibility and respect.
Liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, mentioning the
Marine Corps seems to bring out the patriot in everyone I meet.
Semper Fi,
Sgt. Terry Mahoney, 90-96
In the arms of angels. (VIDEO)
"They’ll forgive you for being wrong. What they won’t forgive
you for is being right."
Robert L. Bartley
Dear Sgt. Grit
I would like an opportunity, either on or off post, to respond
to Mr. R. Mahanay's posting of Wed. 8/13 entitled "I received
Word".
Dear Mr. Mahanay,
Sir, let me begin by stating that these pitiful words of mine,
nor those of others, can begin to compensate you for your loss.
But know that the sacrifice that your family has made will
remain in my heart forever. For you see...
I am also a former Marine, from back in the sixties. Two years
ago my son joined the Army. After giving him a really bad time,
I asked him why the Army? Without batting an eye, he looked at
me and said, "because the Army would offer me better job
training"...
It is at this point our stories diverge, for my son is currently
serving in Iraq and I am an anxious parent now waiting to
"receive word" and praying that I won't. Thanks to you sir, I
now know the necessity of letting him know that my giving him a
"bad time" over his choice of service was in no way meant to be
demeaning, as I am also sure that neither was yours. It is my
belief that your daughter would also know this; and that from
the Marine guard on duty a welcome home and thanks for a job
well done will be forthcoming.
As to your closing of "These kids are brave too". Yes, they
are just kids; our sons and our daughters, whom we believe to
be America's finest. As Marines, let's take a moment to
remember that irregardless of the branch of service; they are
indeed brave too, and I for one hold all in the highest esteem.
Sir, my prayers are with you and yours
Steve Parmenter
USMC '65-'69
Press Release
For immediate Release
Contact: Bill Kibler, Webmaster, www.beirutstamp.com
703-209-USMC
Subject: Beirut Memorial Stamp Request Declined
August 13, 2008
Randy L Gaddo
President, Beirut Veterans of America
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Dear Mr. Gaddo:
Thank you for submitting your proposal for a "Peacekeepers"
postage stamp honoring the U. S. Serviceman killed in Beirut,
Lebanon. The entire contents of your proposal was presented to
each member of the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee for
review and discussion at their recent July meeting.
After a substantial deliberation, the members of the Committee
agreed not to move forward with designing a stamp featuring the
Beirut Memorial in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The Committee
cited its longstanding general policy of not honor the victims
of tragic situations, including natural disasters, acts of
violence, and catastrophes.
We appreciate your organization's continued support for the
victims, families and friends of the Beirut Peacekeepers and
hope other means will be found to honor their sacrifice.
Sincerely,
David Failor
Executive Director, Stamp Services
Dear Sgt. Grit,
Wanted to write a letter to hopefully be included in next week's
on-line edition, as next week (August 20th) will mark the one
year anniversary of my son leaving for Boot Camp to join the
world's finest, in his quest to become a United States Marine.
I'm probably no different than any other proud Marine Mom but
still want to share my story.
I'd like to take all the credit for the fine young man my son,
PFC David Cohoe has become, but those credits go to his fine
mentors in the Corps, most notably, his Drill Instructors. This
letter is not so much to brag on my son, as it is to try to tell
other parents of future Marines of the amazing transformation
they will witness in their child as a result of their commitment
to the USMC.
In the months leading up to my son's departure for Boot Camp,
he was your typical long-haired, guitar-playing, good-time kid,
with a fondness for playing all things 80's-rock on his guitar.
His favorite band from that era was/is Guns-N-Roses (he teethed
to that as a baby), so he took to memorizing "Sweet Child o'
Mine"; constantly playing this on his guitar, both day and
night, driving us mad!. Before we knew it, High School
graduation had come and gone, summer was winding down, and it
was the day David was to head off to Boot Camp. In the car, on
our way to drop our Poolee off at MEPS, "Sweet Child o' Mine"
came out of the radio. This brought tears to everyone's eyes
-my tough Poolee, my husband, and even our daughter who is 4
years younger than her USMC big brother, and worships him
endlessly. I couldn't even speak as I reached behind my seat
to hold his hand and squeeze 3 times-our silly unspoken code for
"I Love You".
While David was in Boot Camp, we wrote to him faithfully, nearly
daily, and found ourselves waiting hungrily by the mailbox for
any return word-practically cart-wheeling up the driveway when
we got a letter. During those 13 weeks of Boot Camp, David got
discouraged only one time, and the letter he wrote home
describing his woes was heart-wrenching to read because, as a
parent, thousands of miles away, there is nothing you can do but
continue to encourage and express your pride in this huge
endeavor. You can't keep a good man down, and the rest of his
correspondence was positive and upbeat. We spent those three
months as I'm sure many parents have-ordering gear from Sgt.
Grit, proudly wearing our USMC shirts and staking signs in our
yard telling the world about our young Marine-to-be!
Before we knew it, graduation arrived and I cannot describe the
anxiety I felt to finally see 'my baby'. We arrived in San
Diego on Wednesday evening, checked into billeting, and
immediately walked over to the parade deck, in hopes of a
glimpse of our son in his platoon practicing for Graduation.
We didn't immediately see him, but we heard him..up on the
balcony of his dorm we heard his voice, clear and distinct
carry across the parade deck: "HOLY CRAP, THAT'S MY FAMILY!".
He was immediately PT'ed right then and there, LOL! I didn't
know weather to laugh or cry! I slept better that night than
I'd slept in 13 weeks.
The next day as we took our seats for the Eagle Globe and
Anchor ceremony, the anticipation I felt inside had me excited
to the point I was nauseous. Soon, I'd be hugging him! After
the Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony, parents flooded out of the
stands in their rush to greet their Marine. I was one of the
first parents out of the stands and onto the parade deck and
would have plowed anyone down who would have had the poor
judgment or misfortune to be between me and my Marine, hahahaha!
He had barely broke from formation to turn and shake the hands
of his platoon brothers, but he didn't have the time-I was upon
him like a shot, and I grabbed him in a fierce and proud
embrace. Before me stood not 'my baby', but a man who stood tall
and proud and forever changed.
As we near the one year anniversary of where this transformation
began , I just want to tell the world that my pride in my Marine
has only continued to grow beyond what I ever thought possible.
He continues to be a source of pride to his entire family. You
are our hero, PFC David Cohoe! I love you, Sweet Child o' Mine!
To the parents of Poolees-you aint' seen nothin yet! Your
journey is just beginning.
I'm attaching a picture of my Marine:
Proud Mom of PFC David Cohoe
Robin Cohoe
"Remember, there is such a thing as good and evil."
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Sgt Grit,
My Daughter was born while I was stationed at Camp Pendleton and
has been raised a Marines kid through and through she was born
without her hips being quite fully formed and the bones in her
lower back are almost transparent on x-rays so she has had a
lot of problems but never quits, this doesn't make her
handicapped but with just the wrong injury she could easily be.
Now I expect my Son to possibly join the military when he is
old enough but never expected my daughter to, she knew with her
disabilities she could not make it through Marine Corps boot
camp and hide the pain she feels most every day but she felt
she should serve her country and just recently graduated Army
Basic training even after a serious ankle injury, she never
quit she may not have the physical ability to be a Marine but
she has the heart of one. Her ankle was bad enough they wanted
to cast it but she knew she would miss training and instead just
tightened her boot and continued on. She is now at her advanced
individual training and I couldn't be more proud that I raised
a daughter who is this determined to serve her country. She is
proud, Brave and tough as nails. She has adapted, improvised
and overcome.
Extremely proud Dad of a soldier,
Cpl Beane C. D. 82-88
After a pierod of 53 years I had the honor of returning to MRCD
Parris Island this past Jan. where with great pride I saw my
neice become a Marine. She was not the same little mommies girl
I had seen when she got on board the shuttle bus for the trip to
Charlotte N.C.
My chest was about to burst with pride as I watched her and all
of the outer Marines march across the prade grounds, the same
one I was on 53 yrs ago.
She is now serving with her husband, also a Marine, in Calif.
I will never forget the sand pits,the famous sand fleas and
swamp of Parris Island.
I also knew that some of those brave men and women may have to
pay the ultmite price for our freedom even those that do not
agree with what is going on in this world today.
Harold D Brown 1571890
Honor Platoon 154
Dec.30,1955
May be old/73 yrs/but still a proud MARINE
My name is Erasmo Garcia and I am a former Marine, who is as far
as I know am one of only a few that was released by the Marines
due to an injury I sustained after bootcamp. I went to boot camp
in 1991 and after bootcamp I went home to Texas and was hit by
a drunk driver and had to get 2 pins in my knee. I am not mad or
anything I just wanted to remain in the Corps but they saw it
best to release me. I was originally headed for Recon, but I
was able to remain and do my part and support my brothers and
sisters behind a desk. I got out of the Corps in 95 after 4
years and I was heart broken cause I really wanted to do more
but couldn't. Now I am here in Iraq as a DOD contractor working
with my beloved Marines and our other Military brothers and
sisters doing what I can to help them in the fight against
Terrorism. I am not afraid to show my support for the Marines
above any one else and I'm sure not everyone likes it but oh
well (Army and Air Force that is). I wear my key chain, back
pack, and Marine shirts with pride. When some of our boys come
through and ask me if I served, I don't hesitate to say yes,
although I don't tell them the whole story, and even though my
plans didn't work out the way I wanted I will always be a
Marine at heart. God bless our Soldiers and Semper Fi!
Erasmo Eddie Garcia
Balad Passenger Terminal
BALAD, IRAQ
"The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive
citizenry."
William F. Buckley
I'd like respond to this (from your Aug 14th newsletter), as
there is a mistake.
When I clicked on the Robert Mitchum photo, this came up as
well:
"1/9 leaving Vietnam It is 1/9 leaving Vietnam-the first combat
unit to do so in 1969.
Coincidentally 1/9 was reactivated and are presently at Kaneohe
on Oahu, Hawaii. "
The 1/9 (aka "Walking Dead") has indeed been reactivated.
However, they are not in Hawaii.
The 1st Battalion, 9th Marines are currently deployed in Iraq.
My eldest son is among them.
My youngest son, by the way, just left for Parris Island a few
weeks ago.
Thank you,
May the Almighty keep all our sons safe.
Lucky Marine Mon
I wanted to say a huge thank you for your publication. My dad
is USMC retired after 20 years and I grew up in the Corps. My
poor dad, three daughters raised by all those Marines! I
couldn't think of a better way to grow up - knowing the pride
and sense of honor and duty these men and women proudly display.
My heart is with those who are currently deployed and my eternal
gratitude goes out to all of those who have served to protect
my freedom.
Semper Fi!
Dawn Manko
Daughter of USMC retired Master Gunnery Seargant Thomas
Greenwood Jr.
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big
enough to take away everything you have."
Thomas Jefferson
My son recently joined the Marine Corps. He will make the 3rd
Generation in my family of Marines (and several other close
family members that served). My step-father was a member of
the Marines at the Frozen Chosin in Korea and fought under
Chesty there. I was grunt in Post-Vietnam, Pre-Desert Storm.
We practiced a whole lot.
The story I wanted to share is about my son. He joined after
some really dumb high school stuff (by the way a judge thought
it was a good idea for me to join). He had a scholarship to
several Colleges and he probably could have finished off the
schools expenses himself, because he was an all-state baseball
player (his scholarships were all academic and the schools
baseball coaches were interested). Well like a typical high
school student, distracted and not focused, he forgot to apply
to the schools for housing. Each school filled up quickly and
by the time he got around to it, there was no room. So the
young man would have probably had to live at home for the first
semester and go to the local (Top 100) College and live at home.
His scholarship would have fully covered tuition and living at
home would have made the rest a financial non-event.
To make a longer story short, I'm leaving out the drama, he went
out and joined the Marine Corps because he wasn't having that
living at home, which he created (I told him a semester at home
wasn't a bad idea to get some discipline under his belt). I
remember myself at that age, I wanted to be on my own so bad it
wouldn't have mattered what I was doing (mind you this kid would
have it easy if he stayed at home - but at 50 I can understand
that at 18 he let's his hormones think for him). Well his
mother, and my wife, was out of control and did understand why
he wanted to go to war (imagine the drama here, he almost maxed
the SAT and had a very high GPA, everyone thought he was always
going to college). He also maxed out the entrance test for the
Corps and is obviously not going to pound ground like his father
and grandfather before him. Let's just say the young man will
be doing his work on a keyboard and probably do more damage than
my M16 or my fathers M1 could ever have done.
During the long drawn out discussions my wife asked him "Why the
Marines, aren't they the toughest ones." To that the young man
answered (as I was about to open my mouth and add my two cents),
"I didn't know there was another service." Well with dad chest
puffing out, yeah I'd done my job, the young man had finally
said something that made sense, he finished that sentence with,
"If I couldn't figure out how to get a dorm room in schools
that were falling all over me, why do you think the Army, Navy
or Air Force could teach me discipline." I finally realized
why that Judge thought it was a good idea for me. The young
recruit leaves in October and can't wait to be a Marine, I told
him he starts much lower than that on the yellow footprints.
P.S. He's already been contacted by some officer selection folks
about applying to either OCS or the Academy down the road. His
mother and I are happy that he might get to college...
Mario B. Soberal
Semper Fi!
I am the very proud mother of an MPK9 (bomb dog). He is across
the pond, but, not in the sandbox (yet) He did the DEP right
before his senior year in high school, graduated, then left 2
weeks later for MCRD San Diego. That had to be the proudest
moment I will ever endure in my life, him becoming a Marine!
When people asked him where he was going to school, the comments
he got, or just from people finding out he joined the Corps,
were amazing to me. We soon came to realize,like in the article
"Here in the SandBox", replying "Thank you! When you say things
like that, it reminds me I'm protecting your first amendment
rights!" or, he fights so you can protest sh*t, is really the
best answer you can give.... and really the only one.
Now is the time when kids are leaving for college. I am hearing
a lot of crying and bellering about "their babies leaving for
college and being so far away", wah wah wah. They have NO idea
what it is like for their young sons (or daughters) to leave for
boot camp. Yet, what do you say? They do not see the big picture
at all, what these brave young men and women are doing for this
country.
I can say this, my son is not going to graduate from college at
this time in life. I don't know the pride of a college graduate,
but, I do know the pride, and I see no greater, than when he
graduated MCRD and was awarded his Eagle, Globe and Anchor and
being announded a United States Marine! I can't imagine him
getting any college degree from any school that could make me
more proud than I was at that moment (and the 13 weeks of H*LL
we had to call boot camp!) when he became a Marine, and when I
remember every single second of every day that, hey, my son is
a MARINE. There is nothing else like it.
God bless all our Marines and their families thru the stress,
the heartache, the sleepless nights, and the loss. Not only do
these Marines have a brotherhood, being in the Marine family
(the parents) is pretty amazing, too!
Semper Fi- OOHRAH and all that good stuff!
A very proud mom of a USMC Lcpl from Kansas City
"For as long as men and women have talked about war, they have
talked about it in terms of right and wrong. And for almost as
long, some among them have derided such talk, called it a
charade, insisted that war lies beyond (or beneath) moral
judgment. War is a world apart, where life itself is at stake,
where human nature is reduced to its elemental forms, where
self-interest and necessity prevail. Here men and women do what
they must to save their selves and their communities, and
morality and law have no place. Inter arma silent leges: in
time of war the law is silent."
-- Just and Unjust Wars by
Michael Walzer
This note is for Mr. Mahanay, who wrote he "received word" of
his daughters death in Iraq recently. Mr. Mahanay, my deepest
sympathy extends to you for the loss of your daughter in Iraq.
I know that you are a bit upset for picking on her joining the
army, rather than the Marines because of age, and you now regret
giving her a hard time. Please know that it is always the
nature of Marines to always harass a friend or family member
for their choice of service when that service is not with the
Marines. My brother and I are the only Marines in our large
family of Air Force retirees, including my father. Even through
all the jokes and inter-service rivalry, I am still proud that
my dad stepped up to the plate and served for 20 long years,
serving in Saudi and other overseas deployments. Your daughter
stepped up to the plate and did what only a small percent of
Americans have the guts to do. I view most of my generation as
weak and whiny compared to generations before who left jobs and
family without question to take up arms for our country. The
story of your daughter doing what few have the heart to do is
inspirational, and by the sound of your letter, I can tell she
came from a US Marine. This woman who is your daughter is a
true warrior, no matter her service or MOS, who gave the
ultimate sacrifice without question. I shed a tear for you when
I read why she choose the Army over the Corps: "because the
Marines wouldn't take me, I'm too old". Well, sir, in this case
the Marines missed out on a tough and valuable warrior on an
age technicality!
Keep your head up
Semper Fidelis
Lcpl JB
India 3/25
0311
In 2002, on my youngest sons graduation day, his recruiter came
to watch Seth graduate He then said his good byes to my husband
and me and took his leave.
It so happens the Sgt. had accepted our invitation dinner at
near-by restaurant and of course we discussed Seth and his
coming time at Parris Island.
The Sergeant went through a thumbnail description of what "boot"
was about. The thing he said that I will never forget is the
fact of the "breaking down" two week period, after which the
building up to make these young men Marines. .Just before we
left the restaurant, the Sergeant leaned down (he was very tall)
and whispered to me " they'll never break your son, he's
already a Marine"
My eyes got a little teary, but I didn't cry, because I wanted
Sergeant Springer to understand the stock Seth came from.
True to his recruiter's word Seth never broke and as a result
made Sgt himself after 18 months while he was on the way to his
first deployment in the he Mideast.
His Battalion was hugely successful in their deployment, losing
one Marine (even though one is too many and he and his family
will always be in our hearts and prayers) and killed over one
hundred Taliban fighters.
In 2006 Seth was picked to enter ARS, After elimination from a
prior, mandatory service in Rip Platoon in order to qualify and
the Marines imported from Camp Pendleton Seth graduated as
Honor Graduate over a total of over 200 other worthy Marines.
His Score was less than .05 from breaking the camp record.
Seth then joined an ARS team and was deployed to Iraq. When
his dad arrived to ready his house for home coming, he found a
note taped to Seth's door saying " Off to kill the Godless.
Be back in 7 months" and true to his word he was, after many,
many missions. During those missions there were weeks that
went by were and we heard nothing from him. Natural, of course,
but agony nonetheless. True to his word he returned unwounded,
with the rest of his team, who had his back, since he was the
sniper even though he hadn't yet attended the formal school.
After his return from overseas, he entered the "Sniper School"
and graduated among 6 other Marines out of 27 that started. He
was then accepted to "Dive Combatant School" and once again
graduated with 16 other great Marines out of 47 great Marines.
We now await his third deployment, which will take place in
just a few short months. During this deployment we may not
hear from him at all and may never know his location due to his
assignment, but we know he's received the very best training in
the world.
We know he'll come home and breathe a sigh of relief when he
does. I wish to tell the other moms and dads, wives, brothers
and children, we have the greatest fighting force in the world.
We've had some fallen and mourn them as no one else can
understand but they're doing God's work and will never be
forgotten.
My youngest is the pride of our lives as are his 2 brothers and
1 sister. We support whole heartedly his duty to his country
and it's people, even though there're so many who don't and
never will.
Semper Fidelis,
Barbara Carr
Sgt. Grit, here is a cute little joke for your newsletter. Now
everyone will know who protects not only Heaven's Gates but also
his Holy Name here on Earth.
Marine Mom....Jessie
God's Assistant
A United States Marine was attending some college courses
between assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and
Afghanistan. One of the courses had a professor who was an
avowed atheist and a member of the ACLU.
One day the professor shocked the class when he came in.
He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, "God, if you
are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform.
I'll give you exactly 15 minutes."
The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.
Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, "Here I
am God. I'm still waiting."
It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine
got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and
cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The
professor was out cold.
The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently.
The other students were shocked and stunned, and sat there
looking on in silence.
The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked
at the Marine and asked, "What is the matter with you? Why
did you do that?"
The Marine calmly replied, "God was too busy today
protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right
to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot. So, He sent
me."
"War is cruelty. There's no use trying to reform it, the crueler
it is the sooner it will be over."
William Tecumseh Sherman
My heart wept when I read the note from Marine vet Rick Manahey,
about the loss of his daughter, serving in the Army in Iraq. He
said he wished he could take back some of the harassment he gave
her about joining the Army.
Rick, never think that you would or should take back a word of
the harassment. She knew--she knows now--that it was out of
love. Soldiers (of the Army, or Soldiers of the Sea, like us)
don't slobber over each other. They tease and harass those they
care for most. You were treating her as a fellow warrior, not as
a child, and it strengthened her determination to be the best
she could be. It was instinctively the right thing, a rite of
passage among equals, not as parent to child.
Every Marine reading your message knew, though you didn't say
it, that you would have died in her place, given the choice. As
would we. I honor and thank her for her service to the Republic,
and for yours as well. We who served are grateful for, in
Lincoln's words, the terrible sacrifice your family has laid
upon the alter of freedom. Many of the soldiers who died in Iraq
were Marine vets, now serving in the Army or National guard. She
is not only an American hero, in ways that Hollywood and sports
stars could never aspire too, she is part of the Marine family
forever.
Robert A. Hall
Cpl, USMC 1964-68
SSgt, USMCR, 1977-83
Sgt Grit,
In response to Cindy Peckham's letter about the rude lady in
Wal-Mart, I too had a similar experience. I am a cashier at a
Salvation Army Thrift store and was in a conversation with a
customer and we talked about my sons serving in the Marine
Corps. As she was leaving she said "I'm sorry" for your sons. I
think my mouth just hung open in shock. She was out the door
before I could answer "I'm not". I am so very proud of my sons
serving our country. For all you moms out there, have the
strength and speed to respond to these morons. Our sons and
daughters are so special to put on the Marine uniform and serve
our country. We are a proud group of moms.
Semper Fi Moms,
Jean
I just finished reading Dorothy Hamptons story about her sons’
graduation experience. Our son was also able to graduate in
Dec. and shipped off to MCRD on 1/17/2006. He wanted to return
for graduation as well after basic training. I called his high
school to determine what was required to make this happen. I
was told by a staff member he could not wear his dress blues and
had to wear a cap & gown to look like everyone else. To say I
was not happy about this comment is an understatement. I fumed
about it and decided to run this up the chain of command. I
called the superintendent of the school district and started
with my questions about why our son, or any other young person,
could not wear his dress blues. He stopped me and asked who
had told this. I told him one of the staff members at the high
school. He asked for my telephone number and would call me back
in few minutes. He did just that, he said he did not know who
would have said such a thing but would be honored to have our
son, and any others, walk across the platform in his dress
blues. He told me to contact the principle directly to get the
details squared away.
It was a very proud moment to see Matthew walk across the
platform in his dress blues and shake the principles hand. It
is good to know someone in authority has their head on straight.
Proud Marine Dad
Mark K. Buchheit
The USO
God Bless America!
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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