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"To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of
preserving the peace."
George Washington
"I like Marines, because being a Marine is serious business.
We're not a social club or a fraternal organization and we don't
pretend to be one. We're a Brotherhood of "Warriors" -- Nothing
more, nothing less, pure and simple. We are in the a$s-kicking
business, and unfortunately, these days business is good."
Colonel James M. Lowe, Commander, Marine Corps Base Quantico, 2004
"Let each man resolve to be victorious, and that the right of
self-government, liberty, and peace shall find him a defender."
Robert E. Lee
Sgt. Grit and all readers,
Let me use this venue to thank J.A. Fletcher, Sr. for his
excellent response in the American Courage # 166 newsletter. I
too served during the "Viet Nam era" but did not serve "in
country". That has bothered me for many years because I have
always felt I let the Corps, my country, my fellow Marines, and
more importantly myself down because of this. Mr. Fletcher your
response was the same as my Drill Instructor gave me a few
months ago when I re-established contact with him. His opinion,
and your opinion as well, give me a new outlook and for that I
thank you, and I thank you for your service to our country.
I'll stand with you any day as well.
It is an honor to share the title "Marine" with men like you.
It makes all the sweat I left at Parris Island worthwhile!
R.A. Kiser
Fratres Aeterni
To Mrs. Lora Wells about what to say if someone "turns off" when
you tell them your Marine son is stateside.
Perhaps you might inquire, "And your son/daughter is serving
where today?" Or "Where did your son/daughter serve our
country?"
You can also ask such careless persons if they are/were PROUD
that their son/daughter served? If they don't have proper
answers, hold up your head because you are taller than them.
Continue to be proud of your son and he will do you AND the
United States Marine Corps proud. Thank you.
Frank H. Hamby
Sgt. 1955-1963
"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't."
General George S. Patton Jr.
I too have suffered the guilt of serving from '75 - '81 and
having missed my chance to fight alongside Marines in SE Asia.
Like S/Sgt Vick, I sometimes feel a lesser Marine because of it.
This is especially true when people ask me where I went and what
I did in the Marine Corps. I can only admit to Parris Island and
various bases Southern California and . Bridgeport. I regret
that I was a less than exemplary Marine, often called a
s***bird, salty and belligerent, and I wasn't an 03. But I love
my Marine Corps now more than ever and am more proud of my
brothers for fighting the good fight in the face of overwhelming
lack of recognition by the general public. How quickly we forget
the lives of Marines are taking care of us every day. It is
regrettable that the general public doesn't know the hardship of
eating dirt and being shot at. I have eaten the dirt of the
Mojave Dessert and have a vague idea of what my active duty
brothers are going through in Iraq. I just want to say thanks,
there are a few of us that think of you guys everyday and wish
we could be there with you.
Semper Fi
Chris
Thought some folks might get a kick out of my Marine brother's
and my new tat. We meet in boot camp when at about 2am he
(without saying a word) handed me a packet of syrup and a
saltine cracker (he had appropriated during mess and
maintenance). We stuck together during MCT and in "A" school at
Memphis (Millington, TN). He went west coast and I east cost.
We did meet again briefly in NC when his duty station changed,
but we were both married and had kids. Years after we went back
to civilian life I (working in computers) started looking him up
after a few months and phone calls I found him. We helped each
other out with everything from 2am hunger pains to family deaths
and failing marriages. He is my brother, and I can always count
on him. Here are a couple picture of our matching tattoos.
Semper Fi
Cpl Jason Brown 1990-95
Plt 3087 HML/A-167
In early November last year, together with about 30 other vets
(Army, Navy and Marine) I flew out of LAX on Korean Air. The
flight was great, certainly easier security check than within
the US! We were guests of the Korean Veterans Association; they
helped pay the flight, hotel, meals and transportation in
country. We did all the tourist things but the most impressive
were the people. Little children, adults and older folks would
approach us (we all had our ID tags hanging around our necks).
They would often place a hand on my shoulder, and with a tear in
their eye, say, "You saved our country!" I was really humbled,
and said "I was a diesel heavy equipment mechanic, I didn't do
anything." And they'd all come back, "Yes, maybe not you alone,
but together, you saved us!" One old fellow said, "I was 13
years old when the North Koreans invaded and destroyed this city
(Seoul). All of this was rock and rubble. Now look at it!" As he
gestured, I couldn't help but admire the high-rise hotels,
offices and businesses that didn't exist 55 years ago. The
Korean Veteran's Association feted us at a grand ball with
cocktails, dinner and entertainment. The next evening we
attended (Nov 10) one of the finest Marine Corps Birthday Balls
I've ever enjoyed. It's reported that South Korea is now the 7th
largest economy in the world. It's great to get such
appreciation on behalf of our country.
I would encourage any Korean vet to make this trip.
James Murphy
"Only the study of the past can give us a sense of reality and
show us how the soldier will fight in the future."
Charles Ardand Du Picq, Battle Studies
I was brought to virtual tears for the first time in many years
by the letters responding to Mr.Ash, I joined the Marine's in
'68 and I too was treated unjustly upon my return home.
At the outskirts of El Toro we had plastic bags of fecal matter
and urine thrown at our buses, jeered at by long haired youths
at LA Intrnl. airport, and have lived with a type of
disappointment in my fellow countrymen and women for decades,
until shortly before my medical retirement from my vocation as a
communication officer, a complete stranger, female, stopped me
one day, and shook my hand and hugged me, thanking me for my
service to this country. I was dumbfounded, but it was better
than any parade could have ever been, a burden of anger was
lifted from my soul.
I've always worn the EGA proudly and will never forget my fellow
Marines past, present, and future, and my faith in my country
has been restored by the commitment of the youth of today. They
have stepped up to be counted as we did, we cannot let history
treat them as we were treated, only praise them, and rejoice in
their homecoming, and be grateful forever to those who have made
the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and our way of life. God
bless all the men and women serving in our armed forces, and to
the Marines,....HooooooooooRahhh!
Johnson, T.W,
U.S.M.C '68-70
I didn't know if this was where to send this E-mail but if it
isn't could you put it in your newsletter? For all those who may
have served with him, Sgt. Jack Speiker passed away in Sept.
2007. He served from 74-78 and moved back home to Minn. He
became very successful and was a construction supervisor. He was
on the board of directors of his church, a scout master, and
Tackwondo instructor. He left behind a wife and 3 children, he
was 51. I was stationed with him at Camp Lejeune and he was my
next door neighbor. He was a good friend and a fine Marine.
"If you're in a fair fight, you didn't plan it properly."
Nick Lappos
When folks are "turned off" when they learn your son is (only)
serving stateside you might respond; "By the way, where were you
stationed while serving our nation?"
Former Stateside Marine, '54-'57
Every month I read stories about MARINES taking care of MARINES.
They make great reads and swell me with pride in My Beloved
Corps. But they are just stories to enjoy...that is until it
happens to your own. Recently my youngest was trying to get to
SOI after his post boot camp leave and Recruiter Assistance. Our
entourage was at the airport to see him off. There was another
MARINE there also. Their flight was delayed then cancelled. The
airlines was able to get them on a later flight. They were due
to report in at 1300 the next day. They finally got to
Charlotte and took off for J'Ville. They turned back due to bad
weather in J'Ville. Flight cancelled, good luck MARINES, we will
try to get you out the next day. By now it is 4 MARINES in the
same boat. They managed to keep in touch with SOI the whole
time. The next morning they arrived at the airport to find that
after another delay, the flight had been cancelled...again.
Panic time now. 4 new MARINES gonna be late. A man near the
counter overheard their plight. Took them to a rental car
counter, pencil whipped the contract, since he is a frequent
driver. Gave the oldest MARINE the keys and contract. Told they
to drive careful, be safe, turn the car in and SEMPER FI. I tear
up every time I relay this story.
Jim Wolter
1969-1974.
Proud father of 2 MARINES SONS.
"There is hardly such a thing as a war in which it makes no
difference who wins. Nearly always on side stands more or less
for progress, the other side more of less for reaction."
George Orwell
Please tell Dan Desmond thanks from an appreciative
American civilian.
---Nevada City Dave
Sgt. Grit,
Recently I had the privilege of seeing an elderly gentleman in a
local market who was wearing a Marine Corps emblem on his cap.
I greeted him with my usual Semper Fi and asked where he had
served. He said he had served on Guadalcanal and other islands.
Now I can't speak for all Marines but when I meet older Marines
who have gone before me, especially those who fought the island
campaign, my heart simply swells with pride. I thanked him for
his service and told him how proud of him I and other Marines
were. Then he asked where I had served. I told him I was in
Vietnam and his eyes began tearing up. He thanked me for my
service as well. Then, Bob, it dawned on me that we are all
Marines here. It doesn't matter what war or battle we fought
in. It doesn't matter if you were a cook on the rear lines or
used a screwdriver. We ALL contributed to the fray. We all did
our part. As for those of us who didn't receive our fair share
of parades etc. when we returned from Vietnam (that was every
fighting man and woman who was in Vietnam), who cares anymore.
As for the Marines coming up now, I have met a few in my travels
and I believe they look up to us as we look up to those who went
on before us. From those young Marines I have spoken to I feel
they have the situation under control and will not let us down.
They are simply carrying on a tradition started over 200 years
ago and I am as proud of them as I am of the gentleman who
fought on Guadalcanal. I still believe that the U.S. Congress
and the protestors lost the Vietnam War. We Marines and the
rest of the military were kicking *ss when I left. Had we not
been micromanaged by Congress and others we would have won that
war. We can't ask more than that. We all did our part. Feel
proud of being a Marine and never let anyone say you did not do
your part.
Cpl. Dennis V. Nix
HMM-265
1964-1968
title: Set Up
im a cadet in the mcjrotc program and our unit went to the
National Guard Base Camp Curtis Guild (MA) and it was about 0300
and my sgt major sent me and another cadet to go shut off the
light in the shed that lead to an underground tunnel. so we set
off with our moon beams and i start to think wow it is really
quiet around here, then i realize that my CO is no where to be
found. so me and the other cadet shut off the light to the shed
and the tunnel and i turn to walk away and i hear a scream about
3 ft behind me, i whip around and my commanding officer has my
friend in a head lock with his K-Bar's handle to her neck. he
looks at me, smiles and says..."if this were real you both would
have been dead..." that weekend i found out the true meaning to
my second general order, "To walk my post in a military manner,
keeping always on the alert and observing everything which takes
place within sight or hearing." Semper Fi!
Cdt PFC Sandland
BHSMCJROTC
October '07
"In peace, sons bury their fathers: in war, fathers bury their
sons."
Herodontus
Sgt. Grit,
I have twin sons that upon high school graduation they both
joined the armed forces, one Marine the other a Soldier. That
was a very proud time for me. After one hitch my Marine son
(married to a WM) got out and is pursuing a career in law
enforcement. My Soldier son now has 15 in and will soon return
from Afghanistan. This past August my grandson graduated from
MCRD and is deploying in March. I am fortunate to have seen a
son and grandson enter our armed forces and am very proud. I fly
the American flag, MIA/POW flag from my flag pole (purchased
from SGT Grit) and fly the Marine flag and Army flag from my
front porch. Have a few stories to tell later.
Semper Fi.
James Ree GySgt.(Ret.) 54-73.
I was active from 1968 thru 1974 with a tour in Vietnam.
I've relocated several times in my civilian life, just couldn't
settle down.
I now work on an air force base as a civilian employee.
I take a lot of good natured kidding about having been in The
Marines. Mostly derogatory remarks like "Jarhead" and such. But
they also show a lot of respect. Many times I ride my bike into
the base and it has Marine On the front and Last out no one left
behind on the rear. many times the gate guards after checking
my ID have come to attention and saluted, even though I'm
civilian and they don't have too. Pic of bike is attached. They
admit they considered it, but didn't feel they would be able to
meet the challenge of our boot camp and training. Many of the
active Airforce people I have come into contact with have been
TAD with a Marine unit (air towers, brigs, construction units).
They all say they came away with respect for us, but still feel
they couldn't take the discipline. Most air force people are
just civilians in a uniform. Very little respect in the enlisted
ranks.
Jr enlisted back talk to the senior and everybody calls each
other by first name regularly or hey "bro" and such, during
official duty assignments.
Sgt of Marines
'68 -74'
choo_choo
Adjutant Wyoming Chapter
Leatherneck M/C
Semper Fi
"....Thank God For the Marines...Eleanor Roosevelt"
"War is like love, it always finds a way."
Bertolt Brecht
Dear Sgt Grit
I am a Former Marine and My father is as well. I am writing in
response to the letter sent in that I have attached by L/CPL
Dennis Bischoff 71,73. I am writing to say that My Father was
the same way as Mr Bischoff as well. My Father would never
speak of his service in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1967 to
1972. He only mentioned his service haphazardly and the only
items I believe he ever kept were two rifle expert badges given
to me and My older sister. I was going no where in my life at
the time I enlisted and it was his suggestion that made me
consider joining the Corps. I spent 8 years with two of the
best infantry units in the 2mardiv (3/8 1996-1999) and the 4th
Mardiv (1/24 1999-2003)as a Mortar Man. My father was then
displaying Marine Stickers on his car and wearing all of the
Marine Corps T shirts I would buy him from the various bases I
would deploy to. I never really appreciated how proud he was of
me until I came home from leave one time and saw My moms coffee
mug on the table. It had a picture of My sisters and Niece and
said Mom's Brag Mug. I asked where is my picture. My Mom said
your Father has one with Just You in your dress Blues Marine
Picture on it at work. I think a lot of Marines from that time
felt it was just something they did and moved on but once they
see their kids going through it they can truly appreciate what
it is they did and how they have given back to the Corps a new
generation of warriors.
Sincerely Former Sgt James Shabelski 1995-2003
(3/8 Kosovo '99 and 1/24 Iraq '03)
Son Of LCpl James Shabelski 1967-1972
"No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible
hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of
the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to
the character of an independent nation, seems to have been
distinguished by some token of providential agency."
George Washington
MARINES ATTACKED IN BERKELEY, CALIF.
Written by Melanie Morgan
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
City Calls Marines
"Unwelcome Intruders"
SAN FRANCISCO - The City of Berkeley, California, has passed two
resolutions attacking the United States Marine Corps, calling
the Marines "uninvited and unwelcome intruders in the city."
The Berkeley City Council voted to condemn the Marines on
Tuesday night (January 29th) as part of a campaign by anti-war
activists to shut down a U.S. Marine Recruiting Center located
in Berkeley.
The votes by the Berkeley City Council were immediately
condemned by Move America Forward (website:
www.MoveAmericaForward.org), the nation's largest grassroots pro-troop organization.
"It is disgraceful that in the birthplace of the Free Speech
Movement, anti-military activists would attempt to silence the
same military men and women who serve this country and give
their lives to protect the free speech rights of all Americans,
including these ungrateful and despicable people on the Berkeley
City Council," said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America
Forward.
The actions by the Berkeley City Council followed continuous
protests by Code Pink and other anti-military organizations who
vandalized and defaced the U.S. Marine Recruiting Center in
September 2007.
One of the two resolutions passed by the Berkeley City Council
last night granted a parking spot in front of the Marine
Recruiting Center to be used by anti-military activists to
harass Marine recruiters. The anti-military activists would not
need to apply for a sound permit for the next six months -
allowing them free reign to disrupt the day-to-day operations by
the Marines.
Move America Forward organized a counter-protest in support of
the Marines last October that attracted more than 400 pro-troop
supporters who stood in solidarity of the Marine Recruiting
Center.
"We have hundreds of thousands of military men and women serving
honorably overseas to protect our freedoms. Imagine how they
feel when they go to turn on the news and see that they are
being stabbed in the back by shameful people here at home, it's
disgraceful!" said Catherine Moy, Executive Director of Move
America Forward.
Please get INVOLVED and let the Berkeley city council know that
you DO NOT appreciate their actions.
Contact the council
HEY fellow Marines, Aren't there ANY retired or "former"
Jarheads in Berkeley Cal, to take on those Code Pink bi..ches?
Makes me ill to see the Corps forced out of town, and by a bunch
of old hags!
Semper Fi! CPL James Hatheway 83-87
"The pacifist is as surely a traitor to his country and to
humanity as is the most brutal wrongdoer."
Teddy Roosevelt
i served for 20 years in the Corps a b.b. stacker, worked on
a-4's through the night attack harrier, helos from 29 palms to
Africa, recruiting duty to naval weapons evaluation facility
worked with all the services of our country and a bunch that
were not. proud to have served with some of the most outstanding
people both air and ground side, civilian and military
i really miss the feeling that someone has got your back, that
wherever you go your not alone i live in the beautiful upper
peninsula of michigan and when i really feel down i count on
just talking to my friends from all services we share a common
thread we took an oath that makes us the same...
jay hollnagel gysgt usmc ret. may 80-jul 00
"War is delightful to those who have had no experience of it."
Erasmus
Re: SSgt D.J Huntsinger's letter about the DaNang ammo dump.
The ammo dump explosion on April 27, 1969, killed only one
Marine (one too many) but did cause an estimated $120m loss to
the US. As CO, Alpha Co, 3d MP Bn, FLC, I was in the front row
for that day. The explosion, caused by the Vietnamese burning
out one of the roadside garbage dumps, caused damage to the USAF
bomb dump, the Navy POL dump, and some damage to the USMC fuel
farm. Of course, 3d MPs, being right next door to Ammunition
Supply Point #1 (ammo dump) suffered greatly. We did evacuate
the brig prisoners and the Vietcong POWs, and suffered the loss
of one Marine scout dog.
LEATHERNECK ran a story, together with my corrections, many
years ago.
Ed Craft, LtCol USMCR (Ret.) Plt 187, San Diego, 1505691
"I heard the bullets whistle, and believe me, there is something
charming in the sound."
George Washington
Regarding Spike Berner (SGT of Marines, 54-57) concerning
uniforms: I was part of the MarDet that put the MIDWAY (CVA-41)
into commission in 1957...we had our own way to make our
uniforms more 'salty'. Such as using Lincoln Ox Blood coloured
shoe polish on our dress shoes, that were double-soled and
heeled (leather heels)...bending the buckle on our green blouse
belt to reflect the shine more...sewing up the pockets on our
greens, tropical worsted, and khaki trousers...putting a "sea-
going dip" in our barrack covers as well as our p!ss
cutters...spit-shining the bill of our barracks cover... we even
bent our collar stays to make our field scarf's stand out from
the collar.
Our dress blue and green blouses were tailored so that we almost
couldn't bend over and breathing was tight! All our uniforms
were tailored to the utmost. Civilian clothes? Not bloody likely
(not allowed on board ship)...liberty cards were the standard
and the Duty NCO inspected each and everyone who left the
compartment to go on liberty--the standard was the same as if we
were standing a CO's inspection.
The only wallets we had or allowed to have, were flat ones that
only held our ID's, some folding money, and a couple of
ancillary cards. We took an example from the sailors and kept
our wallets folded over our belts in the front, under our
blouses. Socks were for smokes--mostly Luckies and Camels. Most
us in the MarDet had a small drop-pocket sown on the inside of
the trouser waist band for a lighter.
The Marine Compartment was equipped with a steam press to keep
our uniforms squared away at all times. Several of us
experimented with brushing in a light coat of Navy-issued floor
polish on the inside of the creases on our greens...talk about a
'sharp' crease! We never dry-cleaned our green trousers or
blouses; just kept steam-pressing/cleaning them every day...and
they looked more 'salty' that way.
The MarDet was also the gun crew of a twin 3" .50 caliber gun
mount on the port side next to the port outboard elevator and
almost under a 5" elevated turret. In addition, we always had a
Marine squadron deployed as an integral part of the CAG...not to
sure as this was 50 years ago, but I think they flew FJ
"Furies".
Semper Fi and Give 'Em H&ll, Marines...
Duke Ogden 1550484/0311 1956--1960
Sergeant of Marines
"It is the madness of folly, to expect mercy from those who have
refused to do justice; and even mercy, where conquest is the
object, is only a trick of war; the cunning of the fox is as
murderous as the violence of the wolf."
Thomas Paine
Hey Sgt Grit.
I love reading your articles. Each week I can't wait to read
about the experiences of those that have gone before us or those
that are currently serving. I wanted to write about my
community in Moscow, ID. Our neighbors know that I am away from
the home. While I am gone they take it upon themselves to
shovel snow from our driveway and the more than 200 feet of
sidewalk area. My wife is alone with our new baby boy and its
hard for her to go outside and shovel it with none to watch the
little man. As I speak Moscow is having a blizzard and has had
about 3 feet of snow in the last couple weeks and are expecting
another 16". The neighbors are out there snow blowing and
keeping our house clear sometimes twice daily.
Semper Fi,
Anthony Ripley
AW1(AW/SW/NAC) 1995-2007 USN
2nd LT 2007- Present USMC
Ref. "Soul was tried" by Thomas Bogan.
I take exception to his inference that those serving in peace-
time are "sunshine soldiers and summertime patriots. To infer
this degrades a great writer and patriot - Thomas Paine and the
1000's of Marines who have defended this country during times of
peace.
I suggest that Mr. Bogan read all of the documents that compose
"The Crisis". The term "sunshine soldiers and summertime
patriots" refers to those who are serving, but lack the
initiative, fortitude, courage and leadership to maintain there
conquest. An example by Thomas Paine is how Joan of Arc and a
rag-tag band of soldiers ran the British out of France.
Let's not condemn those who have not had the opportunity to
serve in combat.
Sam Goody
When people ask you where your son is stationed you can tell
them he is currently stateside. If they ask what he's doing just
tell them what company he's assigned to. If they ask why he's
where he is (depending on exactly what he's doing) tell them I'm
not at liberty to say. A really good response if they seem to be
losing interest. Above all if asked is he going to Iraq tell the
truth I don't know. Regardless of where he is or what he's doing
he's still a Marine and no matter what their MOS is they're all
part of a team that would not function the way it does without
everyone doing their part. Hope this helps.
P.M. of a former Marine
Terra
My Dad served in the Pacific Theater for a total of 2 yrs 8
months between '41 and '45, was on and off more islands with the
V Amphib than he can recall the names of...his DD-214 states
that his MOS was "Hvy AAFC man 596 - Hvy AA Gun crewman 596 -
Hvy AA Gun Crewman". I was told that when they caught somebody
with their hands in their pockets on the islands, they filled
the pockets with sand and sewed them shut...the offending Marine
walked and worked like that until his legs were rubbed raw.
Needless to say, even as a kid I NEVER had my hands in my
pockets!
Thanks Dad, I Love You and miss you!
Ken Heath
5711/0811 '82-'85
for Carl Brown
596 '41-'45
1925-2006
"It is a doctrine of war not to assume the enemy will not come,
but rather to rely on one's readiness to meet him; not to
presume that he will not attack, but rather to make one's self
invincible."
Sun Tzu, The Art of War
I was really disappointed and hurt when I went to get my taxes
done. No, getting them done wasn't the issue. I had on my sons
red Marine windbreaker. The owner of the H & R Block asked the
oft asked question, "Your son in the Marines?"
When I replied "yes" they preceded to ask where he was stationed
and what he was doing. I explained that he was at 29 palms,
but that prior to that he had been at 8th & I doing ceremonial
guard, parades and funerals. She laughed at me and said it must
be nice to have one doing all the easy work.
To say the least, I was hurt. Her son also is in the military,
but has served overseas in Iraq. I personally am glad he has
been kept safe on each of his tours. But I don't understand why
others who are serving and their families look down on those who
haven't gotten to the sand pit yet. Well, I replied that what my
son had done so far in his Marine career was honorable even
though he had not actually gone to war. Yes, he did those
parades, yes, he stood at President Fords casket, yes, he stood
at attention at MANY funerals at Arlington....Yes he did his
job.
Don't take away from my son the thanks that are due him, just
because he hasn't served in IRAQ and beyond.
In fact, he is headed to Afghanistan in April. I didn't feel I
had to explain that to this lady. She sounded stupid all on her
own. I pray every day for ALL that are serving. I guess there
will always be ungrateful out there.
Proud MOM of
a Corporal in the USMC
As usual, I welcomed receiving the most recent newsletter.
However, I was somewhat dismayed by something I saw in the
photograph of three uniformed Marines. One of them was standing
with his hands in his pockets.
When I served, 1954-1962, hands in pockets was akin to calling
your rifle a gun or dropping your rifle, etc.. Just plain not
done.
Is this new posture part of the inexorable drive towards
interservice jointness with the other services? I hope not.
Semper Fi,
Joe Weisberger
"The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be,
first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to
discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good..."
James Madison
Dear Sgt Grit...The below story (BS???) was passed to me through
the Email system. I thought it was great...and yes, true Marine
all the way. (Quite personally, I think there was a Speed Trap
set up and the local Marines found a way to get even). I
wondered if it might qualify for some special place in your
publications. Thanks for taking the time to read my stuff...
Robert C Bailey Jr
MSgt USMC (Ret)
61-81
Top this for a speeding ticket:
Two California Highway Patrol Officers were conducting speeding
enforcement on I-15, North of MCAS Miramar. One of the officers
was using a hand held radar device to check speeding vehicles
approaching near the crest of a hill.
The officers were suddenly surprised when the radar gun began
reading
300 miles per hour. The officer attempted to reset the radar
gun, but it would not reset and turned off.
Just then a deafening roar over the treetops revealed that the
radar had in fact locked onto a USMC F/A-18 Hornet which was
engaged in a low flying exercise near the location.
Back at the CHP Headquarters the Patrol Captain fired off a
complaint to the USMC Base Commander.
Back came a reply in true USMC style:
Thank you for the message, which allows us to complete the file
on this incident. You may be interested to know that the
tactical computer in the Hornet had detected the presence of,
and subsequently locked onto your hostile radar equipment and
automatically sent a jamming signal back to it. Furthermore, an
air to ground missile aboard the fully armed aircraft had also
automatically locked onto your equipment. Fortunately the Marine
Pilot flying the Hornet recognized the situation for what it
was, quickly responded to the missile system alert status and
was able to override the automated defense system before the
missile was launched and your hostile radar was destroyed.
Thank you for your concerns.
"The more help a person has in his garden, the less it belongs
to him."
William H. Davies
dear sarge, my farther has now joined the ranks of other fellow
Marines this Saturday. my dad was a veteran of both ww2 and the
korean campaigns. he got out of the Corps at the end of ww2 as a
sergeant, and a tech sergeant after korea. i saw a slogan at the
vet center that best put it in check "we stole the anchor from
the navy the rope from the army and the eagle from the air force
and one the seventh day the lord let his perimeter down and we
stole the world from him and have been guarding it ever since"
my dad has just joined those ranks of fine and great men.
yours truly,
pfc w. j. forney
usmc
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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