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Sgt Grit AmericanCourage Newsletter #187
13 NOV 2008 |
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To Mr. Tom Shepherd, Father of Marines:
Dear Sgt Grit, I would like to thank KB for his help that day on
the tour. My son is the young Marine from 2/3 and his name is LCpl
Matthew Bradford. He is a very courageous young man and I am very
proud of him. He has overcome some tremendous obstacles and is
still going strong. He is a true Marine and is very proud of his
brothers. He is hoping to stay in the Corp and work with the
wounded Marines and their families at the hospitals. He also
wants to do some public speaking. He has a lot of heart and soul.
As you can see, he has his legs and is walking whenever he can. He
is currently at the Hines VA Hospital at the Center for the Blind.
He has learned so many things so that he can be independent once
again. I know that he will achieve whatever goals he sets for
himself. I know that Matt can help others with whatever injury
they have because he is such an inspiration. He has helped me thru
all of this just by not giving up on himself. This is just a
sidestep for Matt to take and then he will be able to go forward
for the rest of his life.
I am a volunteer at the USO at Palm Springs International Airport.
We are here primarily to serve the Marines en transit to and from
the world's largest Marine Base at Twentynine Palms California.
Since opening almost two years we have had about 20,000 mostly
Marines come to us for services. Most are from 17 - 20 years old
guys barely old enough to vote but dedicated to serve their
country. Many are coming to 29 Palms for their final desert
training with Mojave Viper prior to deploying to Iraq or
Afghanistan. Some attend the Communications School.
"Let the American youth never forget, that they possess a noble
inheritance, bought by the toils, and sufferings, and blood of
their ancestors; and capacity, if wisely improved, and faithfully
guarded, of transmitting to their latest posterity all the
substantial blessings of life, the peaceful enjoyment of liberty,
property, religion, and independence."
Hi there I just wanted to share my new tattoo... this tattoo is
for my husband who was recalled in May and on Monday Nov 3rd will
check into Camp Lejeune! He will be in for one more year with a
deployment planned. Leaving behind myself and our 18 month old
son! It will be hard but I know we can make it thru!Thank you all
for all you do! I have also added a picture of my husbands
tattoo!
My son Stephen has been in the Marine Corp for just over 1 year.
He is now deployed in Iraq at Camp Al Asad. Better known as Camp
Cupcake. Our whole family is so very proud of him. He is in
motor transport and goes on convoys most everyday. He will be
returning home to Camp Lejeune the first part of March of 2009
where his family will be waiting for him. He signed up to serve
his country at the age of 17 before his senior year at high
school. He was proud to become a US Marine. He did his boot camp
training at Parris Island, South Carolina where we all went to see
him for his graduation on November 30, 2007. That will be a day
we will never forget. Here is a picture of my son in his vehicle
getting ready for a transport convoy in Iraq.
As a former Marine and my husband an Active duty Marine, we wanted
to send a picture of our 3 month old son, Landon as a future
Marine. Happy Birthday Marines! Semper Fidelis!
"We’ve gone astray from first principles. We’ve lost sight of the
rule that individual freedom and ingenuity are at the very core of
everything that we’ve accomplished. Government’s first duty is to
protect the people, not run their lives."
My story is not different from many that chose the Marine Corps
over the other fine branches. I made the decision late in 69 when
it was not very popular to be in uniform but I was only in the 9th
grade when within two weeks the Army and the Marine Corps brought
home to rest 2 of my neighbors, you know the ones that would take
the time to play ball with us young ones and really acted as a
role model. It was a sad affair but my Father being a Korean
Veteran in the Army ensured our family was present at both
services. The Army did a fine job bringing home their own but when
our next door neighbor came home with his escort from the Marines
it shed a whole different light on taking care of your own. It was
that day that I told my Father that I want to be a Marine. The
pride he showed made me know my decision was complete. I graduated
and was on delay entry, still remember going over the bridge in
the dark to the island to this day. Graduation came and my parents
made the long trek to the Island. My DI was the first to shake my
hand and call me a Marine, the second was my Father. A handshake
first followed by a hug I still can remember! He made it a point
while still on the Island that he was aware that I had gained a
whole new language which he did not mind hearing but asked it try
to keep my hard language away from my mother! It was on the third
day at home at breakfast that I slipped, I was reaching over for
more eggs and my glass of milk caught my sleeve and spilled with
great flare, out of my mouth came a normal reaction from a young
Marine a word I wish to this day I could take back because my
Mother just sat there with her head bowed due to the offensive
word only you fellow Marines can fill in. The funny thing is my
Father lowered and shook his head as he said in a low voice It
was only a matter of time! I went on to serve 21 years in our
beloved Corps and miss it every day. To those that are about to
serve, I rate being a Marine on life’s accomplishments second only
to my sons birth and my wife of 32 years understands she is third.
It can never be taken from you and you will wear it proudly and
defend it when necessary. Your country needs you more than ever
and the professionalism displayed by today’s Marine exceeds our
past and makes the Old Corps proud! I solute you all in uniform
but a special heartfelt, Semper Fi to all Marines past and
present!
SGT GRIT,
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like
men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it."
My son joined the Corps. in Feb. 2008, the Marine Corps. emblem
pumpkin brought tears to my eyes. I'm so proud to be an American
with a son serving this great country.
Just wanted to say great newsletter, and great merchandise. Please keep up the great work. Reading your newsletter brings to mind, the pride and esprit de corps all us Marines, (former, active and beyond) have been so honored to uphold. Being a Marine was my life's dream as a kid. Which in my particular case was not the thing a kid growing up in the streets of Compton, Ca. rarely ever considered. I'm proud to say that the Marines became the family that I never really had as a child. After six foster homes and dropping out of school in the 10th grade and living on the streets at 17. There was no doubt in my mind where I was headed. Someway, somehow the Marines took me in, I got my High School Diploma and first two years of college while stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. and MCRD, San Diego. I am a former Drill Instructor and a proud member of Ist Air Delivery, Camp Pendleton, Ca., Plt.Sgt.for 3rd Air Delivery Okinawa, Japan etc. etc. All I'm trying to say I guess is that the Marines took this kid off the streets and returned to it a Marine. That was over thirty years ago that I got out, but still proud to say "maybe not as lean, or as mean, but d*mmit still a Marine". Thank You Sgt.Grit for reminding me of some of the scariest moments I've ever had, some of the best of times I will ever live to have, and most of all to the only family I truly ever had, the U.S. Marines, Semper Fi and God Bless You All. Former Gysgt.A.D.Williams, USMC
"It's a funny thing, but, as years go by, I think you appreciate
more and more what a great thing it was to be a United States
Marine... I am a U.S. Marine and I'll be one till I die."
As a member of the 1st Marine Detachment, USS Enterprise from
1961-1963, it was my honor to serve as Orderly to ship's Captain
Vincent P.DePoix and for two shorter periods, Orderly to the
Father of The Nuclear Navy, the late Admiral Hyman E. Rickover. I
was basically a ceremonial bodyguard and stand-up administrative
assistant, but to have endless lines of Navy Commanders kissing my
butt all day to get in to see Captain DePoix or the Admiral was
interesting, unusual, and helped prepare me for my career as an
Advertising Creative Director and President. Besides getting an
up-close education on how large organizations are run, how some of
the world's best executives think and act, I got to know the
people who make everything go. About 5,000 of them; the officers
and crew of Enterprise were my own adopted small town. In my off-
duty time, I would hike all over the ship (then the world's
largest), sometimes for hours. On numerous occasions I'd encounter
a particularly cool young Navy Lt. and, if covered, would pop him
a smart Sea-Going Marine salute. if the passageway was empty, he'd
smile, wave off my salute and just say: how're doin'? If you said
that I knew John McCain was one very special individual before
most Americans did, you'd be right.
"I learned everything important about gun control on the rifle range." -- Marine Rifleman. Boy, if this doesn’t bring goose bumps or tears or both, then you can’t be moved by anything.
Sgt. Grit:
"Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers
from the consent of the governed."
First of all, Happy Birthday to all Marines wherever you are. And
then in response to "David" regarding the Veterans Hand
Salute. Personally I think this honor was long over due. In
fact I coined my own predecessor with the "Combat veterans
salute". I ride with the Patriot Guard Riders and found myself
feeling inadequate with the 'hand over the heart' salute for a
young man who had given all. I'm a combat vet from Nam(CAR)
and felt that the young man we were standing to honor had
earned entrance into an elite band of brothers. And so I would
wear my Nam Boonie hat and as the casket passed or the hearse
or taps were blown I would offer the hand salute just as if I
were in uniform. I recognized that it wasn't official but no
one ever called me on it- and there were always active duty
personnel at these funerals. When Congress finally followed my
lead the rest was easy- except no I don't even need the boonie
hat. Marines lead- proudly. At my son's graduation I was
standing in the theater box right over the stage and offered
the hand salute at the playing of the National Anthem. It's a
privilege I fought and served for. I'm proud of it. Join me.
Greetings from one of a 5 children who is very proud of our dad
and the many Marines that have come before him and after. Many
years ago a young man talked his very best friend into joining the
Marine corp. The United States was in at war with North Korea.
Although many say it wasn't one; just a little old police action.
His friends mother had wanted him to be a priest and Eddie had
other ideas one was the Air Force. My dad convinced him the Corp
was the right choice. They left and each went to different boot
camps and then onto different outfits. But they kept in touch
each describing what they experienced through out their training.
Eddie was sent over seas first. He was CPL Edward Trautwein 7th
Mar Reg. F Co 2 BN He ended on a place called Out-Post Vegas ,
where he died along with many others defending one of many hills
in Korea 03-28-'53. He was a radio operator. My dad over the last
few years has started to talk to us kids about this and his time
over in Korea. He just carries this guilt around with him.
Although he has found some peace through talking it out with our
minister. There is a part of him that wonders what happened that
day. He wishes he could talk to someone anyone who might recall
that day.
"We should never despair, our Situation before has been
unpromising and has changed for the better, so I trust, it will
again. If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new
Exertions and proportion our Efforts to the exigency of the
times."
I would like to say welcome home to 1/9. We missed them all I'm glad that everyone came back safe and sound. I just want to tell my husband that I love him and I'm so glad that he came back safe. I want to say thank you to all the other people that risk there lives and their families. I know its not the easiest thing to do. This is a pic of my husband and our daughter at his homecoming.
good morning sgt. grit, well. i finally made it. i am now private fingulin of the United States Marine Corps. three months of the island and all the hell that was involved with it turned out to be the best decision i ever made. for once in my life im proud of who i am and what ive accomplished. ive got the title marine and a beautiful fiancé. there's nothing else in life that ill ever need. goin off to SOI tomorrow so ill let yall know how that goes. esprit de corps goes deep. semper fidelis, private Fingulin born on 081017. ooh rah!
My brothers and sisters.. To think we started out 233 years ago,
as young men, some very young, protecting those that protected our
shores, armed with a single shot, a sword and only a leather neck
strap as protection. Fighting to free a country, and even though
they were out numbered they adapted, improvised, and overcame.
The story about the invasion of Grenada when 1st Lt Jeb Seagle was killed, written by Matt McGrath, 1st Lt, USMCR, Commo, Mag-29. The Marines in Lincolnton, North Carolina have started a Marine Corps League Detachment in honor of Jeb Seagle, named Capt. Jeb F Seagle Detachment #1265 and Lincolnton also has a street named in honor of Capt. Jeb Seagle. The Commandant of the Capt. Jeb F. Seagle Detachment is Hank Kaczmarek and his EMail address is kaczmarek [at] charter.net if you care to get in touch with him and maybe Capt. Seagle's brother who still lives in Lincolnton, NC. John W, Grindel, Sr. Vice Commandant, Department of North Carolina, Marine Corps League
Unsubscribe Reason: Even as an active duty Marine, I get sick and
tired of all the hatred for the mostly blind idiocy masquerading
as patriotism in your publications. I could quote you a little
Twain on patriotism, that it's the last refuge of scoundrels, but
instead, let this be my parting word to you: To create man was a
quaint and original idea, but to add the sheep was tautology. -
Mark Twain's Notebook Thanks. Salutation: First Name:
Liane Last Name: P......
"In the beginning of a change, the PATRIOT is a scarce man, and
brave and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid
join him, for then it cost nothing to be a PATRIOT."
Sgt. Grit, Thanks for helping me to keep up. My Dad was a fifth Div. Marine in W.W. II, myself in RVN. Son and Son-in Law in Iraq (2 tours), daughter in admin at MCB Camp Pen. Look forward to always hearing from you.
that thought you would like to see the new marine corps
transportation system. marine designation "bmxt". stands for
bicycle motorcross transport. just kidding. my son who is 15 and
an expert bmx racer in oklahoma city got me a bicycle and wanted
me to start racing in my age group (which will remain open but i
got out when we liberated kuwait). wanted to throw a little of my
own style on it so here it is. stickers were all courtesy of sgt
grits. a little hard to tell but the camo was a custom paint job
by my self and my son. turned out really special and i hope when
we take it to some of the national events that the marine corps
gets some of the respect they earn everyday.
Marines know how to use their bayonets. Army bayonets may as
well be paper-weights."
November 1968. 40 years ago. The place could be anywhere
"stateside" Marines are stationed. I had the honor to be the
Thanksgiving guest (along with a few other enlisted men) at the
table of 1st Lt Baldwin USMC on Thanksgiving day. His family was
absolutely delightful. This was my first Thanksgiving away from my
family (I'm a Marine- of course it wasn't the last). I was feeling
real sorry for myself when the Lieutenant put out "the word" that
we could come to his home. He even provided the transportation. As
I was thoroughly enjoying the dinner, it occurred to me that the
Lt had probably spent his share of Thanksgivings in the Corps away
from home. Many other Marines were even then away from home for
the first or many times- and my self-pity turned to admiration for
all those who serve. That day, while on my long road to maturity,
Lt Baldwin and his lovely wife taught me that Marines and their
families are all part of one large family. And I have thought
about their kindness that Thanksgiving and every one since.
The United States Marine Corps, with it fiercely proud tradition
of excellence in combat, its hallowed rituals, and its unbending
code of honor, is part of the fabric of American myth."
Sgt Grit Newsletter,
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to
continue that counts."
Dear Sgt. Grit,
In response to New England Marine Mom:
Chief Justice John Marshall said it all in one sentence: "The power to tax is the power to destroy."
On Friday October 24, 2008 6 honorably discharged Marines and
their wives went down to the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot in
San Diego, California, to see a friend graduate from boot camp.
So many memories came back to us, and a good time was had by all,
as 607 proud, young men assumed the coveted title of "U.S. MARINE"
that day, and 6 proud veteran Marines reminisced in pride along
with them.
Joke:
Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Why in hell can't the Army do it if the Marines can. They are
the same kind of men; why can't they be like Marines!?
God Bless America! |