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Sgt Grit,
One of the best quotes I've seen in a while:
"You're making the wrong assumption that a Marine by himself is
outnumbered."
Gen Peter Pace, 28Jul06
Reminded me of when I came home on leave from Boot Camp and went
to a local hangout a small cafe down town Roseburg, Oregon. I
took my now wife Nancy and a civilian friend of mine I went to
school with not yet enlisted in the Corps. When leaving the cafe
three punks followed us out and were making fun of my Dress Blue
Uniform. We all could see that they were inching for a fight. My
friend took off like a rocket and my girl friend asked me to
leave as well. I turned to her and said if I do this then I
dishonor this uniform and myself. I said no I am staying and
they looked at me and one of them said you going to fight all
three of us? I smiled (but inside I was shaking and wondering if
I could do any damage to one or more of them), I said yes it
would not be fair fight unless I took all three of you on. The
leader said; I know you form school don't I and I said yes you
do and now your going to know more about the Marine I am. He
then said they were just joking and said he was sorry and they
turned around and left. I was ready to do it all on my own. My
Drill Instructors in Boot Camp taught us we could do anything as
Marines that nothing was impossible; that Marines don't run they
stand and fight no matter what the odds. Scared as I was and
alone as I stood there, I was one against more and I was not
going to move or run. They taught us well in the Corps Sgt Grit
and that day I stood even taller as a Marine. My girl friend (my
wife today), was so proud of me however, she nagged on me about
it for a week.
Semper Fi,
Donald Yoder
Sgt USMC Ret.
Vietnam Veteran 3rd Marine Division att: 9th Marines 65-66
Note:
Marines I can't express what an honor it is to put this
newsletter together. To be the first to read all that will go
into it each week. To be the first to get 'something in my eye'.
To be the first to read the emotion, patriotism, honor,
tradition, and humor that go into each letter. I have one h&ll
of an outstanding job. Thank you for your participation.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
His Eyes Lit Up
Sgt.Grit.
I came to the States from Ireland in the Jan.64 and joined the
Marines in July and went to Parris Island PLT 267.I served in
Nam from Dec 65 to Sept.66. After I received my second Purple
Heart I spent a week in Da Nang Hosp. then 3 days in the
Philippines and 3 days in Japan but ended up in Portsmouth Naval
Hosp, as I had a sister in Norfolk. After awhile they assigned
me to the security section to check on the officers rooms to see
if they needed anything and empty their trash cans etc.I wore
civilian clothes and after about 3 days an elderly gentleman in
the end room asked me if I was a civilian but when I said "No
sir I'm a Marine" his eyes lit up and said "I'm a Marine myself"
and got real excited. He said he retired a 4 star Gen.and was
asst.Comandant. His name was Gen.Christian Schilt and said he
received The Medal of Honor in Nicaragua in 1928.
He said the
Marines had to run out and grab the wings as he didn't have any
brakes but on his third trip to get the wounded out he brought a
case of whiskey and boy the morale shot up. He was very
interested in Nam.and enjoyed hearing stories first hand so we
talked a lot. When I was getting a haircut he came in and sat
with me while we waited. When I left the I had to report to
Marine Barracks to await orders but when I was checking in a
Staff.Sgt.said "The Sgt.Major wants to see you" so I was trying
to figure out what I did but when I reported to him he asked me
if I knew Gen.Schilt so I said 'Yes Sir' so he said well he
called over here and said he was really impressed with you and
told me to take care of you so he assigned me to Motor transport
with my own office for 2 months and 45 days leave back to
Ireland before heading back to Camp Lejeune.What a great man he
was.
Sgt. R.D.O'Connell USMC '64-'68.
Thanks to all Marines
wherever you are for your service.
Patriot Edition
Sgt. Grit,
wanted to send you a picture of my 2007 Harley
Davidson Marine Corps Patriot Edition Streetglide. I saw them
advertising that would build one for you in late 2006. I sent in
a copy of my DD214 and then picked up my new Harley in early
2007. It has the Marine Corps. emblem on the tanks combined with
the Harley. Also has a United States Flag on the rear fender.
Just received my new USMC license plate holder from your catalog
and put it on. Looks great ! I joined the Marines in 1981,
served active until 1985. Stayed in the reserves until 1989,
then after 7 years of missing the camaraderie I joined the US
Navy "Seabees". I was called to duty at Ground Zero for 9-11
under Gov. Pataki in the NY Naval Militia. Was there for a few
weeks providing security. My Battalion NMCB 27 is in IRAQ right
now, couldn't go with them. They took me down to an E-3, so I
had to work my way back up the chain. I'm also a member of the
"LEATHERNECKS" motorcycle club, and the "LEGIONRIDERS". Keep
those e-mails coming, it's great to read the stories and quotes.
Semper Fi! EO1 {SCW} Tomcat Gray
I Can Understand
Sgt.Grit, I can understand K.G.Smith's father's concern for his
guilt feelings on 11-11-52.we of E-2-5, attacked Hill104, Ungok,
however three days prior our squad, short a fireteam short of
squad strength, having two. I was rifleman of one and Ruben
Rodriquez was the point rifleman of the other. We alternated
points on each patrol and that night it was my turn out as
pointman. Well, I was informed that Ruben was to have the point,
that night, Ruben was killed by an enemy machine gunner. I
donated a brick in memory of Ruben Rodriquez, Ungok Nov. 1052
Easy25,which is located on the path to Semper Fi Park near
"Commitment" at the U.S. Marine Museum in Quantico,VA., that
memory of Ruben's death, stayed with me all these years and
still does.
Semper If
Vincent E,Heslin
Note The Durability
Dear Sgt. Grit:
Last Saturday as my wife Barbara was driving our Mariner a 6
Point Buck ran into the Mariner. The buck darted out of a wooded
area that was adjacent to Rt 422 (outside of Phila, Pa).
Fortunately, neither my wife or I were hurt. Unfortunately, a
Pa. State Trooper had to put the buck out of its misery.
Please at the attached pictures and note the durability of the
U.S. Marine License Plate that I purchased from Sgt. Grit. I
thought that you may enjoy the story.
OORAH
Semper Fi,
Jim Haley, Jr.
It Runs In The Medina Family!
From left to right: Andy-Poolee-Son, Diego-Marine-Son, Freddy-
Marine, YM XO-Father Picture by Terri Marquez
El Paso Young Marines have a lot to be proud of. Former Young
Marine, SgtMaj Medina (Diego) recently graduated from boot camp
on October 4, 2008 & was named the Honor Man. He is now at Camp
Pendleton for his MCT. Little brother Andy wanted one thing for
his recent 17th birthday: to be taken to the Recruiter's
office. Andy is now a Poolee & will leave for boot camp in June
2009. Dad Freddy, is a Marine & is also the XO for the El Paso
Young Marines.
Picture #2
From left to right: Freddy-Marine-YM XO-Father (notice the
great shirt purchased from Sgt Grit!) and Diego-Marine-Son
Picture by Terri Marquez
Celebrating the tradition in the Medina Family, from El Paso,
TX, in joining the greatest fighting force in the world, Father
Freddy decided to congratulate Son Diego's recent earned title
of Marine by buying him a tattoo. In fact, the same tattoo
Freddy himself had put on when he earned his title of Marine,
back in the 80s, will also be the same tattoo he'll again buy
for his other son Andy, who recently became a Poolee. When Andy
completes boot camp in September 2009, father & son will take a
trip to the tattoo shop to memorialize the greatest title ever
earned: MARINE.
I Didn't Bother
Marines:
This day, Our Marine Corps is 233 years old. I had the wonderful
pleasure this weekend to be in Arlington National Cemetery, and
see also the Iwo Jima Memorial, also know as the Marine Corps
Memorial. I walked around the Iwo Jima Memorial, not knowing
what I was supposed to be feeling. I circled it twice, snapped
photos of the sculpture, the base, it was beautiful. As I walked
around the side to the right, a 12 or 13 year old boy was on the
surrounding ledge, walking around the memorial. I motioned with
my arm for him to get down. He did, and walked back to his
folks. Another guy from my training class, asked why I did that.
"Are you kidding? He was walking on my memorial!"
He wanted me to explain, but I didn't bother. He was Air Force.
In addition to not allowing others to tarnish anything
representative of the Marine Corps, do not forget about
yourselves. Others see you, and know who you are, what you
represent. Don't allow the heritage of the Corps to be anything
but the best within your life.
Happy Birthday, and Semper Fidelis!
-Jeremy Doxey, Former Corporal of Marines, 1992-1996
Private or Recruit
JJ Chervinko, no feathers ruffled here brother. Went through PI
in 1966 and I honestly don't remember being addressed as
recruit. Private wasn't used very often either. The DIs had
more colorful names when addressing recruits or privates, if you
know what I mean. A cursory review of my SRB revealed that some
entrees were scribed as recruit and others as Pvt. I really
never gave it much thought. Recruit or private don't mean
nothin'. It all comes down to when you're first addressed as
MARINE. What more can I say, but.
Semper Fi!
Joseph Alvino
Sgt., USMC
Juke Box In Kinville
Sgt.Grit
In response to 1st Sgt. Lay's letter, I was looking for his
record a year or so ago, and in the process found your site. If
the 1st Sgt. puts out a CD of his record let us know, I remember
listening to his songs on a juke box in a cafe on Hill St. when
I was a "boot" in '75. Also what should I find on an old juke
box in a out of the way bar in Kinville back in the spring of
'88? All the junior NCO's in my platoon spent the evening in
that place. Anyway reading the 1stSgt's letter brought back a
few memories, I think he put out an album with quite a few tunes
on it. Would like to get a copy if it gets remade.
Thanks,
Sgt.Peterson, TOWS (tired of walking)
Vetting Process
Subject: Member has unsubscribed.
The following member has unsubscribed: joe1ch......... from all
lists.
They were logged on the Opt Out List.
Date: 11/13/2008
Reason: i was declined for service in the usmc becasue there
"vetting process" is a joke.
Note: I think he has the joke part backwards. In 1968 we were
told on the last day of boot camp what our MOS was. He
can't spell or capitalize either.
Sgt Grit
Mentally Kicked My
Sgt Grit:
I enjoyed reading the letter from 1stSgt Bob Lay...but the
Marine song I remember when I was in Chu Lai in '68 to the
tune of the ""Green Berets"", could not have been aired on
any stateside radio station...it was side splitting. and I
wish I could remember the words..it would have made a
Marine Chaplain blush.
I am a Marine and was also in the Army...'80-'82..in answer to
the question posed by Gen Pershing....Marines have Brotherhood
and Pride. The Army does not. As a Sgt at Ft Bliss in '81, I had
to march a platoon of soldiers to an area...I had them stop and
watch a L/Cpl MARCH 2 PFC Marines, past us...and mentally
kicked my own butt for entering the Army.
Mark Gallant...Marine L/Cpl...66-69
It Always Brought
Sgt Grit,
Reading AMERICAN Courage Newsletter # 187 of 13 Nov 2008, I
know how Pete Formaz feels. I went through those same feelings
on 14 different occasions at PISC myself and also in Third Bn.
H Co. from Jan. 1970 to Mar. 1973. I also had the occasion to
work at OCS in Quantico from March 1973 until November 1975
training officer candidates I had one Plt. as a Junior before I
was given the Black Belt. After each Plt graduated I would
always stop and look back on them and remember what they looked
like when I first met them at Receiving and then compare them
upon Graduation. It always brought a lump in my throat that took
sometime to delete. Most of the times after graduation in the
mornings I would have to go back to Receiving in the afternoon
to pick up a fresh platoon of new bodies and start over again.
It was always hard to go from a graduation to a whole new
platoon of new faces after just seeing what you had just trained
leave to take their place among the FINEST. I knew they were
not fully trained to meet what they had to face in their new
units but I knew they were trained to the best of my ability as
a basic fighting machine that would be further trained to meet
the mission they would receive from their receiving unit. My
job was to train them to be BASIC trained to the customs,
courtesies. First Aid, History, etc that would last them for the
rest of their time in OUR CORPS. After living with them most of
the time they were in training and seeing them walk off the
Parade Deck at the end of training always brought a chill to my
spine. Stopping and reflecting back on what they had
accomplished and how they had grown from young kids into grown
men was something that made my chest swell with pride. I know
there was more training they needed but you can only teach so
much in the period of time that you have them under your wing. I
went through Third Bn Q Co Plt 368 back in Sept to Nov 1962 and
still remember my DI's, Cpl P.L. SABAT, Cpl. Hopp and SSgt
Rowan. AS has been said many times in your Newsletter, you never
forget your DI's. If there are any of the Marines out there
that I trained at either PISC or Quantico that would like to
contact me, I would be proud and honored to hear from you. Keep
up the good work that you are doing Sgt Grit and a BIG SALUTE to
you for what you have done. To all My fellow Marines and
Corpsmen, SEMPER FI and Best Wishes Happy Thanksgiving and Merry
Christmas. May you always have a full stomach and a place to
hang your cover.
SEMPER FI,
MGYSGTRet'd Billy J. Russell 2007227
Sept. 1962 - Sept. 1985
0311, 3611, 1521, 1541 & 8511
Old Timers
Regarding the letter from "Pete Formaz" (American Courage #187)
I went to my son's graduation in 2003. He was a member of Plt.
2006 in PISC. It was emotional. As I watched the over 500
recruits (now Marines) march across the grinder I had to hold
back the tears. I knew that many of these kids would end up in
Iraq or Afghanistan. Another emotional time was at the beginning
of the ceremony when the announcer recognized that "once a
Marine - always a Marine" and asked all "former Marines" to
rise, stand in the bleachers for an applause. I did as well as
many others. I saw lots of "old timers" with tears streaming
down their faces. A non-emotional moment was getting yelled at
by a Marine Sgt. because my family and I were walking in the
street instead of on the grass. Go figure. We used to get
"drilled" for walking in the grass and not on the street.
To Pete Formaz I graduated from PISC in 1965 (Plt. 313) and I
believe you were one of my junior drill instructors under senior
drill instructor SSgt. Barker. I will always remember you all. I
had a lump in my throat the day we boarded the buses out of PI
for Lejeune in '65 and you shook my hand. Never doubt whether
you had a positive impact on your recruits lives. You did. The
things you taught me served me well during my tour of duty as a
grunt in Vietnam with the 26th. Marines and afterwards in
civilian life.
Semper Fi.
C. Carter
Plt. 313 PISC 1965
3rd.Bn. 26th Marines (Vnam)
Top Shelf Quality Warriors
Sgt Grit-
I am a retired Marine 1stSgt. 1977-1998. I am currently a
civilian contractor stationed in Afghanistan in support of the
Police Program. I was given the opportunity to be embedded with
the Marines of Echo Co., 2/7 in southern Afghanistan. Although I
have been retired for 10 years, it made my heart proud to see
that the Marine Corps is still producing top shelf quality
warriors. The living conditions were very austere. 130-140
degrees during the day, a river to bathe and wash our clothes
in, tents and of course, no AC. The Marines never griped or
complained, they went about the business of being Marines.
Constant patrols in addition to the added tasks of mentoring and
training the Afghan National Police. They also had the burden of
putting up with an old retired Marine. They were generous to a
fault and a pure joy to work with. I just want the parents of
these young Marines to know that they can be extremely proud of
their sons!! I have never been prouder to claim the title of
United States Marine. Semper Fi 2/7 and keep up the great work.
Robert Kinkead
Border Police Advisor
RTC Gardez
Afghanistan
Marine's Version (The Ballad of the Green Beret)
Sgt Grit,
Thanks for your response to my submission. Below are the words
to the Marine's version of "The Ballad of the Green Beret". As I
mentioned previously, I don't know who the author is of these
words, or from whom I got these words. I have had these words
since about 1968, and have sang them many times around the
barracks, etc. I hope Bob Rickabaugh and William Pippin are
still reading the newsletter and see this. Simper Fi, &
"Continue to March" Bob Lay 1stSgt Retired 1953-1975
Marine's Version
(The Ballad of the Green Beret)
We're the men, U. S. Marines,
Dirty, rough and fightin' mean,
From the states we came this way,
We couldn't care less about the Green Beret.
We stalk in paddies, both night and day, Don't need chutes or
the Green Beret, Have no wings upon our chests, But we are our
country's best.
With steel pots upon our heads,
We fight like h&ll and eat hot lead,
So, keep your caps and silver wings,
We'll send them home with all your things.
We patrol and fight V.C.,
Fighting the cong to make men free,
One hundred men were overrun today,
We saved them all-the Green Beret.
I saw Marines, who gave their lives,
So the Green Beret could see their wives.
If I die in this far off land,
I hope it's for a better man.
While they stomp and sing their songs,
We search the fields and kill the cong,
We're the men, who fight each day,
Since '75 it's been that way.
Back at home a young wife waits,
Her brave Marine, he's met his fate,
He has died so others could live,
For his Corps that's what he'll give.
I know this song won't be a hit,
But, we Marines could give a ____.
And when it comes to glory and fame,
We'll kick your butts and take your names.
We're the Marines from old 3/9,
H&ll in a helmet that's our line,
So wise up "Doggie and "Green Beret",
We'll still be here when you fade away.
Drop Them
One of the funniest things I've ever seen in my life happened in
boot camp. I was part of platoon 3075 at Parris Island in 1982.
We had gone through the Confidence Course that day and had
already hit the showers. Our Series Commander decided to do an
inspection looking for excessive blistering, bruising, etc.
We were all on-line in our shower shoes and boxer shorts. The
Lieutenant and our "heavy hat" DI (SSgt Almond) would step in
front of each recruit. The recruit, while at attention, would
raise his arms until they were parallel with the deck with his
palms up, then flip his hands palm down, drop his hands, then
slowly turn around so the Lt. could get a good look at him.
This went fine for the first dozen or so recruits. Then came
Pvt. "Treestump". The Lt. and DI stepped in front of Treestump.
He raised his hands, flipped them over, and just stood there
with his hands up. The Lt. waited a few seconds for Treestump to
drop his hands and turn around like everyone before him had
done.
When it became clear that Treestump was going to stand there all
day with his hands up, the Lt. said "Drop them." Treestump
replied with a very confused "Sir?". The Lt. repeated "Drop
them!". Treestump said "Yes sir!", and proceeded to drop his box
shorts to his ankles.
The Lt. looked at Treestump with total, absolute, complete
disbelief. The DI dropped his head as if to suddenly look at his
shoes. I'm convinced he did this so his cover would hide his
face. The Lt. slowly shook his head once, turned, and strode
from the barracks without a word and without looking at the rest
of the platoon.
The workout I got trying to not laugh was far more difficult
than the Confidence Course that day.
That was 26 years ago, and I still laugh whenever I think about
it.
Ron Bergeron
Red Deck Shine
While serving with H&S Co 3RD Amph. Asslt Bn. Camp Pendleton in
'79, we were preparing the squad bay for inspection. I got the
bright idea to use old towels under the floor buffer to make the
red deck shine like rubys. Just before it was our turn the Sgt.
Major came in and just about had a heart attack. We were told in
no uncertain terms that there is one way and one way only to do
things and this was not it. In a mad scramble we had to slop
down more wax and buff the deck in the prescribed scroll
pattern. In the nick of time we got done and in position. We
passed our inspection. As soon as everyone left I got out the
towels and made the deck look like it had been spit shined. I
guess it was my non-conformist streak that made me do it.
Besides all that wax stuck to your socks or shoes and would ball
up and make a mess to clean up. Almost everyone who came through
commented on how good it looked, but, we always did it by the
book for inspection days after that. I have always wanted a red
concrete floor so I could make it shine like that one did.
Anytime I see red concrete I think of that day and get a good
laugh.
Mike
All I Heard Was
Happy Birthday Marines,
Met a gentleman last week while watching the World Series at
a local sports bar. He was Florida born and raised, and told
him I got to Florida from Pennsylvania, via the Marine
Corps. He introduced himself as Retired Lt. Col. Something
(all I heard was Lt. Col.). I, in turn, introduced myself
very quickly, with quite a bit of snap, as Sgt. Amey, Sir.
Didn't even think about what I was saying or about to say
until I already said it. Then, we both just said 'Semper
Fi', and continued our baseball and beer. He was cheering
the Rays and me, the Phillies. Hope to run into him again
sometime to talk duty stations, etc. Not too many serviceman
who discharged instead of retired introduce themselves by
their former rank, but "Once a Marine, Always a Marine".
Again Happy 233rd!
Semper Fi,
Sgt. Amey (former Marine)
(AAV Battalions, 1974 - 76, and 1980 - 88)
YATYAS
We Had To Die Them
I reported for duty to MCRDSD in March 1964 (Plt. 222), we were
issued brown shoes (we had to die them black), the old style
wool greens and M1's. During basic we turned in the M1's and
received M14's. Having visited MCRDSD in 1994, almost 30 years
to the day since I first reported I missed seeing the old
"Quonset" huts, next to the 'grinder'. Camp Matthews and the
tents for living at the 'range' was a real experience, "Big and
Little Agony" for conditioning, guard duty on some of the
darkest ranges I've ever seen. Then ITR back at Camp Pendleton.
Gen. B. Hockmuth was CG of MCRD, he later died in chopper crash
in Nam, and now has a street named after him at MCRD. I'll
always remember that I got to stand on the brass foot prints at
Receiving Barracks. Happy Birthday Marines.
Sgt. B. James "Dutch" Naberhuis
1964 - 1967
Then Stone Cold Silence
I just returned tonight from attending the 2d MLG, Marine Corps
Birthday Ball Celebration held at Paradise Point Officer's Club,
Camp LeJeune, NC. The 2d Division Marching Band was there-
adding an exquisite sound to the occasion. Oh, what a night!
My thoughts raced back to other "Birthday Balls" or
"celebrations," like the one I spent with most of you in a
remote landing strip base 26 miles southwest of DaNang- in An
Hoa. I remember that night like it was yesterday. At midnight,
November 10th was ushered in to some of the most raucous yells
from bunkers all around the 2/5 defensive perimeter. Artty fired
illumination, pom-pom clusters were fired by everyone- from the
COC Tower Watch to the bunkers...I think I even saw my shop
teacher from the 7th grade set one off! All I know is that
somewhere in the heavens over An Hoa, a mighty chorus of Marines
past- joined the chorus of Marines present who were crying out
their own special war cries and birthday sentiments. I
distinctly recall, as we tried to restore some semblance of
order ...amidst the dark and silence of night, came the sudden
insertion of a lone Marine voice- "Goodnight Chesty, wherever
you are!"...and the laughter and then stone cold silence that
re-inserted itself in the stark reality of Vietnam to our
infantry battalion- and THE most decorated infantry regiment in
Marine Corps history. What a group and what a team! And how I'd
give a lot to be back there with each one of you right now- as
we were then- each watching the other's back with complete
confidence. That was then.
Friday night, I watched my son, a Marine 1st Lieutenant, and his
buddies, and a host of senior officers, toast the 233d Birthday
Anniversary of our Corps, amidst all the color and regimental
sound that befit such an occasion, in Camp Lejeune. The River
reflected sparkling light. The decorations and banners were
right on! All the Lieutenants' dates were hot, the senior
officer's ladies were elegant and the dinner and conversation-
absolutely superb! Command voices barked, the march-on of the
colors was crisply executed and civilian guests mouths were
slightly open with eyes reflecting the "wow" spectacle that
Marine Corps precision and execution always evokes. And those
dress blues....and mess dress uniforms....ladies hearts just
don't stand a chance...
So....here's to you, my fellow Marines, friends and family
members of Marines:
Happy Birthday, Marines...to all of you, on our 233d! ooOORah!!
Semper fi,
Carry on....
Jim Meyers
I Ran Over To Him
This is in response to JJ Chervinko's Question "At what point in
boot camp were you all able / allowed to refer to yourselves as
Privates?". This recruit....I mean...."I" went to Parris Island
on February 14, 1989 and graduated with platoon 1035 on May
8th,1989. From Day one we were nothing, pieces of sh!t. We were
never aloud to refer to ourselves as anything other than "THIS
RECRUIT"! Even until the day we graduated. Once we graduated, we
then were referred to as Marines!! Ooooorah! Still motivated the
heck out of me. And yes, that was a really difficult transition.
I remember from there I spent a week to two weeks on leave, and
then reported to SOI for training. I got put on fire watch first
thing in the middle of the afternoon upon returning. A Sgt came
into our bustling barracks looking for the fire watch. Even with
that 2 weeks off, I ran over to him like most boots, already at
attention, thumbs on trouser seams as I ran, spouting off "This
recruit....." "Your not a recruit any more Marine" he
interrupted, and I was still just tongue tied. I didn't know
what to refer to myself as! Those sure were the good ol days. As
far the PI vs. Hollywood Marines....I think most of us have that
one figured out. Yes the west has the mountains, the east has
sand fleas, but we are all worked over, pushed to our limits and
beyond, mentally and physically. Hardened, proven, and put to
the test equally enough to earn the right to be called "MARINE"!
Oooorah, and Semper Fi Marines young and old tomorrow is our
233rd, and we look d*mn good!
B. Butas
89-91 USS America
91-93 2/2
Rule #2
I went to Parris Island on 1 July 68, graduated 6 September.
D.I.s were all Staff Sergeants - Strasbaugh, Willis, and
Hensley.
Before I left home, my Daddy (WWII Army Vet) gave me two rules
to live by -
1) There are three correct answers - YES, SIR, NO, SIR, and NO
EXCUSE, SIR
2) NEVER VOLUNTEER.
I forgot rule #2 just once: SSGT Strasbaugh came in one
morning and asked for three good swimmers. It was July, it was
hot, I was an expert swimmer. All I could picture was swimming
across some cool lake to help our D.I. out with some problem
while the rest of the platoon sweated through another day of
training in the sweltering heat.
So, I raised my hand. Well, two other recruits and I were
escorted out and loaded into a van. We were driven over to the
base NCO club, where there had been a genuine barroom brawl the
night before. There were beer bottles and drink glasses
shattered, glass was everywhere, the place smelled of stale
beer, blood, and vomit. We three good swimmers spent the day
cleaning up that putrid mess while EVERYBODY ELSE went though
drown proof training in a nice cool swimming pool.
I never forgot rule #2 again!
PFC William Horn
1/3 RVN 1969
Retired GySgt 1972-1992
Was On Okinawa
Sgt. Grit,
My name is Luther Edward Paulk [283600] I believe I might
qualify as an old salt. I joined the Corps March,15,1940. Went
through boot camp at p.i.plt 33,After graduation, joined the 3rd
Def. ban. which was at P. I.. in June of 1941 we shipped out
from Charleston, navy yd . aboard the old ship Orizaba for
Reykjavik, Iceland. and I was stationed at Alafoss, where Brig.
Gen. Marston had his office. That's where we were on the 7th. of
Dec, when the Japs. attacked Pearl Harbor. It was on A Sunday
afternoon, and I will never forget that. We made it back to the
States early 1942. From there on out to the Pacific, and was on
Okinawa when they dropped the first Atomic Bomb, from there, we
shipped out in Sept. 1945 to Tientsen China. Shortly after
arriving I came down with Pneumonia, and was shipped back to
Naval Hospital, Oakland Ca. and eventually was discharged Sept.
1946.
Not A Happy Camper
Reference Sgt Ken Bowden's inspection story with H&HS MCAS
Kaneohe. I was with SOMS/GEMO 74-77 at Kaneohe and worked out
at the GCA Radar in the middle of the airfield. We had a BIG
Hawaiian 1st Sgt and I once made the mistake of correcting him
in front of the entire Squadron as to the proper method of doing
D&C with a M-14. He left the Squadron standing in place while
racing back to his office to check the manual. I was right, and
he admitted it to the Squadron, but he sure made me aware that
he was not a happy camper to have been corrected like that!
Jeff Howards
Sgt, 73-77
How Many Belt Loops
Sgt. Grit,
First of all thanks for the great newsletter, and to all the
past, present, and future men and women of this great family
called the United States Marine Corps. I was just wondering what
questions were asked of other Marines on these boards? Here are
a few that I got asked:
1. How many trucks are in the Marine Corps?
2. How many holes are in an MRE cracker?
3. How many belt loops are on your BDU trousers and what do they
represent?
There are many more, I am just wondering if anyone else got
asked these questions or something like them.
Semper Fi and Thank you,
Stephen R. Hartley
Comm Co. 1st and 3rd FSSG
2512/2515 Wire Dawg
Desert Storm/ Somalia Vet.
89-93
Sandals And Sunglasses
Sgt. Grit,
Many thanks for these message boards about Marines. Would you
permit me to put to rest the ever on going argument about Parris
Island against MCRD San Diego Marines , from an Old Marine. I
was assigned to MCRD, San Diego and what a treat. We didn't
have DI's, but were assigned Marine mommies to help us get over
our home sickness by making cookies for us every day. Our
bucket issue was sandals, sun glasses, sun tan oil, and we got
to go to the beach every day to find California girls to rub in
the sun tan oil. Our mommies would read bed-time stories to us
each night around the camp fire, then tuck us all in to sleep.
The only truly hard time we had was using battery operated, hand
held vacuums to suck up sand fleas to box up and mail to the
recruits at Parris Island. We never got the skin head hair cuts,
our mommies had professional hair salon experts to fix us up so
we would fit in with the regular California "dudes". Our only
difficulty was "fitting in" with the Marines at Pendleton after
boot camp.
Hopefully, all of us can appreciate my humor, because no one
ever asked me where I went to boot camp, never in the six years
I served. Nor was I promoted or passed over because of where I
got my boot training. That little Pis-ing contest needs to be
put to rest. My highest honor was to wear the herring-bone green
utilities with the USMC on the pocket, they were almost sacred.
And the honor of serving with other Marines. My best to all of
you, young and old, we serve each other.
Semper Fidelis Always
Former Sergeant J.N.Wade
1533271/1811
1943
Sgt. Grit,
Thanks for putting up the photo of my son "Doc" Hagins on your
site. Thought your readers might like to see these photos of my
late Uncle David M. Porteur who was with H Co. and landed on
Bouganville with the 2nd Raiders in early November 1943.
Mike Hagins
Turlock, CA
Protecting His Life
I was assigned to a MAG in Iwakuni Japan and we had a recall and
I went to air operations and saw some pretty big birds sitting
there and asked one pilot where he was from and he said Bien
Hoa. I was a staff sergeant then so I went to block 8 and told
everyone in my outfit [ground support] to pack up and nail the
lids on the boxes because this was not a drill. We went to Bien
Hoa which had been getting hit pretty bad from the VC massing in
Long Bien and hitting the air force base. One night we were lit
up like a Christmas tree with dozens of rounds after mortar
rounds hitting us. I had already done two tours ,one at Chu
Lai in 65-66 and another at Da Nang 68. When the fire lifted I
figured on getting a casualty report and some awards for heroism
so I went around with my clip board taking notes and went into
this one hanger that belonged to the Air Force and I saw two air
men laying on top of a Marine and I said to the Airman, "That
was very heroic of you two, shielding the Marine as you did
protecting his life, that was a great thing you did and I'm
writing it up. What's your names?" They said " Hide the Marine
h&ll, we were here and he crawled under us. " I said come out
Marine, H&ll you are the only one that knows what you are
doing".
God bless the Corps.
Msgt Frank H Peace/6079 USMC/FMCR
But Rather
Just read someone's letter to you wondering about brown-vs-black
shoes and boots. In Sep. '61 we were issued black boots and
black polish, but brown shoes and a bottle of black dye. Also
got some of the last of the M-1s, as M-14s took their place
sometime in '62.
Hadn't really thought much about this in a looong time-- as we
used to say, "...not since Christ was a Corporal..." C'mon-- you
remember the DI yelling, not "Heels! Heels! Heels!" but rather,
"Sandals! Sandals! Sandals!"
This was at Parris Island-- Platoon 173, 20Sep61 to
07Dec61. Yep-- graduation was on the 20th Anniversary
of Pearl Harbor!
Keep up the good work, Grit!
Semper Fi to all!
Frank Fellman
SSgt 1967260 / 2861
DaNang Airbase-- 02May66 to 26May67
LifeSaver 49 (Comm Shop)
Not To His Face
Sgt Grit, once again I'm enjoying another of your fine
Newsletters. Sgt Ken Bowden was talking about having served
with SGTMAJ Mcguirk, While in KMCAS. I remember the SgtMaj as
the 1st Sgt Headquarters Btry 1st Bn 12th Marines. My first
impression of the 1stSgt was, where did this guy come from
anyway? I had never seen an enlisted person with a swagger
stick. I later found out he had also been a MSG and really a
great and interesting person to know. Most definitely hard
Corps, but really an outstanding SNCO. I think the only people
who ever called the SGTMAJ McJerk were those people who didn't
know him and certainly not to his face. Our memories are what
make us ALWAYS MARINES! D. Womack
Grand Old Man
Sgt Grit your column is great. While I was stationed at MCRD
San Diego from 10/ - 11/82 as a DI there were many funny things
that happened, but this is one of the BEST. During the series
commander's 1st phase inspections of series 2073, 1st Lt J. M.
Brown was asking the recruit's a series of question's the basic
stuff with S/Sgt R.J. Hall taking notes. Unknown to anyone
there was a ambush coming. Lt Brown steps in front of this
recruit and after inspection arms begins to ask question's, and
when ask him who the grand old man of the Marine Corps was he
replies loud and proud " Sir grand old man of the Marine Corps
is Drill instructor S/Sgt Hall Sir" needless to say old man Hall
went of the rest of us and Lt Brown all made a dash for the
barrack's to laugh our butt's off while old man hall was having
a field day with this kid. To this day we do not know who the
guilty party was. My 20 in the Corps was the BEST of my life.
All of the Marine's of today are doing a great job.
Semper Fi
Richard Cox Gysgt Ret 0369 3/4/76 - 3/31/96.
M-60
Al, reference your questions, I went through boot camp at MCRD
from Aug - Oct 1965, Plt. 323. When we were issued our brown
low quarters, we were issued a bottle of black dye at the same
time. Our brown rough out boots weren't dyed but we did polish
them with black polish after going through the ritual of
removing the fuzz as best we could. As a result they were never
quite black or brown. I lost my last pair to an evil supply
clerk in Vietnam who wanted them more than I did. When I turned
in my trusty roughouts that were perfectly broken in for new
heels and soles, I got a brand new pair of stateside black issue
boots, guaranteed to last at least two weeks in the humidity of
Vietnam. The b*stard even had the temerity to wear them in
front of me less than a week later with my name still half
visible where the boot marking ink had set.
As to the M-60, it has served the American forces admirably
throughout the last 40 years or so. This gun was based on a
very successful design used by the German Werrmacht during WWII.
It has a markedly different sound when firing than the .30 cal.
I fired the M-60 quite often throughout my 24 year career. It
never let me or my men down. I can understand your misgivings
about a new weapons system. When the "new" M-16 arrived to my
unit in Vietnam in the early spring of 1967, our experience with
misfires, jamming, etc. were very similar to yours. As a
result, no one want to give up their M-14 and didn't until they
were taken from us forcibly.
Semper Fi,
David J. Carriker
Sgt USMC 1965-1974 - A Profession
SFC USA 1974-1990 - A Job
Made My Day
Platoon 284. 67.Mcrd.San Diego.My m-14 was clean and ready for
our plts first inspection. The inspecting officer came to face
me, grabbed my rifle, inspected it, threw it back at me, and I
got my butt kicked out of inspection. Told to report to the duty
hut immediately after inspection of the recurits.In the D.I.hut,
a recruit was on the deck ,on his belly with arms and legs
spread in the air. What the h&ll did he do I thought, and what
the h&ll they got me here for? This don't look good ! The D.I.
asked me," What the h&ll is that paint on your rear sight for
and why was it not removed"? My reply,"Sir the private was
issued the rifle with paint on the rear sight ,Sir ! Get the
h&ll out of my duty hut..and git that paint off your weapon! One
of the first things said by our one D.Is'. as we were standing
on the yellow foot prints, "If the Marine Corps wants you to
have it, they will issue it to you..Made my day.
Alden M.D.
My Marines
As an FMF Doc myself, I gotta agree with Doc Connally's comment
about our possessive use of the words "My Marines." That's what
I always say and those who haven't been there just don't get
it...especially squids when they say "But you're Navy!" Maybe
once but that was long ago and far away when I learned just
enough medical knowledge to be dangerous! It took time with "My
Marines" to truly make my skills useful to the Corps! Anyone in
a "monkey suit" can do corpsman things in a hospital or clinic
environment, it takes an 8404 to get down and "do it in the
dirt!"
Semper Fi Marines and Happy Birthday!
"Doc" Wells
"Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war and my
fingers to fight". Ps 144:1
My Personal Pride
The attached photos are of my 2005 Royal Star that I'd had
repainted to reflect not only my personal pride but an inner
tribute to those that continue to change the course of history.
I've had many complements from all types of bike owners and when
I'm out riding I get a lot of Honks and thank you's.
77-83 & 89-90
Cpl Rich Parrish
"Semper Fi and slow it down"
This past weekend my wife and I were returning from some
friend's house where we had been visiting for a few days in
another state. We were cruising along on the interstate and I
have to admit I was not paying much attention to my speed and
came over a hill only to encounter a State Trooper on the side
of the road. I looked over at my wife and stated that I bet he
was going to pull me over and sure enough he did. He walked up
to the car, let me know why he was pulling me over and then
asked "Who is the Marine"? Obviously he had noted on my tag that
I was a Veteran and was in the Corps. I proudly replied that I
was and he proceeded to drill me to assure that I was in fact
telling the truth and had served in a specific MOS (0331). He
then went on to say that he himself served in the Corps in the
80's and that his son was now proudly wearing the Globe and
Anchor. With that I promptly gave him and "Semper Fi" and he
returned with "Semper Fi and slow it down"; turning on his heels
he walked back to his cruiser without another word and pulled
away. I will not mention that state we were in for fear of him
getting in trouble but we live in the Deep South and I can
assure everyone across the country that they love the Marines in
Dixie. To the Trooper Marine that gave me a break yesterday,
thanks and Semper Fidelis.
As we pulled away, my wife looked at me and said "wow, you got
lucky that time" and I replied back to her bluntly, "Honey, luck
had nothin' to do with it". It's a Marine thing, she doesn't
understand.
Semper Fi,
Mark Smith
Columbus, Mississippi
It Was A Sight To See
Been to several since I was discharged, but never took an active
role in planning one. Anyway Well this year I found I had the
time and some cash to become involved. I'm not a member of any
of the established veterans organizations, was but no more. The
last party I attended (last year 2007) had gone down hill from
the year before. So decided I wanted to help the promoter. But
he was having none of it. So I looked elsewhere at another,
Veterans organization. This Marine welcomed the extra help.
Well it didn't get planned as a "Gala" event, just a get
together, potluck. Hopefully next year we can crank it up a
notch.
Our Marine Corps League and such has fallen to the wayside. This
being an "AIR FORCE" town, we didn't have a list of Marines
interested in joining a party. But now I have a short list.
Anyway, Party was planned for 7:00pm, the lead Marine, took down
sick over the weekend . I got the word at 6:45pm 11/10/2008. So
I took over officiating. Had the Pow, and American flags already
out and a small Marine flag. Music machine was programmed, but
nobody new how to operate it. Marine daughter had a cd with her.
We had about 20 Marines with wives, plus other civilian patrons
of the club (VFW) in the room. You should of seen the reaction
from all present as the National Anthem unexpectedly started
playing. It was a total blur.
Drinks slammed down on the bar top. People slid from the stools
and chairs. They ALL turned and faced the flag and rendered the
proper respect. It Was a Sight To See!
Well we all dug in and started eating. Food was mostly gone in
an hour. Now it was time for the cake ceremony and honoring the
oldest and Youngest Marine. I again caught everybody off guard.
I started the Marines Hymn with the remote ( I had figured out).
Again the whole place was a blur! Even the NON Marines. Course I
did have it turned up extra loud. But then the Marines Hymn is
VERY distinctive.
Music ended and we introduced the oldest and youngest.
Oldest was 90 years and a Veteran of WW II and the youngest was
23 yr. All in all for somewhat impromptu, worked out fine.
Looking forward to next years, and maybe a little better.
Sgt of Marines 1968 - 1974 RVN 70-71
Semper Fi and hope all had a Happy Birthday.
But Couldn't Wear Them
Dear Sgt Grit
In response to Cpl Al Crivelli concerning issue of M60's and
black shoes. I joined the Marine Corps in august 1962, and
went to Plt 156 at MCRDSD. We were issued brown shoes but
dyed and polished them black until there were enough black
ones in the supply system. We trained with the M14 and M60
but used M1's and BAR's in ITR at Las Pulgas. The rank of
L/CPL was just introduced and the E-3 Cpls and E-4 Sgts had to
qualify as E-4 Cpls and E-5 Sgts. We had one E-4 Sgt Junior
Drill Instructor who was very unhappy because he didn't
qualify and would revert to Cpl. He took it out on us. We
were issued Ike Jackets but couldn't wear them and they were
replaced later. The Chevrons we were issued had the crossed
rifles in them but some of the DI's and base personnel were
still wearing the old ones. The rest of the uniform changes
took place over a matter of years. As to the reliability of
the M60 machine Gun and the M14 Rifle, I used both of them on
ranges and in Vietnam, 1965-1966 and had no problems with
either one. Except you had to be careful not to bend the
flash suppressor on the M14. It wouldn't fire straight if you
did. I hope this answers his question.
Sgt. Darrell Farnsworth
USMC-2004841 1962-1966 and USMCR 1967-1977
An Old Potato Farm
Hi Sarge,
Just checking in with some info I thought you may deem worthy
of passing on. A bunch of old Marine Air-wingers have restored
back to flying condition their exact UH34D (tail number YN19),
they dug up from the boneyard in Arizona. They have put it
back together on an old potato farm on Long Island, New York.
GySgt. Ermey (Full Metal Jacket & Mail Call) was in the
neighborhood and decided to pay a visit, here are some pics. My
company, All-System Aerospace is made up of a CH46 Nam era
mechanic and two of us are MALS 26 Marines from the 92-97, we
have helped in this restoration by donating spare parts to get
this bird back in the air. Anyway the Gunny was impressed with
the efforts of these old Devildogs and we hope to bring them
some publicity, as they are only driven by donations. Enjoy.
www.Freedomsflyingmemorial.org
Semper Fidelis!
Mike
We Heard The Tupe, Tupe
Right after Dewey Canyon we received a new platoon commander,
Lt. R. We were his first command and I'm sure he wanted to do
everything right. I'm almost positive it was operation Apache
Snow, of course the Lt. was the last one on the chopper to lead
us off. This was only my second operation but after life in the
Valley it seemed I had been in Vietnam forever! Our new Lt.
with map and compass in hand stood by the ramp ready to lead us
into combat. Thank God it was a cold LZ, we touched down and he
walked off the chopper? Still looking at his map and compass, a
lowly private ran past him and the others followed to set up our
section of the perimeter. That lowly private just happened to
be me, little did I know I was about to receive a royal a$$
chewing. After all was secure I was singled out and told in no
uncertain terms never to run past my commanding officer(putting
it lightly). Later on that day our new Lt. called a break, our
10 minutes was almost up when in the distance we heard the tupe,
tupe of incoming mortars. Needless to say we all did the Marine
Corps disappearing act. I looked up from my small depression in
mother earth only to see the new Lt. still looking at his map
and compass oblivious of what was about to happen. Thankfully
the mortars fell short of the target and all of us were spared.
I'm not sure whether he got a heads up from our NCOs or he just
figured it out all by himself but later that evening I received
a visitor with an apology, it was our new Lt. He turned out to
be one of the best officers I ever served under. Wishing you
well Lt. R and hope life has treated you well!
Semper Fi
W. Whitley, Corporal of Marines!
Did Not Notice This Problem
I went through Boot Camp in 1988, at MCRD San Diego. (Hotel
Company, Platoon 2015 SSgt E. Barella, SDI, Sgts. Harris, Allen,
and Lukeman JDIs.) During our first day of instruction, the
platoon was in the classroom, i.e. that little open bit of space
in front of the Drill Instructor's duty room.
The platoon was sitting cross-legged in columns while the Senior
Drill Instructor was informing us how worthless we all were and
what to do and how to respond to direction from the drill
instructors. The instruction was further directed at how we
were to respond when the call came to "get in the classroom,"
i.e. yell as loud as possible, "Sir, Get in the classroom, aye,
aye, sir," and then sprint from wherever we were to the
classroom and stand at attention. We were also instructed how to
respond when told to get "on line," i.e. at attention at the
foot of our racks.
While receiving this instruction, the platoon had been sitting
Indian style for about 30 minutes. I had played college
football, and I was not very flexible due to years in the weight
room. There was no room between one recruit to the next. While
crossed, my legs were directly against the back of that recruit
directly in front of me. The legs of the recruit behind me
were against my back. During this time, my legs had fallen
asleep due lack of blood flow. Considering the fact that I was
listening intently to every word, I did not notice this problem.
The call then came from the Senior Drill Instructor, "Get On
Line!" The entire platoon, except one, jumped to their feet and
appropriately responded, "SIR, Get On Line! Aye, Aye, SIR!" I
was struggling on the floor to even stand up. I would get on my
hands and knees and try to stand only to crumple back down to my
knees. The platoon moved out to their respective positions on
line, whilst I would stand and fall, stand and fall, stand and
fall. As a result, I had drawn all four of my drill instructors
attention and wrath. They were all yelling because I was on the
deck not able to stand upright. Everyone in the platoon was on
line, except me. I was dragging myself along the deck toward my
rack by my hands, trying to get the blood flowing back to my
legs. They yelled because I was responding to the directions
while on the deck and not standing at attention. They screamed
more than I had ever heard anyone scream in my short life thus
far.
Because of this event, I was the chosen one for those miserable
first few days. I was the lucky recipient of a lot of their
attention. I learned then and there to pay attention to
everything going on, especially with me.
DLPOWELL, Visalia, CA
Senior DI Is Heard To Say
Arriving at MCRD in October 1965, I quickly discovered life was
Changed forever. As we tried to march out of the building where
we had packed all of our civilian attire in the Box that was
sent home, we passed a recruit and a DI from another outfit. The
recruit had a surfboard and the DI was screaming, "I don't care
how but it has to fit in this box!" Censored a few words of
course.
Two days into training, the DI was teaching us how to ask
permission to enter the Duty Hut if we were called to report
there. "Ladies, you will knock three times so I can hear you and
in a voice loud enough for me to hear inside the hut state, 'Sir
Private Joe Sh!t the rag man request permission to enter the
duty hut SIR!' " Two days later Johnson, not the sharpest pencil
in the box, is called to the Duty Hut and dutifully knocks three
times on the wooden block next to the Duty Hut door and in a
voice loud enough to be heard in all the barracks huts screams,
"SIR, Private Joe Sh!t the rag man requests permission to enter
the Duty Hut SIR!" AT which point the Senior DI is heard to say,
"What the F*ck did you say?" At which point Johnson dutifully
repeated himself. He spent the next two hours doing pull ups and
squat thrusts beside the Duty Hut.
Semper fi
Peter Gratton
USMC 65-69 RSVN 11/68 -10/69 Dong ha
New Squad Members
Marine that blew his foot off in front of me while inside
minefield: We were assigned as a company unit to install the
minefield around the ( Mar 68') perimeter of the fire support
base Gio Linh up along the fmr DMZ. While inside the minefield
that day and working on "C" strip I had just installed a cluster
of 3 small m-14 landmines and 1 m-16 large mine. It was at this
point while looking over at one of my NEW squad members a Marine
named " Marinke" was stepping on the face of the m-14 mine that
he had just installed into the ground. It was at this time that
I watched the mine explode, his foot came apart and he went
nuts. At that time we yelled for our Corpsman - who then Ran
Directly Into The Minefield Criss Crossed the clusters and got
to this Marine who was bleeding badly. The doc then grabbed his
belt - applied a tourniquet and applied to his leg. Earlier that
evening before this Marine had been warned not to use his foot
to make the m-14's that he has been installing - flush with the
ground's surface. His squad leader was ordered to "kick his a$s"
if needed. The squad leader that spoke with Marinke - was me.
Semper Fi
Gene Spanos
11th Engr Bn Vietnam 2/68-2/69
Charlie Co.
Short Rounds
I enlisted in '42, the day after high school graduation in
Milwaukee. Did Boot Camp in San Diego in Platoons 516 and 816
(with 3 mos. out for spinal meningitis). I was issued a bolt-
action Springfield '03 and had to clean off the cosmoline from
WWI storage.
As I remember, the command on the range was "Load and Lock". If
you locked it first you couldn't load it. Now it seems to be
"Lock and Load". At 83 my memory gets a little cranky, but then
again so do I. Which was it and which is it now?
Fred Resener
420677 1942-1945
To the Marine from 2/3 in the picture. Hang in there are
thousands of fellow "Island Warriors ' out here behind you
Semper Fi
Robert Olson
89-93 2/3, L/Cpl of Marines
Sgt Grit;
The correct saying is "Every day a holiday and every meal a
BANQUET". Try it and you'll see that it has a much better ring
to it. At least, that's what it was in the "Old Corps" (50's
and 60's).
J. Lape 1957-1969
For David and any one questioning the hand salute. I have used
the military hand salute, covered or uncovered, for over 50
years. I don't need some politician in Washington to give me
permission to salute our Flag, the National Anthem or those who
have fallen. I earned the right to salute and so have all my
brothers and sisters who have served.
Semper Fi
Doc Olive
Welcome home to Mike Battery. These Marines (from Chattanooga,
TN) have been deployed to Iraq twice, and have returned with
zero casualties each time. I'm proud to have them as friends
and brothers!
Semper Fi
D. Flack, PFC 94-95
The October 2008 Subic Bay Marines Newsletter has been posted to
the website for your viewing. Please proceed to
http://subicbaymarines.com/newsletters.htm to view the
newsletter.
David Savage
Secretary, Subic Bay Marines
B Co 89-91
To Al Crivelli,
Your question about when The Corps stopped using the B.A.R...it
must have been in the spring of 1964, since I attended the last
B.A.R. class during ITR. What a sweet weapon...and I just
realized that makes me one of last Marines to fire one.
Stirling Rasmussen
SSgt USMCR, 1963 to 1969, and proud current member of the Marine Corps League
While going through Comm schools we noticed that Dego recruits
were issued boots that laced through eyes all the way, while PI
recruits had boots with eyes and hooks. Dego was also issued
canary yellow sweat shirts, while PI were issued gray sweat
shirts. All the interesting little differences that can happen
in a "uniform" organization.
Happy birthday brothers and sisters
Dan P.
1967 - 1970, USMC-R 1973-1975
Here is one outstanding video of Col Ripley's funeral.
My Dad told me this story when he came back from the winter in
Florida, Wearing his obligatory Marine cover to McDonalds he
noticed another Marine with a cover denoting his service in
WWII,Korea, and Vietnam,"hey Marine" he says, Why aren't you in
Iraq?" Jarhead sits back and says" I called and offered my
services, they said I was over qualified." Dad said he was 75+
yr old. Ooh rah nothing more hard Corps than that.
Custom Rank and Ribbons Bumper Sticker
If You Can't Stand Behind The Troops Bumper Sticker
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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Sgt Grit Newsletter VS AmericanCourage Newsletter:
You receive both (alternating weeks)...so what's the difference?
In short...The AmericanCourage Newsletter has MORE family member
stories, "support the Corps" stories from Marines, and patriotic
quotes. It started after the events of Sept. 11, 2001 to give
supporters of the Marine Corps and American patriots a voice.
The Sgt Grit Newsletter is HARD CORPS Marine! If you are
interested in topics that delve into Marine Corps history, Corps
Stories, Boot Camp and other things that "only a Marine might
understand" - then be sure to read the Sgt Grit Newsletter
(every other week) - More about the newsletter |
