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Something happened today that I never thought could happen as
fast as it did. Today we turned over security of the Al Anbar
Province to the Iraqi government. During my deployments to
Fallujah in 2005 and Ramadi in 2006, I could not have foreseen
the Iraqi people taking control of the most dangerous area of
their country.
In Ramadi, attacks on our outposts and the
governor's center were almost an everyday occurrence, whether it
was a complex assault, mortars or IEDs. Everyday we struggled
to talk to the people, letting them know we were not the enemy
that we were there to help them. We were there to protect them
and help them take back their country so we could ultimately
come home knowing that we did the right thing. It was the
determination of our fighting men and women and our President's
decision for the surge that made this changeover possible. It
was the people of Anbar that finally decided that they had had
enough with the insurgents. Record numbers of citizens enlisted
in the police force. They turned in all those they knew were
insurgents. Now markets are open. Marines can walk through the
city and not have to run everywhere dodging constant sniper
threats. Listening to the stories of friends returning in the
last year and hearing how much has changed since I was there
has compelled me to share their stories with everyone I know.
Don't listen to the news telling you we are losing control.
Listen to those returning and their stories of hope and
progress.
Future generations will look back and see that this was a
turning point in what is being called "The Long War." If Anbar
can be saved and governed by its own people then all of Iraq can
follow suit. Now is not the time to pull out, now is the time
to stand firm and finish what we started. We can do it, we ARE
doing it.
God bless all those in the fight!
Semper Fi!
Travis Gundrum
Corporal
Lima Co 3rd battalion 8th Marines
2003-2007
In memory of the Marines and Corpsmen of 3/8 who fell during
Operation Iraqi Freedom. You will never be forgotten!
Response to Doc Antoine:
Doc, I haven't seen "Generation Kill" and don't intend to.
Comparing positive vs. negative portrayals by Hollywierd's and
the big three news networks version of Nam vets in particular,
and pretty much anything to do with the military or war over the
last 45 years or so (since Vietnam) is a waste of time. It
doesn't even need much study. Just think of the times you have
seen or heard mention in TV of movies, and how they were
referenced. They are about 100:1 negative. Almost every instance
where a Nam vet, and now an Iraqi or Afghan vet, is shown or the
fact that a person served is even mentioned in passing, they are
portrayed as being dysfunctional "walking time bombs", "a danger
to themselves and to society", drunks and junkies, failures who
can't stand up to life; and always with the heavy sigh and some
sort of "It's so sad" or "... could have done so much better,
been so much more" comment spoken with the shake of the head and
the sagging, heartbroken face. It is more insulting when
Hollyweird portrays the everyday junkie as salvageable, but any
vet who every smoked a twisty end cigarette is displayed as
irredeemable - a total loss who should be warehoused away from
society. In answer to your question: It is my belief that the
large majority of current programming, including those claiming
to be written by Marines, are playing on anti-military and/or
bleeding heart sentiments, and promoting the idea that enlisted
high school graduates are more aware and intelligent than
officers who have "only" attended VMI and West Point or
Annapolis, and therefore have no "real life experience", for
the sole reason of making a buck. I see no reason to give them
mine!
Doc, you and I, and everybody reading this knows we continue to
be the best there ever will be. Those who find it necessary to
belittle others so they themselves can feel superior (the
Hollywierdites and their ilk) are the failures. We need more
like Chesty, Duke, Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable, and others like
them. Ones not only served, but came back afterwards to face
down the michale moores, susan sarandons, and tim robbins types
currently getting all the lime light.
Semper FI
D. Bushlow, Cpl of Marines
USMC '65-'69
RVN VMO-6 '67-69
He who is cowardly will do what is right because it is safer to
do so ...
He who is overly ambitious will do right if it is to his
advantage to do so ...
He who is miserly will do right when he finds it cheaper to do
so ...
He who is average will do right because it is expected of him...
But blessed is he who does right because it is right.
I asked Jesus how much He loved me,
He said, "This much," and stretched out his arms ...
and died.
"I was that which others did not want to be,
I went where others feared to go
and did what others failed to do,
I asked nothing from those that gave nothing
and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness
should I fail,
I have cried, pained and hoped;
but most of all I have lived times others would say are best
forgotten.
At least every day I can be proud of what I was and will ALWAYS
be...
A United States Marine!"
"The United States leads the world in too many areas for us to
start imitating those who are trailing behind. "
"Most people coming out of war feel lost and resentful. What had
been minute-to-minute confrontation with yourself, your struggle
with what courage you have against discomfort, at the least, and
death at the other end, ties you to the people you have known in
the war and makes for a time others seem alien and frivolous."
Lillian Hellman
Sgt. Grit
On Saturday, September 6, we were at Camp Pendleton, CA to
welcome home our son, LCpl Kronenberg as well as the rest of the
members of CLB 1 Maintenance Company. These heroes, our young
men and women had served for the last seven months in Fallujah,
supporting Operation Iraqis Freedom. I'm sending along a few
pictures, both of Justin while at work in Fallujah as well as
his homecoming.
We are so very proud of him and his fellow Devil
Dogs for a job well done. This was Justin's second deployment.
His first was in T.Q. in 2005, being deployed just 3 days after
he and our lovely daughter-in-law Tavia were wed. Tavia served
during both deployments as a KVP, during this deployment she was
asked to be the lead KVP and a big job well done to her. Justin
re-enlisted for another 4 years, leaving behind the Optical
Electronics and moving on to a new MOS, Combat Correspondent.
This means he will be leaving Camp Pendleton. They will be
leaving in Nierenberg for MCRD, Parris Island. They are both CA
natives and look forward to living in a new state. We look
forward to several vacations in that part of the country.
Semper Fi
Deb
PMM of Cpl Justin, home from Sandbox, PM of Kate- God's hard worker, SIL Minister Rick, DIL Tavia, Most Beautiful Grand daughter Kayla Marie & adopted Cali mom of Cpl Mark
Sacramento,CA
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I started baking chipped beef gravy for my 73 year old dad
early this year. He would always say politely" it was very good
but can you make S.O.S. " and I would tell him "no I tried
once but it did not turn out. Then I found your original
Marine Corps recipe (I use butter & he told me no need to use
the expensive ground beef. )
That first night I received an email from him saying how"
terrific it was!" And he felt so good that, and I quote " I
feel like I could Storm The Beach"
After that I started tripling the recipe and putting it in
single serving containers. Which he would freeze and eat on
Sundays or whenever he needed an extra boost. It made the both
of us feel good. I don't know what he enjoyed more my showing up
for a visit or the new batch of S.O.S.
Dad passed away on May 1. So I just wanted to let you know how
much we appreciated your recipe. And that we got such a
chuckle about the comment you made "feeds 8 people or 2 hungry
Marines.
Thank You.
Elysia Bowman-Gaines
in memory of John C. Bowman (proud Marine and Father)
"Conscience is the most sacred of all property."
James Madison
Sgt Grit,
Hi I have loved your newsletters and website. Ever since I left
the Corps almost a year ago I have wanted nothing more than to
get back in (I am unable due to a medical separation). I wanted
to share a story with you. On June 2, I had a beautiful little
girl. I was extremely nervous since I was a tomboy growing up.
Since she was born my fears have been calmed. She loves to
"play" rough and wrestle with her puppy. She is my little devil
pup. Both of her parents are Marines and it shows it in her
blood. Her favorite blanket is a Marine Corps Blanket my gramma
gave me for my graduation. She sleeps with it every night. And
recently she has started growling...I find it hilarious. I just
wanted to share my little Devil Pup with you and thank you for
this community.
Heather Lowhorn
"Government doesn't work. You work, I work, Federal Express
works, Microsoft works, the Salvation Army work, Alcoholics
Anonymous works, but the government doesn't."
Harry Browne
Just wanted to touch base with you and let you know a little bit
about how things came out over the weekend with the big race.
The experience itself was incredible although a little
bittersweet for me in that I did not make my 2hr and 15min time
frame. Sitrin Healthcare has opted to award me the racing
wheelchair anyway for hanging in there and going the 9.3 mile
distance in my standard wheelchair. There was so much motivation
along the way I can't even begin to describe to you the whole
story but the following contains some of the highlights:
Mile Marker 1: The local Shriner band struck up two verses of
the Marine Corps Hymn. (First time I have ever failed to come to
attention and face the music. Sorry Chesty I had a race to run I
hope you understand)
Mile Marker 1.5: A Gunnery Sgt. whom I have never met before in
my life passed me and handed me his challenge coin.
Mile Marker 3: a young man about age 8 joined me in his
wheelchair to run alongside me and shout words of encouragement.
Mile Marker 7: An entire group of people from a local bank
decided to walk with me to the finish line singing God Bless the
USA and other patriotic songs the entire way.
Mile Marker 7.5: Another one of the wheelchair athletes who had
ran the 5k earlier that day rolled back up the hill accompanied
by a uniformed detail of active duty military from every branch
of the service to see me home the last two miles.
Mile Marker 8: Met a First Sgt. from Camp Lejeune who had ran
the race earlier in the day and he joined the detail to march me
on home the final 1.3 miles.
Finish Line: Heroes welcome complete with two Marines in Dress
Blues to meet me and welcome me home. Interviewed on TV and made
the evening news.
Thank you all so much for the shirt. I have attached a couple of
photos, and I am in the process of putting together a complete
package containing photos and all the video coverage from the
weekend. It may take a while to complete but once it is finished
I will send it out to you so we can discuss further sponsorships
for races in the future. Thanks again and have a wonderful day!
Semper Fi
Cpl Andy Purchase
USMC Retired
"How could a readiness for war in time of peace be safely
prohibited, unless we could prohibit, in like manner, the
preparations and establishments of every hostile nation?"
James Madison
A few years ago I spent a lot of time on the Sgt. Grit boards
and had some fine discussions with some solid Marines. Poppa
Gene was one of the finest. As my father became more ill I was
preparing for his end and his memorial. Poppa Gene was kind
enough to send me some of the black sand that men like he and my
father fought so hard for. I still have some of that sand and to
this day I am moved merely by holding it in my hand. I was also
moved when I read of Gene's passing.
Semper Fi,
Jim Taggart Jr.
USMC 68-71
We came from all around the country. We didn't know each other
at first, but grew together like kin. We ate, slept, showered,
and even sh!t together. No matter what our social standings,
race, religion or beliefs. They all got put aside. We became
brothers. Not because we had the same blood. Because we shed
that blood together. We learned each other. More importantly we
learned ourselves. It was a journey we took that defined us, it
made us who we are today, and impacted us for the rest of our
lives. It became engraved in our souls. It became part of our
genetic make up. It became another family from the one we were
born into. We were and forever will be United States Marines.
It didn't matter if you were the one driving the trucks, the one
fixing the trucks, or the one riding in the turret gunning a "ma
deuce". It didn't matter if you were in supply issuing the gear
or the grunt on the front line using it. It didn't matter if you
were the guy who fired the rounds, the armorer maintaining the
weapons, or the ammo tech bringing the rounds...We all had a
mission, and we all had each others backs. Some people can't
understand why we are how we are today. Some think to themselves
"he's not there anymore, when is he going to just let it go".
They will never understand. We can never let it go. It is
forever a part of our lives. That camaraderie lives within us
for eternity. The spirit of the Corps will always be a part of
our lives We were 2nd Battalion 6th Marines, Motor Transport
platoon. The "2/6 Warriors". The finest men to ever wear the
uniform. I have served with the finest Marines a man could have
the privilege and honor to call as his brothers. I would trust
any of them to this day with my life, and they can have faith
knowing they can trust their life with me.
We Marines are a
different breed. A Marine will always come to the aid of
another, whether in combat or a bar fight. You can always count
on your fellow Marines. We can pinpoint another Marine across a
parking lot at the mall or from across the bar, even if he has
been out for numerous years. Marines carry themselves different
than other people. They walk different, talk different, sit
different and live different. We are cocky, foul mouthed
individuals who live life to the fullest. We don't take a second
for granted. We always know our surroundings. Most of us drink
well beyond the limits of a normal man. Our commandant is like
our God. We slap our emblem on everything we own. We all have at
least one Marine bumper sticker on our car or truck. We still
call a bathroom "the head", we still say things like "check",
"roger that", "good to go", or "oorah!". We all know the Marines
Hymn, rifleman's creed, and phonetic alphabet by heart. We call
kilometers "clicks" and minutes "mikes". We call each other
devil dogs. And we will still always stand up and salute the
American flag. My flag flies high in my front yard daily. With
the seven year anniversary of Sept. 11th only a week away, you
can be sure mine will fly just a few inches higher. My daily
flown flag will be lowered and another raised this year. A flag
with just a little more special meaning for me. The flag my
father flew on his front porch every day I was deployed
overseas. Although it is getting old, it will fly this year for
that one special day of remembrance. One that impacted all of
our lives. One that should never be forgotten, and a day that is
a reminder why we did what we did and Marines today do what they
do.
Even though it is against proper protocol because it is
getting faded, the grommets are starting to come loose, and even
has a few rust stains from that old flag pole, I am going to
raise it that day. That evening it will be lowered and retired
once again, but never disposed of. It symbolizes everything we
stood for, everything I personally will always stand for. It
will be flown to honor those who died that day, and those who
answered the call in the aftermath. Those who have never been
there will never know. Those that have will never forget. That
kind of pride doesn't fade like that old flag did. Those
memories are forever in our minds. That brotherhood will never
die. Our ways are carved in stone, much like our place in the
history of this great nation. It's in our blood. We are forever
and always will be United States Marines.
Semper Fi,
Cpl Philip A. Beisel Jr,
1998-2002
"If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my child may
have peace."
Thomas Paine
My husband is Sgt Todd Bost he is currently serving as a Range
Coach with Weapons and Field Training here at Parris Island.
(His MOS is Com Field radio op) When he got out of boot he
wanted to make his commitment to his Family, Country and Corps
just a little more permanent than words that are uttered or
written on paper. That is where his Rebel flag, (now
redneck~which sums us up too as we are into big Chevy Pickup
trucks, muddin, 4wheeling, fishing and so on), His American flag
is for the love of his Country and his Corps flag represents who
he is and his pride in being a Marine.
The pic of the little man in the "Marine shirt" is my youngest
Zachary. This is Todd's step- son, but you'd never know it the
way they act. And there is also a photo of us at our wedding in
2007, at Camp Pendleton Ca.
Thanks so much
Avien Bost
USMC~Wife
Dear Sgt, Grit:
My son served with First Recon when the Iraq War started, the
book Generation Kill was based on the start of this war. The
book which the hbo series is based was written by a reporter
from rolling stone magazine. He was imbedded with first recon on
which the book was based.
My son was not happy with some of what he has written. He saw
the original article written in rolling stone magazine and made
comments that were some what different from what was said in the
article. I made a purchase of the book and passed it on to him
to read. He has some different views of events that happened. To
my knowledge he has not seen the hbo series so I do not know his
feelings about.
So Doc Antoine should not put too much into what is shown because
those that were there see things different. But his concern is
well founded on how it affects the marine name. It was not
written by a marine.
Edward Novakowski ----- N8UXN
Proud Father of A Marine
Gunny Heyman
Dear Sgt. Grit (and readers),
My husband, Nathaniel, is a fairly new Marine. He enlisted in
February and headed to MCRD San Diego on March 24th. He
graduated at the end of June, finished MCT in August, and is
currently in classes to become an MP. I am SO proud of him for
choosing to serve our country & I am especially proud of him for
being a Marine. I am so proud in fact, that at his halfway point
of boot camp (around his 23rd birthday) I got my first tattoo.
It's on my right shoulder blade and says "SEMPER FIDELIS".
During his 10 day leave he got his first tattoo and had "USMC"
put on his back. I am known as a VERY moto wife. My cars are
covered in Marine Corps magnets, my keys have USMC key chains, I
often wear Marine t-shirts, and I even carry the local
recruiter's cards with me. (He recruited my husband & has been
wonderful! I often thank SSgt. Hardin for his faith in my
husband.)
As of November 10th we'll have been married for two
years and will be stationed in December. (That's right, the USMC
birthday, though that was accidental or prophetic- depending on
how you look at it.) I just wanted to share with everyone our
motivation and love of the Corps. Thanks for all the great
stories & products! My in-laws LOVED their anniversary gifts. I
included a picture of us together, and our tattoos. Oorah &
Semper Fi, guys!
Proud to be a Marine Wife,
~Torey R
"I have always been against the pacifists during the war, and
against the jingoists at the end."
Winston Churchill
Hey Sgt. Grit,
I met my husband while serving in the Marines. We got married a
couple of months after I got honorably discharged. That was in
2003. Now it is 2008 and I decided to get a tattoo to show how
proud I am of him and the way we met. He is still active duty
and we just had our first child. It's funny how things work out!
Well anyway's I definitely got Semper Fidelis on it, because it
not only is the Marine Corps motto, but I believe it applies to
marriages as well. Happy Birthday Sgt. Q. I love you!
Tara Q
Hello Sgt Grit,
I just finished reading about a rather amazing priest. Father
Vincent Capodanno. He served in Vietnam. He requested the
MARINES as his flock. They were "his Marines" and he was their
"Grunt Padre". 41 years ago Sept 4. He was killed in action.
THIS priest was with his Marines every step of the way. There
is a group of folks who would like to see him canonized. You
need miracles for that, but maybe someone out there who knew
Father Cap. has a miracle that they can attribute to him.
CatholicMil.org is one way to read more, tell your stories.
The Grunt Padre is the name of the book. I think many of your
readers would like Father Capodanno he was a MARINE at heart.
Me too,
Donna Fornear
"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory
however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there
is no survival."
Winston Churchill
ROYAL MARINE
In response to Gregg's exposure to Royal Marines...here's
mine. Marines all over the world "think/know" that they are the
best.
Back in '58 (on a Med Cruise aboard the LSD 25 San Marcos)
coming back from Beirut, Lebanon, we lost our stern gate in a
storm in the Med. We had to go to the Isle of Malta for repairs
and while we were there, I met a few Royal Marines (who had just
come back from warring Cyprus). I was alone sitting in a bar
having a couple of beers when these 4 BIG guys (I'm 5'7"
weighing 165lbs) come in an approach me. Two of them picked me
up by my arms and started to carry me out to the street. When I
screamed at them that I left my beer on the bar...they
carried me back so that I could get my beer and then all of us
went outside the bar and into the street. I looked across the
street and saw 2 US Marines walking up the street toward
us..and I figured, if I was going to get my a$s kicked,
I wanted to have a chance to get in a few licks myself. Having
finished my beer, once more I screamed at these 4 guys to let me
down. They immediately let me loose and explained to me that
they were Royal Marines and wanted to "treat" another Marine to
a good time. And so the story continues...they took me
to a couple of their "places" where we had one h&lluva time
drinking beer and Maltese wine called "screech", or at least
that's what they called it. I got back to the ship really
"sh!tfaced" and awoke the next morning with a very bad headache.
During the day I was back on the stern of the San Marcos, when I
was told that I had visitors? Who the h&ll is visiting me, I
thought?...It was the same 4 Royal Marines I had met the
night before. They had a jeep and took me all over the island,
(off and on) for the next 3 weeks. I can say my experience with
the Royal Marines was nothing less than mutual admiration.
Oh and by the way, they saved my young butt one time when we
were at one of their "places" and we were drinking and carrying
on...when one of them "Reggie" stood up and said "here's to
the Yank"; and then asked me if I was upset about him calling me
YANK? I stood up and said No, I don't mind you calling me Yank
as long as you don't mind me calling you L!mmeys! At that, I
drank the toast completely down and then slammed the glass
upside down on the table. All of a sudden, a few "other guys"
at another table stood up and started for me. "Reggie" and his
buddies stood between them and me and explained that I was their
guest and I didn't know that turning the glass upside down,
meant I could kick anybody's a$s in the place. Yes I had a good
experience with the Royal Marines, and we kept in touch for a
few years after that..
Semper Fi
Sgt A. J. Steen '55- '59
5th Marines & 6th Marines (8th Comm Battalion)
1490061
Dear Sgt Grit.
I am new to your news letter. Thank you for the wonderful
stories and letters. They help me. I saw my son swore in today
and watched as the bus drove him away. He has wanted to be a
Marine since he was about 8 or 9. I know technically I can not
say he is a Marine but I have no doubt he will be. For my own
mental health and pride I wear a Marine Mom dog tag and plan to
wear my "I may look harmless, But I raised a Marine" shirt
tomorrow to work to show my pride for my son. I know the
Marines will make him the man he wants to be and more.
In my family every Friday is red white and blue day. I have
various shirts with saying from "if you can't get behind our
troops please stand in front" and "home of the free because of
the brave" they are my normal dress down friday wear. My
sister is a second grade teacher who does this with her whole
class. She teaches information about the flag and service men
and women each friday that is not part of the mandated
curriculum. No doubt information on the marines will be added
heavily this year. Our family feels it is important to teach
these things. Needless to say she gets more flags than apples,
but she loves every minute of it.
I want to say thank you to all the service men and women; and
families who help support them. I am full of mixed emotion for
my son but the biggest emotion is PRIDE.
Thank you Valerie L Minns
"Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations,
entangling alliances with none."
Thomas Jefferson
As a girlfriend of a Marine (2nd Div. GySgt. G. Gordon), I'm
proud to say thank you for all that you do for us and for our
Country and for others. Its funny but I don't get any negative
comments from ignorant people, whenever I'm at my job an I'm
running my mouth off about my Marine, the men who are my
customers always ask what's his rank, where was he
stationed?...etc... and they seem so proud and impressed and
they always have a story that it makes me puff up my chest like
I've done something. lol I just feel so proud of him and all
of the guys and gals who have sacrificed so much. On the eve of
my Marine laying his dad (also a Marine) to rest after a very
long battle w/cancer, I'd like to take this time to honor him
also for his sacrifices for his family, and his country. God
bless you, may your journey be made smooth an straight. HAPPY
BIRTHDAY MARINES and thanks.
Semper Fidelis
Have a Blessed Day
Pam McCullough
"A modest little person, with much to be modest about."
Winston Churchill
Although I now live in New York, I was born and raised in
Oklahoma (born in Norman) and I want to share the following
story with all the Sgt. Grit readers.
Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s I was working at AAR
Oklahoma, Major Air Services Division at Will Rogers World
Airport. I was an airframe mechanic and an aviation production
controller. We were doing airframe modifications on USAF C-9A
Nightingales (Aeromedical Evacuation) at the time and started
getting in some C-9B Skytrain II aircraft from USN VR-57
Conquistadors. Then, during the first Gulf War we started doing
airframe fatigue / stress repairs and TRAM modifications on A-6E
Intruders and I met Marines from VMA(AW)332 Moonlighters which
at the time they were based at MCAS Cherry Point. I fell in love
with the A-6E Intruder and really liked the Marine air crews and
personnel we dealt with.
The Marine Corps are definitely the best in quality and gung-ho
spirit and I wish I had had the opportunity to be a United
States Marine!
God Bless America and the Marine Corps!
Bruce Payne
I am a proud mother of all three of my children. Two boys and
one girl. Girl is in the middle and in her second year of
college. My oldest son just graduated from WVU as a political
consultant. My youngest son is the one I have always wondered
what he would do after high school. Well I found out. Last year
he stopped by the Marine recruiter's office. When he came home
and told me what he wanted to do, I was not too shocked. His Dad
was Navy, both of his Grandfathers were in the Korean Conflict,
one a Army Drill Sergeant and one Air Force, his uncles have
been Army also. But it was something of the twinkle in his eyes
when he said "I'm going into the Marines when I finish high
school". My response was good for You honey, and I turned away
with tears in my eyes thinking it is just a phase. Well second
surprise was this summer when he told me the recruiter was
coming to talk with me. Okay, I thought.
He signed the papers as did I. When his recruiter said "okay,
You will go on Sunday, stay all night, go for the physical and
so forth, I burst into silent tears again turning my head. He
has been going to pull functions all summer, he is a senior in
high school and will ship out in July 2009 right after my
birthday( they changed his date because his original date was
two days before my birthday). He is so happy and so into this.
His recruiters are now like family. There are five Marines
between the two offices here(Weirton,WV and Wheeling,WV), with
the best group of guys you could imagine. My problem is a
couple of them are being transferred before he graduates and when
he leaves for Parris Island, I am not only watching my baby leave,
I feel like I am losing an entire family. His 18th birthday is
two weeks away, and I am "LOSING" it.
I have been in tears for three weeks, I can no longer imagine
how these other Mothers , Fathers, and Wives feel when there loved
one is overseas. I have always respected the Armed Forces and
proud of them, but it has hit home. I am this "lost" now, next year
I hope to be stronger like my son, but I know when he graduates
high school and leaves on that plane, a "adopted family" will be
with me. And I am looking forward to when he finishes boot camp
and makes everyone proud. He wants infantry but maybe someday he
will think of his recruiters and say that would be good, and be
with families to make the transition easier. So thank you for
letting me cry on your shoulder, but for now I am going to get
my tissues.
"The Mader's" Mom
Weirton, WV
"I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with
great pleasure."
Clarence Darrow
Amelia, you obviously know that your relationship with your
Marine is one blessed by Our Warrior King on High and Chesty
Puller. You also know that stats show that 50% of all marriages
today end in divorce. Marriage is a great institution - if you
like institutional living. The bond you have with your Marine
today is the bond that you will maintain "until Death do you
part." And, when your Marine gets back from BadSand, and the two
of you stand before a gathered assembly and are announced by the
Officiator as "Mr. and Mrs." the only change in your 'status'
(MOS) will be a piece of paper and a Legal Contract. Neither of
which come close to equaling what you both have in your heart.
When far too many times (once is too many) I held my brother in
my arms as he passed from this world to his journey to The
Streets of Heaven, most of the time my brothers' last words
were about their girlfriends. Not about Mom, or Apple Pie, or
even Old Yeller, and in one instance that your letter brought
back so clearly, not 'Wifey' ( 'most all of us were not
married; in this instance, my brother Marine was married, but
knew he'd picked the wrong one to cut the cake with). As to
"being notified" and "receiving the flag," Amelia, those are
just human trappings. Please think about the fact that your
Marine will live forever tucked away in that small, still,
special part of your heart, because the bond you two share was
ordained from just one level above Chesty Puller. And it don't
get no better than that, m'Lady!
Connely/Robert
SGT USMC
RVN 66-68
In response to Alex Rodriguez, 1stSgt, USMC, Retired, who
thanked the parents of the Marine recruits he trained: My
husband and I have the privilege of being the parents of three
fine sons, all of whom served in the USMC. The eldest has served
12 years and counting, deployed to Iraq twice, 2003 and 2006,
with number three coming up. The middle son served before the
terrorist attack of 2001, so hasn't experienced deployment, but
his efforts supported those who followed him. The youngest
recently became a civilian after 7 years active duty where he
saw action in Iraq in 2002, Afghanistan in 2004 and Iraq again
2007. While we are certainly proud and grateful to these 'boys',
we feel especially grateful to others who know what they have
gone through to support the liberties and freedoms we all
experience today. A special thank you to people like yourself,
1st Sgt Rodriguez, who gave them the tools and training they
needed to get the job done well and return home safely.
God bless you,
Sandra Lloyd
"Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it."
George Bernard Shaw
Dear Sgt. Grit,
Recently my mother in law was cleaning out some drawers and came
across some of my father in laws things. (My father in law has
been dead many years now). In it was a laminated code of honor,
an old chauffeur's license and this poem my husband had sent him
from Viet Nam. It came from a military news paper they had when
he was over there. I want to share it with you.
"Where are you going, Young Fellow My Lad,
On this glittering morn of May?"
"I'm going to join the Colours, Dad;
They are looking for men they say."
"But you're only a boy, Young Fellow My Lad;
You aren't obliged to go."
I'm seventeen and a quarter, Dad
And ever so strong, you know."
So you're off to France, Young Fellow My Lad,
And you're looking so fit and bright."
"I'm terribly sorry to leave you, Dad,
But I feel I'm doing right."
"God bless you and keep you, Young Fellow My Lad,
You're all of my life you know."
"Don't worry. I'll soon be back, dear Dad,
and I'm awfully proud to go."
"Why don't you write, Young Fellow My Lad?
I watch for the post each day;
And I miss you so, and I'm awfully sad,
and it's months since you went away.
And I've had the fire in the parlor lit,
And I'm keeping it burning bright
Till my boy comes home; and here I sit."
What is the matter, Young Fellow My Lad?
No letter again today.
Why did the postman look so sad,
And sigh as he turned away?
I here them tell that we've gained new ground,
But a terrible priced we paid;
God grant, my boy. that you're safe and sound;
but oh I'm afraid, afraid
They told me the truth, Young Fellow My Lad;
You'll never come back again:
Oh God: the dreams and the dreams I've had,
And the hopes I've nursed in vain!
For you passed in the night, Young Fellow My Lad,
And you proved in the cruel test
Of screaming shell and the Battle h&ll
that my boy was one of the best.
"So you'll live, you'll live, young fellow my lad,
in the gleam of the Evening Star,
in the wood-note wild and laugh of the child,
in all the sweet things that are.
and you will never die, my wonderful boy,
while life is noble and true:
for all our beauty and hope and joy
we will owe our lads like you."
Marine Veteran Acquitted in Killing of Iraqis
By CHELSEA J. CARTER
AP
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Aug. 29) -- Jurors wept and embraced former
Marine Jose Luis Nazario Jr. after acquitting him of voluntary
manslaughter in the killings of unarmed Iraqi detainees during
a fierce 2004 battle. Tears rolled down Nazario's cheeks and
courtroom spectators openly sobbed and cheered Thursday. He is
the first U.S. veteran tried by a civilian court for alleged
actions in combat.
Joe Nazario said, "It's been a long, hard year for my family,"
Nazario said outside the courtroom. "I need a moment to catch my
breath and try to get my life back together."
Jurors took less than six hours over two days to find the former
sergeant not guilty of charges that he killed or caused others
to kill four detainees in Fallujah, Iraq, on Nov. 9, 2004. The
detainees were shot during a battle - marked by house-to-house
fighting - that was considered one of the fiercest of the Iraq
war. Nazario had been charged with voluntary manslaughter,
assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm during a
crime of violence. He could have faced more than 10 years in
prison if found guilty.
Prosecutors had urged the jury to convict Nazario, saying he
violated his duty as a Marine and must be held accountable for
his actions in Fallujah.
Juror Ted Grinell said the panel acquitted Nazario because no
witnesses testified to actually seeing the shootings and there
was "not enough evidence to point that he was guilty."
Jury forewoman Ingrid Wicken said the panel was not making a
statement with its verdict, but added: "I think you don't know
what goes on in combat until you are in combat."
"In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide.
Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate
- look to his character..."
Noah Webster
Hey Marines,
Regarding the recent posting about military service and Social
Security: I like to advise my veterans that only Marines qualify
for the extra money. In fact, all veterans qualify, and the
military service question is actually part of the interview that
we do when you come in to file for Retirement, Disability, or
Survivor's benefits. In most cases we don't even need to see a
DD-214 because the services accurately reported the wages to
SSA. It's the years prior to 1968 that usually need verifying,
which the DD-214 takes care of. And remember, in a Retirement
claim Social Security uses the best 35 years of earnings on your
record (indexed and adjusted for inflation) to calculate your
monthly benefit amount, so in many cases the military years
don't make any difference at all. The computer has better years
to pick from, even with the extra credits. Just wanted to keep
it real so you don't go blasting down to your local SSA office
expecting lobster tail only to get beans and weenies!
Dwight Jenkins
USMC 1979-1991
SSA 1993- present
Hey Sgt. Grit,
Here's a song we used to sing back in Elementary school, hard to
figure I turned out a Marine.
From the halls of John Moore school
To the shores of bubblegum bay
We will fight our teachers battles
With spitballs, gum and clay
First to fight for rights and recess
And to keep our desk a mess
We are proud to claim the title
Of the teachers number one pest.
CPL Gerald Schaaf H&MS-13 PP/VMA-311
"It is very imprudent to deprive America of any of her
privileges. If her commerce and friendship are of any importance
to you, they are to be had on no other terms than leaving her in
the full enjoyment of her rights."
Benjamin Franklin
Combat Fitness Test (Video)
Amanda:
As a former Marine and the Father of two Marines, (both Son and
Daughter), your recent submission detailing your Marine Corps
experience resurrected a long held personal perspective about
what it means and always will mean to be a Marine.
I can't say that I know with any degree of accuracy where the
phrase "Once a Marine Always a Marine" originated or who coined
it, but I can say there is no truer statement.
In that regard, I feel all but obligated to make the observation
that you are being entirely and unreasonably too hard on
yourself. What you really need to do is "cut yourself some
slack" and put your Marine Corps experience into it's proper
perspective.
First and foremost, recognize what you accomplished. Our Armed
Forces, branch of service notwithstanding, has been an all
volunteer service for decades. Had you not enlisted you would
never have had the honor to stand on the infamous "Footprints."
Your very enlistment warrants an accolade in its own right.
Going beyond that achievement, as you explained, you "broke your
foot halfway through" [Boot Camp]. Yet, and this has to be a
very important qualifier, you "hung in there" and completed Boot
Camp on literally (for all practical purposes), "one foot." How
many of your peers could have or would have done as much?
It has to be a sad commentary as regards modern military medical
care that your proper injury wasn't diagnosed until AFTER you
completed Boot Camp. To have a fracture diagnosed as tendentious
simply defies logical explanation. Be that as it was, you
clearly demonstrated yourself to be definitely "hard Corps."
As regards your decision to separate from the Corps...that had
to be a very tough, if not emotionally, difficult decision. As
difficult as it no doubt was for you, it was going to be a
decision you were destined to have to make at some point during
your period of enlistment. My own insights seem to suggest that
your undiagnosed or, as the case proved to be, "misdiagnosed"
injury would have caught up with you when and if you faced
deployment. At that point, the out come would of, I suspect,
have been the same. Medical separation.
See the injury for the potential threat it would have posed in a
combat environment. Not only would you have put your own well
being at risk, but without a doubt the well being of your fellow
Marines would have been placed in jeopardy as well. Fellow
Marines that would have been depending on you at the potential
peril of life and limb.
Marine, as hard as it was for you to leave active duty, you made
the right decision. Your selfless decision clearly makes you as
much a Marine as all those who have proceeded you or will follow
you onto those legendary "Footprints."
Unfortunately, the annals of MCRD Parris Island as well as San
Diego are replete with instances of "slackers and quitters."
Recruits that, as you phrased it "landed" on Parris Island or
San Diego in the dark of night, (as all Recruits do), only to
return to their Home Towns in the dark of night, sans any honor
or recognition.
To your personal honor, you, young Lady didn't quit, you didn't
"drop your pack." You demonstrated a genuine "Gung Ho" attitude
that typifies what a US Marine is...world-wide. In the same
vein, there are innumerable instances of Recruits that never saw
Graduation Day due to properly diagnosed medical conditions or
pre-existing medical conditions. So with that reality in mind,
take heart and be undyingly proud of what you DID accomplish.
You not only survived "Boot Camp," but you completed Boot Camp
to proudly stand on the Parade Deck and be recognized as a US
Marine. I would hope, for your own peace of mind and future
emotional well being, that will be a title you will proudly
carry with you the rest of your life, because...you earned it.
If all of the above still leaves you "second guessing" your
decision, consider this...when you left the Marine Corps you
left wearing our beloved "EGA." No one cut the buttons off your
blouse or broke a sword over their knee. You left the Marine
Corps well after you graduated Boot Camp with an Honorable
Discharge (reason not withstanding). You didn't leave with a
"BCD" or worse yet a "DD." Our Nation will never lessen the
service of those medically separated from Active Duty. You are
no less a Veteran! Underlying that, if not more importantly...
no less a Marine.
Always be proud of that fact. Don't let anyone deny you that
reality, least of all yourself.
From one Marine to another I say...
Semper Fi and Ooh rah "Devil Dog,"
T.P. Sheehan
Syracuse, NY
"The great principles of right and wrong are legible to every
reader; to pursue them requires not the aid of many counselors.
The whole art of government consists in the art of being
honest."
Thomas Jefferson
Amanda,
You state in your letter that you "graduated a U.S. Marine"
despite having a mis-diagnosed broken foot. Please go back and
read, again, your own words: "I graduated a U.S. Marine." From
that statement, alone, you are a United States Marine. The
plaintive call of your indecision and struggle to reconcile your
having left Our Beloved Marine Corps comes ringing through every
word of your letter to GruntGrit. To gain the closure that you
seem to desperately seek, I respectfully suggest to you that the
hardest part of being a Marine is, was, and always will be the
weeks that you are killed, re-borne, and then shaped into a
Marine by highly-dedicated professionals. "Coulda, woulda,
shoulda," my Six. You did Parris Island with a broken foot. If
that, alone, doesn't make you a Marine, I cannot imagine what
else would. I speak only for myself, and do not pretend for even
a moment that my few words echo the sentiment of our brothers
and sisters in Our Beloved Marine Corps, but for my money, you,
Madame, are - and always will be - A United States Marine. Now,
suck in that gut, tuck in that chin, square away those
shoulders, and continue your march through life knowing that you
have at least one member of the few and the proud who says you
are a Marine.
Dismissed.
Connely/R.
Sgt/USMC/RVN '66-'68
"If the war didn't happen to kill you it was bound to start you
thinking."
George Orwell
I wanted to notify you of some up and coming Marine Corps
History to take place, at the graduation of new recruits,
October 3, 2008 at MCRD, San Diego.
My son, Recruit Charles Huntington Lyman V is due to graduate
from Boot Camp, MCRD, San Diego, Oct. 3, 2008. He will be the
fifth generation, and the sixth family member serving our great
country, dating back to the 1800s. All the previous Charles H.
Lyman's, plus a brother, were all officers, as ranks listed
below:
Charles H. Lyman, I Colonel, Marine Corps
Charles H. Lyman, II, Marine Corps, General, Commanding Officer,
MCRD
Charles H. Lyman, III, Admiral, Navy
The brother of above, Andrew Irving Lyman, Colonel, Asst. Depot
Commander, MCRD
Charles H. Lyman, IV, Colonel, Marine Corps
Charles Huntington Lyman, V, Recruit, due to graduate MCRD, Oct.
3, 2008.
This is a very long line of Marine Corps service, sacrifice and
dedication in one family.
Also our family will be honored to have in attendance of the
Oct. 3rd graduation, Colonel Charles H. Lyman IV, who will be
flying to San Diego from the Virginia. We thank you all, most
sincerely for serving our country.
Betsy R. Gill
(Mother of Recruit Charles H. Lyman V)
Twenty-four years ago my one and only child came into this
world. Such a blessing. Back then I knew he was special, but I
always tried to figure out why. Teachers from school, even his
friends' parents commented on how they thought he was special,
but they would just say we will know why someday. In May of
2001 the start of why he is so special happened. He walked into
the recruiting military office in Woonsocket Rhode Island,
straight past every military branch, until he reached the Marine
Corps door, he entered and decided that this would be the path
he would be honored to follow for the rest of his life. He also
told the recruiter that he would certainly like to start out his
Marine Career and duty with HMX One. He did just that! As his
Mom you can imagine the pride I took in that.
We would have conversations about how proud I was, but my Son still wanted to
do more. He was happy about his enlistment with HMX ONE, and
one day he said, "Mom how about if I become a Marine who saves
lives, instead of having to take lives?" I felt like this does
not sound good, but I did admire his thinking. He then said ,
"Mom I am interested in becoming an Explosives Ordinance
Disposal Tech. For a brief second my heart stopped, it was as
if my Son's tiny little life had flashed before me. Of course
being his mom I said, "you have never steered yourself in the
wrong direction with any decision you have made so I will
support you no matter what you decide. Today I am the Proud
Mother of a Marine who is serving his first tour of duty in Iraq
as an E.O.D Tech. Today my question is now answered as to why
my Son is so special. Not only is he serving overseas, he is
keeping peace, protecting the innocent, and making sacrifices
for the good of his country.
Soon he will be home reunited with
his family, and holding his beautiful baby boy who was born
about a month ago. Now my Son will not only know the honor of
serving his country, he will know the Honor and Privilege of
having a Son to pass on his legacy. At this time I wish to
Thank all of the brave Marines and other Military Forces for
being who they are, without them we would not have a Free
America. Thank You also to all of the parents who raised these
children as if it was a Privilege, and not just their duty.
Proud to be Sgt Bernard J. Coyne Jr.'s MOM
"The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and
government to gain ground."
Thomas Jefferson
Sgt. Grit,
During a recent doctors appointment, I could not help but notice
the picture of a Marine in his Dress Blues proudly displayed on
the receptionist's counter. After signing in, I asked the young
woman sitting at the desk who the Marine was. I expected her to
say he was her boyfriend, brother or husband. It made me feel a
bit old(er) when she said the Marine is her son.
My wife and I talked with her up until the time my name was
called to see the doctor. I found out that her Marine has
already served one tour in Iraq and is about to go on his second
deployment, this time to Afghanistan. Both my wife and I could
hear the pride she has in her son with every word she said. We
could also hear her concern for her child as we talked of her
Marine's service, 2nd Battalion, PI, hot sauce, his new car and
more.
After seeing the doctor, my wife and I went back to see the
receptionist again. We talked more about her Marine and I
shared a few of the tales I have from my days in the Corps.
Something inside me wanted to comfort and reassure this Marine
Mother that her 'baby' could not be in better hands or with a
better group of people. I wanted more than anything else to
ease her worries and show her that there are others that are
both proud and concerned for the welfare of her son as well as
the others serving our Nation now.
Jewell, this part is for you. Never feel that you are alone.
When your son became a Marine, he became a member of the Marine
Family. He also brought you into our Family and put you in with
a group of fine, outstanding women. When he became a Marine,
you became a Marine Mom. I did the same and my own Mother
became a Marine Mom back in 1974. She still is.
Also remember, there are many of us in the area, all willing to
listen, all wanting to be there if you should need us. We will
listen to you brag on your Marine's accomplishments, will be
there when you want to blow off steam when angry, will do our
best to answer your questions as they come up and will be there
when your concerns become worries. It's the way we are and is
what we do.
I asked her about Sgt. Grit and the newsletter. She responded
that she did indeed get and read it. She seemed somewhat amazed
when I mentioned that I have had one or two letters printed up
in it over the past several years. I am hoping Jewell gets to
reads this one. She has a tale she should submit about her
son's service dates in the Corps that both my wife and I found
amazing.
We could have stayed there and listened to Jewell for hours, but
she was at work, doing her job and we did not want to disturb or
interrupt her. As we parted, I offered my Semper Fi and a
handshake to her and said we wished the best for her son. If
the counter had not been in they way, rest assured, she would
have gotten a 'bear hug' from me! I am honored that she felt
comfortable enough with me that she could confide some of her
Marine's story.
'Semper Fi' Jewell and to all Marine Mothers and Fathers out
there.
Tony Glass
Sgt USMC
1974-78
In response to Retired 1st-Sgt. Alex Rodriguez' post in the Sgt.
Grit Newsletter #182:
It was nice to hear from a former D.I. who is expressing thanks
to parents for their sacrifice. I raised three sons. The oldest
became a Marine right after high school. The middle one hits the
Crucible this coming Wednesday and the youngest is shipping to
Parris Island for training on Dec. 1, 08. My cousin's wife was
a D.I. for the U.S. Army many years ago. My father is a VN
Veteran and spent 23 years active duty, then retired from the
Army.
My guys are the only Marines that we know of on both sides of
the family. My husband's side is Navy. But there are at least 4
generations of military on both sides. I had enlisted but didn't
finish training for medical reasons. However, my boys are
carrying on generations of family military service. Not to brag,
but the General, Robert E. Lee, is their ancestor on my mother-
in-law's side. I know the Marine Corps respects Gen. Lee and his
picture hangs in the Museum on Parris Island's Recruit Training
depot. You can see them here: (L to R--oldest to youngest)
Thanks for being proud of our young men and women...AND for
saying so, "out loud".
Signed,
Momma-Dawg
PMOM's
"There is not such thing as a good tax."
Winston Churchill
Dear Sgt. Grit...
In the event that any readers might be interested, a weekend of
fun and frolicking is scheduled for the weekend of 10/24/08...
The highlight of the get together will be a guided tour of Motts
Military Museum, Columbus, Ohio. So far, we have roughly 32
Marine Veterans (some with their husbands, wives, or significant
others) who plan to attend; so this will be a really good
opportunity to get some "learnin" and meet your Brother & Sister
Marine Veterans.
We've reserved the "back rooms" at restaurants, so we won't
disturb other patrons, if we get rowdy...Of course, ONLY active
duty Marines get rowdy; right? We're also getting a good room
rate at LaQiunta Inn, for those who'll be here Friday and/or
Saturday nights.
Anyone who is interested in joining the merriment can send their
home Email address and I will send attachments about the events
in return. Semper Fi Sisters and Brothers,
JJ Haight
Corporal of Marines 1960-64
Haightjj (at) sbcglobal.net
For Cpl. Gordon Kirby,
Cpl, when the woman in her late 40s said, "Fvck you, you war
monger," the polite Marine reply would have been, "Thank you
kindly for the offer, ma'am, but you're a little old and ugly
for my taste," or "Thanks for the offer, but I never have sex
outside my own species," or "Gee, I'd like to fvck you--could I
give you a dollar now and owe you the other two?"
Anyone have contact with Sgt. W. H. Harris or Sgt. M. P. Martin,
DIs for Plt. 273, PI, 1964? I sure do owe them a vote of thanks,
and a lot more, for the great life I've had.
Robert A. Hall
Former SSgt
USMC 1964-68
USMCR 1977-83
"Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance
that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said
to be certain, except death and taxes."
Benjamin Franklin
Sgt. Grit;
I want to thank you for the news letter you send, I was blessed
a month or so ago when I was reading some of the comments
especially one made by Sgt. C.D. Crutchfield. He was sending a
thanks to another Marine he had trained in 68 at Parris Island.
I have been looking for 41 years to find a way to get in touch
with the Drill Instructors of Platoon 1059; the Fall of 1967,
they were Sgt. Showalter, Sgt. Crutchfield and Sgt Allen.
I wanted to thank these three Marines for the dedication they
gave for so many and acknowledge the sacrifice they (and all
like them then and now) gave of themselves to train so many in
such a short time.
I would like to stand and shake their hands and thank them for
the things they taught me in my short stay at Parris Island.
They did an excellent job, of course I'm sure they seemed hard
from a lot of the eyes of the boots they trained. To me they
were fair, they were excellent at what they did because I
believe they gave everything that could be given in the short
time allowed them to turn out the best Marines possible in the
time they were given. I believe all DI's in all branches of
service do the best they can, it's what makes them the person
they are.
I was blessed to be trained by these three exceptional Marines,
I witnessed them doing what was best for the Corps, best for
each and every grunt they trained. Most of all they cared about
what happened to those " "Maggots" as Sgt. Crutchfield put it"
that were placed under their care to train. They saw that some
like me due to physical limitations or injuries were forced to
leave the greatest University of learning on this planet. What I
was also impressed with was the way they did that part of their
jobs. They did it with respect and honor to those leaving as I'm
sure they did with those that stayed. Sgt. Grit this was the
caliber of these three Marines I was blessed to be around.
Drill Instructors (and all service personnel) from what I have
watched in my life live a hard life, it takes dedication and
determination above what most civilians have to do what these
men/women do. Not many folks can or would spend 100 hours a
week, week after week and still give it everything they have in
them to teach boots how to stay alive.
I thank every soldier of all branches of service as often as I
can for their time, commitment and sacrifice for Our Country,
without them we would not have the freedom we have; freedom
which cost more than most people that have never worn a uniform
can imagine what the cost and sacrifice in getting and keeping
that freedom cost and what it was paid with.
I want to thank you Sgt. Grit for this connection.
Your news letter has given too so many out there the opportunity
to get in touch with others that they would not have any other
way to do so. I would not have had the chance to get in touch
with Sgt. Crutchfield without this news letter.
By getting in touch with Sgt. Crutchfield I learned that Sgt.
Allen went MIA/POW in Vietnam never to be found or heard about
since then. Sgt. Showalter retired a Lt. Colonel but still doing
his thing.
Some people come into our lives and never know what an impact
they make on others; these three Marines had a profound impact
in my life, I still after 41 years thank God for them often. I
thank them, their families for the advice and actions they took
on my behalf; they have been an almost daily part of my life
since 1967.
Thanks Again.
Semper Fi Marine
Have a blessed day
Calvin L. Waddell
PS, My wife brought me home from the hospital after open heart
surgery, now that was an event. Dr. Gott the heart surgeon told
me last week that he had operated on two Iwo Jima Marines one a
week before me and one a week after me. He said the three of us
had healed and gotten back to functioning faster than most of
his patients. I told him we learned once upon a time that giving
up is not an option, get up and go or you will die is why we are
still here.
"Under capitalism everybody provides for their own needs by
serving others."
Ludwig von Mises
Dear Marines and others,
I wanted to sincerely thank you for letting me sit in and listen
in on your stories of the past. I truly enjoyed being apart of
your reunion ( 11th Marines, Hq Btty, Comm Plt.) and loved
being able to put a picture with the name. It was a real sight
to see you all recall your accounts and discuss some really cool
memories. It is a wonderful bond that you guys share, and I am
was very lucky to be apart of it. Thank you.
I will never be able to put into words how much I appreciate
everything you guys did for our country. The Veterans' Day Cards
that my students create is just a small way that I could think
of to show how much I am grateful for what you did for our
community. One of my philosophies of teaching that I carry out
throughout each year is, "It is easy to take liberty for
granted, when you have never had it taken from you. Freedom is
never free." I try to make my students understand and really
wrap their brain around that concept. Without you guys, the
world would have never been the same. You guys are absolutely
AMAZING....heroes in my book.
Sincerely,
Tracy Walker (Knavel)
11th Marines, Hq Btty, Comm Plt. DaNang, 69-70
First row: Cpl Jerry Knavel, Cpl John (Goog) Gugliotta, Cpl
Alexander (Wenny) Pas, Cpl Larry Schamus, Cpl Jerry Morehouse.
Second row: Sgt Don (Grit) Whitton, Sgt Dick (Dirty Dick)
Leyden, Cpl Jim Fuller, Cpl Dave Burkle
And yes Wenny Pas has on an original (40 year old) short sleeve
1st MarDiv sweat shirt.
"Let us hear of the dignity of man's nature, and the noble rank
he holds among the works of God."
John Adams
Stop Global Whining Bumper Sticker
I May Look Harmless Bumper Sticker
God Bless America!
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
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