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AmericanCourage #198 16 APR 2009
View with Photos | ONLINE CATALOG
As I get older I find it hard not to shed tears on memorial day.
But I do shed tears of pride to have fought with my brother in
arms. I share with them the anguish the pain and the memories.
As a P.F.C. in Viet Nam and a MGySgt in Desert Storm I realize
the spectrum of emotions a person can take. So God Bless those
Families of Son's & Daughter's that gave the Ultimate Price and
to those Families that have Missing in Action "Prisoners of
War", they will never be forgotten.
Semper Fi,
MAC'S An Old but still motivated Master Gunny Contreras
My oldest Marine is getting ready for his second deployment.
This time he will be leaving his wife and 2 year old son. We
wanted to have pictures of Ricky and daddy taken and they turned
out so cute I had to share.
Thank you,
Debbie Bailey
VPMMO CPL Rick and CPL Mike
This is a photo of my son Patrick Carr (back row second from
right) wearing the spring break t-shirts I ordered for him and
his hooch mates. He is just outside Ramadi. Coming home soon I
hope, can't wait to see him.
Paul Carr
66-69, USMC
Scant attention is being paid to the Afghanistan War. Our sons,
daughters, friends, neighbors who are fighting this war deserve
better and more attention for their efforts.
Sgt Grit
Dear SgtGrunt,
I love reading your newsletter and I wanted to write you about
my two Marine Corps Heroes. My father.
First and foremost, I wanted to begin with how very lucky I am
to be the daughter of a United States Marine. I know because my
father is a Marine, he is one of the main reasons that I am who
I am today. From an early age, I was taught to respect people
and not to do wrong to others. I was also taught that if there
is ever anyone who is need, to help them to the best of my
ability, because that is what my dad would do. Especially if
that person is a United States Marine.
But I have to say the best lessons I earned from my Marine
father were those of love and sacrifice. He taught me that
family is the most important thing in the world, and the love
for your family is like no other. Just like his love for the
Corps, and his Marine brothers.
To this day, my father has sacrificed everything for me and my
brother to ensure that we have happy, fulfilling lives and never
have to worry about anything. He also sacrificed his life for my
freedom, when he served in the Vietnam War.
I don't think I fully understood my father's love for his
country or the Corps until September 11th, 2001. I also didn't
fully understand why freedom is not free, until that day as
well. Being born in NY, and growing up in northern NJ, when the
World Trade Centers were attacked, it really hit my entire
family close to home. Literally. A close cousin of the family
perished in the attacks as well. 3 days later, there I was.
Standing and staring at the mangled, twisted, smoldering mess of
the World Trade Centers with my father. It was the quietest
moment I think I will ever experience, especially in Manhattan.
We were watching the firefighters going into and coming out of
the wreckage and the only word that I could think of was "sad."
I couldn't comprehend how many people had died right there,
where were standing. And I couldn't comprehend how almost every
single one of those firefighters had men they were searching
for, or how many men they had lost. Their friends, their
fathers, their brothers. Each other. And then, it hit me. I
looked over at my father, and he was crying. I knew then, that
single moment took him back to his time and his suffering in
Vietnam.
And then, he said something I will never forget as long as I
live. He looked over at me, hugged me, looked back at the
wreckage, the dirty and weeping fireman, and the space in the
sky where the towers once stood and said "Look at what this
horrible man did to our country. Just look at what he has done!
If I could go back into the Marines right now and hunt him down,
I would." And I knew that he would have if he could. That moment
was when I knew what it meant to be a Marine was. That he would
run into the fire to protect me and my family, and the entire
country AGAIN if he had to.
So for all of those who are lucky enough to know and love a
United States Marine, I ask you to think about that defining
moment when you understood what it means to be a Marine. And I
ask that you say thank you to that Marine, every and any chance
you get. Without their love and sacrifices, which they still
make today, our lives could be much different.
Remember, Freedom is not free. And the people who run into the
fire first, to defend that freedom, are our beloved Marines.
-Christa Gasiewicz
Proud Daughter of Peter Gasiewicz USMC
1st Bat 9th Marines
Sgt Grit,
My son and I are almost done with his 1953 GMC motto truck.
We've worked on it for about a year now. He's only 8, so I still
have some time to finish it up before he can drive. I thought
I'd share our pic's with you and your staff. Thanks for serving
and providing us with great gear. Please feel free to use these
pic's in anyway you see fit.
Semper Fi,
Sgt Sparks/USMC ret
And I Quote...
Were we directed from washington when to sow, and when to reap,
we should soon want bread." -- Thomas Jefferson
Son chose to leave Marines for a girl who refused to be a
military wife after 6 years of service. He Disappointed me
SEVERELY!
MOM
Note: Hard Corps takes many forms. Outstanding MOM.
Sgt Grit
i just want to say Semper Fi to every Marine that reads this
newsletter i am a sailor but my father whom passed away this
year in january was a Marine i dont know much about his time in
the service because he didn't like to talk about it all i know
was that he served in Vietnam but like i said i am a sailor but
every Marine out there has my utmost respect that i can give i
pray for you all every day enlisted, officer, and retired once a
Marine always a Marine...when i was home last before my dad
passed away i was able to show him this website and he spent an
hour in front of the computer just reading all the stories that
people had put up and he started to cry because of the memories
from when he was in but anyways i just want to say Semper Fi to
every Marine that reads this and to say thank you for doing what
you do
AOAN Little Carl
USS Boxer lhd-4
We have been long time customers of Sgt. Grit. My daughter's
father SSgt "Rooster" served from 1993-2002. Our daughter, Riley
loves to hear her Daddy tell stories and always points out the
Eagle, Globe and Anchor on the various Marine posters, items,
and on t-shirts at both of our houses. She always reads your
newsletter along with me and loves the decorated motorcycles,
bull dogs and Marines who she says "looks like Daddy." I told
her to pick out a book to read before bed. She ran in the other
room and grabbed my Sgt. Grit catalog off my desk. I think she
may be a bigger fan than some of your older members. We get
asked all the time where we find all the great Marine items and
t-shirts we have so I've started having to keep one of your
catalogs handy. :)
Thanks for all the effort and as always Thank you to every
Marine that honored the uniform.
Semper Fi.
Erica Cosminsky
And I Quote...
"If you are unwilling to defend your right to your own lives,
then you are merely like mice trying to argue with owls. You
think their ways are wrong. They think you are dinner." -- Terry Goodkind in "Naked Empire
And I Quote...
"Observe, my son, with what little wisdom the world is run." -- Baron von Oxenstiern
I, too, was a WM from 1980 to 1982. Platoon 8A, L Company, at
Parris Island. Radio School at Twenty-nine Palms, then Radio
Plt, CommCo, H&S Battalion, 2dFSSG, Camp Lejeune. The building
was actually one of the old wooden barracks, and if I remember
correctly, we were one of the last platoons to 'live' in that
barracks before it was condemned! We did not do the obstacle
course or go to the rifle range during boot camp. I joined the
Marines at the urging of my best friends older sister, who was a
Marine at the time I was trying to decide what to do with my
life. Much to my horror, one day at mail call, one of my ADI's,
Sgt. V. Tovar, called my name & quite frankly, was more than a
little aggravated that I was getting mail from SSgt Sarah
Degraff, HER boot camp 'bunkie', and wanted to know why! As I
stumbled through an explanation, I could only imagine the
horrors Sgt. Tovar was planning for me. Needless to say I wrote
a letter to Sarah, ASAP, and told her not to ever write to me
again!
To this day, nothing short of the births of my three
sons, makes me prouder than the fact that I have earned the
right to call myself a United States Marine. My two oldest sons
also joined the Marines. My middle son has done a tour in
Afghanistan and two tours (one extended) in Operation Iraqi
Freedom. The photo I've attached is of myself, and two of the
boys friends, Heather and Amanda....the three of us call
ourselves 'The Marineaholics', beside my Jeep. Unfortunately,
the Jeep didn't survive a crazy, hydroplaning driver on I95, but
nothing changes my love for the Marine Corps. Semper Fi to all
of those who have served, in the past and the present. As a
former Marine, and a Marine Mom, I can guarantee you that being
a Marine Mom is absolutely the toughest job in the Corps!
Ruth Chippich-Murphy
VP Marine - even prouder Marine Mom!
Sgt Grit,
I have 5 sons, oldest is 12 and the youngest is 1yrs old. The
picture is my middle son who is 6yrs old. Funny thing is, I
didn't even have him pose for this picture. I just asked him to
give me the 1000 yard stare. He grabbed my cover, correctly
placed it two fingers from the bridge of his nose, popped in to
the POA and looked right through the camera and I into my soul.
Scarlet and gold running through his veins.
Jerome R. Roseborough
I am writing to pay tribute to some of the Marines I served with
more than fifty years ago. I am sure they are all gone now, but
I have always considered them my hero's. I was a young Marine
assigned to the office of a small detachment at Camp Pendleton.
As a result I became close to the officers and NCO's who were
near retirement. My Commanding Officers included 1st Lieutenant
G. G. Sweet and Captain Erastus W. Roberts. Both were natural
leaders and my friends. Both served in World War Two and
received battle field commissions; and both were recipients of
the Silver Star. They were the kindest men I have ever met.
Another friend was Sergeant Major John M. Moran. He was a China
Marine who served at Guadalcanal and took me under his wing,
somewhat as a father. He retired after thirty years of service.
I also served with two Technical Sergeants and unfortunately do
not remember their names. One was captured at Corregidor and
spent the war in a Japanese prison camp. The other received the
Navy Cross while serving on Saipan. I now regret that I didn't
get to know them better. At the time I didn't realize the extent
of the company I was keeping, but I am sure they are currently
in good hands.
Edward Spence
Sergeant USMC
1954 -1958
And I Quote...
"Nothing else can poison our culture, corrupt our society or
ruin the character of our people like unearned money or unearned
opportunity." -- James R. Cook
I am sorry that I missed the Memorial page for Beirut Hero's of
Oct. 1983.
Our Son, Lt. Jeffrey R. Scharver, USMC was one of 3 Marines that
was killed 2 days after the Beirut bombing. I belong to the
Azalea Chapter of Gold Star Mothers in Wilmington, NC. We
support other Moms who have lost a child while serving in the
military, as well as veterans and those brave men now serving.
On my GSM business card, I have a picture of Jeff and at the
bottom; I have the words "Remember Grenada". 19 young men
sacrificed their lives to help Grenada over through communism
and I am so proud of them also. I know everyone says' we will
never forget', but Urgent Fury - Grenada is overlooked a lot
because of the few men that lost their lives. They did not die
in vain, if we lose one soldier serving his country, it is one
too many. I attend the Beirut- Grenada Memorial each year in
Jacksonville and my heart aches for each and every parent that
has ever lost a love one. I proudly display my Marine emblem on
the back of my car and love to get the thumbs up from other
drivers. Love reading all the articles in the newsletter! Keep
up the good work.
To Sgt. Couturier:
Thanks for letting us know about Sgt. Romans who gave his life
in the line of duty as a Oakland P.D. SWAT Sgt. my step father
worked for the O.P.D. also after returning from his stint in the
rice paddies of Vietnam hired in 69' retired in 85' succumbed to
cancer in 94'.
I started my law enforcement career in 82'.
A good friend of mine Officer Larry Lassiter of Pittsburg P.D.
who was killed in the line of duty in 05' by a 18 year old punk.
Larry loved the Corps he was a Capt. a tank commander in Iraq in
Dessert Storm and got out to start a family as he told me the
Corps was not a place he wanted to raise his family. At the
time of his murder his wife was pregnant with his son who he
never saw. I am sure Romans and Lassiter are guarding the
gates of heaven waiting to greet us when it is out times to
ascend to Gods presence. Why is it always the good who must
leave us. I am sure all of hearts go out the officers in
Oakland and in our Military in Iraq and Afghanistan who have
lost their lives fighting for our freedoms and our protection/
God bless our troops Semper Fidelis
Capt. Mac
Kind of in response to Wayne Stafford's letter. I was in DaNang
and Dong Ha from January '66 to February '67 in the 1st Marine
Division. The only welcome home I got was by my wife and 3 sons
who met me in Memphis. My parents and my wife's parents met us
when we got home. And, really, they were all I needed to see!
My youngest son was 5 weeks old when I left for Viet Nam. My
wife had a large photo of me in uniform that she showed him
while I was gone so he knew who I was when I got home. But like
Stafford, I'm happy to see that the Marines coming home now are
being met and recognized for their service.
Bill McFarland
USMC/Sgt/February '60-November '69
And I Quote...
"I want an American character, that the powers of Europe may be
convinced we act for ourselves and not for others; this, in my
judgment, is the only way to be respected abroad and happy at
home." -- George Washington
Visit "Award From Marine Corps Headquarters" / Baghdad Iraq
Semper Fidelis
Gunny
Larry "Gunny" Sizemore
Billeting / Transit Supervisor
KBR, Inc
West BIAP, Baghdad, Iraq
Sgt. Grit.
I want to thank you and all of your staff for such an
outstanding publication. I served from 1980-1985 and I still
work with and have contact with several GREAT Men and Women I
had the honor to serve with.
On 19 November, 2008 We all lost an outstanding Marine and
Friend. Sgt. Donald W. Mc Kay. Don was on the Far East Rifle
and Pistol team from Okinawa in 1982. He was awarded the
Shivley trophy and to the day he died we always toasted the "
Best Pistol Shot in the Marine Corps". At his memorial service
we again toasted him and sent him to guard the streets of
heaven. I know there are a lot of great marksmen in the Corps.
(that is our bread and butter) but it was always a topic of
conversation. I miss talking to Don and he left behind two fine
daughters. They are still very proud of their dad as am I.
Thanks again for all that you do.
Sgt. Jeff Wolven USMC
1980-1985
And I Quote...
"[O]f those men who have overturned the liberties of republics,
the greatest number have begun their career by paying an
obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and
ending tyrants." -- Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 1
As one once amongst those in "cammies" at camp Pendleton (many
years and too many pounds ago) I read the following from this
mornings Sgt. Grit newsletter both with pride and a deep
understanding. To Gary, a salute for your families sacrifice and
to your son a hearty Semper Fi!
Know ye young Marine that some things will never change, I still
come to attention when our national anthem comes on TV. and I
always give a little salute if they speak of the passing of any
Marine.
Once a Marine Always a Marine
Tyler Therrien
Ashland, MO.
I'm not sure if I'm suppose to be writing this to you'll since
I'm not a Marine past or present but will be in the future. I
have a son and soon to be wife and I'm a jr. in high school.
I'll be 17 on april 16th 2009 and i plan on dep. in to the
Marine Corps that day. My m.o.s is going to be combat engineer
hopefully. my grandfather served in the Marine Corps and fought
in the Korean conflict but that all i know he was killed by a
drunk driver when my dad was a kid so i never gat to meet him.
But i love reading your articles about your kids your parents
and your journeys through the Corps and i cant wait to join the
proudest and greatest branch of the military.
Trey
And I Quote...
"Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to
complain of the want of time, who never loses any. It is
wonderful how much may be done, if we are always doing." -- Thomas Jefferson
i was moved by the Marine dad who's son came back from Iraq...i
just wish we would have had the same welcome when we came back
from Vietnam...instead all we had was hippies demonstrating, at
the gate of travis air force base... as the bus we were on
passed the group of hippies a PFC turned to me and said "sarge
why these people act like that?" all i could tell him is patriots
like you and all the others that didn't come back are true
patriots.....
Semper Fi
A TRUE MARINE
Sunday night at the Country Music Awards aired on the CBS TV
network, Trace Adkins performed with the West Point Glee Club.
They were introduced by a Marine who spoke about the Wounded
Warrior Project. That young man was LT Andrew Kinard, USMC, USNA
Class of 2005.
It is a very moving tribute (YouTube), worth watching and sharing.
i was recently hospitalized in are home town of manatee fl.
after a long and just exhausting ordeal. the support that my
family and i have gotten has been my will power to grab hold of
that Marine i was and will be forever has just made me that much
more of a Marine. Marines go out of there way to be there for
there brothers. i have been blest to have been a part it. love
you all Marines.
m.e saber USMC Mark and Robin
And I Quote...
"I am commonly opposed to those who modestly assume the rank of
champions of liberty, and make a very patriotic noise about the
people. It is the stale artifice which has duped the world a
thousand times, and yet, though detected, it is still
successful." -- Fisher Ames, 23 June 1789
Hello Marines; As a mom of a Marine who recently finished boot
camp, an old incident hit me that i have to share. Back in the
spring of 1983, My mother and i were traveling home from a short
vacation from Hawaii. The plane we were in was pretty full for
the long ride back to California. On board with us was a group
of Navy men sitting toward the rear and in the center of the
plane. All were in uniform, and unfortunately it was soon
apparent they were heavily intoxicated. For the most part, the
passengers were all fairly quiet. Everyone settling in for a
long ride. The peaceful setting didn't last long though. In the
group of sailors was a single young female in uniform. I first
took notice when stifled laughter and giggling came from the
Navy men. They began a merciless teasing of the girl.
It was mild at first, but soon got worse with hail pulling from
behind, and ear flicking. I was close enough to hear snippets of
vulgar language. I got pretty angry at this, but i was pretty
young and a little scared. I didn't want to do anything that
would focus their attention on me. I looked around at the other
passengers. Everyone seemed to be ignoring this situation, even
the stewardess's seemed to avoid the area. The poor lady was
trying very hard not to cry and maintain her dignity as this
went on and on. Suddenly a young man stood up. A military man to
be sure but not in uniform. He turned around and approached the
group. Leaning over one of the drunk men to whisper something in
her ear. Without a word, she took off like a lighting bolt to
his vacated seat. He then proceeded to sit in her seat amidst
that pack of wolves. My mother, as if to read my mind said,
"that man is a Marine". How do you know that i said. I just
know, she said.
I was really sure a brawl would develop now, so i was discreetly
watching with interest. A strange thing happened. That man never
said a word to the sailors, nor even acknowledge their presence.
He just sat right in the middle of them as if to say, "go ahead,
flick MY ear: It was if all the air went out of them. Within a
minute, everyone quieted down and stayed that way for the rest
of the trip. It was when I saw my son the first time after
training. As he approached me, It hit me like a ton of bricks.
That's the man from the plane! Mom knew and now i knew and I bet
the sailors knew too:
sara M pittsburgh
One of my personal favorites comes from Thomas Jefferson:
"Those who beat their swords into plowshares shall do the
plowing for those who do not"
John Bader
Sgt. USMC
1966 - 1969
A few weeks ago, I was traveling alone to visit my sister in
Florida. Along the way, I stopped at a rest area. Upon exiting
the building, I saw two young men (I use the term lightly-they
were young and they were male) approaching my parked car. I
couldn't tell what they said to each other from that distance,
but they gestured to my car which bore a United States Marine
Corps decal strip across the back window and a Marine Corps
Eagle, Globe, & Anchor spare tire cover (page 30 in the Sgt Grit
catalog). When they got close enough, one of them threw his
slushie drink at my EGA tire cover. I was still about 75 yards
away, but I yelled at them to stop. They just yelled something
vulgar back at me and got into their car and drove away.
(Their car also sported a few bumper stickers: "Visualize World
Peace", and "Obama '09") As I stood there shaking with outrage,
I heard a voice behind me.
"Are you all right, ma'am?"
I turned. There were 2 Marines, dressed in their alphas,
striding up to me.
"We were just pulling in and we saw what happened, ma'am." They
introduced themselves. One was Captain Mortonberger and the
other was Staff Sgt. Hollis. I told them how angry I was that
these punks would dare to do such a thing. It was bad enough
that they desecrated the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, but for them to
do it on my car was more than I could stand. It really isn't my
car. It's my son's car. I'm just taking care of it for him. I
started driving the car when my son, Sgt. Jonathan Stevens, died
in January 2006. I affectionately named the car "Jarhead".
Staff Sgt. Hollis excused himself, and I assumed he was going to
use the facilities. Captain Mortonberger stood there and talked
to me for a few minutes, I suspect in an effort to calm me down
and reassure me. We spoke about my son and I learned that the
Captain and Staff Sgt were working out of the same recruiting
office near Atlanta that recruited my son. A few minutes later,
Staff Sgt. Hollis came jogging down the sidewalk with a huge wad
of wet paper towels in his hands. He smiled at me. "With your
permission, ma'am." Then he proceeded to lovingly wash the
sticky mess off my EGA tire cover.
I lost it. I started to cry right there. God knew I needed a
special touch at that moment, and He sent not only two guardian
angels, but MARINE guardian angels to watch over me.
While Staff Sgt Hollis took care of Jarhead, Captain
Mortonberger asked where I was headed. I told him, and he said
they were headed in the same direction but weren't going quite
as far as I was. Captain Mortonberger said, "We'd be pleased to
escort you as far as our exit, ma'am."
So for the next 150 miles, I had a Marine Corps escort, two
Marine guardian angels, following me down Interstate 75. Thank
you Captain Mortonberger and Staff Sgt Hollis.
Connie Stevens
"Once a Marine mom, always a Marine mom"
Dear Sgt. Grit,
Thank you for the information on the folding of our flag. I
write a newsletter for our agency and have placed the 13 folds
on the front page. I, as well as others, had no idea of what was
behind every fold. I found it to be informative as well as
interesting. It makes me proud to be an American and the next
time I'm at a military funeral I will know and understand. God
bless you for being in Viet Nam and living to pass on your
patriotism. I wore a bracelet for many years of a Sgt. Roe and
until this day do not know if he made it back. Though, I did
receive a letter from his mother thanking me for wearing the
bracelet. I lost several friends over there and remember
celebrating when our guys came back. I am so sorry that our
troops weren't recognized for serving in that war. My little
niece is a Marine and our Chief Deputy here was a Marine. My
niece will be deployed soon to Afghanistan and she's only 18
years old. But, Viet Nam had a lot of 18-19 year olds, didn't
they? Keep up your good work!
Blessings and Thank you,
Wanda Wypasek
And I Quote...
"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats
those who can do nothing for him." -- James D. Miles
I am looking for 5th Marine Division veterans, 13th Marines who
manned Glamour Gal. This was WWII Iwo Jima. Glamour Gal is
credited with firing the first shot at Mt. Suribachi. The
Glamour Gal has been rebuilt and a dedication ceremony will be
held May 8th in Hot Springs Arkansas, with any living veterans
of Glamour Gal, or family of the Marines on the crew wanted.
Also ANYONE is welcome to attend this ceremony and it is really
an honor to the USMC at Iwo Jima - the howitzer will be used in
Southern California as a saluting canon at funerals, and
basically whenever needed military honor wise. I have turned
the USMC - retired upside down in several states looking for
family or living Marines from the crew. I found a member of the
5th Division, 26th Marines, 2nd Battalion who at 85 distinctly
remembered Glamour Gal and the other howitzers and that Marine
said that the crews probably saved his life. Anyway- youtube
has the video that names the crew members- If you want to see
it type in glamour gal and it will bring up Part I. That is
where you see the crew and they are named. My grandfather is
named there.
Glamour Girl (YouTube)
The names of the crew as best as I can figure out from the video
are: Sgt. Joseph L Pipes, Jr, William Bill Smith, Jr., Norman
"Chief" Jefferson, Big Stoopes Emullivich (I cannot spell the
name right by any way), Fermin A. Martinez, Thomas Hanby
(located family), Thomas Bratcher (mine) Tex Q, Chris Binkey,
and Pop Reynolds (Pop died at Iwo and is buried there.)
I am looking for relatives of a possible member of the Choctaw
Nation. There is a ceremony planned for May 8, 2009 in Hot
Springs, Arkansas for the first firing of a remade howitzer from
WWII- Iwo Jima. This Howitzer was called the "Glamour Gal" and
an USMC film was made about this crew and the howitzer. One of
the men on the crew was listed on the video as "Chief"
Jefferson. I believe he died in 1998 or 99. I looked in a book
on the 5th Marines, 13th artillery and I found a Norman
Jefferson listed. That would have been the battery that fired
the howitzer. Youtube has the USMC video on Glamour Gal that
shows all 10 members and I have found that the film had some bad
information- listed one Marine as from PA when he was actually
from Alabama.
I am the granddaughter of one of the crew members on the
howitzer. This howitzer was note worthy as she fired the first
shot on Iwo Jima at Mt.Suribachi as they Marines set up on D-
day. As the ceremony is May 8th in Hot Springs and family
members of the Marines are invited to attend and see their loved
one who was on the crew honored- I am trying to locate family
and any surviving Marines. My father believes that "Chief
Jefferson" lived in Broken Bow, Oklahoma and he had thought he
was Creek Nation. I contacted the Creek Nation and was told
Broken Bow as actually Choctaw and I believe the film lists
"Chief" Jefferson as a Choctaw Indian.
This howitzer will be used by a museum in Southern California as
a saluting canon for funerals, parades, and basically any time
the national anthem is played.
My name is Angelia Bratcher Bess. My cell # is 931-743-3254 and
my work # is 423-881-3251 dial 0 for operator. My work email
address is Angelia.Bratcher.Bess [at] tn .gov or
Angeliab1964 [at] yahoo .com
Fifty Eight Years...PTSD...Korea
And I Quote...
"In framing a government which is to be administered by men over
men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable
the government to control the governed; and in the next place
oblige it to control itself." -- James Madison
Dear Sgt. Grit,
This past Sunday night, April 5, someone came by our house and
stole our flag pole with our new Marine flag on it. My two sons,
both Marines, one serving now and home on leave and his brother
who finished his four years were furious when they found out.
They stormed out of the house and searched the neighborhood.
They came back with the pole, but the flag was gone. I was heart
broken because I had just bought a new flag to honor my youngest
son who I knew was coming home. I am pretty sure it wasn't
someone who needed a Marine flag for a family member because
Marine families are more honorable than that and wouldn't do
something that terrible. I will replace it when I can, but I am
still quite mad about that and will be for awhile.
Marine Mom Jean in Schenectady, NY
On April 5th, Marine Corps Lt. Colonel Edward Hall (ret.)
graciously presented the Honor Quilt I made for USMC WWII pilot
Del Carlton of Emily, MN.
Sandy Tuzinski
Bloomington, MN
And I Quote...
"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure
when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from
them." -- Patrick Henry
In this picture is the flag you folks gave me to replace one
that did not hold up to well. This flag is doing great and I
tell everybody that will listen about Sgt. Grit and what good
folks to trade with. I ride with the Patriot Guard Riders, and
this was on one of there mission. The Marine Corps flag is shown
on my yellow trike. Thanks again for you good service.
H.L. Rogers
I've always been awed by Gen. MacArthur's "Duty, Honor, Country"
speech. I think we can interpret his use of the title "soldier"
to mean any serviceman, but his sentiments are particularly apt
when applied to the Marines:
"The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the
greatest act of religious training: sacrifice. In battle and in
the face of danger and death, he disposes those divine
attributes which his Maker gave when he created man in His own
image. No physical courage and no brute instinct can take the
place of the divine help which alone can sustain him. However
hard the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon
to offer and to give his life for his country is the noblest
development of mankind."
R.D. Lunceford,
SGT USMC
1975-79
And I Quote...
"To go against the dominant thinking of your friends, of most of
the people you see every day, is perhaps the most difficult act
of heroism you can have." -- Theodore H. White
The Marines Are Coming!
On Sunday April 26, 2009 at approximately 1:30 p.m. the Court
House at Mena, Arkansas will be invaded by thirty two Marines.
These Marines are members of the Marine Corps Band out of New
Orleans, Louisiana.
They will provide musical accompaniment for a Memorial Ceremony
honoring Marine PFC Herbert A. Littleton (Polk County's only
native son to receive the Medal of Honor.) Each year the
musicians of the band travel throughout the entire United
States, performing more than 250 concerts, parades, and
ceremonies entertaining over 6,000,000.
The band supports all units of the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing,
Fourth Marine Division, Fourth Force Service Support Group, and
Marine Corps Reserve Support Command. Additionally, these
Marines are often called upon to provide musical entertainment
in support of the Marine Corps Recruiting and community
relations programs. The Band has performed at many recognized
civilian events including: The Texas State Fair, the Fiesta Days
Celebration in San Antonio, Texas, Flag Day Celebration in Troy,
New York, The Fourth of July Celebration under the Arch in St.
Louis, Missouri, and in 2006 members of the band joined up with
the West Coast Composite Marine Band for the 2006 Tournament of
Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The band also performs
annually in New Orleans Mardi Gras Balls and Parades.
In addition to providing musical accompaniment for the Herbert
A. Littleton Medal of Honor Ceremony the Band will provide a
free concert at 4:00 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium
located across the street from the Polk County Courthouse. The
public is encouraged to attend both the dedication ceremony and
the concert following the dedication.
This will truly be a great opportunity for many to
not only see and hear one of Americas great bands but to honor a
true American Hero and native son, Herbert A. Littleton.
HERBERT A. LITTLETON
An Extraordinary Ordinary American
During trying times like the ones we have today we often look at
the negatives that surround us. For example we look at jobs
lost, homes lost, lack of resources, and an uncertain future.
Perhaps things are so dyer that we worry about simple
necessities such as feeding ourselves and our families. In
other words we focus on ourselves as victims. During such times
we are in need of guidance, hope and leadership. Such
leadership often comes from unexpected sources.
One such source arises when an ordinary person does an
extraordinary act. This sets an example for us to follow. Such
behavior often becomes a strong guiding light leading us in a
direction that helps us understand our own as well as our fellow
Americans strengths.
We, here in Arkansas are fortunate to have such an example in
the form of Private First Class (PFC) Herbert A. Littleton.
Herbert was born July 1, 1930 in Mena, Arkansas to Paul N. and
Maude Littleton. Times were hard and money scarce (much like
today). His family had to move to Port Orchard, Washington to
work in the shipyards. Herbert and his family later moved on to
South Dakota where he attended school. Like many young men
Herbert played football and basketball and was a popular student
during his public school days.
Herbert later was employed by the Electric Appliance Company in
Rapid City, South Dakota. However he never lost touch with his
rural values and country way of life that were instilled in him
by his family.
With the advent of the Korean conflict Herbert voluntarily
enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. On July 29, 1948
Herbert A. Littleton was sworn into service for his country.
He completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San
Diego, California. Then he completed his training at Camp
Pendleton, California. Once this training was completed he was
shipped off to Korea as part of the Third Replacement Draft to
fight against enemy forces there. As with many other young
men of his time he left behind his family and a girl with whom
he planned to someday build a life with, have a family of his
own, and live the American Dream.
Herbert A. Littleton fought in the Korean Conflict from December
17, 1950, until April 22, 1951. On April 22, 1951 PFC
Littleton's battle ended as did his life. PFC Littleton, U.S
Marine Corps Reserve, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1St
Marine Division (Reinforced) was killed by a North Korean
grenade at Chungchon, Korea. While this in itself is a tragic
event it is not what made PFC Littleton a great example that can
be called upon to help lead us through hard times. Like most
things it is not the event alone that brings out the best in us
but how we choose to deal with those events (Our Lives).
The following Medal of Honor Citation explains how PFC Herbert
A. Littleton chose to spend his life in defense of his fellow
American and serve our country.
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a radio
operator with an artillery forward observation team of Company
C, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Standing watch when
a well-concealed and numerically superior enemy force launched a
violent night attack from nearby positions against his company
Pfc. Littleton quickly alerted the forward observation team and
immediately moved into an advantageous position to assist in
calling down artillery fire on the hostile force. When an enemy
hand grenade was thrown into his vantage point shortly after the
arrival of the remainder of the team, he unhesitatingly hurled
himself on the deadly missile, absorbing its full, shattering
impact in his body. By his prompt action and heroic spirit of
self-sacrifice, he saved the other members of his team from
serious injury or death and enabled them to carry on the vital
mission which culminated in the repulse of the hostile attack.
His indomitable valor in the face of almost certain death
reflects the highest credit upon Pfc. Littleton and the U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
In return for his selfless act PFC Herbert A. Littleton was
recognized and honored by the President of the United States in
the name of the Congress by being posthumously awarded the Medal
of Honor.
Though he was born in Mena, Arkansas, until recently no Memorial
or other recognition has been established in Arkansas in memory
of this gallant Native Son. This situation will be rectified at
1:30 p.m., Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the Polk County Court
House, Mena, Arkansas. At this time and date a Memorial will be
unveiled to Honor PFC Herbert A. Littleton.
The memorial is the result of a grass root movement spearheaded
by the Herbert A. Littleton Detachment 1261 of the Marine Corps
League, Mena Arkansas. With the support of the citizens of Mena
and surrounding Polk County and others from outside the area
funds have been raised to build this monument to our fallen
comrade. Everyone is encouraged to attend this event.
By honoring the bravery and self sacrifice of PFC Littleton we
honor not only him but others among us who have given much and
asked little. We also honor ourselves.
As in the words of President Kennedy "Ask not what your country
can do for you but what you can do for your country". It is
with such a spirit of self sacrifice, hard work and human spirit
that we as individuals and as a people can arise and overcome
adversities. PFC Herbert A. Littleton' choices exemplify these
values. His choice should serve to remind us that we are not in
this world alone and that we need to look out for and help one
another. Ultimately we are a result of the choices we make.
Herbert A. Littleton and the choices he made serve as an example
to lead and inspire us both as individuals and as a people. He
was an extraordinary ordinary American.
Should you have any questions concerning this article you may
contact George O'Daniel
Marine Corps League, Detachment 1261, Mena, AR
Phone # (479) 216-1217
First of all, I would like to pay honor to those of our military
who have paid the ultimate price for our country and to those
who suffer from wounds and disabilities.
Second, thanks for the news letter every week. There is hardly
a week goes by that I don't sit in front of my computer and have
tears flow down my face.
I am a Marine (66-70) and am also a piper. If you take a close
look on the right side of the screen near the end of the movie
during the burial scene, you will see part of a set of bagpipes.
Since there was a piper there and we didn't hear him play, and I
assume he would if he were there, I can only surmise that they
left the playing of taps out also. I have played the pipes for
a number of military funerals, and in my experience, the pipes
are usually played after the playing of taps and the gun salute.
Raymond Boyd
Sgt of Marines
This is a story about how a brave Marines Purple Heart became
more valuable than he could ever imagine.
My 3 year old has a very vivid imagination. He has always slept
well in his bed until recently. Recently he has been
complaining of nightmares, monsters, things in his closet, etc.
My husband and I tried everything we had read about to help him.
We went through his room with him each night, we tried monster
spray, we put up so many nightlights you could play a football
game in his room, we put on soft soothing music, we added a fish
tank for the white noise, we gave him a stuffed toy to hold
onto, all to no avail. He cried every night at bedtime. He
begged us not to leave him there. He got up out of bed time, and
time, and time, and time (you get the picture) again until he
was finally so exhausted from the crying and the effort that he
fell asleep. But every night he would wake up in the middle of
the night screaming and running up the stairs. His father and I
would fight the battle all over again in the middle of the night
to get him to sleep in his bed. He finally learned that if he
came up the stairs quietly we wouldn't wake up and we would find
him in the morning curled up in the rocking chair in the living
room.
Finally one night, and I am not sure why I did this, I brought
my father's purple heart downstairs to his room when I put him
in bed. I told him a story about how brave his grandfather was
and how he saved many people. I told him that the medal was
very special to me and that I would hold it when I was scared or
confused and it always made me feel better. I told him I even
carried it in my wedding. And then I pinned it on his pajamas
and told him that it and his Grandpa would protect him from
ANYTHING he could think of.
The medal is now pinned to his favorite stuffed teddy bear,
which happens to be from his grandma, and sleeps with him every
night. He now goes to bed just fine, sure in the knowledge that
he is protected.
Thanks Dad for the protection that you always give me and that
you are now giving to my son. I hope it is an additional thing
that makes that purple heart worth it!
Love, Monster
And I Quote...
"It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such
homage and such only as he believes to be acceptable to him.
This duty is precedent, both in order of time and in degree of
obligation, to the claims of Civil Society." -- James Madison
Sgt Grit,
I cannot tell you the comfort that I get when I read all the
letters people send to you. I am so appreciative for this web
site.
My son has always wanted to be a member of the military since he
was a little boy. We have various pictures and videos of him
wearing camouflage and desert gear along with all his toy
rifles.
As he got into high school his interest became more obvious. He
was a member of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps for several
years and as graduation was approaching so was he at thinking of
going into the military.
The recruiters became more interested from every branch of
service. He decided to go into the U.S. Marine Corps, delayed
entry program. When he finished he went to Parris Island in
August and was a squad leader for Platoon 3101, Kilo Company,
3rd Battalion. From there he went to SOI at Camp Geiger and
graduated from there as a machine gunner 3101.
He is now stationed at Camp Lejeune and has been asked to join
Force Recon. I am proud to tell you that has been excelling all
the way. He will be going to Afghanistan somewhere around
September or thereafter. Anyone out there that wants to give me
any pointers, bring it on. I can use all the help you can
provide.
I am the proud mother of a United States Marine.
Semper Fidelis Sgt Grit,
Lauren Yeager
Mother of PFC James Yeager soon to be promoted to LCPL..
For close to 40 years, since I come home from a somewhat
unpopular war, I carried my life as good as I could, work hard
raise a family, kept my kids, straight and strong, with the
pride of the Corps inside me deep inside me. Other than my
family only know I was ever in the Corps. You see I come from a
family Jar Heads, from my father all the way back to my great
grand dad, to my only two cousin who were killed in Vietnam, I
made it home battered and wounded but in one piece. My sisters
and some her friends gave me a less than good welcome home
feeling, then notice a lot people saw me different and not in a
nice way.
Then in 2002 my son joins the Marines, and goes to Afghanistan
for 18 months. The pride I got at his graduations and fear I
felt when he was gone, made me realize what my mother went
through, and way she was so mad at me. When me son come home I
made sure that there was a big welcome home party. At this time
it had been 39 years since I have talked to my sisters, but my
son had invited them. They got up on stages and instead
welcoming my son home, they told me and they were sorry, they
were young and didn't understand till they saw my son go and how
proud they were of me for raising such great sons and for my
time in. I welcome every one home that I can, I still don't tell
anyone, unless they ask, but like I told my son this is your
time. WELCOME HOME!
And I Quote...
"A fondness for power is implanted, in most men, and it is
natural to abuse it, when acquired." -- Alexander Hamilton
Finally did it, after quite a while, I never could make my mind
up on what kind of TaT I wanted, this is what I finally came up
with. I went in in Dec of 76 got out in Feb of 81. My Son is in
MCRD San Diego right now for DI training, I was stationed in
Camp Del Mar, Pendleton...Ordinance Maintenance Company, worked
in the machine shop, always interesting work.
Semper Fi my Brothers...
Cpl Bob Langford
As Christians and Jews celebrate this holiday together I wish to
share this story with all families who have troops overseas in
combat or have sons or daughters who will never be home for the
holidays, families of those 4,000 plus who we miss so very much.
For 4 years my son, the school teacher, filled in 100% for our
Marine who wasn't here. We know what the marines were doing
right? Not only did he care for his disabled parents, he also
had all holiday gatherings at his house. As all of us sat down
to have a beautiful Seder my daughter and I almost cried because
there was an empty chair. How desperately we wanted our entire
family home.
Yet our never once forgot to start the Seder with words of how
much we missed our son and brother and prayed he would be here
next year. Most of all he wanted everyone to remember all of
those troops still out there in harms way, pray they would be
safe and be home soon.
This year as i prepared for the holiday my heart was so very
happy i cried. Just as i sit here right now with eyes filled
with tears because not only am i joyful, i am terribly sad for
those 4,000 plus who will never be with their families again,
for that empty chair who will remain empty forever. My hearts
breaks for them because you see as thankful as we are that ours
is here, we also lost a very young cousin Marine just a few
weeks before our son was deployed.
Nothing takes away the pain except sharing stories so everyone
knows their loss is truly felt by others.
I am asking my son's to add a memorial candle to our Seder table
to keep remembering our troops, those we have lost and their
families. They will keep it there every year until all of our
troops are out of harms way.
This is what I used to say to my son:
Be brave be safe be proud and god please bring all troops home
soon
Marilu Blum
And I Quote...
"Here comes the orator! With his flood of words, and his drop of
reason." -- Benjamin Franklin
Hello Sgt Grit: From time to time I have written letters to you
about my son in Iraq but never told you about the history of my
family and my wife's Marine history. My wife first of all
cousin's name was Marine Dennis Johnson who lost his life in
Vietnam on a hill days before he was awarded the Silver Star for
rescuing several Army comrades from a burning helicopter. He was
awarded posthumously and a VFW post named after him in Milford
Ohio. My father's cousin Jim Olmes was awarded the Distinguished
Flying Cross for heroism on Iwo Jima. He flew one of those
little scout spotter planes and went above and beyond and
survived and is still alive this day. His son was a Marine and
fought in the DMZ in Vietnam. My son won no medals in Iraq, but
he is my hero and if their was such thing as a medal from a
father I would give it to him. He just did his duty in Iraq in
2006 and came home like hundreds of thousands maybe millions of
others and I am proud of every one of them. My son is having a
celebration in May on leaving the Corps but he does it because
he loves the Corps and the proud tradition in his family and to
honor the heroes past and present who still go off to Iraq and
Afghanistan. I know many young many and woman did not come home
and we celebrate them too. This is my last letter to you Sgt
Grit and God bless all our servicemen and women.
Semper Fi Joe Hawkins
God Bless America!
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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