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AmericanCourage #197 01 APR 2009
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I've been a loyal customer of Sgt Grit for many years now and
have ALWAYS been happy with the services you provide. I look
forward to the newsletter and wanted to add one of my
experiences as a Marine dad.
This past September I had the privilege of being at Camp
Pendleton when my son returned from his first tour in Iraq with
1 MEF, CLR-15. To see the many wives, girlfriends, moms, dads,
loved ones and friends assembled was amazing. All were there
regardless of their specific political views, just to see their
loved one back safe on American soil.
For those who'd never experienced this moment it was
overwhelming and needless to say very emotional. Seeing my son's
ear-to-ear smile for the first time in seven months had to rank
in the top ten proudest moments in a dad's life. Hugs, laughter
and kisses were flowing freely on the parade deck and in the
parking that day.
The crowd was dwindling as the Marines were quick to get their
gear loaded in the vehicles and 'just get off base'. Evening was
falling quickly when even above the sounds of joy and laughter
you could hear the sound of a bugle over the p.a. system.
Without even thinking and in what seemed to be a seamless
movement, my son handed his cold adult beverage off to me,
turned toward the flag pole and cracked to attention, rapidly
followed by a crisp salute. In that split second that parking
lot went from sounds of joy to a peace and calm I'd only
experience in church. A quick glance from side to side revealed
camie clad Marines in the same position as my son. Without a
word soon followed us 'civilians' standing more erect and the
placing of our hands over our hearts.
It was a quick 'ceremony', but what amazed me most was those
Marines had just gotten back from sand, heat and months without
their loved ones and yet..the reverence and pride for the flag
was without question. I wish every American could've seen the
look of pride and respect that was on each Marine's face as they
paid respect to their flag that evening.
It took several minutes after Taps was done sounding off those
buildings, at Area 22, for anyone in that parking lot to move or
make a sound. Looking around revealed that many loved ones were
just as in awe as I was. Without a spoken word those Marines
said wonders, that evening, for 'love of country'.
Thank you Marines for that lesson of patriotism and for all you
do and are willing to do in the future.
- Gary*
The Few, the Proudest..a Marine Dad*
Dear Sgt. Grit,
A couple years ago I wrote about the Chinese Battle Dressing I
picked up in Vietnam and how it was carried in both Afghanistan
and Iraq by my air-winger step-son. Well my other step -son
deployed last August to Iraq so the Battle Dressing made another
trip. I'm pleased to let you know he has returned safely and
once again the Battle Dressing is in the family display case.
Semper Fi,
Jack (Doc) Broz
Alpha 1/4
RVN 1969
My mini Marine
Hi, my name is Ashley and my husband is a former Marine. When I
met and fell in love with him, he was an active-duty Marine
serving at HQBN 1MARDIV, and the Marine Corps has always played
a role, one way or another, in our lives.
So, when we found out we were having our first child, I could
not wait to find Marine Corps-themed clothes for the Devil Pup.
So, I naturally turned to Sgt. Grit and found the cutest outfit.
When I bought it, I purposely purchased it a little big so that
she could spend more time in it since children have a tendency
to grow at an alarming rate. This gave us the added bonus that
everyone would be able to read it as we ran around. I gave it to
my husband when we found out we were having a girl.
She is now 13 months old, and it barely fits, so I guess it will
soon be time for a larger version. It is one of her favorite
outfits and she is constantly bringing it to me so that she can
wear it. My husband recently turned 30, and he is always looking
for good USMC gear. The problem is that I waited too late to
order from your fine catalog, so I sent my mother by your
brick-and-mortar store to pick up what I wanted to get him.
Thank you so much for all you do!
I thought I would send you pictures of our
Leatherneck-in-training sporting her favorite outfit. Her father
and I will be proud of her no matter what she decides to do in
life, but we would feel extremely honored if she were to carry
the colors forward as one of the few, the proud, the Marines.
Ashley Hester
(Wife of Cpl Bryant H. Hester, USMC)
I'd Quit Daycare Romper
And I Quote...
"Every child in America should be acquainted with his own
country. He should read books that furnish him with ideas that
will be useful to him in life and practice. As soon as he opens
his lips, he should rehearse the history of his own country."
--Noah Webster
Sgt Grit,
Reading your various messages, newsletters and such, I can't
help to see how the older Marines lovingly refer to the Corps as
the "old Corps". Now look at the attached scan and tell me if
this isn't "Real old Corps"! MCRD, Marine Barracks, Norfolk VA
in Dec 1913.
I just added this piece to my USMC postal history collection but
I had to share it with others. We talk of brick buildings,
others talk of wooden structures but here is a great example of
a "Tent Camp".
Semper Fidelis!
Greg Ciesielski
Cpl. USMC 1979-1983
This is a few pics of my little Marine...You see we are patriot
Guard members and we go when duty calls for our troops I'm the
flag manager of the North Shore area of Massachusetts and these
were taken on one of our latest missions ...Just wanted to share
with you his name is Cpl bruce the moose a.k.a moose
Grace
SGT GRIT,
I am a former Marine I'll be 42 in May. I was with the first
group of WM's that went 12 weeks starting in 1986 at PI. I will
never forget how I felt on Graduation day. I don't think I ever
stood so straight, or so proud the moment I was handed my EGA. I
am still in contact with 2 of my DI's and several of my fellow
WM's. I always thank any veteran I see, no matter the service.
I live near Westover Air Reserve Base in Massachusetts. and I
swear I see more MARINE stickers here than anywhere else I have
lived. To all my Brothers and Sisters, Thank you. And to those
who still cry when the flag flies or they here about a soldier
who has passed... I'm sure CHESTY doesn't mind
Semper Fi,
CPL Christine Miner 7041/3531
Platoon 13A K company May-July 86
And I Quote...
"Did you ever know a politician that was not 'facing the most
critical time in the world's affairs' every time he spoke in
public?" --humorist Will Rogers (1879-1935)
Sgt. Grit,
My son, LCpl Ryan Winslow, Scout Plt., 2ND TK BN, was killed in
Iraq on 15Apr06. Two of his brothers, Cpl Pablo Mayorga and
LCpl Derrick Cothran, died with him when their Humvee hit an IED
in Anbar Province. There is no way to describe how terrible
this loss is, but good things can come from bad. One of the
good things is the acceptance into the Marine Corps family that
my wife, daughter, and I have experienced. We became members of
the Howlin' Mad Smith Det. of the Marine Corps League 5 weeks
after Ryan died.
We have also become close to Marines of the 4th AT BN, Bessemer,
Al. I could go on and on about how much these Marines mean to
us. I am a former soldier ('66-68), but I have to come to
understand, as most of your readers probably already do, that my
family is regarded as truly part of the Corps.
We pledge our undying support for the Marine Corps that we have
come to love.
We are extremely proud of our son, as we are of all of our
troops, and we are proud to be part of the Marine family.
Semper Fi,
George Winslow
Hoover, Al.
Hey all. My first 15K .. completed .. Marine Corps Marathon
here I come ... 6 races down ... 15 to go !
I didn't compress these before sending so you could actually see "the thrill of victory" .
Ya don't realize how freaking far 9.3 miles actually is until
you run it in boots with a pack :)
The second picture is actually a MOM who came up to me to thank
me ... her son happens to be at Haley right now recovering from
wounds. It was special beyond words to meet her on course and to
cross the finish line with her.
I race in your honor because you served in mine
Semper Fi,
Dianne Villano
Support Our Marines, Inc
www.supportourmarinesinc.org
Thank you so much for having a memorial page for the Beirut
hero's of October 1983. I am the widow of Cpl. Davin Marcell
Green USMC. I was 19 yrs. old when we married and I was 19 years
when I buried him. Now twenty-six years later, I miss and love
him as much as ever. Not only the Marine Corps lost "a few good
men", the city of Baltimore lost a good man. I am so proud of
all the men who served and the men who will continue to.
It's not who's right, - It's what's right!
G P HERRICK
USMC 1969-1974
This Ash Wednesday, Jack Robert Gulden, 2218630, Corporal,
Parris Island, Khe Sanh, and most of all, a U S MARINE, passed
and is now guarding the streets in heaven; who else would God
trust? I have buried my very best friend, and don't know where
to look for another...May God bless Jack, May God bless the U S
Marine Corps, May God bless the USA.
John J Holland, 2229533 (boot to Jack), Parris Island, Marble
Mountain, USMC
Dear Staff of Sgt Grit,
My son is a LCPL in the Marine Corps. and is currently on his
2nd deployment. Our family is very close and we have all been
staunch supporters of him and his choice to join the Corps.
Every one of us have something on all of our vehicles supporting
him/USMC.
I would like to thank you for not only the quality of
merchandise you sell but for the amount of items you sell. We
get almost all of our Marine items from Sgt Grit!
The attached photos are of 3 of the family vehicles and the
others are of our son from his first deployment.
Thank you again & keep up the great work!
Lori, mother of LCPL Willis Yaney
Semper Fi!
"Taking Chance" raised the issue of "Taps" being sounded (or
not, as was the case in the film) as a part of the laying to
final rest a fallen hero. From personal experience, I know that
the OIC/NCOIC of the Military Detachment serving the final rites
works hand-in-glove with both the immediate family and the local
Funeral Director. I certainly cannot speak to what is done at
Arlington, nor can I speak to each and every case.
However, from personal experience (as a Funeral Director - 'way
back in the day), I do know that the Funerals for our fallen
heroes have been conducted in a manner that gives greater
comfort to the family and less homage to 'tradition.' I have
seen instances where the family has requested that either the
rifle salute, or "Taps," or both, have been eliminated. Even the
graveside Presenting of The Folded Colors has been eliminated
(the Colors were given to the family along with the other tokens
of the funeral).
And the Military Escort detail has always complied without
argument or complaint. Honoring the dead through comforting the
living has always been an underlying (and perhaps unwritten)
Order of the Day for the Escort.
And today, as a member of the Honor Guard of the local VVA
Chapter, I spend time providing some measure of Honors to fallen
veterans of WWII, Korean, and Viet Nam. In every instance, a
member of our Color Guard consults with the family (usually
through the Funeral Director) to determine what Honors rendered
will be of greatest comfort to the family. And those wishes
expressed by the family are carried out to the letter, and in a
proper Military manner.
- CONNELY/R, SGT,
USMC, RVN '66 - '68
And I Quote...
"A fondness for power is implanted, in most men, and it is
natural to abuse it, when acquired."
--Alexander Hamilton
On March 10, 2009, my husband, John, a 10 year Marine Veteran,
was buried at the Crownsville Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville,
Maryland. I had never been to a Veteran's funeral before,
though John and I had been married for 36 years.
When we pulled up behind the hearse in front of the chapel, I
saw three Marines, standing at attention and saluting John's
coffin. I guess what I did was not considered proper but I went
up to those Marines and told them a little about John's life as
a Marine. I thanked them from the bottom of my heart for what
they were doing. This is the kind of funeral John would have
wanted.
Once inside the chapel two Marines stood at attention, one at
the head and one at the foot of the flag draped coffin. The
service was short, only 15 minutes long. When the minister
finished speaking, the Marines folded the flag and one came and
knelt down on one knee before me and presented me with the flag
from a grateful nation.
My John was so proud of his Marine Corps service and I was
always so proud of him. I will remember that scene for the rest
of my life and those wonderful Marines who paid him their last
respects. Marines truly are brothers whether they be young or
old and none of them will ever be forgotten. May God bless you
all!
From a grateful Marine wife
I would like to say Semper Fi to WM's Sgt Marilyn Gerhardt (Sgt
Grit News, 12Mar09), & LCPL Jane Curtis (American Courage
19Mar09). I am also very proud to be a WM. I would also like to
invite any other WM's to join the Women Marine Association in
their areas.
I am a member of the Iowa-1, Wild Rose Chapter. We have about 10
or so active members from the state who come to the meetings. We
would like to encourage more to WM's participate. My Dad was a
WWII & Korea Marine and I have been married to "my" Marine for
31yrs.
Many Thanks to all servicemen & women who have served & are
serving now.
Semper Fi, Terri (Sides) Calhoon, CPL 1973-1977
I'm proud to say that my husband and I both served in the Corps.
It is something that truly changes your life. It is part of
your heart forever.
I was reading the stories and found myself crying at almost
every one. To all men and woman who have served past and
present you are thought of in my heart, and I pray every night
that every one of our men and woman come home safely. SEMPER FI-
Remember NEVER FORGET those who have fought and served
for this country and laid there lives down for us to be free!
Jessica
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
Sgt.Grit:
I read the last two news letters. In response to "Taking Chance"
and to the New England Marine Mom.
The movie Taking Chance hit home for me. I had a cousin who was
killed over in Iraq back in November of 2005. As I watched
Taking Chance. I started wondering how it was for my cousin.
Then I realized it was just the same. He was treated with
Respect, Honor, and with Great Care. I am not a Marine. But I
have Uncles, Cousins, A Grandfather, and Friends that are. My
heart goes out to all.
To the New England Marine Mom as well as all the other Families
of Marines as well as other Military Personnel My Heart Goes out
to you all. You as well as your Families are in My Prayers. I
pray that your family members serving in the Marines or any
other branch of the Military come home safe and sound.
Semper Fi,
Shannon Irwin
USMC/Military Supporter
When I started reading your story I got a knot in my stomach. I
too have a son deployed in Iraq (second tour). I have fears of
arriving home and finding a Marine car in my drive. I believe I
would have had a good cry of relief also. Sometimes I don't
think people understand the fears a Marine Mom has. As I have
read on t-shirts and bumper stickers, "The hardest job
in the Corps...a Marine Mom." I thoroughly believe that.
God Bless all of our military and keep them safe. And God be
with you and your family.
C. Lindsey
Proud Marine Mom
K I A Scholarships is holding a National Charity Golf Tournament
to benefit the children of a parent that was killed-in-action
with relief now and when the time comes for a college education.
The event will be held at Tour 18 Dallas Golf Course on October
19, 2009 in Flower Mound, Texas. Two highlights will be the
offering of a One Million Dollar prize on either holes 5 or 17.
That's two chances. There will be other prizes as well.
The cost of playing in the tournament is $200. The event will
run for four consecutive days. A great need at this time is the
names of anyone whose spouse was killed-in-action that has
children.
Please make your donations if you can not play to the address
below.
Tour 18's web site: www.tour18-dallas.com
Send donations to:
K I A Scholarships Trust
c/o Bob Shicotte (ex-Marine)
760 Lark Street
Lantana, Texas 76226
940-725-0155
And I Quote...
"Never trouble another for what you can do yourself." -- Thomas Jefferson
Reading the letters from WM's reminded me of a recent discussion
I had at work. I work at the VA in Denver. Not only are all
the patients, but most of the staff are Vets. Interservice
rivalry is alive and well. I was having a discussion with a
nurse who was in the Air Force, comparing physical and weapons
training. He was bragging how since he was in a tactical unit
he had to qualify annually by running a mile (no time limit).
He even fam fired an M-16 once! He dismissed what I told him we
did as Marines citing, "You guys are into pain." I did get the
last word in letting him know that all WM's had to run a mile
and a half, do the bar hang, and sit-ups in a qualifying time,
AND qualify with the rifle twice a year.
Keith Grisham Cpl. 3534 '82-'86
I will never ever ever get tired of hearing about it. My son
graduated from 2nd Battalion, Golf CO, Plt 2073 on September 7,
2008. He got "bitten" by a whole lot more that sand fleas, I
promise you. You don't say whether or not you were a Marine, so
you must not be as proud of your service as most of the folks
who make posts to this newsletter. Maybe you were one of those
Hollywood Marines and didn't have to go through the heat and
humidity of Paradise Island from June to September. Take a trip
down there sometime and see what it is all about. You will be
shocked at what it takes to be a Southerner in the heat of
Summer, much less a Recruit who is giving The Corps his all for
his country.
My son was a good Marine who got lots of sand flea bites and
fire ant bites and lots and lots of DI love, just like every
other Recruit who had the honor of going through Basic at Parris
Island. He gave his life for the Corps, so think about what you
post before you hit that button. You might tick off one Very
PROUD MARINE MOM, and the only thing meaner than a Marine is his Mama.
Semper Fi Forever
Diane P. Gordon
VP Gold Star Marine Mom of LCpl Cameron Clark VPM of Kayleigh
Hi Sgt Grit; I was a Corpsman with B 1/7 1st Mar Div. and was
also there for this "exciting" show of ground fireworks. My
cousin, also a Marine, was with me at 1st Medical Bat. on the
other side of Freedom Hill. He was attached to a unit on Marble
Mtn. I have a 2" hunch of metal from a bomb in my display case,
here at home, that came through the roof of my hooch at the Med
Hospital. I came home with two purple hearts and he never got
scratched; but he died working on the Alaskan pipeline after
the military.
God Bless our country and our military guys and gals.
HM2 Allen Rienhardt, Syracuse, NY
And I Quote...
"The ordaining of laws in favor of one part of the nation, to
the prejudice and oppression of another, is certainly the most
erroneous and mistaken policy. An equal dispensation of
protection, rights, privileges, and advantages, is what every
part is entitled to, and ought to enjoy." -- Benjamin Franklin
A Marine friend, Sgt. Shelaine Coleman, suggested this part of a
poem for my reunion flyer. It is very appropriate and applies to
all of us who made the Marine choice.
".I shall be telling this with a sigh,
somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I ---
took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
Robert Frost
Sgt Nat Holmes
1966-1972
Dear Sgt Grit,
I am a proud wife {11 years now whooooo} of an active duty
Marine.
I just wanted to say thanks for the news letters they are
amazing! Some make me cry and others make me chuckle, but are
all wonderful to read. Keep them coming.
I would also like to thank all that have served past and
present. My family and I are so proud to be part of the Corps.
I would also like to say Thank You to the spouses who have stuck
by there Marines and help them make it through there time and
service. May God bless yall and keep up the good work Marines.
God Bless &
Semper Fi Marines
Marlene Duran {proud wife}
SSGT JW Duran IV USMC
And I Quote...
"Without wishing to damp the ardor of curiosity or influence the
freedom of inquiry, I will hazard a prediction that, after the
most industrious and impartial researchers, the longest liver of
you all will find no principles, institutions or systems of
education more fit in general to be transmitted to your
posterity than those you have received from your ancestors."
-- John Adams
Good evening Grunts,
A few months ago I wrote Sgt Grit about my husband, CPL Alvin O.
Ritter, USMC 1966-1972, concerning his being diagnosed with
Parkinson's.
First, and foremost I want to thank every Marine brother who
called us, even though Al didn't want to talk to you, the calls
did have an effect, a positive one. Within 3 weeks he wanted me
to go to the home supply store and buy some plywood; something
he hasn't wanted me to do in almost a year.
He then went out to his shed where he had stored his electric
tools and supplies (tools he hadn't touch in months). When he
hadn't come in for lunch and his PM meds I went out to find out
what was happening.
He had taken all his tools out of the shed and was cleaning,
oiling them and doing an inventory on his supplies. When he
looked up from his chore he wanted to know what the plywood had
cost, I told him I hadn't bought it yet.
His response? "Great I'm going to need some 1in self tapping
wood and sheet screws, about 12 block for the back porch
and......" He then proceeded to tell me he needed about 8-9
other things along with the wood. I was in shock!
He hasn't stopped since! He spends most of his day in "his
office" (aka the work shed) tinkering, re-organizing, and
literally enjoying himself. I even got him to go back to the
Neurologist for a follow up appointment. The doc has
re-evaluated his meds and changed the prescription so that his
constant tremors are almost a thing of the past, unless he is
too tired or is sick.
Thanks guys.
Without knowing us realizing what effect it would have, and
without any of you talking to him, he has started to come out of
his depression and is working with his hands again, building
bookcases and small desks.
GOD Bless all of you and Thank You for the concern you showed.
SEMPER FI! and a large hug from me to everyone of you ....
Evelynne M. Ritter
Guthrie, OK
The occasional little notes I have sent out regarding veterans
of military service have covered a wide range of service, but I
have too often neglected those who served at home. This morning
I received the news that Lucille Hesler has passed away, and I'd
like to take a moment to honor her life and service.
When Glen Hesler left the States to fly his P-51 Mustang in
China as a member of the Flying Tigers, he left his wife Lucille
to wait for his return. She did more than wait of course--she
too served her country in a civilian capacity, but she also
waited. Lt. Hesler's plane was named Lucille, too, but that
plane is not hanging in a museum today because it was shot down
by the Japanese. For 30 days the young pilot survived on the
ground in enemy territory. Lucille did not know what was going
on, but she did know that the regular flow of letters had
stopped. When she was finally notified that her husband was MIA
(missing in action), he was already in a Florida hospital. Mrs.
Hesler waited during the Korean War and Vietnam, too.
In fact, she waited every time her husband slipped into a
cockpit. Many pilots have died during peacetime, too. But she
waited and she served and she welcomed him home again each time.
When I met Lucille she was 89 years old and living in a
retirement home with Colonel Hesler. She enjoyed discussing her
time as the wife of a pilot, but she also enjoyed telling me
about her brother and other family members who, like herself,
were devoted to education. She rightly placed these educators on
an equal plain for hero-worship as her husband.
As a young 70-year old Lucille decided to try her hand at
flying. Her teacher was her husband, an aviator of impeccable
skill and remarkable experience. As in most cases where a gifted
expert is imparting knowledge to a novice, his patience was
perhaps not as deep as it could have been.
Following one lesson in which she felt especially chastened for
her ineptitude, she handed the Colonel a needle and thread and a
piece of clothing in need of repair, saying in effect, "fix that
Mr. Know-it-all!" He got the message and tempered his attitude
thereafter, and she indeed learned to pilot an aircraft--at
seventy.
Lucille Hesler celebrated her 90th birthday last December. She
was remarkably bright at that time and still keeping a watchful
eye on her husband, who was battling Alzheimer's. Her mind was
bright, but her body was ravaged by time, and she suffered
terrible physical pain. Her mind finally slipped along with her
body in her final days, but now her suffering is relieved, and
we are left with the sadness of her departure but also filled
with the joyful knowledge that she is Risen.
Lucille leaves a legacy that will live far beyond any mortal
thoughts and deeds.
These words are a meager attempt to say thank you for your
wonderful life, Lucille.
Love,
Phil
And I Quote...
"I believe the best social program is a job."
-- Pres. Ronald Reagan
I was at Da Nang air base with the 37th Air Rescue and Recovery
Squadron (ARRS) in '72. While our mission with the HH-53 Jolly
Green Giants was long range combat rescue, we occasionally had
special missions requested by other units and OK'd by 7th Air
Force.
As a very young 2Lt, I was a co-pilot/navigator that day in
March flying to some coordinates to pick up some Marines (I
would think RECONs) west of Quang Tri. It was an uneventful
pick up (no fire fight), and when we returned to Da Nang and
shut down the beast the Marines were still milling around the
Ops building waiting on their ride.
I stopped to talk to one who was also a Lt. (1Lt). I commented
that the men are all clean shaven and look pretty clean after
being in the boonies for a few days. The Lt. answered rather
curtly that Marines will shave every day and clean their
uniforms no matter what the circumstances.
I could tell he did not have much respect for this young Air
Force weenie wearing the "green bag" flight suit, but I sure had
respect for him and his Marines. Later in my career working in
a Joint Forces organization, I have had the fortunate experience
to work with Marines. They were always squared away and had that
famous Marine "military bearing". I have always respected
Marines and glad I had great experiences working with them. I
read "Sgt Grit" cover to cover. I told my cousin (former
Marine-PI) about the publication and he always talks about it
when we are in contact.
"Cork", Major Retired USAF
Dedication:
There is only one in possession of the ability to save souls.
Only he can know how many lives have been saved by the United
States Marine Corps.
Freedom, indeed, is not free. No one knows this better than he
who possesses the ability to free souls from eternal bondage.
This knowledge lives in the spirit of the United States Marine.
It lives, washed in the blood of fallen heroes. It lives,
purified in the tears of brother who has buried brother.
It lives in the heart of every Mother who ever lost a son; only
to thank God that she gained a Marine.
Gender matters not, nor age, nor rank, nor medals. Every Marine
shares the physical pain of the combat veteran. Every Marine
knows the psychological challenge inherent with the privilege.
No Marine wants his or her mother to wail with grief.
"The pain is mine to bear, Mother", they say. "And I will take
this risk because the Corps is worth it. Would to God I am
worthy of the Corps."
Blain McMurray served in the Marine Corps in World War Two. He
was wounded on Iwo Jima in 1945. He is my father's first cousin,
though I grew up calling him Uncle Blain. Though he rejects and
seems to resent the term, he remains, to this day, a hero to me.
Todd Ramer served in the United States Marine Corps during the
Korean War. He was separated from his company in the heat of
combat. Eventually, he regained sight of his brothers, only to
witness them being cut down by enemy machine gun fire.
Todd was my mother's first cousin. He joined the Marine Corps
because he hated school, particularly math. His father told him,
if he could not cope with school, to get used to being a farmer.
Todd Ramer returned from Korea and completed his education. He
eventually became a college professor, where he taught
mathematics.
My best friend served in the United States Marine Corps for
seven years. I can safely say that, notoriety and sacrifice
notwithstanding, no one ever wore the uniform with more pride.
Though he no longer wears Marine Corps green, though he probably
fails to recognize this truth, he continues to exemplify the
spirit of the Corps.
Terry Elgin, while a flawed human being- a real man-
demonstrates courage, persistence, sacrifice, faith, and loyalty
on a regular basis.
To these great men I dedicate this story. I dedicate it to every
man and every woman who has ever been reborn to a higher
calling. To the Marines and their families I say thank you. To
God I say thank you for the United States Marine Corps.
"Never think that God does not work through the Corps."
Semper Fidelis.
Victor
And I Quote...
Fortune favors the brave.
-- Virgil (70 BC - 19 BC), Aeneid
No we are no longer called BAMS, but it is called now Beautiful
American MARINE, Woman Marine and now we are called Marines. I
served in the USMC from 18 Jan 1964 to 15 Sept 1965 due to
seizure I had a honorable and medical discharge. Took Basic at
Parris Island and from there transferred to Camp Pendleton. I
was going to make it a career, but have never regretted serving
and still I call myself a Marine.
Linda (Austin) Sattefield
Pfc. 64-65 USMC
Sgt Clark! COME to ATTENTION! I would like to inform you that,
in the '70's my sister was a Lieutenant in the USMC! She was
NEVER a BAM! SHE is a MARINE (no longer on active duty)! AND
DON'T YOU ever FORGET THAT! ALL Marines (men AND women) are
MARINES! Semper Fi to ALL Marines everywhere! Thank you ALL
for your service!
A Grateful American,
Christine Leeds Armstrong, RN
wife of Sgt James Armstrong, USMC-Force Recon (RVN '69-'70)
'69-'73, now proudly serving as Commander, United States
Navy-Reserve, Nurse Corps...TAKING CARE of his BELOVED
MARINES...'90-and into the future!
Sgt. Grit,
I wanted to take a brief moment to remember one of our fallen.
As many of you may have heard, there were 4 brave police
officers mercilessly slain by a ruthless slug, in Oakland,
California recently. It goes without saying that our hearts go
out to all 4 men, along with our utmost respect for their
service to our communities. One of the slain officers, Erv
Romans, was not only a Sgt. with the Oakland Police Department
SWAT Team, but was also a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps when
I knew him in the late '80's.
Sgt. Romans and I were both Drill Instructors aboard MCRD San
Diego, 2nd Battalion, H Company. We trained several platoons in
the same series for over a year. And, without fail, every PT
session, rifle range, pugil stick match, or drill competition
was always a very motivational, and highly competitive outing
with Romans around. Sgt. Romans brought a sense of
professionalism and 'esprit de corps' to work with him every
day. This attitude transcended Sgt. Romans' recruits, and for
this, I'm sure his recruits are thankful. Sgt. Romans knew what
it meant to be a Marine... the dedication, commitment, and
importance. He never lost sight of the mission.
It is with great pain that I write this, and my prayers go out
to his family. The Marine Corps has lost one of the very
best...he may be gone, but will never be forgotten.
Semper Fidelis and rest in peace Sgt. Romans, and please know
that although your time on this earth was short, you truly made
a difference.
John Couturier, Sgt.
USMC 1983-90
Drill Instructor, 2nd Bn., H Company 1988-90
And I Quote...
"Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with
others." -- Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 - 1894)
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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