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I served in the Corps from '67 until EAOS in July '71, including
3 tours across the pond.
I continue to be proud of the fact that I am a Marine. My son
grew up with that pride and joined the Marines on the Delayed
Entry Program and then graduated Boot Camp on Halloween of this
year. He did a stint as a Recruiter's Assistant (RA) after Boot
Camp then back for SOI and off the his School. He came home for
Christmas, again as a RA. Him and a group of seven others were
at the Mall talking with prospects when this man came up and
told them he was in the Marines and got out in '87. He then
took them to a sunglass store and told them all to pick out a
pair of sunglasses as his way of thanking them for their
service. His total bill came to over $1,000 and he said that
was a small price to pay to see that "his" Corps was in good
hands. He never told them his full name but my son told me his
last name was Davis. Mr. Davis if you read this let me say that
it sounds like "my" Corps was in pretty good hands while you
were in.
Howard Spaulding
SGT USMC July 1967 - July 1971
I don't know if this is of any interest to you or not. My
husband served in the Marine Corps during WWII in the South
Pacific and also served in the States during Korea. During Korea
he was in chiropractic school in Missouri and was called back
into the Marines. After Korea he went back to school and
finished and became a very good chiropractor.
At age 85 he is now in a nursing home with Parkinson disease,
dementia and had broken his hip back in July 2008 so cannot walk
on his own. His room is decorated with anything I could find
about Marines. It is true, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine". I'm
very proud of his service and he is very proud to be a Marine.
"Be nice, for everyone is fighting some type of Battle"
Freda L. Dilks
Marine making 250-mile trek to support troops
Near Columbus - There are quicker ways to travel from
Rhinelander to Madison. Easier ways, too.
But Mike Osnoe is not interested in making the 250-mile journey
quickly or easily. He's traveling that distance - from the tip
of Wisconsin's index finger to the wrist - to make a point.
Read the rest of the article...
"Marines I see as two breeds, Rottweilers or Dobermans, because
Marines come in two varieties, big and mean, or skinny and mean.
They're aggressive on the attack and tenacious on defense.
They've got really short hair and they always go for the
throat."
RAdm. "Jay" R. Stark, USN; 10 November 1995
Another Proud Grandma!
Just had to send in a couple pictures of my Grandson because I
am so proud of him along with all the other Marine Grandma’s.
Once your Grandson is in the Marines your life completely
changes and you are part of a wonderful family of Marines. It
is wonderful to be able to proudly wave the American Flag and
also have a banner on my porch telling everyone he is a Marine
and it will stay there until he comes home. The flag will be
there forever and I am so proud of him and all the other fine
young men and women who are courageous enough to stand for what
our Country was founded upon. He is a tribute to the Marine
Corps and once you are part of this wonderful Marine family you
will also share in the great heritage of our country. He was
stationed in San Diego for Boot Camp. He is a part of 3/1 India
Company, Wpns. Plt.
I have attached a picture of his Platoon on top of a hill made
to fallen Marines (he is the one squatted down by the cross on
the left side) and also a picture of David on his first
deployment to Iraq aboard the USS Denver. David is a native of
Denver, Colorado and we thought it was neat for him to be aboard
the USS Denver.
David will be home sometime in January, again, and we can all
hardly wait to see him. We all prepare for weeks for him to be
home again.
- Proud Grandma of a Marine,
Cheryl Orrino
Dear Sgt Grit...
Just wanted to share a picture of GySgt George Lanes and Sgt
Rick Holton USMC both Vietnam Vets...We participated in the Flag
ceremony at Disney World on 12 December 2008...It was indeed an
honor and a pleasure as we marched in a parade and were given a
Certificate and a Disney pin...that can only be earned as Vet of
the Day...(not available for sale)
Thanks...former Sergeant Rick Holton
I sent you one pic of my newest grandbaby ( Thanksgiving Day )
but I didn't think to send you this one with both the blanket
and the bear.
Kent M Yates
Support our troops.
Freedom isn't free !
"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore."
Yogi Berra
Commissioning Ceremony Aboard USS Midway, 12/20/08
On December 20, 2008, my family and I was fortunate enough to
witness the commissioning of our son SSgt. Clayton Anderson to
Second Lieutenant, aboard the USS Midway, San Diego, CA.
(Pictured above is our son and his mother prior to the
commissioning ceremony.) Second Lieutenant Anderson's Marine
Corps service started on Jan. 14, 2002 at Parris Island, SC and
soon after on to the School of Infantry (SOI).
He was then assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine
Division at Camp Pendleton California. During his first 4 year
enlistment his Unit was deployed 3 separate times to Iraq. In
March of 2003, 1/5 was spearheading the initial invasion of Iraq
and later into Baghdad. In Dec. of 03 and into 04, Cpl.
Anderson served as squad leader during the battle of Fallujah,
and in 2005, Sgt. Anderson became part of the 1/5 Scout/Snipers
and deployed to the city of Ramadi. 2nd Lt. Anderson was then
accepted into the MECEP program, and graduated from California
State University, San Marcos with a B.A. in Communications in
Dec. of 2008. Following commissioning, 2nd Lt. Anderson will be
attending The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. His personal
decorations include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal w/Combat 'V', Combat
Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Good
Conduct Medal w/Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal,
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment
Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Iraqi
Campaign Medal.
The newly commissioned officers who were pinned at this ceremony
included five other prior service Marines, and eleven others,
made up of ensigns in the Navy and Second Lieutenants in the
Army and Air Force. It was truly a joyous occasion for the
hundreds of parents, friends, and guest who attended.
Semper Fi, J. T. Anderson, Cpl. USMC, ,71-,73.
Sgt Grit, you have got it exactly right, I can remember doing
the same thing at Parris Island in the summer of 1959, being
able to do things with the help of my DI things I thought I
couldn't do, but did them. We need the same motivation for our
society today, if we had that we could accomplish great things
in this country again, if we continue to depend on our
government to do everything for us we will fail as a society.
Sincerely,
George Uppling
Kilroy Was Here
How many of us have sent his written but do not know its origins? James J. Kilroy lived in Boston, MA, where he was a city councilor and during World War II he worked at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy.
At the shipyard, Kilroy checked and recorded the number of rivets driven by workers who were paid based on the number of rivets placed. Once Kilroy counted a block of rivets, he would use a chalk chock mark and in crayoned letters write, "Kilroy was here."
Before a ship launched it was usually painted, which would cover up Kilroy's marks. However during the war ships were being build and sent out too fast to paint them. Great numbers of servicemen were transported on these outgoing ships and saw Kilroy's signature mark.
Playing on Mr. Kilroy's words, servicemen began placing "Kilroy was here" signs wherever US Forces landed. The picture of a man peeking over a fence was added along the way.
Now, as Paul Harvey would say, "You know the rest of the story!"
In light of the present financial crisis, it's interesting to
read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our
liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever
allow private banks to control the issue of their currency,
first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and
corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the
people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on
the continent their fathers 'conquered."
Hi Sgt. Grit
I read with great interest the article from Doc. Phillip Stern
concerning Lt.Puller. The Lt. was my son's Lt. in Nam and was
with him when he was injured by mortar fire to his head. My son
was Pfc. John Whitney and although everyone thought John had
died he and Lt. Puller met up again in the Phila. Naval
Hospital. Lt Puller was quite shocked to see John had survived.
John picked the Lt. up in the leg room one day and as I stated
the Lt. was in utter disbelief. John passed away in Aug. '70 and
I am still his proud Mom Ellie PMM of L/Cpl. John H. Whitney
Well Marines, in august 1969 i entered MCRD and ended up with
mike 3/5 in viet nam six months later. 0311 was my specialty,
and i made it. in the year 2006 i arrived in Iraq, training the
Iraqi police after retiring from the Chicago police dept with 32
years service. i was attached to a Marine lav company in rawa. i
just returned here for another civilian contractor supporting
the mission. and my point? my point is i have had the honor and
pleasure of serving with the finest young Americans we have to
offer, these young men and women are the cream of the crop and
you know what? i want the whole country to know. the cream of
the crop is here. s/f jeremy michael farrell
"Come on, you sons of b!tches! Do you want to live forever?"
GySgt. Daniel J. "Dan" Daly, USMC
near Lucy-`le-Bocage as he led the 5th Marines' attack into
Belleau Wood, 6 June 1918
Thank you so much for your web site and your store and your
service to our country, i have gotten a lot of items from your
web site, for our Marine, when he was in Okinawa japan, and
other duty stations, when he got married we got him and his wife
wedding items from your store.i even got him a shirt and coin
on all the ranks he has reached, he went from Private to
Sergeant in his 4 years active duty, after his 4 years active
duty, he has been inactive for 1 1/2 years now , and has been
working at our local post office, as a mail carrier. he was
ordered to show up at Kansas City MO, in Oct, for consideration
for recall to active duty.
he went they told the Marines there, they need 387 out of the
2000 that were there, that they would have to check on what
rank, MOS, that the Marines needed and i guess he was one of the
lucky ones, or one of the Marines they needed, I know it cant
always be someone else's Marine.
he received his orders Dec 19th 2008, for active duty for 12 to
15 mos, he will be heading back to camp Pendleton in may of 2009
for retraining/ refresher training and then to operation Iraq
freedom. as a mother, i have worried, prayed, and cried, trying
to understand, The Marines calling our Marine back to active
duty. but as our son/Marine , helped me understand a bit better
by his loyalties to the Corps. he said if they need me it is my
duty to go , I'm Still a Marine. as you may remember my Marine,
he is the one who wrote the poem, If I Ever Go To War. it was
hard reading the poem, when he was fresh out of boot camp, but
it is even bitter sweet, reading it now, knowing he really will
be going to War/Iraq.
he was one of the few, that during his active duty that he
didn't go to Iraq, but he has been on deployments, floats and
oversea tours, and has been 16 mile south of the Iraq boarder.2
times. and has been all over this great world. I'm blessed to
have a son that is a Marine, and he is really showing that Once
a Marine always a Marine. really is true.
Dianna Williams
Sgt Grit,
It is with a heavy heart that I must relay the untimely death of
one of our own. Sgt. Andrew"AJ" Stocks. Sgt. Stocks was killed
in an automobile accident on Sept. 9, 2008. He was a Trooper
with the North Carolina Highway Patrol. He was responding to an
automobile accident and lost control of his cruiser on a rain
slicked road and he crashed into a garbage truck. He died in
the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Upon getting out of
the Marine Corps Sgt. Stocks joined the Army Reserve where he
was deployed twice. Once to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. He
was home exactly one year to the day when he died.
AJ spent his whole adult life helping people. He was a
volunteer firefighter in his younger years. he was also a
Paramedic later on, then a Marine(ARFF), soldier and finally a
Highway Patrolman.
He was 43 at the time of his passing and he leaves behind a wife
and daughter. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Timothy Reichenbach
CPL 2nd MAW
MAG 14 MABS 14
1980 - 1986
"I don't make jokes I just watch the government and report the
facts."
Will Rogers
A Marine’s Last Will and Testament
Former SSgt Robert A. Hall
I, Robert, an old Mud Marine, being of sound mind, do hereby
create this Marine Codicil to my Last Will and Testament,
through which I bequeathed all my worldly goods and possessions
to those beloved of me in life. This Marine Codicil is to pass
on the intangible gifts I received as a Marine, which were
beyond the price men put upon worldly possessions.
I have attested to being of "Sound Mind." That may be challenged
by those who think that all Marines are crazy. We have enjoyed
and magnified that reputation, of course, to bemuse our friends
and intimidate our enemies. As a Navy Psychologist once told me,
"The trouble with treating Marines is that if you cure them,
they can’t be Marines!" But ours are really the soundest of
minds, for the life of our free society depends on warriors. If
you do away with us, our civilization commits suicide, surely
the ultimate mark of insanity. If there comes a day when is no
longer a Marine Corps, the American Idea will die soon after.
To all my Marine brothers and sisters, now and in generations to
come, I leave the legacy of our Corps, stretching back to
November 10, 1775. It was bequeathed to me by generations of
Marines who served before me, who "grew gray in war," and who
gave me those priceless traditions "such as regiments hand down
forever." I have tried in my small way to add to its strength
and burnish its luster. Go you and do the same.
To those Marines I served with, I leave my rich stock of Sea
Stories, a few of which are even true, that you may embellish
them and pass them on to other Marines, to awed members of our
sister services and, sanitized for language, to civilians. I
also leave you the gratitude of a brother, for you stood by me,
cared for my in trouble, and inspired me with your deeds. The
poet Alan Seegar, who was KIA in France on July 4, 1916, said it
best, "Comrades, you cannot think how thin and blue, look the
leftovers of mankind that rest, now that the cream has been
skimmed off in you."
To my Marine DIs, I leave a debt unpaid. The discipline and
pride you instilled in me guided me long after I had to shed the
uniform for the last time. Thanks to what you did in a few short
months, I have had a great life. I’ve tried to make you proud of
me every day, and to pay a bit on that debt through my service
to my country and my fellow Marines, both in the Corps and in
civilian life afterwards.
To my family I leave a few old photos, a few mementos and a
service to country in which I hope you take pride as I have.
However they serve, I hope future generations of our family find
something larger than self to serve, worthy of their time and
commitment. There is no happiness in serving the ever-greedy god
of self, the root of our world’s troubles.
To our nation’s elected leaders, I leave the Core Values of our
Corps: Honor, Courage, Commitment. Imagine if candidates for
public office adopted our values as a campaign platform. Imagine
candidates with the Honor to tell people the truth and to not
trade their support on issues for campaign contributions or
personal perks. Imagine elected officials with the Courage to do
what was right for the next generation, rather than what was
popular to win cheap votes for the next election? Imagine office
holders with the Commitment to serve selflessly, live austerely,
and do the right regardless of personal cost?
And to the Republic, the country I love, I leave my service. It
was little enough payment on the debt every American owes her
for the freedoms we have, for the life we live, and for the
opportunities we and our loved ones have received in this land.
When people thank me for my service, I say, "It was a privilege
to wear the uniform of the Republic, and to earn the title
Marine."
I must go now, but I leave my country a new generation of
Marines, standing watch out on the lines, putting their bone and
blood between the barbarians and our free people, the few
guarding the many with their lives. God grant it may ever be so.
"At his funeral we had 6 Marines carry him to his final resting
place. Those Marines and every Marine I run in to make me proud
to be an American. Marine no greater friend. Again Thank YOU"
Lori Hoogstad a proud daughter of a Marine
The President Comforts a Marine Mom
This Thursday morn, Julie McPhillips will awake to the great hope that is Christmas Day. And amid her joy for the Savior born of woman in a Bethlehem stable, she will offer two prayers...
Read the article
"They told (us) to open up the Embassy, or "we'll blow you
away." And then they looked up and saw the Marines on the roof
with these really big guns, and they said in Somali, "Igaralli
ahow," which means "Excuse me, I didn't mean it, my mistake"."
Karen Aquilar, in the U.S. Embassy; Mogadishu, Somalia, 1991
Sgt Grit,
I'm an old former Marine whose father was also a Marine. My dad
served in Korea at the Chosen Reservoir and many other
locations. My son just rotated off of deployment in Iraq and is
back home. And I'm currently serving in Iraq as a chaplain in
the Army National Guard. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know
that I appreciated your message and that I also appreciate
getting the newsletter here in a Iraq. It's great to read the
stories of other Marines and remember my own time in the Corps.
Yeah, I'm old, I wear a different uniform now, and I certainly
don't carry a weapon any more, but deep down I still am and
always will be a United States Marine.
Jesse Vega
Chaplain (Captain)
Army National Guard
Former SGT, USMC
Could you all please pray for the repose of Dr. John "JP"
Pryor's soul. On Christmas Eve, my Jim called me to let me know
that after he got off work, he and his paramedic would be
stopping off at a party at another "PENNStar person's home".
When he got home earlier than I thought he would, he told me
that Jim McCans (a PENNStar paramedic who went to Iraq in 2007
as a "private contractor" w/his "cadaver dog" looking for
missing soldiers killed by terrorists...if you saw the reports
in 12/2007 of mass graves found...that was Jim and Stache his
dog...they were recently honored by the ASPCA as dog of the
year...) had come in with the news that JP had died that
morning...Christmas morning...in Iraq. He was supposed to have
been making a Christmas morning phone call to his wife and
kids...but the call never came. He died in a mortar attack, in
Mosel, having just gotten back from Christmas morning mass. Jim
remembers JP as a "brilliant trauma surgeon who would grill the
flight crews on the patient's condition from the start of the
accident scene and the person's condition and care through out
the flight"...and if you knew he was on, you'd better be on you
toes... He was a kind and caring individual who, during his
first deployment to Iraq, learned Farsi so he could communicate
with the Iraqi people...especially the children...so he could
earn their trust and facilitate their recovery...
PENNStar...and everyone at Penn...will miss JP greatly!
-Christine Armstrong, wife of a Marine no longer on active duty
who now serves as a CDR w/the Navy Nurse Corps taking care of
his BELOVED MARINES
"Government is the great fiction, through which everybody
endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else."
-Frederic Bastiat, French Economist (1801-1850)
Thank you for giving us a way to express our commitment to God,
Country, and Honor. Whenever I wear one of the shirts or hats I
have bought, I always meet other Marines, many who stop and want
to talk. Some just reach out to shake my hand. My wife always
asks 'do you know him?' and my answer is no but he is my
brother. I served in peace time and never had much conflict but
I am proud of the time I spent.
Semper Fi Sgt Grit! Semper Fi
Recently my youngest son joined the Marines and is at MCRD San
Diego. He will graduate on the 9th Jan. '09. Before I go on, it
should be noted that my son played tackle football since the 5th
grade and in his Senior year helped his team win there division
championship. He also wrestled the same number of years. So
needless to say he is physically strong. Now to the point. From
the 1st letter we got he said he was bored. Can you believe it.
And as the weeks went by he is still bored. However there was
something changing in his letters. His way of thinking, he is
becoming mentally strong. Even his hand writing, neater, clearer
and more concise. He is becoming a better man and for that I
must thank the Corps. My wife and I, my parents and best friends
are all going to family day and graduation and I can't wait. I
can not say in words how proud I am of my son and indeed all of
the recruits of Kilo Co. Plt 3222. God bless the U.S. Marines,
God bless America and God bless all our men and women fighting
around the world.
Proud dad and mom. U.S. Army Inf. vet. 75-82
"Gone to Florida to fight the Indians. Will be back when the war
is over."
Colonel Commandant Archibald Henderson, USMC in a note pinned to
his office door, 1836
Sgt. Grit:
Thank you for providing so many interesting experiences of
Marines and their families. Before my WW II Marine husband of
almost 60 years passed away on June 19, 2008, he always looked
forward to the newsletters each week. My purpose in relating the
following information is to inquire if there are any WW II
Marines still alive from the "old Corps" who were with him in
the South Pacific during 1944-45.
After basic training at Parris Island in the summer of 1944,
advanced training at Camp LeJeune and Camp Pendleton, he, along
with 11,000 other Marines plus navy crew, he set sail from San
Diego on a troop carrier, the U. S. S. O. H. ERNST to the
Equator and war zone WW II enroute to "set the Rising Sun." Two
days before Christmas, December 23, 1944, they crossed the
International Date Line at which time the renowned Shellback
initiation was held. His Shellback Certificate still hangs
proudly on the wall of our home as a memento forever reminding
him of the wild events associated with the Shellback initiation.
This remained his most memorable Christmas.
They sailed on to Guadalcanal as replacement troops for the
battle-weary Marines who had been fighting for months.
Afterward they trekked across the Solomon Islands to
Bougainville, island-hopped through other smaller islands
securing them along the way, and finally headed toward Okinawa,
the last Japanese stronghold before reaching the mainland.
On April 1, 1945 (Easter Sunday and ironically April Fool's Day)
he was among the 90,000 Marines who went ashore on the beaches
of Okinawa in landing crafts after the big guns from the naval
vessels had pounded the coast for several days in preparation
for the massive invasion. His 1st Marine Division fought across
the rugged island throwing grenades and "womb bombs" into caves
where Japanese soldiers were hiding. The famous Sugar Loaf Hill
changed hands 17 times before the Stars and Stripes were raised.
Okinawa proved to be one of the costliest in U. S. casualties
(48,000 with 12,000 KIA ), twice the number of Iwo Jima
casualties.
He had to be carried back to a tent set up as an emergency field
hospital on the nearby island of Banika in the Russell Islands
for emergency surgery. Then he waited two weeks for an old cargo
vessel converted into a hospital ship, the U. S. S. ZAURAK , for
transport back to the naval hospital at Pearl Harbor. He was
still in the hospital in Hawaii when WW II ended on September 2,
1945.
Along with many other Marines, he returned to the U. S. on the
cruise ship converted into a hospital ship, the U. S. S.
MATSONIAN LUXURY LINER, where bunks were stacked five high in
what had once been the swimming pool. Many of these Marines were
sent to the Marine Barracks Hospital, Klamath Falls, Oregon,
which had been established for Marines suffering from combat
fatigue, tropical diseases, and other injuries. Some of these
Marines recovered and went back to duty; others were discharged.
After being declared "unfit for duty," my husband was
discharged. He did maintain some contact with others who were
stationed at Klamath Falls and attended several Marine reunions
there prior to his death.
I would like to hear from anyone who was with him on the voyage
to Guadalcanal, through the Solomon Islands, during the invasion
of Okinawa, at the field hospital on the island of Banika, the
hospital in Hawaii, or who returned with him to the U. S. on the
MATSONIAN LUXURY LINER,
He was a true example of "Once a Marine, always a Marine" and
was serving as chaplain of the Kenny Black MCL Det. 1166 in
Athens, AL at the time of his death. At the end of his funeral
service on June 22, 2008, a baritone soloist sang the "Marines
Hymn," and he was laid to rest in a Marine Corps coffin with his
beloved USMC Honor Guard performing the final rites at the
grave. Another Marine has reported for guard duty at the Gates
of Heaven.
Semper Fi,
Julia C. Smith
Wife of WW II Marine John S. Smith
Email: JSELBYSMITH24 [at] aol.com
"The true measure of a man is not where he stands in times of
peace and comfort, but where he stands in times of conflict and
controversy."
M.L.K.
Dear Sgt. Grit,
Today I took a bus tour to the Rose Parade. I wore a white ball
hat that had the initials of Uncle Sams Misguided Children on
it. As I boarded the bus the tour guide, an older woman said
Semper Fi, I am a widow of a Marine. Later during the ride, she
stopped at my seat and told me the following story.
After her husband died she put her house up for sale and it sold
faster than she thought. She had to move out and didn't have
any help, so she went to MCRD San Diego and contacted the SgtMaj
of 1st Recruit Bn. The next morning 5 Marines and a Sgt.
showed up , packed her stuff and moved her. Unpacked and had
her new place ready.
Marines helping Marines.
My mother was a Marine wife for about 28 years and she still has
a P-38 on her key ring.
T. Sam Wilkins 1689605
H&HS, MCAS Beaufort
"It still holds true that man is most uniquely human when he
turns obstacles into opportunities."
Eric Hoffer
to all my brothers. cpl burk 24th Marines 84 to 89. just a quick
note to let everyone know the tradition is being carried on by
my 19 year old son, he will be standing on the yellow foot steps
on january 20th. and now i know how my father felt when i told
him i was going the Corps. he has been asking a lot of questions
about boot camp. which is bringing back a lot of memories. all
good ones. joining the Corps was the smartest and best thing i
have ever done in my entire life. thanks to the Corps i became a
squared away Marine then i took all i learned and still apply it
to my civilian life. i am very excited for my son. i really wish
i could be a fly on the wall that first night ha ha ha. i know
in my heart he will become an excellent Marine. oohhrahh. good
luck to all the boys going into the Corps. semper fi to all
Marines past and present. and cant forget Good Night Chesty
Where Ever You Are!
My son, Jeremy was about to go to Iraq had come home on leave
and was in a serious car accident. He was very critical for a
while but is making progress. He had a broken pelvis, breaks on
both sides of his jaws and burns on 40% of his body. He lost
tips on some of his fingers and part of his left ear. I believe
that his Marine Corps training helped in his survival. The USMC
has been very supportive during this mother's difficult time and
I wanted to let all Marines know this. Keep him in your prayers
and thank you all for your service to our country.
Susan Willis
I had a good time in Christmas, because my Marine's son is in my
house with all my family.
I wish you happy new year and all MARINE CORPS.
Thanks and GOD BLESS you and our troops too
Celeida.
"Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what
you resolve."
Benjamin Franklin
Dear Sgt. Grit,
My husband finished his MOS training in Twentynine Palms on
December 3rd and reported back to his duty station in Cherry
Point on December 9th. I am in Texas so we got to spend a few
days together while he was on his way back to NC. He flew from
Amarillo to Raleigh and it is his flight that I want to tell you
about. He flew Southwest airlines and one of the flight
attendants noticed his unmistakable Marine haircut and asked if
he was in the military. He told her he was a Marine and she
asked for his name and rank and thanked him for his service.
Then she got on the speaker and made an announcement that they
had a very special passenger on board and told everybody who he
was and what he did. The entire plane applauded for him. He was
a little embarrassed by all the attention but, thought that was
very sweet of her. That was just the beginning it turned out.
She later made another announcement that she was going to go
around and take up a collection for him. He refused of course,
explaining that he volunteered to serve and couldn’t accept the
money. She insisted and did it anyway. She passed around a bag
and ended up collecting a little over a hundred dollars. So he
asked her to thank everybody for him and that he would pass the
donation along to Toys for Tots. He has been so busy and didn’t
end up getting the money turned in before Christmas but, he
wanted to make sure it went to somebody that needed it. So, in
the spirit in which the money was given in the first place, we
are donating it to a local organization that sends care packages
to deployed Marines. I just wanted to say thank you to all of
the people on that plane for being so supportive and trying to
help. Thanks to both of the flight attendants for being so nice
and caring, one of which has three grandchildren who are
Marines!
I also wanted to say thanks to Southwest airlines. I fly a lot
with them to visit my husband and they are always supportive of
our troops and make an effort to recognize them. I was on a
flight with a large number of WWII vets earlier this year and
the airline and flight attendants did a great job of recognizing
their sacrifice and thanking them for their service. Also,
Southwest is the only airline in our local airport that proudly
displays signs that say "We Support Our Troops". So, thanks to
everybody for the support. It really means a lot. And thanks to
Sgt. Grit for having such a great website for Marines and their
families.
Semper Fi from Texas !
Sgt Grit:
I am in a family of former Marines, my Son served 6 years and
his Dad like you is a Vietnam Veteran. I'm very proud of them. I
am a new citizen of this Great Country and love the MARINES the
greatest of all Armed Forces.
Have a Happy New Year,
Vanda
Here are a few pics from here at Taji. The one it with a few of
our Iraqi Army partners that graduated back in April, holding a
'Flat Stanley'. The other is a couple of our highly esteemed
Gurkha guards.
Then, the miniature tank. Fearsome, huh? ;>)
Semper Fidelis, and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Rich
"Power corrupts the few, while weakness corrupts the many."
Eric Hoffer
Happy New Year ,
Sgt .Grit~~~ my son becoming a Marine opened a new window for
me and I found the GREATEST family Ever.
Dear SGT. GRIT,
Just to say thank you for being here. MERRY CHRISTMAS. Without
you I couldn't have giving my husband what he wanted for
Christmas.
He's an Marine . So I surprised him by painting our small extra
room Marine core colors. And started buying from you. He's loves
everything he got but still gonna need more so don’t go anywhere
. HE is very happy. thank you for being here.
An Old Marines Wife
LAURA RICHARD
Merry Christmas to ALL of you at Sgt Grit..I am the widow of a
37 yr veteran of the US Marine Corps. My husband Robert was a
Marine and died in December of 1985. My brother Don passed away
suddenly last May 19,2008..he was and remained a United States
Marine and proudly served in Viet Nam. I never remarried and
have remained a Marine wife. Thank you for all you do.
Happy New Year 2009
Mrs Sandra K Whistler
My biggest compliment came the other day when I was in a model
train repair shop I frequent the other day - the proprietor said
to me "Do you ever wear anything but Marine gear?" Told him No
- I'm proud of my Marine Corps Service. At 79, I owe it to
myself.
"Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep
voting on what to have for dinner."
-James Bovard
I would like to extend an open invitation to all the Marines in
the Nashville TN area. My son, LCpl Matt Bradford, is being
honored with a benefit on the 16th of January at the Batter's
Box Bar. A very special friend has written a song for him
called My Friend Matt and it tells his story. He was injured in
Iraq on 18 January 2007. He lost both legs and his vision. His
right hand was damaged, but his spirit was not touched. I know
that he would like for all to come and enjoy drinks as his Alive
Day 2 is approaching.
Thank you
Debbie
Matt's Mother
P.S.
Attached is a picture of Matt and my friend, Michele at
Thanksgiving---dancing!!
I am a "former" USAF rescue pilot (HH-53C Super Jolly Green)
DaNang ’72. I have worked with Marines all of my military career
and have the upmost respect for you guys. The emails are great
and some are "tear jerkers". Happy New Year to all of you great
Marines.
Mike McCorkle, Major Retired (Cork)
37th Air Rescue and Recovery Service, DaNang ’72.
"Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and
car keys to teenage boys."
P.J. O'Rourke
Sgt Grit,
I was a member of Kilo Bty, 4th Bn, 12th Mar, from Dec '60 to
Nov 61. I don't know if Cpl Johnson was in 4th Bn or not, but
before noon chow one day we had a Bn formation in front of the
mess hall and two Marines were marched onto the mess hall walk
way and charges were read we did about face and they were
marched off. the drummer did a skip beat you couldn't keep in
step with, very impressive on a 18 year old with less than a
year in the Corps. The Bn Sgt/Maj was "Big Red" EBERT.
It's what keeps me reading your newsletter. Somebody mentions an
event and it brings back a memory.
Keep up the work your doing great.
Semper Fi
Jim Leonard SSgt '60-'80
Joke
Two airmen were driving across country on leave. They come to a
Marine Corps base and decide to visit. They approach the gate
and the Marine Guard walks up to the driver's window, and taps
on it with his nightstick. The driver rolls down the window, and
the Marine smacks him in the head with the stick.
The driver says, Why'd you do that?
The Marine says, You're on a United States Marine Corps Base,
son. When I come up to your car, you'll have your ID card ready.
Driver says, I'm sorry, We're in the Air Force, and we didn't
know.
The Marine examines the I.D. card and gives it back to the
driver.
The Marine walks around to the passenger side and taps on the
window. The passenger rolls his window down, and the Marine
smacks him with the nightstick.
The passenger says, What'd you do that for?
The Marine says, Just making your wishes come true.
The passenger says, Huh?
The Marine says, I know that as soon as you pull away you're
gonna say, 'I wish that sucker would've tried that **** with
me!'
"I must follow them. I am their leader."
Andrew Bonar Law
Sgt. Grit:
The attached photo is of my nephew, Marine Corporal, Michael A.
Phillips. It was taken last December 2007.
Corporal Phillips was the guest of his cousin’s second grade
class Christmas Party. Stockings were provided for each student
and enough odd and end stuffers (chap stick, magazines,
chocolates, dental floss, gum, mints, etc.) for each child to
stuff a stocking that was sent to a Marine unit in Iraq. He
helped the children stuff the stockings and answered some very
interesting questions that the children had for him. All of the
kids in the hallways (particularly the boys) were all eyes and
ooohs and aaahs seeing a Marine in his dress uniform. So many of
the parents outside of the school to pick up the kids after the
parties went out of their way to come over and shake Michael’s
hand...very touching.
Corporal Phillips is currently serving his second tour of duty
in Iraq.
We are so proud of him. Prayers to all serving in our military.
Semper Fi,
Michael J. Phillips
Sgt. USMC 1968-1971
RVN 1969-1970
Served with 2BN 8TH Marines during the middle 70's and got out
in 1980. Biggest mistake ever. After a 20 year break as a
civilian, tried to go back in the Corps, but was rejected
because of my age. Backslid, and joined the army in 2000. Hate
the army, but loving serving my country. The reason for the
thank you, is that even though I'm in the army, I still carry
myself as a Marine. The soldiers around me see this, and most
wish they were in the Marines. Hope Chesty forgives me for the
army part, but I'm secretly recruiting for the Marines. Keep up
the good work. Semper Fi.
Sgt. Arthur Zehner
0311 Forever
Hey Sgt Grit,
I've been reading all the posts in your email news letter for
several years. H&ll, my mother proudly displays your magazines
in her living room AND guest bathroom. Thank you for creating a
place for both fresh and old salty Marines to hear each other's
stories.
Semper Fi,
LCpl Stewart
Bravo CO. 6th ESB
"I tell you Wellington is a bad general, the English are bad
soldiers; we will settle the matter by lunch time."
Napoleon Bonaparte, the morning of the Battle of Waterloo.
SGT. GRIT,
First I will start by saying merry Christmas and a great new
year. I spent 12 years as an FMF corpsman with the finest
marines we have, which I miss terribly. I joined our local MCL
Det. 1037 out of Natick Mass. This is the first year I have
fully done toys for tots.
From the time I set up the boxes and posters for this mission
till the end, I have picked up over 40 hugh bags of toys, I
think we filled up 4 pods this year.
I feel very proud to be back with the marines even though we are
not in the corps. anymore. Our Det. does a lot with the Va. and
with disabled vets.
My C.O. is roger beer and is still all Marine. He is well
respected in the community. I will continue to be a member of
this fine organization till I am with the marines guarding the
gates of heaven, and serve as there DOC again.
FORMER FMF CORPSMAN
HM1 (DOC) C. T. MILLER
Semper Fi and God Bless
I want to thank you for the wonderful stories I read in your
periodic emails. Attached is a picture of my son LCPL Asa
Carpenter, Iwakuni Japan. This pic was taken on Family Day
10-25-07 at MCRD San Diego.
Reading the different stories, from young and old, provides this
mom with strength and hope. Every issue provides more than the
last. God Bless you all, and all your subscribers, and
certainly, all of our troops, past, present and future!
Marine Mom,
Ann Carpenter
"Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or
that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the
tides."
Winston Churchill
Dear Sgt. Grit,
On behalf of our late son, LCpl David H. Miles, USMC (07 - 08),
my husband, Sgt James D. Brady, USMC (68 - 73), and myself
(Proud Marine wife and mother), THANK YOU so much for all the
wonderful Marine items you offer on your web-site. Prior to
David's death earlier this year, he and I spent many years
visiting your site looking for and buying gifts for his Dad and
himself. I still visit your site and make purchases.
David had just turned 19 when he got killed in March of this
year. He dreamed of being a Marine from a very young age and
accepted the call from God in 2001 to fight terrorism. He was
our only child and we are very proud of his service to our
country. Thanks again.
Semper Fi,
Pam
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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