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AmericanCourage #202 11 JUN 2009
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"The galleries are full of critics. They play no ball. They fight
no fights. They make no mistakes because they attempt nothing.
Down in the arena are the doers. They make mistakes because they
try many things. The man who makes no mistakes lacks boldness and
the spirit of adventure. He is the one who never tries anything.
He is the break in the wheel of progress. And yet it cannot be
truly said he makes no mistakes, because his biggest mistake is
the very fact that he tries nothing, does nothing, except
criticize those who do things."
David M. Shoup
General
United States Marine Corps
Sgt. Grit,
I am the son of a Marine that was in the 5th Marine Division at
Iwo Jima. Dad never talked much about Iwo but I knew he was
always proud to be a Marine. In the last days before he died I
had been reading James Bradley's "Flags of Our Father's" and I
was gaining an understanding of what my dad had endured on the
beaches of Iwo Jima. We were able to get him to open up a little
before he passed.
He talked of the hand to hand fighting that took place the night
that last bonsai charge came. That his unit had been waiting to
board ship that day to leave Iwo and they had turned in all their
ammo except for one clip each. He talked about a Mustang pilot
that shared a bottle with dad and his fox hole buddy earlier that
evening. As most of you already know that entire unit of pilots
was slaughtered as they slept that night. Dad said when their one
clip was gone they fought with anything they could swing.
When Dad passed I found in his wallet a card he had been carrying
for over fifty years. The card reads "Imperial Domain of the
Golden Dragon" and is dated 2315 hrs, 31 January 1945. It also
states he was on board the "Rutland".
I was pretty much puzzled by this because I knew on that date he
was on his way to Iwo. Then I remembered James Bradley had
written about a hazing that took place when a Marine crossed the
international date line for the first time.
This Memorial Day as I remember my dad and what he stood for I
want to thank every man and woman that ever wore the uniform. And
if Dad was here I think he would want me to add "Semper fi"
Michael Swartz
(Proud son of) PFC George A. Swartz
5th Pioneer Battalion
No real story, I just wanted to say thank you to ALL military
veterans and active duty men and women. I'm only 17 so of course
I wasn't much concerned about the war and such, until I met my
fiance.. He is in the Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune. He will
be leaving again in February of 2010 for Iraq or Afghanistan. I
never knew how hard it would be with the deployments and being 4
hours away from each other during the weeks. I feel myself to
have a very important job now, taking care of my Marine and hoping for a safe trip home. Thank you again :D
Dixie Roberts
And I Quote...
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-- George Washington
Acting SSgt William H. Lewis was our Senior Drill Instructor in
Platoon 264 at MCRD San Diego. I was Platoon Guide (sometimes
Right Guide but usually Left Guide) from shortly after we left
Receiving Barracks in late August 1959 to graduation just before
Thanksgiving 1959. As a result, I spent more time in the duty hut than other recruits. I should add that most of that time was
spent in the "thinking position" doing penance for our platoon's
transgressions on any given day. Ten years later, in 1969, when I
was a Captain and the S-3 for 1st Recruit Training Battalion
(1stRTBn), I got a call from the Regimental Adjutant, Capt Frank
Waters (an LDO, later as a LtCol to become Admin Officer to CMCs
Wilson and Barrow). He asked me if I had anything to keep some
former 8511s (DIs) busy for a while. There were some SNCOs in his
office that had been sent down from Balboa Naval Hospital where
they were recuperating from wounds or other injuries/maladies,
were bored to death, and needed something to do to occupy their
time. Since they were 8511s they came to the Recruit Training
Regiment (RTR). I asked my Ops Chief if he had any special
projects that he needed to have done. He said he had one but he
would only need one man. I told Frank we could use one, to have
him report to me, and I hung up the phone.
Several minutes later I heard foot steps on the deck of the old
wooden WWII-era building that was the 1stRTBn's headquarters (our
building, the other two battalion's headquarters and DI School
were situated on the four corners of that block with the
Centralized Recruit Administrative Center and the RTR armory
filling in the east and west flanks). The foot steps became
louder as they got closer to my office. In an instant I heard the
sound of heels snapping together and a deep husky voice
announcing, "Sir, Gunnery Sergeant @#%&$ reporting to the Captain
as ordered, Sir." I didn't catch the name due to the sound of a
jet airliner taking off from Lindbergh Field next door but there
are a couple of things a Marine never forgets: his service number
and the voice of his senior drill instructor. I looked up to see
Gunnery Sergeant Lewis standing at rigid attention, head and eyes
fixed straight ahead at the bulkhead above and behind me. I
asked, "Gunny, do the numbers 2, 6 and 4 mean anything to you?"
He paused for a few seconds with a quizzical look on his face and
then responded, "Sir, no Sir". I then asked, "How about Platoon
264"? After a second or two the Gunny glanced down at me and then
at the name plate on the front edge of my desk. His head and eyes
snapped abruptly up and straight ahead again. I then heard him
softly exclaim, "Oh s_ _ t, Sir". In His wisdom, God had seen to
it that our roles were reversed. I was now the senior and there
was justice in this world after all.
I didn't have time to talk with him just then as the Battalion
Commander and I had a meeting to attend at Regiment. I turned the
Gunny over to my Ops Chief, MSgt Schlecht, and joined LtCol
Dallas R. Walker for our walk across the street. When I returned
an hour or so later, the Gunny was gone. He'd completed whatever
task my Ops Chief had given him and that was the last time I ever
saw Gunnery Sergeant Lewis.
Several years after my retirement I got a call from a MGySgt
acquaintance who had access to the newly computerized personnel
system. He asked for my Senior Drill Instructor's name and after
a brief search he gave me GySgt Lewis' mailing address. Now maybe
it's just a coincidence but every holiday season after that phone
call Gunny Lewis got an anonymous Christmas card just to let him
know that someone was thinking about him. About the time the card
sender (whoever that person might have been) was ready to "fess
up", he learned that the Gunny had died a few months earlier. His
family told me he looked forward to the cards and suspected,
correctly, that they came from one of his former recruits. The
family would later invite me to his grandson's commissioning
ceremony and post-ceremony celebration cocktail/dinner party. The
young man had just graduated from San Diego State University
(unfortunately it was the Air Force that got him). He's now a
senior Captain at Nellis AFB, an experienced F-16 instructor
pilot and combat veteran.
We only get to San Diego about once a year now but every time my
wife and I go we stop by Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery out on
Point Loma to visit some friends. Among the graves we visit is
that of Gunny Lewis (Section A-F, Site C-27D). It's fitting that
his grave is located where it is, high toward the southwest end
of the cemetery overlooking San Diego Bay. On a clear day you can
see MCRD from there and I'm sure he's keeping an eye on things
making sure we're still making Marines like he used to.
Jack Ruffer
Major, U. S. Marine Corps (Ret)
Palm Desert, CA
Hey Sgt Grit;
Just wanted to let you know that I had similar situation as Brian
Schultz and understand what it meant when someone says thank you
and welcome home.
In October of 07 me and the wife went to Branson MO for a couple
of days and went to Silver Dollar City. The morning that we
arrived it was announced over the loud speaker for all veterans
to go to the main flag pole where the colors were to be done for
the day. They had veterans raise the colors for that day. What a
sight that was to behold. Later on that day as we walking the
grounds and looking at the various vendors I heard someone holler
out "Hey Marine". That caught my attention since I was wearing my
Red Marine Ball Cap that morning. I turned around and it was a
young lady that made the statement. I said "Yes Maam" what can I
do for you."
She asked me if I was Viet Nam Vet. I told her yes that I was.
She gave me a key chain that she had beaded with the colors of
the Viet Nam Service ribbon. She looked me square in the eye and
said "Thank you for your service and welcome home", and gave me a
big ol hug. Needless to say I was not ashamed that tears were
running down my check. I told her thank you and that no one ever
said that to me. The rest of the day I walked a little prouder
and taller that day. It will me a day that I will remember.
Just wish we all could have received that when we got back.
Mike Parkhurst
RVN 70-71
And I Quote...
"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many
to so few."
-- Sir Winston Churchill
SGT. Grit,
After reading this story with a tear I will never again degrade
any female Marine. I will also apologize to my best friend's wife
for all the h&ll I have given her over the years. I grew up with
her husband Ray and we have been friends for 40 years. We went to
boot (the only one I know) Parris Island. I stayed in the
Reserves and he went back to Parris Island as an MP.
I regret to this day that I never went active, but I did have
more training and survived Mountain Warfare School and Winter
Survival School. We arrived at Parris Island on 8 June 1976 and
completed training 24 August 1976. We were 3rd Battalion Platoon
347 under the leadership of SSgt. T.W. Wyckoff. We took both
drill competitions and just missed taking the range. We had the
old greens full of starch, haven't sweat starch in a long time
may have to buy a bottle as Ray got us the "OLD Corps" covers. He
does not know it but I am going to buy from you the cover block
for us. Below is the best saying I often put at the end of my
emails I send out if you have a good one let me know. Thanks
again for the news letter I look forward to it.
John W.C. Riffle
LCPL USMCR
76-82
And I Quote...
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a
difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that
problem."
-- Ronald Reagan
Recently the League and myself Rendered Honors at a funeral for
a James W. Erwin, (Sept 6,1927-May 1,2009)
Then yesterday, for Memorial day I had the Honor and privilege
of piping for the Fallen Warriors Memorial for Golf Company
2/24, of Madison. There was a good crowd there in attendance. Of
course the Marine League was there for that as well.
Semper Fi, and carry on.
Javier Teniente
My son graduated from MCRD San Diego on May 22, 2009 as Pfc. Castilleja and Meritorious Honors. I can't think of anything
that could make me prouder!
Thank you,
Angel Castilleja
And I Quote...
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been
the reward for what he gave."
-- Calvin Coolidge
Home for Christmas! Cpl. Nicholas Xiarhos
Cpl. Nicholas George Xiarhos
On Friday, May 15, 2009 under a cerulean blue North Carolina sky,
my wife and I watched our oldest son, Marine Cpl. Nicholas George
Xiarhos; go off to war in Afghanistan.
Earlier in the week we gathered Nicholas's three younger siblings together and drove all night from Yarmouthport, Massachusetts to
Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C., to visit with him and his
brother Marines and then watch them get on the buses to start
their important but dangerous 7-month mission to seek out and
clear the enemy out of several vital areas and cities in southern
Afghanistan.
Nicholas is 21 years old and is a Class of 2006 graduate of
Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School. He fought in Iraq last
year, and thanks to his brother Marines, returned home safe for
Thanksgiving. He now joins fellow DYRHS class of 2006 classmates,
Marine Cpl. Andrew Coville and Marine Lance Cpl. John Tibbetts as
part of the historic Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Afghanistan.
All 3 fought together in Iraq and now in Afghanistan.
We look forward to all of the Marines accomplishing their mission
and their safe return this Christmas...that will be the best
Christmas present ever!
Steven, Lisa, Alexander, Elizabeth, and Ashlynne Xiarhos
Yarmouthport, Massachusetts
And I Quote...
"Man is not a slave of society, but a sovereign being."
-- Edwin A. Locke
Sgt. Grit,
I can only imagine how often the stories that cross your desk hit
you right in the gut and heart. The current one regarding the
female Marine yanked at me hard.
Thank you for sharing them.
Shelley
Good afternoon,
First, I would like to extend my condolences to the Rawlings
family.
Second, I would like to say that I totally agree with the letter.
I am a former Marine and always hated it when we were called WM's
or Women Marines. We earn the title just like the men, so don't
separate us. We earned the title, Marine, not Women Marine, just
MARINE! Our uniforms do not say US Woman Marine, it just says:
MARINE!
The shop I worked in, was, of course, all men, so when they would
say something about WM's or Women Marines, I would give them a
nice "class" on not calling us WM's. If or when they would do it
again, I would just counter with, male Marine and would do that
for awhile, until they finally got the picture.
Before I got out, not one of them called me a WM or referenced
WM's, just Marine!
I never tell people I was a Woman Marine, I am and always will be
a MARINE! Just Marine!
So, to all the Male Marines out there, how about changing the
school of thought and just get rid of WM completely! We are just
as much Marines and earned that title just like you, so next time
you are talking to a Marine, who happens to be female, just refer
to her as Marine!
Thanks for letting me sound off!
Kyla Lout
(Cpl, USMC, 91-95)
And I Quote...
"Were we directed from Washington when to sow, and when to reap,
we should soon want bread."
-- Thomas Jefferson
Greetings Sgt. Grit and Oorah to Marine Moms & Dads.
I am a taekwondo instructor and mom of S/Sgt Andy Schwartz,
currently in the MECEP program at Old Dominion University in
Norfolk VA.(He is married to Amanda, also a Marine, and they are
about to have their first little Marine baby) Andy went to black
belt before I did when he was 12, and did well in the martial
arts sections of his Marine training.
A young man just out of the Marines came to our taekwondo school.
His demeanor was exceptionally polite and respectful, and his
work ethic superior. He advanced quickly, and was sparring quite
soon.
I know you will understand that point sparring is an entirely
different game, and for a completely different purpose than the
highly efficient techniques used in close combat situations to
permanently neutralize an adversary. You will understand that it
might be possible for an old woman, who has been doing this kind
of sparring for 17 years to score several points on a young
Marine, for whom this kind of exchange is not so familiar. Still
he did get the normal ribbing you might imagine, he being a
Marine, and all.
My response was "Of course! I'm a Marine Mom. I spank Marines."
The young Marine received the reminder graciously.
Marian Schwartz
Mom of
S/Sgt. Andrew Schwartz USMC
Memorial Day -2009
My Father and his Marine Corps buddies, a 60+ year timeline, and
never forgotten encounters are what follows in a little written
capsule I would like to share on this Memorial Day 2009. My
father Robert E. Vogel served in WWII as part of the 4th Marine
Division, 20th Marines (Engineers), 23rd Marine Regiment, Company
"A" with the tour through the Pacific including Roinamur, Saipan,
Tinian, and Iwo Jima. My Father passed away in 1960 at 36 years
of age when I was 10 months old. Though my mother retained many
of my father's records, letters, and photos from the war, there
was a time to seek insight from those who may have served with my
Dad. On Veteran's Day 1998 I started the search on the internet
for information regarding my Dad's service. About 5 months later
on April 1st, 1999, an amazing thing happened. An email was
sitting in my inbox with the subject line "Your Dad - My Buddy"
with the message beginning with words "It's a small world...."
Wow! A message from one of my Dad's buddies was waiting for me.
His name was Roy Strickland and to this day I still have the
email in a scrapbook. I soon realized this was definitely no
April's fool and our family is forever grateful of making contact
with Roy.
Throughout that summer we exchanged emails and phone calls that
all led up to me, my wife and our two young children attending
the 52nd 4th Marine Division in Detroit Michigan. We will always
remember, walking into the social gathering room and being
greeted by Roy and several of his buddies. What a wonderful
group of gentlemen!
We would continue on to meet at the 53rd reunion held in
Washington DC and since then I have made it a point to send a
thank you each Memorial Day and Veteran's Day to Roy with
appreciation for the friendship he and his buddies brought to our
family and the honor to our country.
We shared stories, photos, and realities of the moment. I learned
in the heat of the moment when my Dad was wounded on Iwo Jima
how, first hand from the perspective of those who bring the
stretcher bearer, our wounded got help. I learned that my father
was always whistling "Far Above Cayugas Waters", the alma mater
song for Cornell University. I learned how these men lived
through the phases of life with family, friendships, and careers.
I had the honor of several actually signing by Dad's original red
book. There are many more simple and memorable events. Roy even
introduced my wife and I to the Marine Corps Commandant P.X.
Kelley who at the time experienced the tragic event of the 1983
bombing of our Marine Corps barracks in Lebanon.
To name a few who we met were Harry "Cricket" Crickmer, Bob
Sosbe, Harry Edwards, John "Gunner" Link (Platoon Leader), Warren
Boo, and Bob McDaniels. Together, they filled a gap in my life
with stories and information only they could provide about my
Dad. Together, they even took a pretty good photo shoot (see
photo, L to R, Rogers, Strickland, Vogel, Crickmer, Phillips) on
leave in Honolulu. Some have since passed on since meeting them,
but have not passed on from our family's memory.
Its been 10 years since that April 1st, 1999 email from Roy and
it's just an amazing reflection to think that 40 years on the
other side of my Dad's death, our family united with such a
terrific group of men and Americans. Thank you Roy and buddies
for the memories, your names are forever an extension to our
family's memoirs of my Dad.
Semper Fi
Bob Vogel, son
Cato, NY
And I Quote...
"No bast*rd ever won a war by dying for his country.
He won it by making the other poor dumb bast*rd die for his
country."
-- George Patton.
Dear Sgt. Grit,
Thank you for your wonderful newsletter and website. I came
across it about 3 years ago...also on your website I found a link
to AnySoldier.com. I read how Marines and other military
branches serving overseas did not have accessibility to basic
necessities (toothpaste, razors, etc.). It made me quite angry
that the men and women serving and ensuring our safety and way of
life were unable to get simple things they needed, so I did
something about it...I adopted a Marine unit and began sending
letters and packages. I didn't expect to receive a reply or
correspondence...but one day, as I checked my email, there was an
email from one of the Marines from the unit I had adopted!
I was so pleasantly surprised, and of course I emailed back. My
adopted Marine, Sgt. Katy as she became known to me and my family
continued to email and write throughout her deployment. We
connected quickly and easily as if we had known each other for a
long time. Many times, through some difficult times, unknown to
her, she was a great strength to me. When she finally came home
from Iraq, it was such a relief knowing she was back home safe
and sound!
We continued to email and phone each other and hoped that we
could get together and meet...no easy task however since she
lives on the west coast and I am on the east coast, no where near
each other! We figured though that "one day" we would meet.
Well 3 years have gone by (and 2 deployments for her husband),
this past spring Sgt. Katy informed me that she would be out to
the east coast on an assignment for six weeks. She would be an
hour away from where I live.
In mid April, I met "my adopted Marine" Sgt. Katy! We had a
wonderful time truly getting to know one another over the last
six weeks. She is one of the best people I know. Katy went back
home to the west coast yesterday, and yes we already miss her
dearly, but we know we will see each other again soon.
From taking action to do a little something for our brave Marines
in Iraq, I have gained a new family...(Friends are our chosen
family), Marine Sgt. Katy is now Aunt Katy to my children and a
dear, dear friend to me, like a sister. We have grown to know
and love Sgt (Aunt) Katy. Thank you Sgt Grit...if it wasn't for
your website, I wouldn't have found the AnySoldier website.
God bless all the Marines and military and their families. And
special thoughts and prayers to Katy's husband that is still on
deployment in Iraq. Thank you for what you all do, and may more
people support our troops out there that are giving so much!
All the best always,
Irene H.
Hello!
My name is Rebekah. I have been with my Marine now for a little
over 2 1/2 years. He is currently deployed on his first
deployment to Iraq. When he's not overseas, he's stationed in
Camp Lejeune, NC.
I just wanted to thank you for the newsletter. I love hearing the
stories from older Marines. I know I'm not a Marine, but I love
the Corps. When Daniel (my Marine and fianc�) left for boot camp,
I learned as much as I could about the Marines in those 13 weeks.
Sometimes he says I could teach a Marine a thing or two... I
think the thing that I love most is the brotherhood.
Wearing a USMC t-shirt as I walk down the street, someone will
ask who I know that's serving. Or if I see someone ask when they
served they are always ready to share their story.... I
ABSOLUTELY love that. Well, I think that's all I have to say,
other than thanks for the letters!
Rebekah
And I Quote...
"One of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous
citizen these days is to go about repeating the very phrases
which our founding fathers used in the great struggle for
independence."
-- American historian Charles A. Beard (1874-1948)
Dear Sgt. Grit,
This is to honor a Marine, not a female Marine, but a MARINE! As
I was reading today's Newsletter one story in particular was all
to familiar to me. It was the one written by the parents of LCpl.
Kelli M. Rawlings of MCAS, Yuma. You see, my son, LCpl. Timothy
R. Marshall is an MP stationed at MCAS, Yuma. He is the youngest
of my three children, the only one I hadn't heard from on
Mother's Day.
I knew he was on Duty that day but still, it was, after all, past
2230 here in Wisconsin. I recall saying he better have a darn
good reason for not calling by now. No sooner had those thoughts
crossed my mind when the phone rang, and he was apologizing for
the delay, explaining that it had been a very difficult day for
all the Marines on Base.
I could tell by the tone of his voice that he was deeply
disturbed by whatever had taken place and asked what had
occurred. As he described the earlier events of the day, he
mentioned that there had been a terrible accident off-Base, and
that two of his Brothers had been killed. He went on to explain
that as an MP he was involved in some of the investigation of
this horrific accident, and having known these two Marines
personally it affected him greatly. He said that one was a male,
the other a female, but he still referred to them as Brothers.
As I listened to the sadness in his voice my thoughts raced back
to the fact that it was still Mother's Day. He hadn't forgotten
to call me, he did have a darn good reason, and no matter the
hour I was still able to speak to him at the end of the day.
Kelli's Mom was not so fortunate, instead, on Mother's Day she
learned that her daughter, a Marine, had been killed. That is how
she will remember Mother's Day every year from here on out, even
though she has two other children. My heart goes out to both her
Mom and Dad for their tragic loss, and I will keep them in my
thoughts and prayers. So often we hear that our brave Sons and
Daughters aren't REALLY serving their country because they are
"home". When I hear people say that I am absolutely infuriated.
No matter where they are these Marines, all of them, regardless
of gender have our backs, and we owe them our gratitude for a job
well done. David and Sharon Rawlings have every right to be proud
of their three Marines!
Semper Fi
Maribeth Park
Proud Marine Mom of LCpl. Timothy R. Marshall, MCAS Yuma
After losing Diane, my wife of over 27 years to cancer, over the
past few years, I was able to find and marry a wonderful woman,
my new bride Elizabeth. For the wedding, I had my two sons as
the Best Men. The younger of the two is my son Corporal Paul
Skulas, out of MCAS Cherry Point, NC. We both wore our blues for
the wedding and reception. Attached is a picture of us with his beautiful wife Gillian, and another of our covers and sabers on
the baby grand piano at the reception.
I am a proud and happy dad and new husband, and very pleased that
I could team up with my favorite Marine in the whole wide world
for the festivities.
Semper Fi.
Ron Skulas
MAJ, Field Artillery
US Army (Retired)
And I Quote...
"We are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion: the
stage where the government is free to do anything it pleases,
while the citizens may act only by permission; which is the stage
of the darkest periods of human history, the stage of rule by
brute force."
-- Ayn Rand (1905-1982)
When people asked me why I joined the Marine Corps, I always
answered that it was the only way I knew I could get a front row
seat to the Bob Hope Christmas Special. It turned out that that
was easier said than done. You did not simply show up in Vietnam
and go to the show. Of the 250 men in my outfit, only two went
to the show (on Christmas day) Willy was one of the two. I
remember the conversation where we decided that if we got Willy
(Bill Gwin) into the show, we knew he would connive his way up
front and we would get at least 500 pictures of the event. We
did, and he did.
It turns out that Willy stuck around for another year and
actually met PFC Bob Hope at the 1970 show where he presented him
with an album of pictures from the 1969 show. That album turned
up in the Bob Hope display at the Library of Congress, and Willy
sent me a couple of pictures of the display.
I didn't get to see Bob in Vietnam, but I did get to one of his
shows in Memphis early in the 1980's. He was still spot on.
The reason I am boring you with all this gibberish is that Bob
Hope is 106 years old today and is probably entertaining the
Marines who guard the streets of Heaven. If not, I know he will
be there for Christmas. He always was.
Every entertainer today should have to go to the Bob Hope School
of Class before they step on stage or in front of the camera.
The world would be a better place.
Happy Birthday Bob and Semper Fidelis!
Nick
Sgt. Grit
On Memorial Day 2009, the little town of Florence, Oregon
dedicated our Veteran's Memorial Park. This was a project that
started over 5 years ago and finally became a reality. I
included a picture of the ceremony as well as one of the panel of
bricks which are engraved with names of veterans. Also pictured
are some of the people responsible for making it happen. 3rd
MarDiv vets Terry Robertson C/1/26, 1st Sgt. Tony Cavarno, and
fellow corpsman Dean Hirst A/1/9.
Can't forget former 3rd Recon Marine Wally Shoults and Mustang
Marine Maj. Nick Ostreyko (who will be 92 years old in a couple
of weeks and is the only one of us that still fits in his
uniform).
Doc John Connally
And I Quote...
"His (George Washington) example is now complete, and it will
teach wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, not
only in the present age, but in future generations, as long as
our history shall be read."
-- John Adams
This is a response to the letter submitted by the Father of the
son who graduated High School in Farmersburg, Indiana. My
Grandsons High School frowned on any deviations from the planned
program for graduation. However this did not delay him from
wearing his dress blues and secreting his cover under his gown.
Once on stage he turned to the audience, removed his mortor
board, disrobed, dawned his barracks cover and gave the audience
a snappy salute. Needless to say he brought the house down.
That young man is now in Iraq with our prayers for a safe return
home. I too think that it should be a proud moment for any High
School to allow graduating members to appear in uniform as a show
of support for our troops.
Stan Brangham (Cpl of Marines)
Grandfather of
Cpl Scott Lake
After 17 years in the Marine Corps, my son, Sean (GySgt.) is
being deployed today. While he has done overseas duty, he has
never headed into a war zone. I want to call him to hear his
voice but I don't want to take one precious moment away from
Tara, Jaron and Jayson (wife and sons). I'm sure he will call me
when he is ready and my primary concern is to remain strong and
not let him hear feelings. He doesn't need to be more worried
than he already is.
He doesn't have to report until midnight, but as the hours pass,
I will feel the emotions swell. I want to put my arms around him
and hug him before he heads off to a place I know very little
about. Oh, I did that last month when my husband and I went to
visit him at Camp LeJeune but I don't think I hugged him hard or
long enough.
Tonight, I'll leave my "I love you" message with the moon as I
have done every night we have been apart since the day he was
born. I'll feel the pain in my heart and a lump swelling in my
chest. A burning sensation will travel through me and I can't
fight the tears as they begin to flow. I'll pray and plead to God
and St. George (the patron saint of soldiers) to watch over him
and beg my mom, grandparent's, mother-in-law and all who have
passed away to watch over Sean, Tara and the boys.
My husband hung a blue star flag in the window and we tied a
yellow ribbon to a planter in the front of the house. I always
cry when I hear the National Anthem and see the American flag
against a blue sky gently blowing in the wind but for the next
ten months, it takes on a more private meaning.
I'll keep in touch with Tara and the boys and depend on the
Internet and his blog to keep in touch with Sean. I'll send care
packages, cards and notes routinely and I'll wait. Wait until he
returns back home.
God Bless American and it's men and women in the Armed Forces.
Jane Barnes O'Donohue
Proud USMC/Blue Star Mother
And I Quote...
"Marines believe in rote, in doing things over and over until one
gets it right, and, once right, doing it right without exception
thereafter."
-- Zell Miller
My only child, my son, decided on 9/11/01 at age 15 to become a
Marine & left for Parris Island 2 months after our small northern
NJ town buried a Marine Sgt who died heroically in Iraq. Anxiety
became part of our daily lives, but so did Pride.
I never saw anything so impressive as boot camp graduation! My
son was in his class' Honor Platoon. My husband and I were never
so proud as we were of our son on that day. He went on to become
an MP and served in Iraq where he was injured in a vehicle mishap
(he was a turret gunner & hit his head on the gun butt when the
truck rocked during a mission) & also earned a Meritorious Mast.
When he returned from Iraq, his grandmother (who passed away a
few weeks later) gave him her car which he proceeded to
personalize with "stuff" to indicate he was MP, and had been in
Iraq.
One evening while on his post-deployment leave here in NJ, he was
driving along the Parkway & was stopped by a State Trooper. As
he'd been driving carefully, he was wondering why he was stopped.
The Trooper hastened to reassure him it was due to his Iraq
campaign ribbon & his Iraq MP brassard; turns out the Trooper had
served as MP in the same unit in Iraq a couple of yrs earlier!
Being a Marine is no easy thing for anyone. My son has had his
share of difficulties & some medical issues due to the head
injury. But I am so very proud of how he just hangs in there,
sticks it out, uses his intelligence and sense of humor and
maturity. He was determined to improve his scores on the rifle
and pistol range and finally made Expert on both. He is one of
the Few, but his Dad & I are the Proud, he is a Marine!
Thank you,
Proud Mom of LCpl Vopasek, Frank J.
And I Quote...
"To many who have watched the transition from socialism to fascism
at close quarters the connection between the two systems has
become increasingly obvious, but in the (Western) democracies the
majority of people still believe that socialism and freedom can
be combined. They do not realize that democratic socialism, the
great utopia of the last few generations, is not only
unachievable, but that to strive for it produces something
utterly different - the very destruction of freedom itself. As
has been aptly said: 'What has always made the state a h&ll on
earth has been precisely that man has tried to make it his
heaven.'"
-- F.A. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom
Sgt Grit
I saw a story by Gerald Merna 1stLT about being covered inside,
if you were the bell was rang and you owed the bar a round... I
have my own story. My husband and I were stationed in Yokosuka
Japan 8/06-3-08, he's the active duty member, I worked with MWR
(civilian) at the time and when we needed cash exchange or just
dinner we went across the street to the CPO club. One night I
went in there with a "cover" on-it was a ball cap. Well no one
was in the money exchange area so I went to the bar, the person
working the bar was a retired Marine. Needless to say the bells
went to ringing and I was out of some of my own money. I have
some other stories volunteering with a Marine unit (civilian)
where I was but those are the ones unsaid....some of it involved
alcohol (use your imagination) and some if it involved talking
when it was not appropriate (again use your imagination) I still
laugh about it to this day. Feel free to post this and if you
can let 1stLT know that would be great. Thanks Semper Fi
V/R Teri Urban CIV
Sgt. Grit,
If you can thank Dale Peterson of Elkhorn, Nebraska for
submitting the "Guardian Angel" story. I got the same chills
reading that story as well as now as I am writing to you. That
just goes to show you that when they tell you "Marines stick
together" they mean it, weather its in this life, the next life
or both as this story goes. Also the whole "Once A Marine Always
A Marine" never dies, even if you do.
Thank you Sgt Grit for having all these awesome stories. I look
forward to your news letters for the awesome stories you put out.
Semper Fi
Happiness is a belt fed weapon
Kyle Barrett
Stanley, Virginia
CPL of Marines 03-07
OIF Vetx2
And I Quote...
"A coward turns away, but a brave man's choice is danger."
-- Euripides (484 BC - 406 BC), Iphigenia in Tauris, circa 412 B.C.
Sgt. Grit~
I just wanted to comment on Dale Peterson's story about getting
to the airport.... almost on time! Just as I was getting to the
end, and he said he could not find the big black man that brought
him to the airport, and then he was told that he reported alone,
I teared up and got chills... then I read the next paragraph,
only to read that Mr. Peterson still feels that way every time he
thinks about that story.
I have a similar story...
My son graduated boot camp Dec. 2006. The following Sunday, our
church was having a special patriotic service, so my son wore
his dress blues. We sat toward the front of the church. When
the service was over, my daughter and husband were talking with
some others, and my son and I had just stepped out into the
aisle. An elderly (very elderly) man walked down the aisle and
shook my son's hand, thanked him for serving and asked if he had
been to Iraq yet. My son said, "No sir. I just finished boot
camp." The elderly man said, "Well, you'll be going to Iraq, and
you're coming back; I'm praying for you, son." Creighton and I
looked at each other and smiled with tears in our eyes.
When we looked back to thank the elderly gentleman, he was gone.
(and he couldn't have walked that fast on an uphill aisle of a
large church!) I told my son that the man must have been an
angel sent from God to tell us that my son would be OK when he
was deployed.
More than a year later, my son did go to Iraq. There were times
I felt so much fear, but then I would remember the "old angel"
God sent that Sunday morning, and my trust would be restored! It
was an event (miracle) that I have held on to ever since! Oh,
and by the way, my daughter and husband said they never saw a man
talking to us and they were right there!
As I hugged my son the day he left for Iraq, I thought about the
"old angel's" message to us... and how I thanked Him for that
promise when my son returned! (pictures attached)
Proud Marine mom,
Cheryl Greene
Atlanta, GA
Morning all, I hope and pray this finds all in good spirits and
great health. I know I might be whining a little, but in the
last few years I have noticed a trend that kinda rubs me the
wrong way. I have noticed that the memorabilia and reverence of
our veteran brothers of Desert shield/Storm have been laid to the
way side. There is little in way of recognition and material
available and get the strong inclination of how my Korean veteran
brothers felt.
I do not in anyway want to take away from all before me as well
as all that are seeing action now. I just want to ensure our
place in our illustrious history as well as the contribution's
and actions taken.
Just as our Korean war brothers, Beirut brothers as well as those
who have held the torch high in little far away places that never
get on the main stream news. Let us as patriot's take our
history to a never ending level of excellence and keep the torch
burning, not just for our sake and our future, but as our duty to
the one's who gave all and made the true sacrifice of what the
Honor and Legacy of our Corps means and reflects.
Semper Fi,
Todd r. Mendenhall
And I Quote...
"It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the
world and moral courage so rare."
-- Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)
Sgt Grit,
As the proud father of a Marine, the Father in law of a Marine I
am ashamed to see this article about my home state of Texas.
Being a customer and avid reader of your news letter, I could
think of no better place to share this with some Marines.
Both my son and daughter in law have deployed to Iraq and they
both report daily knowing what may be asked of them. There are a
few important things in the life of a father a few so far are,
the days my sons were born, the day my oldest passed his
Microsoft Certification test, the day my youngest graduated boot
camp MCRD SD and was handed his EGA, the day my son deployed and
returned, the day I met my future daughter in law, the first time
I saw my grandson, two weeks ago when while visiting my son
(Cpl) we went to the clothing store at Cherry Point and I was
able to hand him the money to purchase his NCO sword.
I admire both of these two for earning the title of Marine
(something admittedly I could probably not have earned). As a
former police officer myself I would gladly stand side by side
with either of them or any other Marine I have met so far.
Maybe some Dallas Marines would take a trip by the condo and
remind this board during a meeting just what the Marines have
done and the sacrifices that have been made so the condo members
could enjoy all they have daily. I would gladly make the trip
from Houston to join them.
When we went to my son's graduation at MCRD all the parents and
family members were told "Welcome to the Marine Corps family". My
wife and I take that welcome seriously from helping with Marine
for Life to care packages to fund raisers. This welcome is
something that has been extended to my wife and me over and over
again by every Marine we have met. We will never be a Marine but
the Marines are family and to have some lame condo board pull
crap like this about a family member really p!sses me off.
R. Gorman
Proud Marine Father / Father in Law
I am the President of my HOA in NE Ga...and I think that HOA in
Tx should have the entrance plastered with EGA and USMC decals,
and when one comes down ....put 2 back up.
Mark Gallant
And I Quote...
To our Marines fell the most difficult and dangerous portion of
the defense by reason of our proximity to the great city wall and
the main city gate...The Marine acquitted themselves nobly.
-- U. S. Foreign Minister Edwin H. Conger, Peking, Boxer Rebellion,
1900
Hey Charlie:
In the early 1950's, my Dad, also a "Mustang", was Louis Wilson's
ExO in NYC at 90 Church St. when General Wilson was a lieutenant
colonel and my Dad was a major. When I was a little guy, about 6,
and if the office personnel had to work on Saturdays, my Dad
would take me in with him. Then lieutenant-colonel Wilson was
much taken with Dad's little Marine rug-rat, and used to bounce
me on his knee and play "horsey" with me.
In 1975, when General Wilson was Commandant, he made a tour of
inspection around the Far East, and came to the Marine Barracks,
Subic Bay Naval Station, Republic of the Philippines. As a first
lieutenant in Separate Guard Company I was able to present him
with my Dad's compliments. He was surprised at how much I had
grown! Although I don't guess he was surprised that I followed
in my Father's footsteps... That was pretty much inevitable.
Don Kaag
LTC, Armor, AUS(Ret.)
...And former Sgt. & Cpt.
of Marines
Hello Sgt. Grit,
I wanted to share some photos of an Honor Quilt that I made for
USMC Major Woodrow Franklin (Retired).
His family decided to surprise him with the quilt while he was at
a regular Police Reserves monthly meeting.
The Chief was in on the surprise presentation and we all had a
wonderful time honoring Woody for his service to his country,
faithfulness to his family and selfless hours devoted to serving
his community!
He truly is one Semper Fidelis Marine!
Sandy
And I Quote...
I am inclined to think there is no military body in our country
of higher efficiency than the Marine Corps. Of course their
problems are simpler than ours. Their esprit de corps is very
high; they take great pride in their professionalism. They never
let things slack a bit.
-- RAdm C. M. Winslow, before the House Committee on Naval Affairs
in 1916
I served as FMF 3rd Marine Division Corpsmen Vietnam 67/68. I am
not aware of any female Corpsmen who served in any capacity in
Vietnam. What I do know is on June 20 I will be married to a
former Navy Corpswive. We have shared the same bunker for 39
years. Thanks to her she saved my life over and over beginning
June of 1969 when I met her at the Orlando Naval Hospital.
Next week she will be celebrating her 30th year as an RN working
in the same local hospical. When her name is called I will stand
tall and be proud to have served together. She is definitely
FMF.
"Semper Fi" to all who served or are serving
HM3 Frank Morelli
Col Hill is the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) for the Multi
National force in Western Iraq.
It would be good to put this web site in your favorites in order
to keep track of what's happening in Iraq. This is really what
the All Hands is all about.
http://www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/iimeffwd
John Wear
Dear Marine, Family and Friends;
America is faced with a few problems. This has been on going
since birth of this great Nation. We have been blessed by so
many Americans who rose to serve and protect and yes, defend at
all cost the freedoms we enjoy today. Yet, we do struggle
because of a poor economy, etc. We have faced this before, yet
all will jump through hoops to support a belief or goal.
Each of you are tied to the Marine Corps in one fashion or the
other. I was blessed that I was raised in the "Corps". I got
opportunities, privileges and respect by the United States Marine
Corps because of faith, belief and trust. "Chesty" was a
personal friend. I have proof. He taught me much. He loved his
Marines. He gave everything to be with his Marines. Yes, 37 &
1/2 years.
The SeaGoing Marine Association and 1stSgt Barnett are raising
money to have a Statue of Chesty at the new Marine Corps Museum
at Quantico. The land was bought/donated by a fellow Marine,
very expensive. But do you realize that there is no recognition,
especially a statue of any Marine. There are so many great
Marines. Today, nearly 210,000 of them and for 234 years, well
thousands of them. I know you are proud.
The Seagoing Marine Association has a web-site and on this web-
site their drive to cast/erect a statue of "Chesty". Chesty is
you! He loved you. He loved his "Corps". You know this. I
know it. He constantly talked of his love of his Marines, his
Corps to me. H&ll, I take hundreds to his grave every year
because he gave me something...it is called pride and honor.
Right?
1stSgt Jim Barnett and the Seagoing Marines Association need
help. Just one US Dollar ($1.00). Send it. Raise the money.
Have a SgtMajor at a command whom will support, but know that is
not proper but like a Marine, he will make it happen. Go to be
NCO Clubs, VFW's hold 50/50's. We need $250,000.
Sounds like a lot. But with thousands of Marines and 202,000
Active Duty Marines, this should be a "cake-walk". Is "Chesty
the "best"? I think so, to represent you. But there are
literally hundreds of thousands before him and yes, serving
today. "Chesty" was not popular amongst the upper folks, but was
with you and today amongst all Marines. He stood by you.
For once, for the "Corps", lets put "Chesty" in Washington, DC,
standing tall, facing those he loved. You! Send a "Dollar".
That is cheap. Just $1.00 for the "Corps" and your Marines.
If you have a question or concern or need direction my name is:
Steve Robertson
54 South Emmaus Road
Poquoson, Va 23662-1506
Email: Stephanrbrtsn@aol.com
Cell: 757:273-5687
Thank you Sgt. Grit ! You know "Chesty. Sgt's are the backbone
of the "Corps". Marines and "Chesty" never failed me. I can not
and will not fail you or your "Corps".
And I Quote...
...let men express the intense admiration, which I share with all
other Americans, of the record made by the Marines.
-- Theodore Roosevelt, 17 Oct. 1918
Operation Enduring Dog!
U.S. Navy Year in Pictures 2008
Thought you might enjoy this slide show.
And I Quote...
We will embrace you in uniform today, we will embrace you without
uniform tomorrow.
-- Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, 1919 who forgot he was
talking to women Marines.
The first sergeant must be the first sergeant of the unit in fact
as well as in name.
-- U.S. Marine Corps Manual, 1920
God Bless America!
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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