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As a 1st Sgt of 3rd Bn. Kilo Co. while at Parris Island during
the summer of 2001, I stepped out of the squadbay for a breath
of fresh air and noticed a former Marine taking pictures of the
barracks. As I got closer to the individual I noticed his wife
sitting in the car patiently waiting for him to finish.
I struck a conversation with him just to pass the time and he
informed that he had done two tours in Vietnam. By this time
and hearing his fascinating stories, I just could not let him
leave without inviting him inside the squadbay. I asked him if
he would like to step inside the barracks and he quickly turned
around and asked his wife if he could, she of course nodded her
head up and down and he quickly turned around and had a look and
smile of a ten year old boy who had just gotten permission to do
what ever he wanted.
As we entered the squadbay Drill Instructor Sgt Brasil was
giving a period of instructions to the recruits on the
quarterdeck. We walked around the recruits and as we stepped
further into the squadbay he stated that this was the actual
squadbay he spent time in as a recruit back in 1968. He then
proceeded to look for his rack. He touched four or five racks
in a slow and timely manner and suddenly he stopped, turned
around and said; this is it!
He also stated that everything looked the same and it felt like
time had stood still. I took the camera from his hand and took
a picture of him as he stood proudly next to his rack. As we
were leaving, we passed by the head and of course he asked if he
could enter. When we entered the head, he paused looked around
and you could see he was full of emotions and suddenly fell to
one knee and began to cry, He then proceeded to tell me
something I will never forget "It is because of people like you
that I survived Vietnam".
I of course went on one knee and began to cry with him and
whispered in his ear "Welcome Home". I had some very fond
memories while a Marine of over 21 years and of Parris Island
(both good and bad) in the Drill Field, but by far this is one
tale I will never forget. I tell this story from time to time
and almost always end up with an eye or two full of tears but
after all it is what it is "Marines being Marines".
Leonardo Stoll
(GySgt Ret.)
Take Our Survey
Marine Wives? Best description...
- Understands me / the Corps completely
- She does not have a clue
- Wishes I'd joined the Peace Corps
- Says just bring home a " 6 pack"
- Prefers Chesty to me
And the greatest American President was...
(1) Ronald Reagan
(2) George Washington
(3) Abraham Lincoln
View Results
We call it 5 Marines
PFC Rachel K. Fredericks on Graduation day 10/18/08
Also, from the left
Aunt - Sgt Billie Jo Fredericks
Cousin - Sgt Rob Fredericks (active)
Uncle - SSgt Bill Payne
Uncle - Cpl Steve Fredericks
December 30th, 2008 Marine Sergeant / Police lieutenant Bobby
Z. McAllister 75 reported in at heavens gates for duty. Bobby
served during the Korean ( War ) as a artillery forward observer
and was privileged in that he had been in formation one day and
was inspected by Chesty Puller. Bobby was a Marines Marine and a
perfect gentleman in the presents of the lady's. Throughout the
years bob was more a father to me that father in law as I am
married to his daughter, We spent many hours over the years
reminiscing of our time in the Corps and going back and fourth
about who had it the toughest ( Wouldn't admit it then but I am
sure he did). Both of my son's would sit and listen as we would
tell story after story with sort of a gleam in there eye's that
pulled them closer and closer to the Corps as time went on.
Bob attended both of his grand sons graduation from boot camp at
Parris Island, Seeing the drill, Listening to the cadence and
just being around our beloved Corps again brought back so many
memory's for both of us. I think we both felt 18 years old
again, Even if was just for a few hours what a great experience
. Bobby's is the first picture on the family's wall of honor and
represents the first generation of Marines in our family, We
will be looking forward to adding the fourth generation before
to long, During Bobby's funeral his grand sons in there dress
blues stood death guard at his casket and many people commented
that neither one even blinked during the service and held back
there tears until they were dismissed from the honor guard.
Bobby was taken from us suddenly that day in December, But
Because he is a Marine his name will live on forever just like
the Marine Corps. I lost my Father, My Brother and my Friend
that day and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
JMA
Corporal of Marines
1979-1983
I love the Corps for those intangible possessions that cannot be
issued: pride, honor, integrity, and being able to carry on the
traditions for generations of warriors past.
Cpl. Jeff Sornig, USMC; in Navy Times, November 1994
Dear Sgt. Grit,
This Christmas my husband and I adopted some Marines through
your Adopt a Marine program, and will keep doing it every year!
Our son is a Marine and has been deployed to Iraq twice, and we
know that it can be a really hard time for them during the
holidays, so if we were able to bring a little bit of cheer to
any of them by sending one of your packages then we're very
grateful to you for making this happen.
The reason that I'm writing is, we received a flag that was
flown over the Headquarters of Regimental Combat Team 1 at Camp
Ramadi, Iraq. We were very surprised to get this and believe
that it came from one of our adopted Marines. It will be placed
along side the one that we received from our son while he was in
Iraq. There was no note from anyone with the flag, so we just
want to say "THANK YOU" to the men and women of the RCT-1, and
we appreciate everything that they are doing to protect us and
our country. We don't know if they will receive this, but we
wanted someone to know that we did receive our flag and will
treasure it forever!
Proud parents of a Marine,
Mike and Karen Gray
Sgt. Grit:
Just sharing: At our annual 233rd Celebration of the Birthday
of the Corps (over 200 in attendance) one of our guests from the
Phoenix Valley, an active duty recruiter, Sgt. Allen Casanova,
stepped forward on the dance floor, got down on bended knee,
proposed to his date, she accepted and we all stood and
applauded to the playing of the Marine Corps Hymn.
Young Sgt. Casanova is now married and deployed. When Sgt.
Major Casanova and his wife attend the 288th celebration of the
Corps Birthday, they can look back and say, "WOW, that's where
it all began!?
A highlight of our celebration here in Payson, AZ and another
memory of the Corps.
Semper Fi!
vr, ws
Col., USMC (Ret)
Commandant
Rim Country Detachment, Marine Corps League Payson, AZ
"A people ... who are possessed of the spirit of commerce, who
see and who will pursue their advantages, may achieve almost
anything."
George Washington
In response to Jerry Wilson:
I too am a in-between-conflicts Marine. 1st LAR BN, 0352,
'97-01', now a law enforcement officer. I believe the "Sheep
dog/ Wolves" analogy can be credited to Ret. Army LTC Dave
Grossman. Having recently been to one of his seminars, I
believe he is right on the money. He trains both military and
police, and if you have the opportunity to hear him speak, I
highly suggest it. You are right, we have another cold war
threat on our hands, read "Terror at Beslin", the wolves
practice run on what is planned for our USA. As LTC Grossman
would say, denial has no survival value, if you don't think it
will happen in your community, you are setting yourself up to be
terrorized- which is their goal. Though I no longer wear the
Eagle, Globe and Anchor, I am still a Sheep Dog and will
continue to train, prepare, and if the time comes, violently
destroy the wolf. Oooh-Rah!
Cpl. Kris Galena USMC/0352 97-01
Semper Fidelis
Hey, Sgt. Grit!
Just thought I would share a few photos of my son, Jesse. He is
currently deployed in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan...
Semper Fi!
Proud Marine Mom
My dad ret. Sgt James Chris Kitinos passed away from bone marrow
leukemia and 7 forms of cancer he left in pain but now may he
rest in peace a Marine fought the toughest battle ....Semper Fi
his daughter and wife are the only living family left now
ooooooooohhhhhhrahh Semper Fi
"What we need now is cool heads without cold hearts or cold
feet."
Winston Churchill
On January 24th of this year I had the great pleasure of
marrying the man, (and the Marine), of my dreams! He's stationed
at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, and I couldn't be more excited about moving
there in two weeks. We had a nice, small wedding with a few of
his closest fellow Marines at Hale Koa Beach on base. The minute
I saw Jordan I knew I was going to spend the rest of my life
with him. November 7th, 2008 was our first date...(yes, that's
right, we only dated for two and a half months before we got
married...) But like the say, when you know...you know!
The
moment his Sergeant slapped me on the butt with that sword and
said "Welcome to the Family" has definitely been one of the
proudest moments of my life. I couldn't be happier standing by
his side as a member in the Marine Corps family!
For richer, for poorer,
In good times and bad,
Semper Fi!
Malia Kell
Wife of LCpl Jordan M. Kell
Memories from an old retired Master Sergeant...
The first time I saw the reproduction of the original oil painting of General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller (by Scott Mills), was on July 5, 1969. The following night after graduating from high school, I recall marching out of the rain and lightning into a squad bay in Parris Island, Marine Recruit Depot, North Carolina at 3 a.m. and getting the command "LEFT, FACE, MARCH!" Cold, trembling and timorous 80 recruits turned...Read more
A friend of mine Sergeant Major Robert Winslow passed away last
year. Bob Was captured at Wake Island and spent 44 months as a
guest of the Japanese! He was a nice guy and a h&ll of a Marine!
Being a true Marine, he passed away on November 10Th! He will be
missed. Semper Fi
Sheepdogs, Bulldogs, and old Marines: all same-o, same-o. All
ready, willing, and eager to volunteer to go to Afghanistan and
help our younger brothers and sisters put the mighty and
righteous wrath of Chesty Puller into the hearts and minds of
all those who believe that sneak-bombing innocents is a
recognized religion.
Sandbox-denizen Indigenous Native Personnel have never
experienced anything as frightening or as deadly as a former-
Active Marine grown crotchety, and a true practitioner of "old
age and treachery overcome (Taliban, Sunnis, Shiites -
whomever)."
To the Commandant of The Marine Corps, The Joint Chiefs of
Staff, and The Commander in Chief, I respectfully and earnestly
pray you, loose (we old) dogs of war: we've lived our lives -
we've seen our sons and daughters become Marines - we've played
with our grandkids - and we're sure sick of watching Oprah re-
runs with the Old Lady. So, give us another opportunity to again
help bring peace to a bedeviled world in turmoil. Don't pay us -
just ship our wrinkled phannies over there, give us some cammie-
jammies and a weapon, and cut us loose.
Connely/R
Sgt/USMC/RVN - '66 - '68
"Nowhere as lean, twice as mean, ALWAYS A MARINE"
Note:
Good example of why this every other week newsletter is called,
AmericanCourage.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
"Famines disappeared; poverty was (under capitalism)
dramatically and continuously reduced; and hard and long hours
of work were slowly but surely eased and shortened to a degree
never before experienced."
Richard M. Ebeling
This is one of the most awesome newsletters You have put out I
appreciate it and love my Marines. I have my son and his whole
platoon. Thank the Lord.
Yours site provides lots of motivation and communication.
Thanks Marine Mom~~
Dear Sgt Grit,
I was a proud member of our beloved Corps during the very early
nineties, and our first "major" scuffle in the sandbox. After
reading what Dave Whitlock wrote, I just can't agree more.
Times are hard for everyone now and it's not going to get better
quickly (guess the politicians don't quite expedite and order
like we do!) but my father is a prime example of what he says.
After over 30 years of devout service to his job he's been let
go as of the first of the new month. My father, his father and
going back four generations were all squids. My great-
grandfather was a Sea Bee and hands on in the building of
Guantanamo Bay, my grandfather (believe it or not) went from
bombardier into dentistry, and my Dad was a Navy Corpsman in
Nam...finished out his years in a paraplegic ward in NY. What
he saw he doesn't talk about at all, even to me.
After my mother called and told me what happened I had to go
over to the house and see what's what. I walk into the kitchen
and my dad's there sitting doing a crossword puzzle. I walk in
and ask "how are 'ya...mom told me". This I will never forget,
he turns back looking me dead square and says "I'm good to go".
A contingency plan was already in place and things are going to
be fine for my parents, obviously took some notes along the way.
I grew up in a very military setting and for that I'm most
thankful. All of our training gives us the ability to adapt and
overcome, no matter what branch you fight with. The honor,
discipline and respect I learned through my childhood and
service to me is the greatest gift ever given.
This economic plunge is hurting everyone around the world. I'll
never forget the aid and handouts I've done in other
countries...never...
John
Semper Fi
May God give us all safe passage home to see family...That was
my prayer end every night...
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength."
Eric Hoffer
I just wanted to submit a love story because everyone always
tells us we should share...
Back in 2005 while I was doing volunteer work sending packages
to the Military, one of my packages landed in the hands of
Marine Sgt Alexander M Singer of the MACG-28 stationed in Iraq.
He acquired my email address to thank me and we started to talk
and share stories but more important, since I live in Milwaukee
Wisconsin, he was also from Wisconsin (what are the odds?? who
knows, someone was looking out for me that day I swear) we
became really good friends over the course of the next 6 months
before he would come back stateside in January of 2006. I
decided at that time that since he was only on a 4 day leave and
didn't have enough time to make the drive back from NC to
Wisconsin that I would fly down to meet him for the first time
and thank him for serving my country and being my friend!
Well the rest is history, we took one look at each other at the
airport, fell in love and just got married on January 16 of
2009...he is now out of the Corps after 5 years and 2 tours of
duty to Iraq but I am proud of him everyday and my heart will
always remain faithful!
Semper Fi
Amy Singer
A thank you, to a nameless Gunnery Sergeant:
(This story was told to me by my mother)
Hello,
On February 17, 2009 my mother and father were attending a
spinning class in the gym on Parris Island. My father in all of
his infinite wisdom (and I'm gonna chide him for this for a LONG
time to come) had decided not to take his blood pressure
medication nor eat anything that morning. After about 20 minutes
of spinning my father got off his exercise bike and sat down and
became unresponsive. When my mother started to panic a gunnery
sergeant who happened to be in the gym with a group of Marines
sprung into action and helped my father by first calling 911 and
then getting a cold wash cloth and putting it on his head and
helping him until he became responsive again. My father was
taken to Beaufort Naval Hospital and then to Beaufort Memorial
Hospital and is doing fine now. My mother did not catch the name
of the Gunnery Sergeant but has said she is very grateful for
what he did to help save my father. My mother is not the only
one who is grateful, the rest of my family is just as grateful.
So if you are the Gunnery Sergeant who did this...thank you.
LCPL. Kirby
P.S. I know some of you read this and said to yourself "What
type of moron doesn't take his blood pressure medication nor eat
anything then goes and works out?" Well....my father was career
Army if that explains it (hahaha)
"As the consumer is the public in general, without distinction
of rank or fortune, the free market is the most obvious
expression of the sovereignty of the people and the best
guarantee of democracy."
Faustino Ballve
Hey Guys,
I just wanted to share my day because it was incredible in many
ways. Today my daughter in-law had her appointment for her 1st
trimester ultra-sound. I was the driver and we were to meet my
son who came from work on his lunch break. The hospital is in
Weymouth and the only reason I mention that is I needed to go
through Bridgewater to get there by Rte.18. Bridgewater Center
was closed to all traffic because of the funeral for LCpl Preach
who was killed in Afghanistan saving his fellow Marines.
Needless to say my mind was in 10 places at once as we drove
around the center and I could see that several thousand people
went to pay tribute to this young Marine. After we got past
Bridgewater by 2 towns my mind got back to the ultrasound
mission. Most of you guys know that we adopted my son when he
was 4 days old so this 9 month pregnancy was totally different
than the 1 1/2 years of interviews and then a phone call saying
that our 4 day old son would be delivered by Toyota (my words)
in 2 hours. I had to chase down my wife because she was gone
shopping as it was our 9 year wedding anniversary (like she
needs a reason to shop). So we are getting what we missed
through my son and his wife. The ultrasound was absolutely
amazing. The doctor who did it was incredible because she knew
how amazing what she does is for the family. It was fun to see
how happy she was as she showed this 2 1/2 inch miracle from
head to toe showing every organ and how healthy the baby was.
She gave us 10 pictures and even labeled one where the baby was
sucking it's thumb "Hi Daddy". I was so d*mned happy I was
crying.
As we went home we were able to go through Bridgewater Center
where the flags were at 1/2 staff. My daughter-in-law mentioned
that like LCpl Preach, I was a Marine. The only thing I could
think to say was that there is a huge difference between us
because I never was in combat. I also explained how heroic LCpl
Preach was when he was put to the ultimate test. Those of you
who have talked to me know that I have always had a problem with
the fact that I got out just before the 1965 troop call up. I
can't help it; it's just the way I feel. After I got home I got
my workout gear and went to the health club. My mind was going
back and forth but was mostly focused on the ultrasound. As I
pulled into the parking lot one of my favorite country songs by
Billy ray Cyrus came on. I sat and listened to the song and I
think you will see the irony. Here are the lyrics. If I bored
you, sorry.
Neil
I knew a man called him Sandy Kane
Few folks even knew his name
But a hero was he
Left a boy, came back a man
Still many just don't understand
About the reasons we are free
I can't forget the look in his eyes
Or the tears he cries
As he said these words to me
All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all
Now Sandy Kane is no longer here
But his words are oh so clear
As they echo through out our land
For all his friends who gave us all
Who stood the ground and took the fall
To help their fellow man
Love your country and live with pride
And don't forget those who died America can't you see
All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall, yes recall
Some gave all
Some gave all
"There was always talk of esprit de Corps, of being gung ho, and
that must have been a part of it. Better, tougher training, more
marksmanship on the firing range, the instant obedience to
orders seared into men in boot camp."
James Brady
I copied this from a site I blog on. The Texas Hunting Forum.
I quote:
Addison is a town north of Dallas that covers roughly 4 1/2
square miles and is the home of the areas Executive Airport.
A little after noon today I noticed a large number of emergency
vehicles parked about mid-field in front of one of the executive
terminals. Two of those vehicles were ladder trucks and they
were in the process of raising a huge American Flag between the
two booms.
At about 12:45 an aircraft landed, turned off the runway and
taxied to the executive terminal. As the aircraft approached the
emergency vehicles 2 large sprays of water started upwards
making a large arc that the aircraft taxied under. As the
aircraft proceeded it taxied between the two ladder trucks and
under the American Flag then on to the terminal where it parked
amid a very large gathering of people.
In the aviation sector the arc of water signifies an ending,
could be the last flight of an aircraft, the last flight of a
pilot or in this case the end of journey.
The City of Addison was welcoming home one of it's own. A young
man killed in Afghanistan serving his country. It was very
moving to witness.
Unquote.
Just thought you would like to know what one Texas town was
doing.
Semper Fi,
stu
When British troops occupied Washington, D.C., during the War of
1812, commanding officer Admiral Cockburn entered the Capitol
building and called an assembly of his soldiers. "Gentlemen," he
said, "the question is, shall this harbor of Yankee democracy be
burned? All for it say aye!" As the chorus of ayes rose in the
House chamber, Cockburn brought down the gavel. "Light up!" he
said, and the Capital was burned.
What's in a name?
Civil War--Reb Johnny Reb, Yank, D*mnyank
Spanish-American War--Rough Rider
World War I--Doughboy
World War II--GI Joe, Swabby, Flyboy
Vietnam--Grunt
I am not a Marine. Was station on the USS Holland (AS-32) when
it was in Holy Loch Scotland. The first day aboard in the
welcome aboard presentation I was told to stay out of the
passage ways when a security drill is called. It seemed like
they had them all the time. It only takes a squid one maybe
two or three times to learn they weren't joking around. Ha Ha
Now that I am retired my son who is a Marine Guard. I tell him
to knock one down for me! Sailor never learn!
Tom Hoover LT. (USN-RET)
"The press should be not only a collective propagandist and a
collective agitator, but also a collective organizer of the
masses."
Vladimir Lenin
I looked at the video and was shocked when I saw myself in the
video. I was the one sitting in the Hootch.
On My Way To Vietnam (Video)
Michael L. Wentz HM3 USN
"A" Batt. 11th Marines 1st MarDiv.
66-67
We were really young then!
Thanks and thank you for supplying all the goodies.
Semper Fi.
On Monday morning February 23, 2009, the ranks of the guards at
the gates of Heaven were enlarged by one more Marine. Lucio
Moreno went home to be with the Lord.
LUCIO MORENO was a Board Member of the Vietnam Veterans
Assistance Foundation of Texas. He was the President of Chapter
574 of the Vietnam Veterans of America of El Paso, Texas and
also a Charter Member of that Chapter.
Lucio served in the United States Marine Corps from January 1968
- January 1970.
His tour of duty in Vietnam was August 18, 1968 - September
1969.
He served with Alpha Company, 1st Bn, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine
Division.
He continued to serve his community until his passing. The name
of Lucio Moreno will be remembered through out El Paso and the
State of Texas.
He will be missed at Angel Fire, New Mexico at the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial State Park by all who come for the Memorial
Day Weekend.
Tent City just will not be the same.
I am Proud to say that Lucio was one of my closest and dearest
friends.
I for one will always remember his Big smile and his even Bigger
Heart.
Semper Fi Lucio and may God Bless your family at this time.
Dennis Thomas
Sgt USMC 73-79
"Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance
and the gospel of envy."
Winston Churchill
Because my 62nd birthday was 2/1, I thought today (2/26) was
time to renew my drivers' license and buy the 2009 tags for my
horse trailer.
At the Deputy Registrar/License Bureau, the bell on the front
door rings each time someone enters or exits. As I waited in
line with about five others for our turn at one of the three
stations at the counter, the bell rings and everyone looks to
see who's coming or going.
It was a Marine in his dress blues - a breathtaking sight, to
say the least! At the same time everyone in the office, staff
and customers, started to cheer and applaud this poster Marine
SSgt. He was visibly surprised and quite speechless for a
moment. Two patrons stepped aside from the counter so he could
be served ahead of them.
After he regained his voice, he humbly answered questions about
each of the glittering medals on his chest. He said he'd just
been transferred here from NC for recruiting duty. What a
perfect example of the Marines we know, love and respect. We
all stood a little taller today.
Joann
Old WM PISC 1965
This is PFC Bonehead, ready for liberty call. all 6 lbs. of
guard dog.
from Bart Baldwin, Brackettville, Tx. SEMPER FI
"In case of doubt, attack."
Gen. George Patton
When I returned from a tour with the 3rd Div in 1961 I was
assigned to the Supply Center at Albany, Ga. I checked into
Battalion HQ which was located in the Administration Building
and after processing, I was told to report to the Company Office
and was given direction as to its location. The office was
located at the end of a long hallway and as I approached the
office there was another office with an open door and sitting
behind the desk was a Warrant Officer and he was talking on the
phone. The strange part was that he had the mouth piece where it
should have been, but the ear piece was in the middle of his
chest. I thought that this was some new communication device
that I had not seen before.
Later on I learned that the WO was Gilson Tallentire who had
been assigned to Battery E on Wake Island and had spent over 3 �
years in Japanese prison camps in China and Japan. He had many
physical problems the least of which he wore a hearing aid.
I did not realize the esteem in which the survivors of Wake
Island where regarded until we were celebrating the Marine Corps
birthday and WO Tallentire was the officer of the day. When he
entered the mess hall we were call to attention and the mess sgt
announced "We have a hero with us today. A Wake Island
Survivor."
It's funny where you find your heroes.
James M. Kriska
Cpl 1960/64
When The United States Marine Corps Was Nearly Disbanded
Today's Marine isn't aware of this and many of the Old Marines
doesn't know that Congress (with the active Participation of the
President) were making a Bill that would disband the Marine
Corps and only the Speech to Congress by the, Commandant of the
Marine Corps, did the Bill fail to Pass and the Marine Corps is
as it is today.
After Iwo Jima, Admiral Nimitz Said; "Uncommon Valor was a
Common Virtue" "This will Guarantee the Marine Corps Existence
for Ten Thousand years"
World War II ended with the demobilization of all Americas Armed
Forces, the new President said; "The American People are Tired
of War" and refused to help the Chinese and other countries
fight the Communists. Harry S. Truman's saving grace was the
Berlin Airlift.
The was a General Hatred for the Marine Corps dating from World
War One by most of the U. S. Army serving in that War. The
reasons, mostly, had to do with the Marine Corps getting most of
the publicity from the Great War than other Services.
Harry Truman was one of these former World War One Veterans that
carried the Hatred with him into Office of the President of the
United States of America.
A Bill was presented to Congress that would make all Americas
Armed Services into One Organization called "Armed Forces of the
United States" having common uniforms, one flag, common weapons
and the tools of War such as Tanks, Planes, Ships, Rifles,
Pistols, etc.
The Marine Corps would be disbanded, any Marine that wished to
continue would be re-enlisted in the United States Armed Forces.
The Commandant at that time was the Guadalcanal Hero, General
Alexander Vandergriff. He made a speech to The Senate Committee
on Naval Affairs, 6 May 1946. The Speech can be had from
Headquarters Marine Corps, Historical Section. But the last
Paragraphs were the real kicker and won the Congress Vote for a
United States Marine Corps.
Here is the last Paragraphs for Marines to enjoy;
"In placing its case in your hands the Marine Corps remembers
that it was this same Congress which, in 1798, called it into a
long and useful service to the Nation. The Marine Corps feels
that the question of its continued existence is likewise a
matter for determination by the Congress and not one to be
resolved by Departmental legerdemain or a quasi-legislative
process enforced by the War Department General Staff.
The Marine Corps, then, believes that it has earned this right--
to have its future decided by legislative body which created
it--nothing more. Sentiment is not a valid consideration in
determining questions of national security. We have pride in
ourselves and in our past but we do not rest our case on any
presumed ground of gratitude owing us from the Nation. The
Bended Knee is not a tradition of our Corps. If the Marine as a
Fighting man has not made a case for himself after 170 years of
service, he must go. But I think you will agree with me that he
has earned the right to depart with Dignity and Honor, not by
subjugation to the status of uselessness and servility planned
for him by the War Department".
Frank Rousseau
You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced to
the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious
fighters on earth- and the amusing thing about it is that they
are.
Father Kevin Keaney
1st Marine Division Chaplain
Korean War
Before and after "Taking Chance"
While I have not yet seen the movie "Taking Chance" I look
forward to watching this portrayal of human drama and respectful
gratitude for a fallen Marine being escorted to his final
resting place. There is, however, a beginning and an ending to
this journey which I don't believe is covered in the movie but
which is an integral part of any such undertaking.
As a retired Marine Corps officer, I speak from the experience
of knowing the Marine Corps policy of casualty notification and
assistance to the next of kin of Marines who became casualties
in the Viet Nam War. By casualties I refer to not only those
killed in action (KIA) but also those wounded in action (WIA).
I can't believe Marine Corps policy has much changed over the
years. The old policy of initial notification/condolences by the
rather blunt, impersonal means of a telegram first was replaced
by personal notification and condolences first with the telegram
details following. This is the beginning absent I believe in the
"Taking Chance" story and the ending not addressed is the
assistance provided to the next of kin following burial
services. There is a similar beginning, during and ending
process involved with WIA's, particularly those seriously
wounded requiring extensive hospitalization.
Casualty Notification and Assistance Officers can be appointed
from various Marine Corps commands and other activities as an
additional duty by higher headquarters. When I returned from
Viet Nam I commanded the Marine Barracks at NAS, Lemoore, CA.
Our area of responsibility covered a large expanse of the San
Joaquin Valley and extended West to the coastal areas of Kern
and San Luis Obispo Counties. Our notification process started
with a phone call from our Marine Corps District Headquarters in
San Francisco giving us the basic details of the death or
wounding of the Marine, the name(s) and address of the next of
kin and a time line of 24-48 hours to make the notification
before the release of the telegram. The time line was based upon
the distance involved for travel and we had to immediately
report any delay in locating the next of kin.
Following death notifications, we also became involved in
coordinating with funeral directors and Marine escorts, when
assigned, in providing appropriate military honors at the
burial services if requested by the family. Shortly after the
burial services, the ending process I mentioned before began
when we received a packet of forms which we assisted the next of
kin to execute, such as insurance and other benefits. While
cases involving a wounded Marine were not as detailed insofar as
hands on assistance, there were times when we were required to
provide follow up reports on the member's prognosis or forward
questions of the family in some regard.
It should be noted that there is no "Guide Book" laying out cut
and dried methods of conducting notifications, especially those
involving the death of a Marine. It is a stressful and often
highly emotional task. It requires the ability to adapt to
widely varying degrees of grief on the part of the next of kin.
There are "good" cases where the grief is handled extremely well
and "bad" cases where the tendency is "to shoot the messenger".
The numerous assignments we received were rotated among all the
officers in the Barracks, including myself, to avoid "burnout".
It was and I'm sure still is pretty common knowledge for
families with Marines serving in a combat zone that when a
Marine officer comes to the door, he is probably not bringing
good news. I can recall a case or two where I was making a WIA
notification and had family members become hysterical when they
saw me at the door. I had to literally shout for them to calm
down and say, "He's only wounded!" Needless to say, those cases
involving the death of a Marine had to be handled quite
differently.
I can't recall the specifics of all the notification cases I
handled but two stand out in my memory, both involving a death
notification.
One was a "bad" case where the Marine was killed when a watch
tower he was manning collapsed. During Secretary of Defense
McNamara's tenure, he devised a plan to "wall off" the
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Viet Nam to
prevent North Vietnamese Army infiltration. This plan involved
erecting a string of watch towers to augment various intrusion
detector devices implanted to warn of enemy movement. This
Marine's father was aware of what had come to be known as
"McNamara's Folly" and his grief was magnified by his anger at
what he deemed the senseless death of his son. I don't recall
exactly how I handled this situation but I do know that I had to
walk a fine line between trying to console the father and not
openly criticize a Defense Administration policy which I also
felt was poorly planned and executed.
The "good" case was one which to this day still brings a lump to
my throat in remembering the pride the parents had in their son,
an only child. The father was a construction worker and the
mother worked as a waitress in a highway service center not far
from their home. One of the requirements for the notification
team was to have a Navy Chaplain or civilian clergyman along
representing the religious preference of the deceased Marine. In
this case, we were told that the Marine was Catholic, so I
arranged for our Catholic Chaplain, Father Keely, to accompany
me. The father was home when we made the call and the mother was
working. After several moments with him, he asked if we would go
with him to tell his wife. Of course we said we would and drove
him to the restaurant, entering by the kitchen door. The father
asked one of the other waitresses, who happened to be in the
kitchen, to ask his wife to come back. She obviously knew why we
were there and started to cry. Father Keely gently but firmly
calmed her down and told her we needed her help in this. There
was of course an emotional scene when the mother was told but
there was no recrimination and only pride expressed by both
parents that their son had died serving his country.
As we later discussed funeral service arrangements, I asked if
they would like to have Father Keely participate in the burial
services in any way. They told me that they were not Catholic
but they knew their son had put down Catholic as his religious
preference when he enlisted because his best friend who enlisted
with him was Catholic. We relayed this information to District
Headquarters for any adjustments necessary. On a subsequent
visit with them as their Casualty Assistance Officer, I noticed
that they had a glass enclosed case on the fireplace mantel with
their son's medals, shooting badge and PFC chevrons displayed. I
noticed right away that the PFC chevrons were upside down. I
remarked that it was a wonderful tribute to their son's service
but would they mind if I made a small adjustment to it. Of
course they said I could so I brought it down and very quietly
reversed the PFC chevrons telling them I knew they wanted it to
be perfect. I have no doubt that to this day that display case
occupies a place of honor in their home.
I recently put the uniform back on and administered the Oath of
Enlistment to my grandson as he entered the Marine Corps. I pray
that there will never be anyone "Taking Bryce" but, if so, I
know his parents and the rest of the family would carry with
them always the knowledge that he was Semper Fi to the end.
Everett Tunget
LtCol USMC (Ret)
"[G]overnment, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil;
in its worst state an intolerable one."
Thomas Paine
I would like to respond to former Marine Bruce Taylor. He
laments the fact that as a peace time Marine he never saw
combat. I think all peace time Marines sometimes feel "less
than" because they didn't see combat. I served from "60"-"64". I
would have gladly re-upped if I had not gotten married in my
third year. Around "63" the Viet Nam conflict had begun to heat
up and as an 0311 I stood a fair chance of going there and
seeing combat. I too wondered about the experience of being in
combat. "Could I cut the mustard", "Would I be a combat hero or
just another grunt", "Would I have received some terrible wound
or been killed?".
I have since come to the conclusion that it is fruitless to
bother one's self with these thoughts. Things happen for a
reason. I've also had time to lose the romanticized view of
combat. It is not something a sane person should really want to
see. Our poor troops in Iraq are now coming home with more ills,
both physical and mental which will attest to combat's damaging
effects. And this is in a conflict that we literally kicked the
s--- out of our adversary years ago. Shameful.
Semper Fi
William Joseph
This is funny.
Why Iraq Is Taking So Long (video)
"We must remember that one man is much the same as another, and
that he is best who is trained in the severest school."
Thucydides
My Father was the Sergeant Major of the U.S.S. Charleston when
the war broke out in 1941. I was always proud of this Georgia
Farm boy and tried to emulate him. Dad was stationed on Parris
Island from 1946 - 1950. Parris Island was a marvelous place to
live as a young teenager. I worked for my Father as a P.X.
Employee in "RECRUIT ISSUE" across the street from the Hygienic
Unit. I listened intently to "SEA STORIES" whenever I could.
When I joined the Marine Corps I knew exactly where I was going
and knew many of the people who would be my mentors.
As training progressed we were asked to fill out "DREAM SHEETS".
Korea was rapidly leaving the picture and I felt that if I was
going to dream, I would like to do it on a Ship, "Like Daddy
Did". Low and behold, I was assigned Sea School in Portsmouth,
Virginia. When we finished Sea School we were sent on work
details until we were assigned to a ship.
One day at the 1300 muster names were called for people who
would be leaving that afternoon. One man missed muster and the
Company Gunny said to me, "WATSON, do you want to be an
Admiral's Orderly?" DUMB QUESTION! Instantly I responded "YES
SIR". The Gunny told me to go in to the office and tell the
clerk that "SMITH" (or whomever) had missed muster and to give
me the orders to "SECOND FLEET". That evening I reported to
Commander Second Fleet at NAS Norfolk!.
Our Admiral owned every ship in the Atlantic Ocean whenever he
held exercises. We went on two "OPERATION MARINER"s on IOWA and
then WISCONSIN. On one of these exercises we took a British
Admiral and his Staff on board by helicopter. I was the orderly
for our Chief of Staff, a Navy Captain who in the order of
"pecking " was considered to be "junior". The Orderlies did not
follow directly behind their bosses, but instead followed the
last person who rated an orderly in a single line, I was the
last orderly that day.
We left the Flag Bridge when the helicopter was ready to fly the
British Admiral off. In our Party was our Admiral, the Skipper,
The X.O., The British Staff and any orderlies they might have
had, the orderlies from the Marine Detachment and finally
Commander Second Fleet orderlies. I was the "last man".
This string of humanity left the Flag Bridge (forward), climbed
down the ladders and headed to the fantail in the appropriate
order of seniority with the Chief Master of Arms in the lead
blowing his tin whistle in the time honored fashion of
seafarers. I was the last man in the gaggle and could hardly
keep a straight face when I realized how strange we looked
stretched out a hundred yards or more following the Pied Piper
of a magnificent Man O'War. The funniest thing about it was
the White Hats who wandered in toward the gaggle did not know
exactly what was going on or, exactly what to do, some saluted
the Officers, some looked befuddled and others saluted until all
the Marine orderlies passed by.
Henry L. Watson, Jr,
Captain, USMC, Ret.
"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every
one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will
preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that
force, you are inevitably ruined."
Patrick Henry
"Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to
it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have
earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their
estates, their pleasure, and their blood."
John Adams
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal..."
The Declaration of Independence
God Bless America!
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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