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AmericanCourage #200 14 MAY 2009
Images Version | ONLINE CATALOG
Hi Sgt. Grit,
Thought I too would send you a pic of My wife's father, myself and my youngest Son. My Father in-law was a Marine Raider in
WWII. He served with the "Carlson Raiders." I served in the
early 1980's during peace time. So no combat for me but loved
every moment of the Corps! My son just graduated from boot camp
in November 2008 and is now in Florida waiting for his MOS
schooling to start! One VERY proud family to be serving our
great nation as we have been over these last three generations.
Robert Guillen
1st. BN., 1st MAR., 1st. MAR. DIV.
Camp Pendleton
And I Quote...
"A republic, if you can keep it."
-- Benjamin Franklin
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I am extremely blessed that I got to marry my long time friend
and the love of my life on April 4th in Amarillo, Texas. We are
currently stationed at Cherry Point, NC and I am so thankful
that we were able to have the ceremony. We barely squeezed it in
as he is currently on deployment to Afghanistan. I just wanted
to share some pictures. The sword detail was perfect and all of
the Marines that were a part of it were awesome. I am so proud
of my man and so proud to be a part of the Marine Corps family.
Semper Fi,
Heather
The CO is our Mom
Sgt Grit,
I joined the Corps and did boot camp at MCRD, Rifle Range at
Camp Roberts and ITR at Camp Pendleton. Did some Electronics
Schooling and then to Scenic 29 Palms for fun in the sand.
Looking at the Calendar I see that Mother's Day approaches and
thought I would enlighten you with one of my Marine Corps
experiences.
A bit on the lighter side:
While at 29 Palms I was in a free thinking Marine Company,
Platoon and Squad (point of fact learned being in a free
thinking group of youngsters is not always a good thing).
Anyway, we loved our nightly discussions in the center of the
squad bay. One such was teasing the squad member that snickered
during the flick and prompted the evening discussion which wove
around, in free association, a few subjects and we ended up
discussing what was in a snicker and you know it ended up to be
nougat, caramel, chocolate, nuts, etc, etc of the pogey bait
common snickers bar. Which in that convoluted frame of mind the
next night lead us to the fact that Mothers day was coming up in
two weeks and how we broke Marines would love to go home to see
our Mom's. One thing lead to another and somehow someone said we
could send cards home and we should all go to the PX buy a card
and together we would sign our cards, address our envelopes and
post them the next day. The ending discussion that night after
lights out was about the old Corps adage saying if the Corps
wanted you to have a wife they would issue one and the Top Sgt.
was Dad and the C.O. was our Mom. With that vision in mind
someone, to remain nameless, suggested that we all kick in to
purchase one extra card and send it to our Marine Corps Mom. We
just knew the Captain would love it and more snickers ensued.
The card was purchased and the planning was on. First rule was
that all had to partake so no one would be immune to prosecution
if a 'leak' occurred. Everyone had a task, some wrote parts of
'To Mom with Love', some signed 'Love - Your sons', some
addressed the envelope, some entered return address, some the
stamp, some sealing envelope and two were assigned with one as
carrier to base mailbox and the other as 'mail prisoner chaser'
to ensure mailing. All had their stake in the operation and we
could barely contain ourselves with the heady feeling that we
were going to 'surprise Mom'. As I remember Mothers day that
year was a day of excitement for us all. Sunday evening we were
in high anticipation of what would be heard from the office in
surprise the next day after mail call. Monday dawned and it was
very quiet all day. So was Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday
night the only subject was 'The Card' and what could have
happened, lost in the mail was the most agreed upon malady
suggested. The Company clerk was clueless and had not seen the
card arrive, we were devastated as a perfect plan had failed
inexplicably.
Monday morning formation was pretty slow until SSgt Barlow
stepped to the front of formation and read off a list of names
to report to Gunny Laura in the squad bay after formation. We
all looked at each other and we knew - Someone had been
pressured and talked! Every participant's name had been on the
list and called out. Formation Dismissed - in to see Gunny where
he lined us up standing tall and he went to see the First Sgt.
and tell him that we were all present and accounted for. We
waited standing tall until a few minutes after "Mom" was heard
to say he had to go out for a few minutes and the Top Sgt could
use his office. We were taken into the office and lined up again
and the First Sgt. stood there glaring at us.
Maybe 10 minutes later, but what seemed like several hours,
Captain Horn returns with a large Manila envelope in hand. He
sits at his desk, opens the envelope and looks us over. "So you
^%*()& A*&^%$ think you are funny and can pull this $&**%$@
crap on me" Silence. " I didn't hear you" he says.
"No Sir" we chime in unison from years of practice. Things went
down hill after that. We were finally dismissed and we headed
out to the gun park for maintenance and policing the area. The
next three nights we discuss and search for the rat! No success.
Friday evening (we were all on base and in barracks for a few
weekends) SSgt Barlow stops by and looks us over and says "Bet
none of you guys knew The Captain just came from his last billet
in a MP platoon and worked in the CID group. They are mighty
good picking up latent finger prints, aren't they?"
He leaves and we realize we shouldn't have picked out an
oversized, glossy card with foil lined envelope that all of us,
in our meetings and preparation handled many times. As usual
with all Moms, Mom got the best of us "boys" and I never have a
mothers day go by without a shudder and fond remembrance.
Finished my 4.5 years with a tour in Nam and came home to a
discharge at El Toro in August '66.
Semper Fi to the 'Family': Old Salts, The Working Women and Men
of the Corps, Boots and Hometown Support Personnel alike!
To all the Moms of a Marine out there we Love You All.
If in doubt - Empty the Magazine!
Sgt. T. Lepsche
May '62 - August '66
1984144
And I Quote...
"The virtue of independence refers to one's acceptance of the
responsibility of using one's own judgment for the purpose of
sustaining one's own life. .... Anyone who defaults on this
responsibility can only live as a parasite on the thinking and
effort of other people."
-- Edwin A. Locke
Hi I am currently a contractor driving truck for the Marines out
of TQ and I need to say that there are not any troops any where
more professional. I am a prior Army vet 76-79 and I can see
that the will of the American people is even weaker. We as a
people have forgotten what it takes to win a war. We tie our
troops hands and wonder why we lose young men and women. If we
would ban the press and turn the Devil Dogs loose as was done
during the last war we won hands down (WW2) this and Afhanistan
would be done and our people would be home. In the mean time I
will proudly work for the Marines
Troy Poling, Contractor, MEF Convoy Driver
Don't forget the GriTogether this Saturday, May 16...get details
In reference to the quote by Lt. General Gregory Newbolt, USMC,
Ret. "The commitment of our forces to this fight [Iraq] was done
with the casualness and swagger that are the special province of
those who have never had to execute these missions-or bury the
results." I would like to make my own comment. You don't win
wars by sowing doubt in the ranks. Let's try to limit the anti-
war quotes of retired generals looking for a political
appointment. I fought in Iraq to send a message to our Muslim
enemies that when you shoot at U.S. Marines we run toward you
and hunt you down. Islamic extremists that once thought America
was weak think otherwise now. Additionally, democracies do not
export terrorists. Iraq is now Democratic and thus is one less
Muslim country that is a security threat to the U.S. where my
children and yours live. I do not want my fallen brothers
deaths to be in vain. Victory is the only option. This war was
not entered into casually and will not be won by these types of
comments.
Semper Fidelis,
Jeffrey K. Clifford
Veteran Desert Storm
Veteran OIF, Fallujah, Iraq
And I Quote...
"Never trouble another for what you can do yourself."
-- Thomas Jefferson
Ok,
I work on an air force base, and I see a lot of different
things.
For the most part I do have some concerns.
I thought this would be interesting for the news letter
Air Force times newspaper for May 4, 2009.
They say "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!"
Well they can simulate our training all they want to.
But at the end of the day they still won't be like us, let alone
be US.
We are a breed all our own!
The article and others in the issue, keeps referring to Marines,
being the best, toughest, well organized, knowing the objective
to achieve and not letting interfere with obtaining the
objective.
That we are also in the forefront of designing and implementing
new training techniques. The article even lists some of the PFT
we must do to pass (sit-ups, pushup. pull ups, runs etc)
So I included a picture of the front page of the current issue.
Bottom line "Airmen want to train like Marines"
From what I see day to day, 80% wouldn't pass the tests.
Semper Fi
Choo Choo
No longer active duty
Sgt of Marines 1968 - 1974 RVN 70-71
Map of Iraq, religious
sgt.grit,
I would like to tell you how much reading the stories of the old
Marines and the young it makes me proud to have served in the
Marine Corps for ten years from Afghanistan, Somalia, and the
first desert storm, I was a sniper who got shot and spent a year
rehabbing then went to Afghanistan and feel proud to have served
in the beloved Corps as my father in law did in ww2 just wanted
to say keep up the good work and enjoy your cool merchandise,
for all the young Marines fixing to prove which branch is the
best Semper Fi and they are all in our prayers.
staff sergeant gary smith
[85-95]
And I Quote...
"Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic
for which it stands. Miracles do not cluster and what has
happened once in 6,000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to
the Constitution, for if the American Constitution should fail,
there will be anarchy throughout the world."
-- U.S. Senator Daniel Webster
Dear, SGT. Grit
I am 16 years of age getting ready to turn 17 and on my 17th
birth-day i am going to try and enlist. I have been studying the
Marines since i was ten and over the years the Marine Corps has
grown on me. After awhile i noticed the values of being a
Marine and the honor, and respect of being a United States
Marine that since then the Marines have become my life and every
one knows that's where I'm going and i never miss a chance to
try to explain the brotherly bond of the Marines and the
sacrifices that they have made for this country . So that they
may understand why i love the honored Corps. I might not be a
Marine yet but every day i pray that one day i will be one of
the few the proud a Marine. In conclusion my heart goes out to
every one of the soldiers that are out there defending this
country.
SEMPER FI till i die.
Sgt Grit Once again this is Nile White the Gunner and these are
the facts of my wife of 32 years, Jean. After being in our
local hospital here in Clarksburg, West Virginia, they informed
me she had to be moved to the Univ of WVa for immediate
replacement of a heart valve just to prolong her life and less
then an hour later re informed me that a team of three local
specialists had decided that even if she survived the heart
operation to replace a defective and failing a valve with her
terribly deteriorating condition she would not survive the weeks
of recuperation. Thus I have her at home with a care giver that
has a lot to be desired for in home ones are ones that are not
qualified to be making the big bucks in nursing homes etc. This
whatever is not cheap but am glad I have her.
Today she, my Jean born 29 feb 29 and thus only 20, and she
is in the next room from where I am sitting and even with her
diminishing condition and my having no choice but to be prepared
for the inevitable, but I did sit down at this machine and
brought u the latest from the greatest band of brothers that my
God as I know Him ever put on the face of this earth.
And I read each and every line twice and am not ashamed to say
tears of what ever down both cheeks and this old 76 year old
retired Gunner does not cry easy. But I did in reading of the
losses of my fellow Marines and the courage and fortitude
displayed by their survivors. As we, you and I, know so well
it's not just the Marine in the dress blues or torn and tattered
combat fatigues that makes our band of brothers what it is, it
is our family, friends, and com padres.
And as I finished reading the last one, I felt as if I had been
lifted by your permitting me just an old Gunner to be
privileged to be a online tom a dache, any Marine who spent
time in Japan will translate for you. With all my heart felt
thanks once again for your web site and when my Pastor Mustang
Ben Guiido stops by as he does for a quick blessing almost every
day will tell him read Sgt Grits. So for now Semper Fi to all
my fellow Marines and to you families of Marines in Iraq, Iran
or where ever prayers are answered for if you lose a loved one,
to remember the gates of heaven are guarded by U S Marines.
Semper fi /new/ de gunner white
And I Quote...
"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too
much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it."
-- Thomas Jefferson
Grit,
Just wanted to add my 2 cents on the BAM debate. My fianc� and I
are both Marines and the parents of a current Illinois National
Guard Poolee. I know for a fact that in the 11 years I was
active duty and reserve, I never used this term when referring
to a female member of the Corps. I also know that if I ever used
this term today, I would get my @@@ kicked all over the floor.
Semper Fi,
Jim
HMM-164 '78-85
MAG-46 -'91-94
SGT. Grit,
This is in response to VPMM of Nick, I want to congratulate you
on your recent marriage. I am very happy that your son Nick was
able to be there for your big day. In your letter you said that
he has not been in the Corps long enough to be a hero yet, I
beg to differ. Just the mere act of him enlisting and stating in
that one simple act in my book qualifies him as a hero. By his
decision he is saying, "I will put my life on the line for
every person in this country and it is my honor to do so".
There are so many people that are non deserving of that
commitment and selfless act. My son is also a Marine and every
day I let him know that he is my hero and my biggest Pride. I do
not know your son but in my book he is a Hero, and I thank you
and him for what he is will to do for me and all my loved ones
as well.
Also a very Proud Mama of LCPL Joshua Jordan Garcia.
And I Quote...
"A virtuous and industrious people may be cheaply governed."
-- Benjamin Franklin
Hello my name is Kaitlin Conboy. I am writing you this letter to
tell you about my mother, Mary. She is a wonderful mother of 7
children and true inspiration and I would like to share her
story with you.
My brother Adam C. Conboy joined the United States Marines in
March, 2005. Within a year he was sent overseas to serve in
"Operation Iraqi Freedom". One Sunday morning, my mom received a
phone call from Adam; he explained how he didn't have sheets or
a clean pillow for his bed. My mom told him, she would run right
to the store and get him a set of sheets and a pillow and mail
it out right away. Adam said no thanks, unless she got 40 sets,
one for each of his fellow Marines in his platoon. He suggested
starting a drive at our local church. Adam jokingly said "Come
on mom, get operation bedding started". That Friday May 12, 2006
Adam was shot and killed. Adam was only 21 years old. Little did
he know that Sunday morning, he was setting up his own memorial
fund.
My family is heart broken, but we stick close together and go on
day by day because we know that's what Adam would want. Nothing
and no one could ever come close to replacing Adam; he was so
special to us and many other people. He was such a unique
individual; he could brighten the darkest day with his sense of
humor. He was truly an amazing person with a heart of gold and
my family and I intend on spreading his legacy forever.
At the funeral, my mom asked instead of the beautiful flower
arrangements family and friends were offering, she asked for a
small donation to help us fulfill Adam's last wish. We were
going to make sure Adam's platoon got their 40 sets of sheets
and pillows plus all the other necessities they asked for, like
their favorite snacks, shaving cream, baby wipes, socks, eye
drops, and so on. My mom received an overwhelming amount of
support from our community. From that day forward she opened the
doors to "Operation Bedding".
Operation Bedding is in memory of Adam and all those who gave
their lives to defend our country and our freedom. It is a non-
profit organization run out of Philadelphia, Pa since 2006. We
have sent nearly 10,000 boxes overseas to our troops. Our motto
is "Honor the Fallen by Supporting Those Who Serve" Although we
receive love and support from many; my mom receives some cruel
messages on our website from anti- war activist, who obviously
don't take the time to see what we are really about. Operation
Bedding has no opinion on the war; our goal is simply to try and
keep our troops as comfortable as possible. We also want to let
them know we support and thank for all they do for us. Despite
every obstacle my mom faces, she refuses to give up. My mom
works 7 days a week trying to keep this going; she is determined
not to give stop until every troop is home safe and sound with
their families. I appreciate your time, thank you. Semper Fi
Sincerely, Kaitlin Conboy
To Roger Ware,
you are not only a hero in my mind, but I'm sure to every Marine
you dealt with in Vietnam. I can say this because I was with
Delta Company of the First Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine
Division from 10, 1966 to 6, 1967. I know you were most likely
involved in some of the most costly battles for the 5th Marines
during the Vietnam War: Operations Union and Union II. Though
the final outcome of those operations for the 2nd North Vietnam
Army Division was to be nearly wiped-out, the 5th Marines paid a
great price accomplishing this. June 2, 1967, Fox 2/5 was
attached to our battalion and I know they took numerous
casualties just like my company did when we encountered the 3rd
Regiment of the 2nd NVA Division.
I guess what I would like to say to you is this; war is
literally h&ll at its core and it effects all who participated
in it from one degree to another. How we learn to overcome it is
to recognize that we will never completely overcome it, but that
we need to find a way to learn how to live and deal with it.
I know what I'm saying is a lot easier said then done, but first
you got to believe it is possible to do so. First thing I
learned to do was to live my live to its fullest. To give a 110%
to everything I do in my life, and I live this way because I
know that's what I would want you to do if I was one who died.
You may try writing about your tour in Vietnam. In 1983 I began
doing just that and with in just a few months I somehow began
feeling better about myself. About three years ago, my niece
Olivia asked to do an interview with me about my time in the
Marine Corps and Vietnam. She compiled a list of 47 questions
that I answered for her, but afterwards realized that wasn't
satisfactory enough to me. I felt that the interviewer needed to
know much more about the person being interview and the
circumstances of the time to truly understand the answers given.
This past October the book in which I fill in these areas came
out and it's called "The Best of the Best - The Fighting 5th
Marines - Vietnam". "It's a memoir of my life from childhood to
the present with a heavy influence of the Marine Corps and my
time spent with the 5th Marines in Vietnam and how it affected
me then up to today.
My hope is to have this book used in schools from middle school
on through college. It is an easy to read eye opener written in
a way as to not make it objectionable reading to most parents of
these students.
There is much in this story that I'm sure you can relate to and
you may be able to draw from it a different perspective of your
role in it then the one you have. If you are interested, you can
order my book on Amazon.com.
Semper Fi, Paul A McNally
Cpl. of Marines - Delta 1/5, 1st Marine Div. 66-67 2121897
And I Quote...
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find
disorder and every evil practice."
-- James 3:16
Hi Don,
My late father was in New Guinea and New Britain as a sergeant
in the Australian Armoured Corps. He witnessed the effects of
Japanese torture on the civilian population of New Britain after
the US and Australians liberated the island. The irony was that
at the end of hostilities, the Australian Army discovered that
he was a lawyer. They then drafted him into the Legal Corps to
serve with the Rabaul War Crimes Commission. He started as a
defense attourney, then as a prosecutor. He did this until late
1946 and more than 100 Japanese were convicted and hung for
their crimes. I have a lot of the mug shots and courts
documents. He gave them to me to read when I was 21 and then hid
them away again. He said this was "just so you know what really
happened". After the war when he was in business in the 50s and
60s, he found himself doing business with the Japanese big time.
He dealt with that by saying that most of the bad guys were dead
anyway.
I also worked for Hitachi for many years, here in Sydney and
also in Tokyo. My generation of Japanese are acutely sensitive
to, and greatly ashamed of what happened. I acutely remember my
Japanese boss at the time, a Mr Kobata, placed a wreath at our
big memorial service in the city on Anzac Day in 1988. It was a
brave thing to do in front of tens of thousands of very
emotional on lookers. He got a round of applause from them which
was nice.
But its true that this period, 1930-1945, was not taught in
history lessons in Japanese schools. So its only by the fact
that all Japanese have to learn English in school, and also
because they now travel and read about it when they are
overseas, do they discover what happened. Most are initially
incredulous but the intelligent ones dig a bit and find the
truth.
Don, we have Anzac Day here on 25th April. Its our Memorial Day.
You would be pleased to know that the bond our two nations have
was forged in blood in the Pacific and Melanesia in WW2 and we
remember the simple fact that without the Battle of the Coral
Sea and the subsequent sacrifice of your countrymen, history
would have not have been the same for us here. This is a major
part of the history taught in our schools, thank goodness.
All the best,
Stephen
Dear Sgt Grit
I am writing to Christa Gasiewicz. I want to say that I also had
a father that was a Marine he recently passed away in January,
and I also want to say that I know what you mean by what you
said in your letter and even though I am a Navy sailor I still
grew up with a Marine for a father, so I know the sacrifices
that he would have made while he was still alive. I have been
subscribing to Sgt Grits newsletter for a while now and I read
it every time I get it and I just wanted to say thank you for
what you said. It meant a lot to me because I know exactly how
you feel about the sacrifices that Marines make for their family
so again i want to say thank you!
AOAN Little
And I Quote...
"It is a misfortune incident to republican government, though in
a less degree than to other governments, that those who
administer it, may forget their obligations to their
constituents, and prove unfaithful to their important trust."
-- James Madison
When my son, first told me he was going to join the Marines, I
simply freaked out! I asked him "Are you sure that is what you
really want to do?" When he told me "Yes he really wanted to
join the Marines and serve his country. I knew he was serious
about it. He had just finished a two program at the University
of Montana College of Technology in Missoula for Fire and
Rescue, I thought he was going to be a Fireman, he had been a
volunteer firefighter since he had been a sophomore in High
School. His step -Dad and I were already so proud of him. Then
we got used to the idea of him being a US MARINE. (My brother
was also a Marine in 1968-1970). Then the day came when he was
to leave for MCRD San Diego (Sept7,2008). I cried most of the
day, of course!
Then the time came for us to leave for San Diego to go to the
Dec. 5th Graduation. We were really excited about seeing our son
after 13 weeks, as every parent would be. Family Day finally
came, when we left to go to MCRD ( about 7:30am) my husband told
me "We probably will be the first ones there, not a chance.
There were already a lot of other parents there. The recruits
were on the parade deck practicing. I zoomed my camera in on my
son's platoon (3267) and found him! My heart just started
singing and I started crying, again! Graduation was a really
moving experience. Not only because of my son, but my brother
too. When my brother graduated from boot camp (Dec 1968) none of
his family attended. So it was like I was there for both
graduations. My brother passed away on Jan 1, 2004. At his
funeral, the Marine Hymn played over and over. Ever time I hear
the Marine Hymn I break down and cry. Anyways, I do not know
how we can be any prouder of our son. Right now he is at Twenty-
Nine Palms, CA. He is not sure when he will be deployed.
In Loving Memory of Lance Cpl Donald P Miller (1968-1970)
Proud Parents Of PFC Duane R Mihalder
Gary and Mary Jones, Hot Springs, MT
Re: Paul Martell's blog in the 7 May '09 Newsletter. The
unfouled EGA was issued to me when I attended MCRD, San Diego in
November 1955. My best recollection is that the 'new' fouled EGA
first made its appearance in 1957 or 1958. Can't remember the
year the EGA's color changed from brown to black.
The unfouled EGA of 1955 was a definite improvement over those
of bygone years that I've seen. The older ones were very crude
in design and manufacture.
Daniel L. Taylor
1stLt, USMC (Ret)
USMC 1955 - 1976
Minco, OK
And I Quote...
"Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the
most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the Spirit of
Party generally. ... A fire not to be quenched, it demands a
uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest,
instead of warming, it should consume."
-- George Washington
I'm trying to locate my old platoon buddy's from Parris Island
platoon 1071 from Nov 67 to Jan 68 I have located 5-6 as of
today and 1 of our DI's a then SSgt J.D. Farrell trying to set
up a reunion at the Island some time this yr. if any guys out
there would like to attend contact me David Hennion 1254
galloway Cir. Pontiac Mich, 48340 248-475-3411 or email me at
daveh67 @ comcast .net, hope to hear from you guys,
Dave Hennion
SSgt USMC
1967-75
I am deeply sorry to inform you of the passing of Jack Coughlin.
I had only known Jack a few years from being in the L.A. chapter
of the FMDA.
Jack was a Korea Marine and very proud of this service.
As a person Jack was the warmest, friendliest person you could
ever know.
He was a friend to all who knew him. He had a huge heart and
genuinely cared about others. And yet he was humble, never
taking the spotlight but quietly doing his duty. His smile and
laugh were hallmarks of our chapter get together.
He was the type of person who taught by example and was an
inspiration to all who knew him.
He delighted in conversation and was always there to share a sea
story or other anecdote.
When I recently joined the chapter we had our annual Del Mar
Beach camp out. I saw him as we were gathering for morning
colors and for reasons more of respect I snapped to and gave him
a salute. Although he was bent over he straightened up and
returned a crisp salute. This became a sort of tradition between
us at our functions.
His dedication to things important to him such as his family,
the Corps, his country, the FMDA and our chapter was
extraordinary. I doubt a younger man could have kept up with
him.
He was the kind of person that a man could aspire to. I can say
without hesitation that the world was a much better place for
his being here and he will be sorely missed.
Jack was a great man, a great friend but most of all he was a
good Marine and that I think is the highest compliment anyone
could receive.
Luis De La Cruz
And I Quote...
"Bear in mind, if you are going to amount to anything, that your
success does not depend upon the brilliancy and the impetuosity
with which you take hold, but upon the everlasting and
sanctified bulldoggedness with which you hang on after you have
taken hold."
-- Dr. A.B. Meldrum
Monument Dedication
Our trip to Virginia Monument dedication
To: Carol Alfieri , Gino Alfieri , Richard Berry , Carol and Don
Hachey , Sail Hayward , Ted Laquercia , Sal Manno , Bill and
Carol O'Loane , John Patterson , Ed Raleigh , Sal and Tissie
Sorrentino
As a young Corporal, (c. 1976), I became the head of the SRB
Section of Casual Company, HQ Bn, MCRD, SDIEGO. As such, I
worked directly for the Personnel Officer, CWO-2 Klepetka. A
former drill instructor, she was short and hard as nails. As an
SRB Clerk (0121 MOS) I was always typing up Page 11s
(admin/counseling) and Page 12s (disciplinary actions) because,
as you can imagine, Casual Company was the repository of most of
the 'problem children' in the San Diego area.
There were many shorthand acronyms we used to save space on
these pages. One of the most common was (and still is) SNM -
Subject Named Marine. On one occasion, a Woman Marine went up
for Office Hours before the Company Commander. When typing up
the aftermath on the WMs page 12, I used the acronym "SNWM".
All entries in the SRBs went to the PersO for her signature (By
Dir) or for her to check before sending to the CO for his
signature. Upon reading my typed entry, she marched out of her
office and stood before my desk in the middle of the work space
and demanded I retype the entry because "We're not 'Woman
Marines', we're MARINES!" "No, Ma'am," I replied, "you're
'Woman Marines" the entry is correct." After a couple more
demands (while her face and temperment got hotter!) and my
polite insistence that I was correct, CWO-2 Klepetka stopped in
mid-sputter, then demanded to know if I liked working for a
woman! I replied, "Frankly, Ma'am, I don't like it worth
squat!" To which she began to sputter again in total disbelief
while stamping her feet and turning around in circles waving her
arms above her head. She then stomped back off to her office.
I got an invitation from the Company Gunny to step outside a few
minutes later...
A few weeks after that, I was nominated for meritorious
promotion to Sergeant. There was one "no" vote on the board,
and I kinda figured where that came from. (As you can see from
my signature, big d*mned deal!).
One last thing. In my later, more mature and reflexive, years I
realized I owed CWO-2 Klepetka an apology. She was right, I was
wrong. I tried to find her several times, with no success. So,
if you see this CWO-2 Klepetka, my sincere apologies. (In full
disclosure, and I'm sure as penance, during my civilian career
I've almost exclusively worked for and reported to women)!
s/f
--
David Couvillon
Colonel of Marines;
Former Governor of Wasit Province, Iraq; Righter of Wrongs;
Wrong most of the time; Distinguished Expert, TV remote control;
Chef de Hot Dog Excellance; Collector of Hot Sauce; Avoider of
Yard Work
And I Quote...
"The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and
judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many,
and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly
be pronounced the very definition of tyranny."
-- James Madison
As I read through the newsletter and see the stories about
Hollywood Marines and the Swamp Marines then the Women Marines
and Male Marines I have but one thought "We are all Marines". No
matter the label no matter the MOS no matter the gender.
I served from 2-70 to 12-76. I spent my first two and a half
years in the grunts and loved being able to say I was a grunt. I
shipped over and went to the air wing in supply. Then when I
made Staff the Corps decided it was time for me to go to D.I.
School. I made it and went onto the field as a new D.I. I pushed
herds through for a year and then I blew out my Achilles tendon
and that put me out of the Corps. I was a Hollywood Marine in
boot camp, I served as a D.I. in Hollywood. I called Women
Marines BAM's not out of meanness or disrespect but our of
respect for a Women Marine. She earned the Eagle, Globe and
Anchor just like every other Marine and she earned her "other"
title just like every other Marine.
One thing stands clear and always will we are all Marines and
always will be no matter the additional titles we are given.
So remember we all earned the Eagle, Goble and Anchor as we did
all of our titles.
J. E. Whimple
S/SGT. U.S.M.C.
2-1970 to 12-1976
1971 2/9 RefBltlandteamVietNam
Hello,
I recently became familiar with this website, and I really enjoy
it. I was not in the Marines, but my dad was, (and I wish I had,
but I went Air Force instead).
Recently my son was asking me about the Marines and about the
Hymn...Together we composed a new Stanza, which I shared with a
WWII vet (Marine) back in Feb and he responded enthusiastically.
From the Heights of Suribachi
To the depths of Belleau Wood
We will die without complaining
For we seek the greater Good
From the Mountains of Afghanistan
To Baghdad's Dusty streets
there will never be the equal
of United States Marines.
I hope you like that.
It gives me goose bumps.
God Bless America
Jonathan Burchard
And I Quote...
"Man, once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard
against absurdities the most monstrous, and like a ship without
rudder, is the spot of every wind. With such persons,
gullibility, which they call faith, takes the helm from the hand
of reason and the mind becomes a wreck."
-- Thomas Jefferson
As a Former Marine Infantryman with Echo Company 2/6, the
funniest people that I have ever encountered in my life were in
the "Field". The "Field" is where the discussions of ones life
(both prior and during the Corps) are told through laugher and
humor, as laughter always made us feel better, regardless of the
situation.
Command Post Productions Inc will be a gateway for those who
have something to say. As we evolve our online community of
"Artists" to include: Comics, Poets, Storytellers, Publicist,
Writers or your simply just interested in the "Arts" we ask that
you take the time to review the site, enlist (become a member)
and tell us what you want to think? If you are interested in
working with Command Post Productions Inc, please review the
"Artists Wanted" Page at www.commandpostproductions.net
Cpl. Spencer T.D.
E.CO. 2/6 (92-96)
Tommie D. Spencer
Email: spencer-t @ att .net
Cell: (708) 724-4631
4th Annual Lake San Marcos CC
Salute to Our Heroes Golf Event
Coming June 27, 2009 - Lake San Marcos Country Club, CA
Last year there was great food, golf, and camaraderie at the 3rd
Annual Lake San Marcos "Salute to Our Heroes" event to benefit
the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
Service members and their wives will be treated to a wonderful
day of golfing, lunch, dinner, gifts and entertainment. Proceeds
from the event will benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
All are welcome to participate in this event.
This will be the 4th year the Lake San Marcos Country Club Men's
& Women's Golf Clubs and community are hosting a golf event. To
get involved contact, Frank Shubert at fshubert @ roadrunner .com
And I Quote...
"We maintain our strength in order to deter and defend against
aggression -- to preserve freedom and peace. Since the dawn of
the atomic age, we've sought to reduce the risk of war by
maintaining a strong deterrent and by seeking genuine arms
control. 'Deterrence' means simply this: making sure any
adversary who thinks about attacking the United States, or our
allies, or our vital interests, concludes that the risks to him
outweigh any potential gains. Once he understands that, he won't
attack. We maintain the peace through our strength; weakness
only invites aggression."
-- Ronald Reagan
Dear Sgt Grit:
My son happens to be a Marine. He is a wonderful man at 22 and
better than most. My husband (he is the stepfather) and I were
talking about him. The one thing my husband said to me that I
want to pass on to all Marines is, "I was in the Army for 8
years and if there is one thing I learned it was those Marines
are the toughest and most respected people in the service and
that includes me." I think that says it all about the Marines.
Proud mother of Ryan Reed Anderson, USMC.
There are times that we all wonder why the heck we do what we
do. However there sure seems to be someone to slap me upside the
head and say See numbskull that's why. With Marine Week closing
in quickly for Chicago I guess it was supposed to be.
My little journey,
This past weekend I was selected by my family to drive my
sister(52) and her daughter(31) to Indianapolis for some prayer
ceremony that was Friday night and Saturday. Got them there for
Friday and stayed for the ceremony on Friday evening, but come
Saturday I just drove them over, I'd had my fill for the week,
lol. Now remember I'm down sort of south and they have, guess
what Bob Evans, YEAH. Decided I was going to have some old
fashion Biscuits and gravy that morning for breakfast.
Went in and had a wait, not too bad, noticed a nice looking Mom
with her Son (16 or 17) come in, lol no I didn't even look at
her ring finger, I must be missing my touch. I was really
thinking about the jeans this young man who stood about 6'3" had
on, they had maybe 150 holes in them but yet looked brand new.
Hear I thought that style had died out years ago when I threw
mine out in 1968, oh well it's on it's way back it seems.
I was seated and of course had brought in my favorite magazine
to finish during breakfast, YEAH Semper Fi of course. As I was
at my table, that same Mom and Son came and sat down one table
away. As I watch them interact I noticed the Son had taken out a
foreign currency for his Mom to see. Once she had her fingers on
the currency she just keep reading it and wasn't going to give
it back too soon. However the Son kept trying to get it back and
I was sort of laughing at him, like big chance there son. LOL.
He was smiling as well.
As I was finishing my breakfast I noticed that their breakfast
had come and the two of them took a minute to pray for their
food. Wow I didn't think I was that far down south but I guess I
was wrong. As I finished my breakfast I decided to take a
chance, NO, not ask her out. I went over and told the Mom how
great it was, that they prayed before their meal and me being
from the Chicagoland area hadn't seen that in a long time. I
also offered her my magazine, not letting her see at first what
it was but saying that she could do what she wanted with the
magazine. She took the magazine and I told them to have a great
day.
Walked up and paid for my meal and as I was leaving I was tapped
on the shoulder. I turned around to see the Mom standing their,
I didn't know if I should duck at this point for giving her a
Marine Magazine or not, lol.
She told me that is was a very special thing today that happened
and she wanted me to know that it touched her deeply, for her
brother was a United States Marine killed in a helicopter
accident in 2001 during a training operation in CA. One of 4 in
the copter that day and since they were traveling at high speeds
only 10' off the deck, no one survived.
It touched everyone that morning including her Son, it was like
his Uncle said make sure you give them the Magazine so he can
see what the Corps is all about.
The Marine Family continues to surprise me, however I should of
known, even the Commandant of the Marine Corps has a true
Commandant as well.
S/F
Marty Smith III
Chicago, IL, Lake County Detachment 801 amaze
Dependence means living secondhand solely on the efforts of
others. Parasites are counting on others to exert the effort
that they choose not to exert and hoping that not too many
others will get in on the game so that they will not starve.
Edwin A. Locke
Hi,
My name is Jon Wall & I served from 1953 thru 1958. While
stationed in San Diego I met & fell in love with a beautiful
Marine, & of course we got married. We are still going strong
after 53 years. What I wanted to say is they are a wonderful
bunch & no one dared use the expression "BAM" in front of my
lady. One did & ended up on the deck. God bless 'em.
Semper Fi,
Former Marine Sgt.,
Jon Wall
Hello,
We are researching the history of the U.S. Marine ANGLICO units
for a possible future book project. Although ANGLICO (Air-Naval-
Gunfire-Liaison-Company), their processor JASCO (Joint-Assault-
Signals-Company) units and their present USMC counterparts have
been at the forefront of battlefields around the world since
WWII, little has been written on the history of these units.
We are interested in all aspects of past and present ANGLICO
units and related subjects, including books, manuals, documents,
photos, letters, diaries etc. Please let us know if your
collections contain anything related to U.S. Marine ANGLICO
history or suggest other possible sources of information. Any
help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you -
Ron Selig
USMC 2nd ANGLICO 1955 - 58
Steve Selig
Author / Draughts - The Henry Eckford Story
Selig ANGLICO
3442 W. Meander
New River, Arizona 85087
U.S.A.
redtitan78 @ yahoo .com
And I Quote...
"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really
believe what you just said."
-- William F. Buckley, Jr.
Sgt Grit,
I'm not a Marine but have worked with several in my time in the
service. My Uncle was also a Marine on Guadalcanal and is a
person I have a very deep respect for. I was the ring bearer at
his wedding to my aunt in 1946. He would ride me unmercifully as
a teenager but after many years I realize that it was something
that taught me many things about life and things that would come
my way. So to Marine Eugene Fuller, now of Woodstock, Illinois I
say a big THANK YOU. Two of his sons also served in the Marine
Corps.
Other Marines I worked closely with were Major Ben Rienhart and
Major Stien who were assigned to VX-5 in the late 60's and early
70's. Following a request from them I developed a system that
was used in helicopters by several services that was a counter
measure device against the SAU-7 missiles. It was a successful
device and used existing parts that could be found at any
operating squadron. I remember coming in to work one morning and
our entire flight line was nothing but Marine helicopters. When
I got to my work space I had several Marine officers and
maintenance people waiting for me. We looked over the aircraft
and decided where to install the dispensers. They all left and I
thought that that was it. The next morning they were back and
had been configured as was previously discussed. We began test
flights that day. I flew with them on many of the tests. That
was an experience in particular one flight with two nugget
officers. Wasn't too happy when they discussed the fact that we
had almost had a blade closure during one of the drops. But,
everything worked as planned.
Now 40 years later, I'm setting in church and talking to a
friend there who I knew had been a Marine helicopter pilot
talking about this. I had brought a certificate that I had and
showed it to him. He read through the names and saw Major
Rienhart's and told me that they were very good friends. Funny
how the wheel of life goes around.
K. Anderson ATCS, USN-ret
AH-1G Cobra Scale Model
I was ecstatic when I received this model and found out it was
actually metal and not some cheap plastic toy. It sits on my
desk at work and everyone really likes the quality. The rest of
you "wing wipers" need to get one of these before they're all
gone!
And I Quote...
"My kind of loyalty was loyalty to one's country, not to its
institutions or its officeholders."
-- Mark Twain
And I Quote...
"If men through fear, fraud or mistake, should in terms renounce
and give up any essential natural right, the eternal law of
reason and the great end of society, would absolutely vacate
such renunciation; the right to freedom being the gift of God
Almighty, it is not in the power of Man to alienate this gift,
and voluntarily become a slave."
-- John Adams
God Bless America!
Welcome Home Marine, Job Well Done.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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