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AmericanCourage #209 17 SEP 2009
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"[A] good moral character is the first essential in a man..."
George Washington
This past May I was in Florida with my best friend (Also a
former Marine) for her college graduation from Embry Riddle
Aeronautics University. Upon completion of graduating she and I
wanted to visit Epcot Center as we were going to "drink around
the world" in celebration. When we stumbled into Norway there
stood an older gentleman with his Marine Corps ball cap on. By
looking at him it was easy to see that he was a Marine. (We
carry ourselves differently than others.)
Naturally as a former Marine myself I like to shake the hands of
those veterans who came before me. I walked up to the Marine
said "Semper Fi" and Thank you. As we spoke for a few minutes we
discovered that both Sgt Thomas White and I both served in
Okinawa, some 30 years apart. It so happens that I helped to
take out the telephone switch that he put in some 30 years
before! We reminisced about Oki and not much had changed there
between the decades of our service. To this day and forever Sgt
White remains my friend!
While the decades and generations may separate us our Marine
Corps pride and camaraderie will always bring us together!
Respectfully,
Sgt Sutherland, Amy L.
1996-2001
I am writing in response to the comment about "Chesty Has
Crawled Out" from the Sgt Grit Newsletter dated August 27.
I could not disagree more with Tony Glass, USMC Sgt, 1974-78.
Today's Marines who are in harm's way and are fighting and have
fought in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with back to back
deployments, DO have their heroic stories to tell just as much
as those Marines who fought at Iwo Jima and the Chosin
Reservoir. I am proud of the heroic Marines who served in all
of our country's battles.
Perhaps if Glass would like to help us send care packages to the
current Marines who are in combat, he would change his tune.
Perhaps Glass needs to go to the military hospitals to assist
our wounded troops instead of sitting on his duff daydreaming.
No, "Chesty Puller's spirit is not crawling out of his grave to
head over there right now to teach this youngster some respect"
as Glass has suggested. Chesty Puller's spririt is already in
the mix with today's Marines! He still has their backs!
Glass is an idiot.
Semper Fi,
Terri Voorheis
Proud Marine Mom
And I Quote...
"I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against
every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
--Thomas Jefferson
A Marine You Should Know
Cpl Christopher G. Scherer, USMC, KIA 21 July 2007, Operation
Iraqi Freedom. When Lieutenant Colonel Wayne Sinclair spoke at
Chris's funeral he said the following: "Chris's platoon
commander called him the most likable Marine in the platoon, no
one griped or had a bad day if Cpl Scherer had anything to say
about it.
Lieutenant Douglas Orr told me that though the living conditions
in the field have been harsh over the past two months, and the
20 Marines have been working and fighting in 120 degree
temperatures while wearing body armor and carrying ammunition,
weapons, water, and equipment that typically weighs over 70
pounds for each Marine, he never heard Chris complain or even
question their circumstances - not once. NOT EVER."
Lt Col Sinclair further stated: "Lt Orr also shared with me some
of the unique traits that Chris' mates will forever remember him
for. For starters, there was his sense of humor - paradoxically
at its best when stress and privation were highest. Most
notably, he had an uncanny ability to lift spirits with his
voice impressions. He was a superb mimic of more actor's voices
and accents than anyone could count. One of his favorites was
that from the movie Jaws... After seeing the size of the shark,
Chief Brody says to Captain Quint. "You're gonna need a bigger
boat." He would often say this when things got particularly
rough."
From Proud Marine Parents
Tim and Janet Scherer
If you know an exceptional Active Duty Marine we should know, please contact Kristy - kristy@grunt.com
A retired Army General, General Branson, has set up a National
Program to give "homeless" Vets a Military Funeral with full
honors. General Branson can be reached at
General Branson (bcbranson@sbcglobal.net).
I've been to a half dozen of these funerals at Jefferson
Barracks Cemetery near St Louis. We get up to 60 people to
attend. The Korean Vets here serve as the pallbearers.
Caskets are provided by a local funeral home.
Don Aird
And I Quote...
"It may be better to live under robber barons than under
omnipotent moral busybodies."
--C.S. Lewis
Dear Sgt Grit
I was so excited when I read the subject line of your latest
news letter "[AmericanCourage #208] The Right To Bear Arms."
As a supporter of this constitutionally guaranteed right, a gun
owner and the father of a Marine I was hoping for a hearty Ooh-
Rah for the Second Amendment. I thought Sgt Grit was going to
snap a salute to one of our most important freedoms. I was a
little disappointed to find that the only mention of gun
ownership was Thomas Jefferson's quote. It did, however, make
me read the entire news letter!
I find it ironic that all who sign on to serve in the military
swear to uphold the United States Constitution and to defend it
against all enemies, both foreign and domestic yet once "in"
they are afraid to discuss these rights for fear of appearing to
be critical of the government! They are willing to die in
defense of the constitution but are afraid to support that
document publicly. Something seems very wrong here. Where's
that "American Courage?"
Our finest young men and women choose to serve in the Armed
Forces for many reasons but ultimately it is about protecting
the rights and freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and Bill
of Rights. If we can't stand up for these rights with a clear
and loud voice, how can we find the resolve to continue to
"mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our
sacred honor?
John Robinson
Father of LCPL Chad Robinson
I keep reading stories that people send you that say they are
"Former Marines". Not to be nasty or anything but there is "NO
SUCH THING as a FORMER MARINE! To me you are a Marine or you're
not. I joined up in 1982 during High School and went to boot
camp in July 1983. But it really gets to me when someone writes
a story and they say "Former Marine".
To me, if you were tough enough to go though boot camp and get
the "Eagle, Globe and Anchor" , then you're a Marine. After you
get out, the title never changes. To me, it is an honor to be
able to carry the title. Not very many can. But those who can
need to quit saying "Former". To me, there is no such thing. I
enjoy the newsletter greatly.
Kendal Schacher, USMC 1983-1988
And I Quote...
"The timid civilized world has found nothing with which to
oppose the onslaught of a sudden revival of barefaced barbarity,
other than concessions and smiles."
--Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Tom Maloney's email about "scuttlebutt" inspired me to pass
along this vital information.
BLOWING SMOKE
Commonly thought of as a naval term, it originally came from the
practice in the late 1750s to early 1800s to give tobacco smoke
enemas to drowning victims. It was thought to improve
respiration. The procedure later fell into disrepute and lost
credibility. The term, however, was retained in the naval
service to describe wasting time in idle chatter or talking for
no purpose or effect. Talk to impress others might be described
as "blowing smoke".
ERONSTICATOR
A more recent term and not widely known. First usage believed to
have originated at Camp Lejeune, N.C. in the mid-1950s. The
prototype eronsticator was built by a Marine Corps Warrant
Officer using discarded band instrument parts. The purpose of
the eronsticator was to "blow smoke" more efficiently. In fact
it eliminated the need for another person. With the slide
trombone modified you were able to blow smoke up your own
rectum. Over the years I have observed a number of people doing
this without the eronsticator. Of course, you draw more
attention if the device is used. Origin of the word
"eronsticator" is non-obvious but research will continue. The
word does reflect the creative and imaginative spirit of so many
Marines.
Note: I have personal knowledge of this device and witnessed a
demonstration. No personal use however.
DaveG 1943-1965 Pvt-LtCol Parris Island-Pentagon
Sgt. Grit,
Recently my wife made a trip to Oklahoma to visit friends and
relatives. I asked her to give you my regards when she dropped
by your place of business. Upon return from her trip, I was told
that she didn't have time to make the trip to Oklahoma City as
she had been Meeker. I have given her an Article 15 and she has
been placed under house arrest.
Semper Fi,
Dan Buchanan
L/Cpl USMC
1969-71
And I Quote...
"Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of
freedom."
--John Adams
Dear Sgt. Grit,
Thank you for the great newsletter you do. My son, Lance
Corporal Terry Lance Walls, II, MCAS New River, MALS 29, is the
first in our family to be in the military since my older uncles
from WWII and Vietnam. My nephew is also a Marine and is based
in the exact same unit and shop as my son and they are first
cousins. The Marine Corps had no idea they were related and grew
up together until it was too late. Let's just say their GySgt
has his hands full.
Your newsletter is informative about not only current events but
also allows me to learn more about the history of the Corps and
I find it fascinating. My son wanted to be a Marine since he was
4 because he wanted to be "the best because they are the few and
the proud mommy." All of our military provide an invaluable
service to this country and pay a debt that can never be repaid.
There is nothing more noble or honorable than to serve your
country and fight for freedom. Thank you so much for all that
you do.
Adelia Hall
Hello Sgt Grit,
Yesterday, September 9, 2009, my father, First Sergeant Casey T.
Bazewick, USMC (retired), 91, was awarded the Purple Heart for
wounds he received as a prisoner of war in World War II.
He enlisted before WWII in 1938, after two years in the Marine
Corps Reserve. He served with the 4th Marines in Shanghai and on
Corregidor in its defense until it fell on May 6, 1942. He
became a prisoner of Japan for 39 months -- 92 Garage
(Corregidor), Bilibid Prison (Manila), Cabanatuan (Luzon, where
42% died in the first year), H&ll Ship Tottori Maru (on deck he
watched it nearly sunk by two American torpedoes), and Mukden,
Manchuria at a large Mitsubishi factory (three winters, 40-50
below).
The dining room of his nursing home was packed for the
impressive ceremony with Marines of all ranks and stripes,
active duty and retired, young and old. Four generations of our
family were present. Some 50 people attended, including Life
Care Center residents.
In the attached photo, Captain Mike Rosen, Fort Lewis, WA, pins
the Purple Heart Medal on my dad, as I watch. The Purple Heart
Certificate was read by Sergeant Major Jenks. A full honor guard
from Fort Lewis assisted. In addressing the assembly, Capt.
Rosen spoke of how impressed he was when he got my dad's record.
"This man has been there, done that, and has the T-shirt." Capt.
Rosen and his company's professionalism was impeccable.
In the photo, my dad is wearing a cap made by Sgt Grit with the
patch: "Second Battalion, 4th Marines - Second to None - The
Magnificent Bast*rds." He was in E/2/4.
Afterward, as my dad was thanked individually by the many
Marines, he remarked, "Look at all that fruit salad!" in
reference to the award ribbons they wore.
The event was covered by the Skagit Valley Herald
Don't miss the video!
My dad was also presented with a handwritten letter of thanks
and appreciation from Senator Patty Murray (who unfortunately
could not attend because Congress was back in session). See
attached. A debt of gratitude is owed to Mr. Kim Brown of the
Senator's office, who persevered in breaking down bureaucratic
barriers in making this award possible.
And my dad was made an honorary member of the Marine Corps
League and presented with a certificate.
I prepared considerable material on his military service and the
history of the time, which was beautifully displayed by the
nursing home. Included were display cases of his medals,
ribbons, and service patches. The enthusiasm, generosity, and
hard work of the nursing home's staff were outstanding.
Note to Korea vets: In Korea, my dad was Company Gunnery
Sergeant of C/1/1 for the Inchon Landing and the retaking of
Seoul. He was hospitalized in October 1950, narrowly missing out
on Chosin. As a POW in WWII, he had endured three Manchurian
winters, north of Korea. I was one and a half; my sister had
just been born in July.
Casey Bazewick, Jr.
And I Quote...
"Public affairs go on pretty much as usual: perpetual chicanery
and rather more personal abuse than there used to be..."
--John Adams
No Delayed Entry Tattoos
I have to agree with L/Cpl Hill. When I was in boot camp
(plt.3054 P. I. July-Oct 1978) we had a guy with a USMC tattoo
and he caught h&ll almost 24/7 because of it. Why? because he
hadn't yet earned the right to wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
If it was that way in 1978 it had to be that was before me.
So Sgt. Grit stop showing tattoo from those not yet entitled to
wear the EGA. If you have to earn the right to put the EGA on
your cover, you sure as h&ll should have to earn the right to
put it on your body forever. Just because you sign up as delayed
entry doesn't mean you'll make it through boot camp and earn the
right to wear the EGA, nor do we know if you ever will. If the
Marine Corps is about anything, it is about tradition and it has
always been tradition the no-one puts on the EGA before they
have earned the right to do so and to be called a Marine.
I respect all young men and women in the delayed entry program
and I wish each and every one of them the best. (I myself was
delayed entry and the only advise my recruiter ever gave me was,
do not get a Marine tattoo until after you graduate boot camp.)
But the fact is that some of you are not going to make it. If it
was easy they would call it the Air Force.
If for whatever reason you don't make it you have to spend a
life time fielding questions about the tattoo and you will have
to either (A.) admit you didn't make it and your wearing a
lifetime reminder that you didn't make it or (B) lie, which will
be discovered in about 4 questions or less by a real Marine.
So thank you for your respect and your desire to join the
greatest fighting force every known to man but don't put the EGA
on in any form until you have earned the right to do so. It's
worth the wait. So what to some of you other "old salts" thing
about it?
J. T. Marvel
Wpns. Co. 2/3
1978-1982
I have to disagree with LCpl Hill about wearing the Eagle, Globe
and Anchor, also known as the Marine Corps Emblem (but only as
the "EGA" by boots and civilians). My wife, whose dad was a
Marine, wears a pin with the emblem & a rose. Marine kids wear
Marine tees. Marines earn the right for their loved ones to wear
the emblem in their honor. And I suppose that goes for tattoos,
though I'm not a big fan. They do not enhance the beauty of
women, IMHO, but are fine in moderation for ugly men.
Robert A. Hall
Cpl, USMC 64-68
Vietnam 67
SSgt USMCR 77-83.
And I Quote...
"The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not
interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in
power. Not wealth or luxury or long life or happiness: only
power, pure power. ... We know that no one ever seizes power
with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means, it
is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to
safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to
establish the dictatorship. The object of persecution is
persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of
power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?"
--George Orwell, "1984"
We have lost another Marine to low life scum. My wife, Sarah,
had met him through his sister who is one of her patients. So
not only was he a former active duty Marine he was also law
enforcement. I am not sure who he was with while on Active Duty.
The Ledger article
My husband, Stanley D. Kirby from Lansing, MI was a Marine in
WW2. Recently I stopped in the local recruiting office in
Grand Rapids, MI to ask for a decal for my "Marine-green"
Escort. There were several Marines there and they asked about
my husband. When I said he had fought on Iwo Jima for the
entire 36 days they were astounded. They had 'never' heard
anything direct from a vet from that combat. I have my
husband's memoirs in printed form, also c.d.'s with another
man's voice, as my husband died in 2004. They are also with the
Library of Congress and Grand Valley State University in MI.
I got a kick out of the young Marines standing there at "parade
rest" (think it's still called that?) so next week I'm going to
stop again and leave a copy of Stan's memoirs. Far better to
read it from someone that fought and survived there instead of
from a history book!
Thanks for listening.
Mrs. Stanley (Janie) Kirby
Saranac MI
p.s. I can still remember his service # 947605
1st Bn, 24th Marines, Fourth Marine Division.!
Semper Fi
And I Quote...
"The people can never willfully betray their own interests; but
they may possibly be betrayed by the representatives of the
people; and the danger will be evidently greater where the whole
legislative trust is lodged in the hands of one body of men,
than where the concurrence of separate and dissimilar bodies is
required in every public act."
--Federalist No. 63
Sgt Grit, Thank you for what you do helping Marines and their
loved ones show their pride and support for our beloved Corps!
I have ordered several things from you for my Cpl. Pj Bartel
that I love so much. He proudly served and fought for our
country during 9/11. I hope maybe some of his old buddies from
his 2nd FMFLANT crew read your newsletters because I hear so
many funny stories about Metzger and Fenzel, and the rest of his
"brothers".
I have attached a couple pictures of his pride filled tattoo in
support of the Corps. I paid for the initial lettering of USMC
for Valentine's day 2008, and this year for his birthday I paid
for and added the EGA outline. It's a beautiful tattoo that
gets lots of looks, both good and bad, but he wears it proudly!
His plans are to fill in the EGA with the Afghanistan veteran
ribbon pattern.
Here is a picture of him just after he finished getting his EGA
added to his tattoo, and another picture with him and MMA
fighter Benji Radach. Had to throw that second picture in there
and give a special "thank you" to the MMA groups out there, they
are all such a loud and supportive group of people for ALL
branches of our military!
And like your bumper sticker says, "be safe, sleep with a
Marine!" I know my Marine is the best home security system a
girl could ask for!
Semper Fi Devil Dogs,
Stephanie Owens
Future Wife to a wonderful Marine!
Sgt Grit, here is a picture of my daughter and her Marine
husband. They married upon his return from his second
deployment.
Semper Fi
David (Beahmo) Beahm
Aco 1st Recon
1979-1983
And I Quote...
"[T]he people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and
indefeasible right to institute government and to reform, alter,
or totally change the same when their protection, safety,
prosperity, and happiness require it."
--Samuel Adams
Sgt Grit
My name is Cpl. Randel Clapper. I served in the US Marine Corps.
From Oct. 1982 to Oct 1986. I was on Okinawa from April 83 to
sep 86. I had a wonderful time serving my great country. I too
believe as L/Cpl G Hill wrote last letter, that you "earn the
right" to have a tattoo that symbolizes your time spent serving
your country. Whether it is an eagle globe and anchor, or a bull
dog, or simply the letters USMC, Or any other branch of service.
I certainly would not get a tattoo depicting me as a
Firefighter, because I am not one, and never have been. If you
did not sign up and serve, you don't get the ink. I love
tattoos, and I for one am extremely happy that more people have
chosen to get inked up. It has become widely accepted, and is
common place. You are not judged as an ex con. Although, I too
am a biker, not a gangsta biker, I ride for the Christian
Motorcycle Association.
But hey, we fought to give others rights of free will, so, who
am I to say, "you can't get that"? This is America, Land of
Opportunity and freedom.
Oooohhhh Rahhhhhhhhh!
Semper Fi.
Randy Clapper
Happy to Turn Corners
In GOD I Trust
I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find
out there isn't, then to live my life as if there is no God and
die to find out there is.
At the beginning part of this year, my husband was deployed, and
I was facing my first deployment and time away from him. During
the deployment you really look around at everything in your life
and see how precious things are. You also come to see how lucky
you are to have the family you do. A lot of my friends and co-
workers do not seem to understand what that feeling of missing a
call from a loved one is like, writing letters every day, and
just the everyday "I miss you's" that are so hard to get through
sometimes.
I knew that I could always count on my family for everything and
anything ---whether it be support or "just because" cards in the
mail box. What I didn't realize is the strong support of the
wives, mothers, girlfriends, and sisters that were in the same
boat I was....no pun-intended. Because I was given the privilege
to become close with so many of them, I found Sgt. Grit. In
finding you, I was able to show off how proud I was of my
Marine, and all the Marines out there, and SHOP! :)
My Aunt is in the chocolate business and when I flipped to the
page of the Marine Emblem chocolate mold, I didn't waste a
minute in ordering it. I gave it to her and she was thrilled. I
kept bugging her asking her when she was going to make them. She
would always respond saying, "for a special occasion."
Few months passed by and we were so happy we all had a safe
homecoming for our loved ones. We flew out of town to see our
family. We had a large dinner party with friends and family
celebrating his safe homecoming. As dinner had finished, desert
was brought to the table. As you probably guessed the beautiful
Marine Emblem truffles were laid out on the plate for everyone
to enjoy.
Thank you for bringing a very happy moment to my family and I
and being there for all of us out there when sometimes you just
don't think you can get through it.
Love & Thanks-
USMC Proud Wife
Oceanside, Ca
And I Quote...
"[O]f those men who have overturned the liberties of republics,
the greatest number have begun their career by paying an
obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and
ending tyrants."
--Alexander Hamilton
After submitting the story of Rope Hole on the APA Ship.
A Former Marine Sgt. Contacted me,
He was one of my Recruits at Parris Island in 1965.
We have talked on the phone since.
If not for your newsletters, this would not have happened.
Thanks again.
N.R. French
M/Sgt USMC /Ret
Thanks, Janet. It is a great story. There is an old line that
you would NEVER call the Chief of Naval Operations, "sailor",
but the Commandant of the Marine Corps is proud to claim the
title, "Marine".
Best regards,
Tom McCourt
A lot of years have gone by since I received my EGA in October
1965 (Platoon 365, 3rd Battalion, Parris Island). I suggested
to my wife that we take a road trip and attend a graduation this
summer. We didn't know any of the graduates but I just wanted to
see one again. We arrived at Parris Island on Thursday
afternoon, September 3rd and got to tour the base a little. My
first quest was to find my original barracks at Disneyland (3rd
Battalion). Boy, did that bring back memories & tears.
It seems that a lot has changed over the years: the cattle cars
have been replaced by buses, the wooden barracks of the 1st &
2nd Battalions have been replaced by brick structures like
Disneyland, and the MCX is a full "department" store. I also
don't recall that the base was as open to the public as it is
today.
On Friday AM we attended the Morning Colors at Barrow Hall.
Afterwards we proceeded over to Peatross Parade Deck for the
ceremony. There were 9 platoons graduating including 2 platoons
of women Marines. I must say that the entire affair was a moving
experience. You could almost smell the pride coming from each of
the graduates. Our hearts and prayers go out to each and every
one of those exceptional young men and women. They are now among
the best. God speed & Semper Fi.
Ed Fallon, Sgt. 1965 - 1971
And I Quote...
"No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be
easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is
preserved. On the Contrary, when People are universally
ignorant, and debauched in their Manners, they will sink under
their own weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders."
--Samuel Adams
Semper Fi in 65 & until the day I die! And so all that come up behind me knows we all are proud that we served our country as
a Marine/cpl.Burke
This is just one of many service monuments that line the "WALK of HONOR".
The "Reflective Fountain" was donated by the Blue Star Mothers
to the Gold Star Mothers of New Hampshire.
All the services have their Monuments on the Red Brick Walkway,
including the Merchant Marines.
The Korean War Monument is visited each year by a contingent
from South Korea who join with US Veterans to pay respect for
their sacrifice.
Thanks Don for the E-mail. He is buried here in New Hampshire
at the NH Veterans' Cemetery as are a few other un-claimed
service members from the different services. It came to light
that these military persons had been cremated and sitting at
different funeral Homes unclaimed As the NH Veteran Cemetery is
fairly new they were asked if they could be interned there and
of course the rest is History.
Many of NH VSOs banded together to provide the proper service
ceremony. I can truly say it's a place of Beauty and serenity.
Attached are some of the pictures taken at this Ceremony. The
Military Order of the Purple Heart and the POW/MIA Chapt. were
responsible for this huge turnout. Those surviving relatives of
the MIA/POW were presented a Glass candle with the Relative's
name etched in Gold (Donated by the Gold Star Mother's Chapt.)
You may pass on any information you deem necessary.
Sincerely
Joe Shea
Marine Corps League NH
VA/VS Officer MCL NH
Legislation Officer MCL
And I Quote...
"I want the people of America to be able to work less for the
government and more for themselves. I want them to have the
rewards of their own industry. This is the chief meaning of
freedom. Until we can reestablish a condition under which the
earnings of the people can be kept by the people, we are bound
to suffer a very severe and distinct curtailment of our
liberty."
--President Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933)
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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