DI Inspiration

Sgt. Grit, I can’t necessarily think of one action or one saying that my three DI’s said to me to motivate or inspire me, because they inspired me every day. I was obviously intimidated by them, and yet I admired them because they set the standard for the Marine that we were trying to become. To me they represented every Marine in the Corps. However, what does inspire me the most when I think of them is the military bearing that they maintained throughout the entire three months on the island. Through the heat, the humidity and mental strain on their own person and having to deal with 70+ knuckleheads each and every day, they held firm to the standard of being a United States Marine. I know there were a few turds in my platoon and some that might have even washed out once they got into the FMF, but when you consider the overall success rate and the emotional strain those guys went through (even the unmarried DI’s), it just amazes me that day in and day out they delivered their best to us. I won’t ever forget them – they helped to shape me into the Marine and the man that I am today. Thank You SSgt. Krause, Sgt. Ishmail and Sgt. Mazenko. Mike Kunkel, Platoon 2063 Cpl 0331, Lima 3/8 Weapons Platoon 81-85