Passing of a WWII Marine
Dear Sgt. Grit,
This is the second letter to you. I wrote about my two sons serving in the Marine Corps at the same time this past summer. Well one is out and my youngest is at Camp Lejeune. We were able to visit with him in January but it was a bittersweet visit. His grandfather, my father, passed away on January 25, the same morning my son, Johnny returned from his MEU. He was on the USS Gunston Hall. His brother Jerry contacted the Red Cross and they were able to get the message to the proper authority. He was allowed a ten day emergency leave. My father was a Sgt. in the Marine Corps during WWII. I miss my dad very much, but I do know he was so proud that his grandsons became Marines and I am too. They were both in uniform at his funeral and I couldn’t have been more proud.
All you young Marines out there, be very proud of the service you do for this great country of ours. There will always be people who look down on you but nothing can take away your pride. I am so proud to be the daughter of a Marine and a mom of two Marines. Semper Fi all of you and God bless you.
Jean in Schenectady, NY
Mom of LCpl Johnny T. Rockenstire and his veteran brother Cpl Jerry J. Rockenstire
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