Parris Island and San Diego BS

WM Platoon 11-A 1965

Sgt. Grit,

Since the guys send in their boot camp platoon graduation pictures, I decided to send in mine. I'm in Row 3, 5th from right. Perhaps some other WMs from Plt.11-A, which graduated 27 Oct.1965, read your newsletters, and may enjoy this.

Several years ago I was able to contact our senior WM DI, Sgt. Janet Kemmerer of Lancaster OH, to thank her. She retired as a Maj.years ago. Maybe there's another WM from 11-A out there who remembers.

Thanks if you decide to put it in your scuttlebutt newsletter!

J. M. Oliver

PVT Garrison

Pvt Garrison, a third generation Marine. He graduated boot camp July 10th 2009. The first generations are Grandfathers (mom) Jessie Perry 47-51 and J.W. Garrison 56-59. I am the second generation Garrison Paul 79-91.

Your Brother and Bond Servant of Jesus Christ Paul Garrison

Third Generation

I enjoyed reading your email. The post about the family that visited Southern Cal in January made me smile. My son graduated boot camp on Jan. 16th of this year and looking at the pictures made me remember that day! :-) We are SO proud of him! He is at his first duty station presently and is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in just a few months. Thanks so much for posting stories about past and present Marines. They're all a part of this forever family we've been thrown into by our son and we are SO proud! :-) (My husband, father and older son were all in the Navy, so this is a change for us!)

Semper Fi!

Wendy Zenor
Proud Mom of PFC Brenton Zenor

Marine Corp GRADUATION @ Parriss Island 6-26-09

My oldest son Mark A. Yenichek II
Graduated 6-26-09 FROM Parris Island.

It rained the day of graduation so it took place in the all weather facility, couldn't get very good pics. Here are pics of the Motivational run and family day.

My # 2 son was so inspired by the Marine experience he enlisted the following week. He will leave for Parriss Island in October.

My oldest son is currently in the School of Infantry. His younger brother is following in his boot prints. They are both going to be 0311s.

My family has a long Naval and Marine Corp tradition. I could swim so I was Navy.

All Arizona Platoon #354 1964

Sgt. Grit

All Arizona Platoon #354's Sgt. J.P. Coen, JDI, in the letters from Robert Adams, Robert Eisenreich, and Charles Hightower in the Newsletters from the summer of 2007 about the movie, "The D.I." bring a knowing grin. Some time amidst the blows of basic training Sgt. Coen made an offer, "When you're a Marine I'll give you a chance to flight me."

True to his word on that final day he asked, "Any of you Marines want to fight me?"

A hand went up fast.The new Marine, barely 5'8" weighing about 135 had been waiting for this promised opportunity. Back when he was first down the plane ramp and smiled for the photographer taking a picture of the All Arizona Platoon he figured Mr. Body Beautiful 1958 (Coen) had it in for him.

Sgt. Coen said, "Meet me over there Marine."

There were a couple of others, but he was first inside waiting.

He knew. Only one good blow was all he would get. He got a firm grip on the back of a chair. When JDI Coen entered, he swung. It wasn't enough. He knew it wouldn't be.

He did walk out under his own power. Amid clamoring from the others to know what happened he answered, "I hit him in the face with a chair. He told me to send you in next."

Ronald E. Bennett, the he in this story, did two tours in Vietnam. His father was a Marine in WWII. His three younger brothers were Marines. His son was a Marine in Desert Storm. He even talked his nephew into becoming a Marine recently back from Iraq.

My husband, Cpl. Ronald E. Bennett, died in a vehicle crash in December of 2008 so the knowing grin at the beginning is mine. I've heard about the Davy Crockett cadence. I have the VHS tape of the movie, "The D.I." and every time we watched it. Ron laughed loudly saying, "That's exactly what basic training was like except we had Sgt. Coen, Mr. Body Beautiful of 1958."

Thanks to all of you for this memory.

I have the 1964 Platoon #354 book including a picture of Sgt. J. P. Coen, JDI . Please email me if I can make a copy of anything from the book rbennet3 [at] tampabay.rr.com Attached is a photo of Platoon # 354.

Karen E. Bennett, wife of Cpl. Ronald E. Bennett
1964 - 1967

Return to MCRD San Diego

Sgt. Grit:

My husband, our son and I visited southern California for our vacation this summer. While there, my husband wanted to take us to MCRD San Diego so we could see where he did his basic training 25 years ago. He has not been on that base since. We picked June 19, a day when there would be a graduation of new Marines. My husband joked when we entered the base that he was starting to sweat and feel nervous! I have to say, having never been to a Marine Corps boot camp graduation, it was an awesome ceremony to witness. (I have attached some photos of that day and a picture of my Marine.) We didn’t know anyone there, we didn’t have any loved ones graduating that day. We just wanted to take some time and cheer on the outstanding accomplishment of the graduates. They all looked so perfect and handsome in their uniforms. We are so proud of them and so thankful for them. My husband certainly knows what they have accomplished, and it will be a part of who they are for the rest of their lives. I was mingling around with some of the graduates in the gift shop after the ceremony and they are so polite and such gentlemen, always saying thank you, excuse me and yes ma’am. To all Marines, thank you for your service.

Allison Hartle

Wife of Lcpl Gregory W. Hartle, 1984-1987

PS. In May, we took a trip to Oklahoma City. Since we were in the area, we had to stop in at Sgt. Grit headquarters and do some shopping!

DI Sgt. Thornton

In response to Sgt.'s Frank Huff & Steve Krupa posts about a DI Sgt. Thornton at MCRD San Diego.  There apparently was more that one DI named Thornton, as I was there June 23, 1973, Plt. 1070 and my Senior DI, was a SSgt. Johnny Thornton. While it's possible he was a Sgt. in 71, I don't know that, but here's a pic of him from my boot camp annual.

Fred Lowery
Sgt. USMC 1973-1976
Engineers 1341/1345

No matter where you go, there you are! "Buckaroo Banzai"

Parris Island 2nd Bt.

I was a Hollywood Marine so this does not mean that much to me...but you PI Marines may feel a bit different.

Old Corps

Attached is a picture that some of your readers may be in if they've made it to thier 80's. Platoon 354,San Diego,1943. One of the Marines is Pvt.Robert Roth,my dad. I graduated from Platoon 366, 20 years later in 1963...SEMPER FI!

Sgt.Ron Roth
63-74

Platoon 1085 MCRD - San Diego

I am writing in regards to a momentous event that occurred this past weekend (11-14 June 2009).

In 1969, an honor platoon graduated from "A" Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD, San Diego. Platoon 1066 Drill Instructors were, SSgt. Guadalupe Gonzalez, Senior Drill Instructor, SSgt. Ed E. Alley, and Sgt. Anthony Leon Gatling. The Honor Man was Private (awarded PFC) Steven Wills. Although awarded the "Honor Platoon" streamer for their guidon, members of this platoon has exemplafied the meaning of honor thoughout their military and civilian careers. One member, Ken Fielder, has been awarded 5 Purple Hearts and the bronze star. Of all the members of this platoon that saw duty in Viet Nam, not one failed to return. This, in itself, is unheard of. The Senior Drill Instructor, SSgt. Gonzalez, however, feeling the call to serve again, returned to Viet Nam, where he was fataly wounded by a booby trap.

In honor of SSgt. Gonzalez and the two remaining Drill Instructors, a reunion was held in Branson Missouri 40 years later, organized by Recruit Platoon 1066 members, William "Tom" Rogers and Robert "Bob" Deal. They were assisted by Tom's wife Michelle, Honor Man, Steve Wills and 1066 platoon member, Mark Tapscott (ret SSgt).

This is the only reunion of it's kind and I hope that you will find it of interest to your readers.

Attached are photographs of the recruit platoon, drill instructors and attendees of the reunion.

Semper Fi

Platoon 1085 MCRD - San Diego

Sgt. Grit,

Recently picked up a group of past Platoon group photos and this one from 1972 was in the mix. Any former members of this Platoon might find it interesting as they all signed the back of the copy that I have.

Semper Fi
Michael Hagins
Turlock, CA
Proud Father of PO3 "Doc Hagins" 1st Marine Division

May 22, 2009 Mcrd Graduation San Diego

My son graduated from Mcrd San Diego on May 22,2009 as Pfc. Castilleja and Meritorious Honors. I can’t think of anything that could make me prouder!

Thank you,
Angel Castilleja

Platoon 2030 graduation and 50th Reunion

Sgt. Grit,

On behalf of myself and the members of graduating Platoon 2030 from Parris Island in 1959, we all say a big thanks to you and your wonderful staff for our succesful 50th reunion on May 7th and 8th /09 in Beaufort S.C. and the great time we had together.

Your contribution was very special , and well received by all members.

The special made T-shirts for the reunion were a big hit. (in photo)

Thanks again & Semper Fi
Dave Shatzer Sgt. E-5 PI - 58/59

Parris Island 1964

Sgt.Grit,

Here's some picture from Platoon 395 at PI circa 1964. Thank You Sgt. Morgan,Corporal Viola,and Corporal French. I hope you guys are well and still with us. Also my Dress Blues picture and one at ITR at Camp Geiger.

"Semper Fi"
Mike
"Death before Dishonor"

Thank you

Thank you for all of the great letters and stories, especially from the "old timers" from WW11. I joined the Corps in 1940 to "see the world"!

I had planned to make a career of it, but after Iwo, with a disability from wounds received, was not able to stay in. I did get in a lot of travel and experience. 1940-43 sea duty on two cruisers in the Pacific and the Battle of the North Atlantic. Nov. 1942 initial landing at Safi, Morocco, N.Africa. 1943 Marine Parachute School Instructor, Camp Lejune. 1944-45 training the 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendelton for Iwo and Japan. Never made it to Japan.

Your Newsletter is as exciting to me today as it was the first time I found it. I am sure the great young Marines all are enjoying it too.

Keep up the good work.
C. A. Rea, GySgt USMC
1940-46

A FACE NO MARINE FORGETS

Hello...

This shot taken at P.I. and worth thousands of words, appeared in a Look Magazine story called "THE MARINE MACHINE" published on August 12, 1969. I sized it so it will fit on your desktop.

Jon Rodgers

Plt. 3137 "Eye" Co. 3rd Battalion RTR San Diego 7-24-69 to 9-30-69.

Before We Shipped To Iwo

Sgt. Grit
here is a platoon picture of my platoon made just before we shipped out to Iwo. sign says 1944, and I am in next to top row, 6th from the left. (see name). I went with 4th division, 24th Marines, Regimental communications.
Ray
24th Marines - 4th Marine Div & FMF, Pac
Iwo Jima survivor WW2

Grad Photos

My son's name is Logan Thompson, Grad Date 11-22-2002, Platoon 2119. Proud Mother of a US Marine, my son is still serving he has done 2 tours to Iraq, and will be leaving to Afghanistan AUG 2009 for a year, I knew that there was something special about him the day he was borm, I am so proud of him. God Bless our soldiers, Semper Fi.

Lanett Malchow

Served 9/9/54 to 9/8/57

Sgt Grit I have enjoyed your web site for a few years now. I thought I would send you a couple of pictures of my boot camp time. From boot camp I went to amtrac school at Camp Delmar at Oceanside. Then to 3rd Mar Div at Camp Gifu in Japan, where I was put into a Anglico plt as a radio operator and forward observer, and we went to Iwo Jima but this was Feb 56 Then the 3rd Mar Div moved to Okinawa in March of that year. When I returned to the states I spent my last 14 months in the PX at Parris Island S. C. Met a bunch great men in the Corps and have been able to find a few of them that I served with. Cpl. Bernie Caldwell. P.S. That was before crossed rifles were on the checron

1962 Boot Camp Photo

Sgt Grit

Here is a photo of our platoon 252. My brother and I are at each end of the third row up.

L/CPL Dale Landon 2008036

Boot Camp Pictures

Well Good Evening...

Thought you might like to see a couple of pictures of 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, "Eye" Company, Platoon 3137 at MCRD San Diego. Formed 7-24-69, First Training Day, 8-4-69, Graduated 9-30-69.

Platoon Commander: SSGT. David L. Noakes (Ret. SGT. MAJOR)
Drill Instructor: SGT. Curtis A. Kauffman
Drill Instructor: SGT. Alfred W. Schultz (we were his first platoon and he loved making us do PT!)

I'm third from left second row from the top. My starting weight was 220 and graduated weighing 180.

The B&W is Schultz making sure we don't pass out after taking shots during the first week of processing.

Semper Fi,
Jon Rodgers

Plt 337 summer 1973

Mr. Henry,

As a Parris Island recruit (Plt 337 summer 1973) and 3rd Battalion Drill Instructor (1976 to 1977), I feel qualified to respond to Mr. Henry's interrogative as to why do PI Marines feel somewhat "badder" than those "Hollywood" Marines. Yes, there are sand fleas and they do bite. But, it is where they bite and what happens if you try and stop them from biting that gives the PI Marine the history and legacy of being a bit more disciplined.

Oh. to relive those beautiful early summer mornings with recruits pouring out of squadbays to form up for PT with shorts and T-shirts. The smell of "Skin-so-Soft" and Cutters permeating the heavy morning air. Here we go:

"Platooooon, AaaatenHut! Dress right Dress! Ready Front! Cover. Now, let the shaking and blowing begin. It is as if the bugs know it's chow time. The little devils know the Hats are just waiting for one little wiggle or one little wave so that "bends and thrust begin" may be shouted. And the target zones are those places that are the most private and tender of unseen places. Up the shorts and in the nose and ears. And there is nothing you can do but wait until you get that most wonderful of next preparatory command of "Right" and command of execution of "Face" when you finally get to move them little buggers off for a second. And at last, the "Double Time Aarch" command is given and away you go singing happily about Suzy rotten @#$$%& and Eskimo *&^%$. So, Mr. Henry, besides the mosquitoes the size of humming birds, rattle snakes in the grass, alligators and sharks in the waters, 100% humidly and the meanest DI's this side of the Mississippi, there is absolutely nothing different or special about PI Marines.

Sgt. DR George
0311/8511/8531

Platoon 361 Sep 1954

Sgt. Grit,

I would like to share with your readers my Boot Camp picture from June 1954 thru September 1954 at MCRD San Diego, California

I was in Platoon 361 and our DI's were S.SGT C.J. EASON, SGT. R.L. PATTON and CPL. S.C. SHOCKLEY.

Just a few observations from reading your great news letter over the past 4 to 5 years.

I don't ever recall seeing yellow foot prints in San Disego. The first time I saw the yellow foot prints was at the opening of the Marine Corps Heritage Museum in Quantico, Va Nov. 10th, 2006

If you haven't visited the Museum in Quantico do so. It will take 2 to 3 days to see it all. Also I would recommend taking in a Boot Graduation. It will make your eyes sweat

We were issued Ike Jackets in 1954 and wore then very often on liberty in Japan.

Finally, we went to Camp Mathews in Sept. 1954, which now I believe is San Diego State University.

Thank you for all you do for all of us Marines, Past, Present and Future and the great items that you have in your catalog

Pfc. R.O Berg, 1472172

60s Marines

Hello Sgt Grit,

Been seeing the items about 60s Marines and thought I'd share my boot platoon pic from 1968.

Thanks for great site and awesome newsletter.

Carl Conkling
68 - 72 and 73 - 75

Platoon 153 San Diego 1951

Sgt. Grit

I sent for a copy of my MCRD San Diego, Platoon picture last year. I had to look at it for a while to realize that it was really me. I'm happy to pass this along to you.

Thank you
Ronald Fallo (Sgt) At the time of discharge in 1968. Did my tour in Nam and got out.

Platoon 153 San Diego 1951

Sgt Grit - After reading so many memories of boot camp in your last newsletter I dug out this photo of my platoon taken spring of 1951 hoping it would spark some interest.

I remember our train backing into MCRD back gate and being welcomed by two mild mannered gentle marines (just kidding here) and my life has never been the same since then. I think we all thought we had got off the train at the wrong place.

SSgt R. L. RINEHART and Sgt J. K. JOHNSON was our DI's----I am 2d from left in second row.

Robert E. Bailey
Capt USMC(Ret)
Lebanon, Missouri

60s Marine

Sgt Grit,

I read that you would like some pictures of 60's Marines . I just received this boot camp picture from my sister didn't even know it existed. I didn't recognize myself at first.

Mike O'Beirne Semper Fi

Middle Linebacker for H&S Battalion at Camp Pendelton

Sgt Grit,

I was assigned to MP Company, Security Battalion, MCB Camp Pendleton and I played offensive center and Middle Linebacker for H&S Battalion at Camp Pendleton

James Wolfe

Boot Camp Graduation

Sgt Grit,

After 29 years I had the oppurtunity to go back to MCRD San Diego to witness a recruit graduation. One of our members (retired gunny) of the Marine Riders of Las Vegas,has a son who was graduating in December of 2008. I contacted the President of our club and we set up a ride down to Diego. We had about 27 members attend the graduation. We were escorted on to MCRD and seated in the reviewing section with the Commanding General of MCRD. What an awesome feeling it was to see those young Marines and remembering back 29 years ago when I was in their shoes. This was the third trip our riding club has made to MCRD, and I was honored to have had the oppurtunity to attend. If any of you Marines out there get the oppurtunity to attend a graduation, take it! As the old saying goes Once A Marine Always A Marine. I would also like to extend an invite to any of you Marines out there passing through the Las Vegas area to stop by and see us at the Leatherneck Club,you won't be diappointed. For any rders out there look us up at marineriders.us


Semper Fi,
Scot A. Motl
Ssgt Jan 80- Dec 92

36 Years Ago Today. Dec 21, 1972

I marched across the main side parade deck at Parris Island with the rest of Platoon 3005, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion and graduated a Marine. A day and an experience I'll never forget.

Me and my parents on graduation day in the photo.

Take care and God bless,
Semper Fidelis,
Chris

Reunion of Platoon 151 vintage 1962

Sgt. Grit, we want to let you know of our recent reunion of Platoon 151, vintage 1962, to encourage others of that vintage to do the same. Following stellar instruction from SSgt. W. E. Dillsaver, Sgt. W. H. Murphy, Sgt J. L. Gartside and Cpl. R. A. Snogles, Parris Island Platoon 151 graduated on September 25, 1962. Forty Six years later, on October 25, 2008 we celebrated our First Reunion just outside Quantico, Virginia attended by twenty platoon members including 1St.Sgt Jan Gartside and 1St.Sgt. Ronald Snoggles. The photo below shows most of the members attending and positions 5 & 6 on the front Row are 1st. Sgts. Gartside and Snoggles. The Internet served us well in locating over half of our platoon and we'll locate additional Marines prior to our Second Reunion scheduled for the Fall of 2009 near Parris Island.

We had a wonderful weekend renewing friendships and reliving Parris Island and Fleet experiences with each other and our Drill Instructors. Our Platoon Photo from 1962 is at www.parrisislandmarines.com along with many of the same Resource links we used in our search. It's never too late to find your lost brothers.

Sgt. Phillip Deal 1962-66
Taylors, SC

71st PLT MCRD SD 1943

Hello again Sgt. Grit...

My FIL's platoon pic from 1943. I believe he said it was April of 43. He does not even remember this picture being taken and was quite surprised that I had gotten my hands on it! My son enlisted in April of 03 under DEP and graduated from MCRD SD in 2004 and we received his platoon picture; I inquired of my FIL if he had a platoon picture and he said no, they didn't do that back then. So armed with the Platoon # and the year and his name, I contacted the museum out in SD and they were able to send me this picture... he is in the center row, 3rd from the left - Amos Konop. After boot he went to Okinawa and was in the thick of things in that invasion (my son also went to [a very different] Okinawa after boot camp!). He says he was in the "Air Corp" and worked on airplanes, rigging them to carry bombs. So I am just wondering if anyone else out there has a family member who served during this time and was in the "Air Corp" - would love to hear from you. Amos is now 84 years old and still kickin'!

Happy Veterans Day to all - and THANK YOU for your service!

Candas Konop
Proud MOM & DIL of Marines

44th Platoon US Marine Corps San Diego 1943

Sgt. Grit,

Thanks for putting up the photo of my son "Doc" Hagins on your site. Thought your readers might like to see these photos of my late Uncle David M. Porteur who was with H Co. and landed on Bouganville with the 2nd Raiders in early November 1943.

Mike Hagins
Turlock, CA

Where Did The Time Go

Where did the time go? Only yesterday I was a snot nosed kid, deciding to join the Marines after watching the new TV show Gomer Pyle USMC. Well I did boot in San Diego. Platoon 1065 (honor platoon) 1st btn. Then Pendleton for ITR. Memphis (millington, tn) for electronics. Back to Pendleton, then Da Nang at Mag 11 vmo 2 then back here to the world. Anyway to treat myself I rode my scoot all the way to Camp Pendleton and San Diego, about 1300miles (one way). I had a good time overall, brought back a lot of memories, but as usual things had changed. My old squadron HML 267 was still there. Toured the facility. attended the EGA ceremony at Edson Range (didn't have that when I was in). Then headed south to Diego for a graduation ceremony. Probably best thing was, the D I's were calling me SIR! Donated a graduation yearbook to the base museum, and some photos. Anyway here's a picture of me under the REAL NCIS sign at Pendleton and HMLA 267 Didn't see anything on the walls from my era though.

Semper Fi
Sgt of Marines 68-74 nam 70-71

Boot Camp

Platoon 233 San Diego 1953 one of the worst things happened to me (Pvt. John Daly) during mail call. Our DI Sgt. R. D. Harrington called my name with the dreaded words "get up here". I had to stand on two locker boxes stacked on each other while Sgt. Harrington read the words on the flap of a letter from my girlfriend. "postman, postman, due your duty, rush this letter to my cutie". From that day on I became Pvt. Cutie at roll call and every other event where my name was used. I wrote my girlfriend and told her NEVER put anything on the outside of her envelopes again. I have scanned a picture of Platoon 233 and attached it to this e-mail. We are all in our 70s now and I would like to hear from any members of the platoon that are still alive.

God Bless the Marine Corps.

John Daly, 1412090 proud to be a MARINE

Proud Heritage

Sgt. Grit,

In response to Betsy Gill (September 18), mother of Recruit C.H. Lyman V.
Congratulations - your son has a proud heritage. It seems like once it gets in your blood, it stays.

My Great Uncle, Sgt Major James Bruce Bunch joined the Corps in 1925, and served under Colonel Charles H. Lyman, in the Fourth Regiment, Shanghai, China in 1929. My nephew, Coporal Jeremy Staggs, served with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines in Iraq.

Attached are boot camp pictures for Bruce (1925) Jerry (1980) and a slightly more recent picture of Jeremy.

Jerry Barrett
Sgt 1980-1984

My son's graduation

Dear Sgt Grit;

After my son went to boot camp in May, I spent the next 2 months researching Marines and other related websites on the internet. This is how I found your newsletter. I still have a hard time reading your stories without shedding a tear. There is a special bond between those who have or are currently serving and families of those members.

I attended my son’s graduation last week; the event was something I will remember for a long time. My pride in my son is enormous, as he is now part of this elite group of men and women who have chosen to place the freedom of future generations above their own selfish agendas. While the morals of our country seem to be on a decline, it is refreshing to find there are some who still place value on integrity and professionalism.

After graduation, we drove to FL for some R & R and had a ‘celebratory dinner’ at our clubhouse in Ft. Myers. While dressing for dinner, I asked my son to wear his dress blues. When we arrived, the reception he received was nothing short of amazing!

People came to shake his hand and thank him. We were sent a bottle of champagne from a fellow “Marine brother”, drinks, and an endless stream of well wishers came by to say thank you or other kind words. It was difficult for my son to eat with all the interruptions, but each time he stood up, shook their hands, and spoke with them. These people were strangers, but the common bond they all share in support of those who protect us was heartwarming and touching.

To all of you out there - fighting for those who sit home taking what you do for us for granted – we appreciate your courage and dedication more than you will ever know.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!

Josh’s Mom
2nd Battalion, Golf Co.
Platoon 2054

Old Salts

"Old Salts"?

Don Ehrgott 1385418

Boot Camp 1951

Sgt grit:

my uncle passed away and in his stuff I have found some pictures that I did not think that he or anyone had, and when I found this picture of boot camp I was wondering if there were anyone left out there who might be in the picture or know the people in the picture. if so I would like to talk to anyone who might know my Uncle, his name is William R. Turney, and he might have went by the nickname of Smilling Bill or Wild Bill

Semper Fi
Harold L Ramer

PFC Derrick S. Rahman

Dear Sgt Grit,

I enjoy receiving this newsletter and look forward to it every week. I like to browse all the nice Marine products offered too. My oldest son graduated Parris Island on 4-11-08, and I purchased several products for him as graduation gifts. My youngest son now plans to leave for Parris Island on 11-2-08. We are 2 for 2.....two sons, and both decided to become Marines! I can't begin to describe the amount of pride I feel as a parent.

I will never forget the incredible emotions on Family Day. It is an experience that cannot be put into words. I am thankful that you offer products that display pride in our young men and women in the service, and offer them at a reasonable price. I'm sure I will be placing another order before my youngest son graduates! You have a lot of cool stuff to choose from!

It also helps to read articles from other parents and what they have gone through. Marines truly are a big family......everyone is so supportive and I feel blessed to be a part of it. Thanks again for this free newsletter.

Gratefully yours,
Angie
Proud Marine Mom of PFC Derrick S. Rahman,
And soon-to-be Rct Travis J. Rahman

Corporal Robert M Locke

On May 24th of this year, I had the honor of attending my son's college graduation with a math degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. It had been a long time coming since he had enlisted as a Marine reservist and missed several semesters due to boot camp and training, then a tour in Ramadi, Iraq along with more training that was required before deployment.

He went to Quantico for officer candidate school at the end of his freshman year. Unfortunately, he had injured his leg due to over-training before his arrival and was not able to surmount the rigorous demands that require top physical conditioning before arrival. After some weeks there, the colonel sent him home after a thorough butt-chewing, and threatened to bust him down if he returned with the intention of wasting any more of their time. I guess it takes guts to be a Marine because he returned after junior year with renewed determination and this time he succeeded. I guess altogether, between Parris Island and two visits to Quantico, he has nearly 30 weeks of boot camp under his belt, certainly more than most.

Finally, university graduation date arrived. My son was one of hundreds of graduating seniors, whose plans were announced as part of the ceremony. Some had jobs lined up, others intended to continue with graduate school, still others would begin the search for employment. There was even one young lady who was scheduled to get married on a beach in the Caribbean the following Wednesday. Finally the time came for 6'6" Corporal Robert M Locke to walk across the stage and receive his degree before a heretofore relatively tame audience. The announcer concluded with his introduction by saying, "A few hours from now he will be sworn in as an officer in the United States Marine Corps." The audience instantly erupted in cheers and applause. What a thrilling end to a lot of hard work. And it was a reassuring proof that with all the sour ranting of a predominantly liberal media, the heart and soul of America remains grateful and supportive.

Semper Fidelis
Bob Locke
Marine Dad

My husband in boot camp

OOH RAH!

This is my husband in boot camp. The picture speaks a thousand words of why I am proud of my marine. :)

Ruth Pankey

Member of Platoon 145

While looking for members of Platoon 145, MCRD San Diego, 1962, I found a Dominic V. Bommarito in Casa Grande, AZ that looked promising. Since there was no phone number, I sent a letter.

Monday, May12th, I received a call from his wife. Dominic died in 2007. Cause of death - esophageal cancer.

Dominic's wife told me, until the day he died, he was very proud of his service in the Marine Corps.

Heaven all secure, sir. Another Marine reports for duty.

The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D

3rd Battalion, Mike Company Graduate

Dear Sgt. Grit,

My son just graduated from 3rd Battalion, Mike company two weeks ago at Paris Island, SC. He got 10 days of leave and is now returning to Jacksonville, NC for SOI. he is programmed to ship out to Afganistan after that. Please have all your readers know how proud we are for his service to his country and to keep him in their prayers. God bless the US Marine Corps!

6 June 1963 JFK USMC San Diego

3rd gen of Marines

Dear Sir,

Seeing the picture of Joshua Garcia caught my attention as my son Lee A. Thear, 3rd gen of Marines graduated the same day, Sept. 14, 2007 from Parris Island. He is currently at Camp Lejuene, N.C. with 2/6 infantry. Keep up the great web site, it is as fine as the Corp.

His father, Bruce N. Thear. USMC.

Question

Sgt.Grit I'm writing for the first time. I have two questions to ask. Before the questions I'm sending a picture of my plt. at MCRD San Diago, I'am on the 3rd roll 3rd from the left. I would like too know how too get my year book and picture in dress blues. In the picture is sdi Gysgt. Oakley and di Sgt. Sanchez we were the honor plt. If any of the plt. reads tour newsletter I would like for them to get intouch with at jsearcy07[at]comcast[dot]net. One person I would like to here from is Jim Lucas we went to high together.

Cpl Jimmy Searcy 67-69 Veit Nam 67-68 3/5 Inda Co.

SGT T. T. SHEAF

Photo from U.S. Marine Corps / Parris Island Recruit Depot, SC

1st Recruit Training Regiment - 1st Battalion - 'B' Company - Platoon 111 Jan 22 - April 23 1974

TODD T. SHEAF
DEFENSE SUPPLY CENTER COLUMBUS - FMSA
RESOLUTION SPECIALIST / MARITIME DIVISION
MARINE CORPS MARITIME SUPPLIER OPERATIONS

Marine Corps Pictures

This is a pic of my father (Larry A. Hughes) and myself (Carl A. Hughes). He graduated bootcamp on January 19, 1966. He was in 2nd Battalion, Company K, platoon 2020.

I graduated on November 14, 1997. I was in 3rd Battalion, Kilo company, platoon 3096.

Semper Fi & Oorah.

Another PI graduation Picture (Plt 185)

Graduated PI 16 Nov 1965, I sure hope some of my mates are still around to remember.

Bill Carey Cpl of Marines

Remembering

When I enlisted in March 1972, straight out of high school, I was sent to MCRD, PISC. I was in 2nd Battalion, Plt. 233. We were told our platoon was the first to try out the new 13 week boot camp. This was to include basic and ITR. We did go to Camp Geiger and New River for our training, though. We had two or three different SDI's and several JDI's but the only one I can remember from beginning to end was a short, mean little *&%$#@#$ - Sgt. Lee. He took nothing from anyone - and gave h&ll to all. I don't remember being allowed to have anything that was carbonated until the day before graduation. The strongest thing we had to drink was grape juice. Coming back from chow or class it was nothing to find all the bunks, foot lockers, etc. in a big pile in the middle of the squad bay and being told we had two minutes to get everything back in order and bunk made properly or we would start all over again. After graduating from PI on June 19, 1972, see attached - I was stationed at WERS-27, MWSG-27, 2nd MAW, Cherry Point, NC.

On a different note - could anyone tell me if they, or their fathers, remember being in the attached platoon? It is Plt. 237? or 231? The picture is dated April 1942 and my father, Aubrey "Mac" Hunter, is fourth from the left in the first row. There are signatures on the back, see attached of personnel in his platoon. My father passed away on October 31, 1963 when I was 9 years old. If any one has any information concerning my father I would greatly appreciate it. No one in the family can seem to tell me anything about his time in (everyone on his side of the family is deceased). I have pictures of him standing next to a truck point out a Buy Bonds sign.

Ben Hunter
Technology/Clerical
Adult Education

MCRD 1949 Thansgiving menu

My grandson in currently in the last half of his boot training MCRD in San Diego. I write to him several times a week & scan various photos from my file that interest`s him , which I print on the top of my letter,which he seems to enjoy. .Most are Beattle Baily, Ziggy & others of our family.

My wife was sorting some old family pics & files & which contained the following menu,which was interesting to us & I sent the same to him. We don`t know how it came up to Northern CA & was in such fine shape.I thought you might be interesting in looking at it & we hope to eat there if & when he Graduates in Oct.

I sure enjoy reading your newsletter & am looking forward to purchasing more than the Flag I gave his mother one for her B/D.

A proud PaPa,

Battle Jacket/Ike Jacket

Sgt Grit:

When I was with 1st Pioneer Bn in 1960 and 61, I had a friend who left the Corps and gave me his "Ike Jacket". I also heard it referred to as a Battle Jacket and it could be worn on duty with a duty belt which was more comfortable than the regular blouse. It was no longer authorized for wear in town. I am including a picture of this jacket for those who never saw one. It was a shame to see it go and some of the attempts to come up with a suitable replacement have failed miserably - in my opinion.

Semper Fi,

Jim McDonald
CWO4 USMCR RETIRED
1958-1966 & 1975-1998
Newark, CA
"That [state] which separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards, and its fighting by fools." Thucydides, 'The Peloponnesian Wars'

After Shooting The Bull

Dear Sgt. Grit,

I was fortunate enough to attend our son's (Sgt. Clayton T. Anderson) OCS Graduation at Quantico on 17 August 2007. After serving his country with 3 deployments to Iraq with 1/5 Marines, first in the spearhead that toppled Bagdad, second as a squad leader in Fallajuh, and the last tour as a sniper in Ramadi, he was accepted into the MECEP Program and will be commission at graduation next year at Cal State-San Marcus. This past week he graduated # 2 in his battalion, led his company as Company Commander at graduation, and is pictured here receiving the OCS Leadership Award from the keynote speaker, Major Gen. Michael Ennis, Deputy Director for Community Human Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency. A proud Marine dad to say the least, but after shooting the bull with Gen. Ennis, Col. Richard Mancini, OCS Commanding Officer, as well as, many of Clay's fellow graduates, let me say that the leadership of our Marine Corps is in very good hands!

Semper Fi, J. T. Anderson, Cpl. USMC, 71-73

40 Years Later

Sgt Grit,

On July '07, while visiting my wife's relatives in San Diego, I took these pictures of my grandson at the parade field where I had marched during boot camp in July 1966 and graduated in Oct '66 with Plt 1075 (Honor Platoon). Gone are the quonset huts and I was overcome with goosebumps and chills taking the pictures and standing there with him. I was also able to visit with a former Marine (36 years later) at Oxnard CA, whom I last saw in 1971 while we were stationed at MCRD and assigned to the Depot Armory. The trip to San Diego will be one remembered for a long time.

SEMPER FI,

SGT N.T. Delos Reyes (USMC Vet)
MSG, E8, US ARMY (Ret)

Platoon 3082 10-21-83

Sgt Grit,

Here is a nice flashback for me.
Parris Island -- 21 October 1983.
Oh to be so young again. Where do the years go ?
I still remember graduation day with my mother and high school sweetheart (now my wife) waiting for me.

Love your site, keep up the great work.

Cpl. D.E. Smith
83-87
VMA-131 Diamondbacks

PFC Patrick R Miller

Sgt Grit

I would like to introduce a new Marine to you and the rest of our Marine Corps.......

PFC Patrick R Miller - Parris Island SC - April 6,2007

Yes, I am the Grandpa, Doris is the Grandma. We are very proud of him. I heard recently that PFC Miller is on some "real tough duty in K-Bay Hawaii!" Oh well, it's a terrible job but somebody has to do it.

The Ole Gunny
Jerry Miller

MCRD PI Platoon 1001 Graduation February 1965

On the cover of your spring catalog is one (at that time Sgt.) R.S. Sutis. He was one of 4 DI’s I had at MCRD PI Platoon 1001 graduation February 1965. Senior DI was SSgt.A.L. Jachimowicz, Sgt. B.W. Davis was fresh out of DI school, he joined our other DI’s several weeks into our training. We were his first Platoon. Of course they told us we were such screw-ups he was sent there to kick ass and take names. Cpl. York who is not shown in any of our official platoon pictures, but does appear several times in pictures of our training in my platoon 1001 book, was with us from the start. I reported to Parris Island on 10 November 64. Some birthday party… I did make PFC as a squad leader and qualified expert with my M-14, went on to the Air Wing as a helicopter electrician with VMO-1 at New River Air Facilities and then the air station at area 22 Camp Pendleton where I left the active life in the Corp and went home to South Florida and went to college.

Met my wife of 39 years in Jacksonville, NC while she was a senior in Jacksonville High School.

I have some great memories of the Corps and lost a cousin and some friends to Viet Nam.

Semper Fi…Once a Marine Always a Marine.

Ronald P. Petrey Cpl. 1964-1968 2114142 (MOS6615)

Parris Island Memories

Here is my dad, Walter Shown 6/27/23 to 2/2/07 bottom row second from right, Picture was taken on Parris Island November 1940, I always wonder did they know how bad things were in Europe or what was lomming just 12 months from then. And do we know now? Somethings never change. Richard Shown USMC 1979-81 Semper Fi dad.

USMCRD-PI 1962 plus 44 Plt 359 Reunion

For me this incongruous event began with a call at 2145 (9:45 PM) late one August evening three months ago. My 13 year old son answered the phone and after a second commanded me to the phone with a simple; "Dad its for you". I asked who it was and got back "Bob Roberts". Well I did not have a clue who Bob Roberts was but I hauled myself up out of the chair and ambled to the kitchen to pick up the call. After a minute of idle chatter I finally said" "Bob do I know you, because your name is not connecting with me". I like to think at the other end of the line there was a smile, perhaps, and a sense of "Gotcha". The very next question to me was "Where were you 44 years ago?" That was easy: I had just begun boot camp at Parris Island...Platoon 359. I asked if Bob was in my platoon because I was still not picking up on the name. Bob asked "Do you know who your DI's were" Oh sure...S/Sgt Banazek, Sgt Ward and Sgt --OH JESUS--Sgt Roberts !!!

Sure enough, somehow I had been tracked down by one of my DI's 44 years after I left Parris Island. I was stunned!! Sgt Roberts and I spoke for perhaps another 15 minutes or so. A very pleasant and congenial man. It was impossible for me to think of him as anything other than Sgt Roberts and my memory of him as the "heavy" among our triumvirate of DI's. I told him at one point I did not recall that he even had a first name! To me he is still Sgt Roberts.

The circumstance that brought this call about was to tell me, and whoever else we could locate, that plans were in the making for a reunion in Gettysburg PA of Platoon 359 in October, in fact over the very day we had graduated from PI 44 years earlier. Would I be able to get there ? Well I am not given to looks back in time,but this was certainly going to be one event that I would not miss for anything. So I solidly announced I would be there. I was asked to see if I could chase down one other boot too. I was able to do after three days on the Internet and a few blind calls I connected with my best friend from high school--the one I had cajoled into joining the Corps with me those 44 years earlier on the buddy plan--and a good friend who I had not seen in over 25 years and had also lost touch with. Time and distance can do that as we all know,

As it turned out Sgt Roberts and several of the other men from the platoon had located over thirty of us out of a platoon of 82 newly minted Marines. Several of the platoon had died--some I suspect in Viet Nam--but all three DI's were still hale and hardy, as well as some 30 of us from the platoon. A date had been set for our reunion and October 2006 was fast approaching.

October 22nd as myself and my newly found high school buddy approached Gettysburg PA we were very curious to see how this would go after so long. How many would be there, how would be interact, would anyone remember one another. We had lived day and night with these men for over three months--asshole to bellybutton--but did we really know one another?

As we walked into the reunion hotel a large sign announced our encampment (See attached). The front foyer had a cluster of men and women as we walked in and it was clear we had arrived back in time--these were Marines and I certainly felt that I had come home.

Over the next two and half days there was much to enjoy. Some 15 of us had showed up along with, in many cases, wives. All three of our DI's were there: S/Sgt Banazak--later to become Capt Banazak. Sgt Ward (later Lt Ward) and Sgt Roberts. The slop chute opened almost immediately on the 4th deck. It was good to see some had stayed in shape, although many of us were a few pounds north of our fighting weight. King and I made a run to the liquor store and the spirits and good times began in earnest. Pictures were taken, stories and memories of Platoon 359 were flowing in abundance. If we were unsure how this would all play out after 44 years it was pretty obvious that these quiet friendships and trusts forged all those years ago had not been degraded by the passage of time. As I think of it, this was really the first time we had to talk with one another without fear of an onslaught of pain and motivation from our own trio of "Gunny Hartman" platoon managers. We all had a terrific time !! We even were able to unmask our legendary and notorious "Phantom crapper". That is one of our most infamous memories from 44 years ago. To long for this piece today but use your imagination and I am sure you'll be able to conjure up a picture of our memory on this.

As this reunion wound down we agreed that we'd do this all again, and soon. As it turned out, "Again" is going to be in April 26th - 29th 2007 at Parris Island, and in conjunction with the annual DI reunion held there each year. The link attached here will provide some additional insight to the plans http://users.aol.com/troutch/index.html

Of course we're anxious to scrub some more platoon members out of hiding for this event and hope that the readers of this newsletter are either members, or know members, of the platoon and will encourage a large turnout. I'll be there with my 13 year old son as I can't think of anything that would be more 'motivating' for him than to be at PI with a large gathering of older Marines and DI's and also to be in the very center of our universe.

What this all means to me is the living expression of "Semper Fidelis"

Phil Mason Cpl USMC

Reunited After 52 Years

Dear Sgt. Grit

This letter is to let every one know how lucky I have been. It all started in November of 1951 when I became a Drill Instructor at Parris Island. I had completed Drill Instructors school and was assigned to the 6th Battalion. At this time there was Eight Battalions for Male Recruits plus One Battalion for Females. Recruits were coming into Parris Island by the hundreds and there was a shortage of Drill Instructors. From time to time a Drill Instructor would get transferred to another Battalion. It was around August or September 1952 that I was transferred to the 2nd Battalion

I worked with Platoons for the remainder of 1952 and into 1953. It was mid 1953 when I became one of the Drill Instructors of Platoon 179 in the 2nd Battalion. It is with Three members of Platoon 179 where my story gets very interesting. I guess in most cases, when a Platoon graduates, the Drill Instructors never expect to hear from or ever see any of them again. That Is what I thought about Platoon 179, but that was not the case. Platoon 179 graduated in August 1953 and all members went on their way to various bases in the Marine Corps. I continued on as a Drill Instructor until September 1954.

Time passed and I retired in February of 1968, never thinking any more about Platoon 179. But, in April 2005 I was surfing the “Korean War Project” Web Site on the Internet and saw a Thread looking for members of Platoon 179 at Parris Island 1953, posted by Mr. Harold Lutz that was a member of Platoon 179. Mr. Lutz indicated that the only Drill Instructor’s name that he could remember was Sgt. Richard M. Hall. That got my attention right away, as that is my name, and I went looking for my Platoon pictures and books. I found the book, but the picture must have been lost over the years. I replied to the thread and ask Mr. Lutz to give me some identifying features of myself, which he did.

At this point in time, Mr. Lutz informed me that two more members of Platoon 179 lived in the same town as he did in Woodstock, Virginia, (Population 2000) Mr. Jim Kibler and Mr. Donald Clem. Since then we have communicated by E-mail and phone calls.

The most interesting thing is, I attended the Drill Instructors Reunion at Parris Island in April 2006, and at the completion of the Reunion I drove up to Virginia to visit with the three members of Platoon 179. That was very touching, to see some one that you haven’t seen in 52 years and knowing that you were one of their Drill Instructors. I spent four most enjoyable days at Woodstock visiting with the three members of Platoon 179.

I thought it was very unusual that three members of the same Platoon, living in the same small town could get in touch with one of their Drill Instructors after 52 years.

Gy. Sgt. Richard M. Hall
USMC Retired
Austin, Texas

India Company 35 years later

On April 6th my twin sons, Louis and Norb, received their Eagle, Globe and Anchor and became United States Marines. The next day they graduated with India Company in Platoon 3071! Aside from their birth, that was the proudest two days of my life.

We traveled from Jacksonville, Florida to attend their graduation and Family Day at MCRD San Diego. Our home is only 3 hours from Parris Island, but they were allowed to go through recruit training in San Diego because the Marine Corps Legacy program. I went through boot camp in Platoon 3056 in San Diego in 1971, coincidentally in the same Company – India!

I was able to find 2 of my old cover emblems and brought them with me to San Diego, along with something very special from an Iwo Jima veteran, Cpl Gene Gustad, affectionately known by the members Sgt Grit web forum as “Poppa Gene”.

I was unable to locate my sons’ SDI Wednesday evening, even with the assistance of the 3d Bn Operations Chief, but I met a Drill Instructor from Lima Company, SSgt Jacobs, who offered to personally find him and deliver the cover emblems. Thursday morning before the emblem ceremony my sons’ SDI told them he had something from their dad and would deliver it at the ceremony. Sure enough, he made them Marines with my old emblems! I could easily see they were mine, as they were ‘salty’ and black finish was rubbed off and the brass shown through! When they were dismissed for base liberty the flood gates of emotion broke loose. I cried tears of joy as I hugged both of them together.

On base liberty we shared a picnic area with a couple families from their platoon had a nice picnic lunch. Afterward my wife and I were able to present them with that very special item from Poppa Gene – volcanic ash ‘sand’ from Iwo Jima!

We were able to meet their SDI, SSgt Good, afterwards visit with him briefly. He said he knew my sons must have been prepared by a Marine and they were a real asset to his platoon. It really made me so proud to hear his words about them and their efforts. We then delivered some of the same volcanic ash ‘sand’ that Poppa Gene had sent specifically for him as well. He was clearly moved. My sons posed for a photo with him, their pride is obvious.

There is so much more to this story like my best friend from Corps, Gus Shirley, who drove from Los Angeles to be there. He has known them from their toddler days and he was beaming with pride. My younger brother, Steve, who followed me in the Corps, we was a very proud uncle that day as well.

At my side in San Diego was my wife of 24 years, Warlie. I was a SSgt when we met and married and she had no experience with becoming a Marine and what boot camp was all about, now she is one proud Marine Mom!

Well, that’s my story. My only sons have followed their father’s foot steps in the same Company in the same recruit depot and became Marines wearing the same emblems I had. A lovely young lady, the daughter we never had, was with all of us the whole journey and now starts her own.

Thank you for your newsletters and web forum, as they have brought real joy to our Marine Corps family.

It doesn’t get any better for this Marine!

Semper Fi and a hearty OORAH!!

Norb Logsdon

Gunnery Sergeant, USMC retired, Proud father of twin Marines and Proud ‘GunnyDad’ to Recruit Stacy

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