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Dear Sgt. Grit;
I recently went to a funeral of a friend of our family, Our
friend served in the US Navy during WW II and Korea, I dressed
up in my dress blues to pay my respects at his lay out. After
waiting an hour to pay my respects and talk to his family, my
father and I left the funeral parlor and headed to my truck.
While walking to my truck, a your boy around ten or so came
running out of the funeral parlor and up to us, he then ask me
if he could have my autograph. As my dad smiled, I said to the
young man, that he sure could..He gave me the paper and I wrote
my rank and name on it, and he asked me to make sure I put US
Marine's on it. That night was the best motivation for me. I
love serving in the Corps, but that night put it over the top.
Semper Fi
PFC Don Schuckmann
Asking My Dad
I served from 79 - 83. I grew up during Viet Nam and remember
the day, after watching the nightly news and viewing the body
count, asking my Dad "Am I going to have to go to that?" He
had a rare and serious look of concern, one I had never seen
before, and just replied "I don't know". I was 13 at the time
and it 1971. The war lasted another 4 years and I remember
watching helicopters leave the American Embassy, people hanging
off, and then the birds being pushed into the sea. Later I
watched as Marines were taken hostage in Iran. And our military,
and America had lost so much respect in the world they flaunted
it in our faces until we voted in a President that they truly
feared. Then we went to Beirut, and some of my buddies got blown
up in a building there. And we left. Some Marines went to San
Salvador to train and repel communism, some fat-a$$ed
politicians didn't want to commit funds and keep America's
honorable name, and forced a USMC Colonel to try to keep honor
and fund the fight in another way. They brought him before their
committee and tried to dishonor him and the President he was
sworn to protect. Then some Rangers went to Somalia and again
because some politician didn't want to commit funds, 18 Rangers
died. Then some men with clubs lined the shore on a small island
in the Caribbean called Haiti. They beat there clubs on the
ground and hurled insults to the U.S. troops on the ships off-
shore. Clinton sent them home. We went to Iraq, and in days
defeated a dictator who threatened the Mother of All Wars. Now
we're back in Iraq. We have provided the makings of a Democracy
in a land of Monarchies and governments ran by religious
zealots. The people there PROUDLY hold up purple fingers. For
the first time they can vote in a real election where as
individuals they make a difference in the shaping of their own
country. We have Marines, Soldiers, and Seaman who believe their
mission will prevail and they will make a difference if allowed
to remain to do so. And yet we still have to tolerate some of
our own county's leaders stand before television camera's for
air time, to proclaim "We must pullout now". People - History
shows us that if we make promises to another country, we must
stand by it to the end. If we do not, we lose the honor and
integrity that is vital to our own personal freedoms and
security. How can we pullout of this major engagement and birth
of a nation, leave them to the insurgency, and expect to EVER be
taken at our word in the future? We are ALL Americans. Some of
us who are a little luckier are American Marines and Former
Marines. But as Americans it is in the interest of national
security to remain true to the cause until Iraq stands on their
own. Just think what the citizens of Iran and neighboring Arab
states will think on that day - Freedom and Democracy could be
theirs as well. And by God, stay the cause for those Marines and
Soldiers who have fallen in Afghanistan and Iraq. So that their
loss will be won in victory of a lasting democracy.
Thanks, Gary Cagle, Sgt USMC 79-83
Capt. John Paul Jones
Sgt Grit:
After 155 years of standing watch over the crypt of Capt. John
Paul Jones at the U. S. Naval Academy, the Marine Corps has been
relieved of duty. They have been replaced by Navy sentries. A
sad day. The reason?...The Marines were withdrawn to fight the
war in Iraq. Par for the course. Countless outstanding Marine
Corps officers have graduated from the Naval Academy. I only
hope this is a temporary reassignment until the mess in Iraq is
secured. I'm sure the spirit of Capt. John Paul Jones feels the
same way. God bless our Corps and our brave young warriors in
harms way for the cause of Freedom.
Semper Fi,
Fred Arnold
former Capt. USMC
Family Point Of View
Oorah, Marines! Responding to HM3 De La Cruz, this is what my
little brother, a SSgt in our beloved Corps, told me when he and
I had a discussion concerning my thoughts on having been an
active duty Marine and not having been deployed to Iraq or
Afghanistan; You received an honorable discharge, the Marine
Corps saw fit to have you serve stateside as an MP, you did that
to the best of your ability, there is nothing for you to feel
guilty about. I understand how you feel, I was in a baseline
unit at 29Palms, when the 1st Mardiv deployed to Iraq in '03, a
couple of my Marines were transferred to victory units, I was
fapped to PMO. From a family point of view, I had 3 children at
the time, now have 4, I was lucky, from a Marine's point of
view, I was cheated. I feel guilty about being home with my
family, holidays are the worst. But our Brother's and Sister's
are not forgotten from our celebrations, this year at Christmas
we started a new tradition for our family, the place setting at
the head of the table sits empty, with a dress blue cover on the
plate, to honor those that are not at home and especially those
that will not be coming home.
Semper Fidelis,
Wallace III, Charles L.
Cpl, USMC, 00-04
Simple Yet Bold
Sgt. Grit,
I have to tell you that the points and derby covers, along with
the Marine's flag I bought for my 'former' Marine's Harley for
Christmas all look GREAT on his bike! He just had the dealership
install the covers this week while it was in for service. I find
myself going out to the garage and smiling at how good they
look. Harley Davidson now puts out a collection of Marine items
also but I preferred the simple yet bold statement your covers
conveyed. No fancy colors or fine print that you can't see from
a distance. The black EGA on the chrome background stands out
for all to see. I only wish there were more items to choose
from. I have searched for a gas cap, horn cover and even an air
cleaner cover but can't find anything that is as nice as these
covers from Sgt. Grit. I will definitely come back to purchase
again from your online catalog as the flags on his bike get
pretty grimy from road dirt. I always like to have a set of
clean flags for him to put on - both the Marines flag and the
American flag.
Thanks so much!! Love your newsletters, we wouldn't miss them
for the world!
D. Kent
Phoenix, Arizona
An Hoa
Hi Sgt,
A while back you emailed me about my An Hoa project and my forth
coming interactive CD on The history of the USMC at An Hoa . I
should have the 1st test CDs ready by this spring and I will
send you one to evaluate. Once this Part One CD is out (
1966-67) I will be getting information together for part two
which will cover 1968-69 and part three that covers 1970-71 I
was wondering if I could put a post it on your newsletter about
the project and that I am now looking for stories and photos
about An Hoa and its surrounding AO for these years to put into
the Scuttle Butt and Gallery section of the CD.
Kind Regards
Alan
alan @ graphicbikeart.com
Became My Family
HM2 Barry "Doc" Stevens wrote down some thoughts that must ring
a bell with most Corpsmen. The only change I would make would be
right at the end:
"Corpsman Up," I must answer the call
as I have dedicated myself to do
But, THEY BECAME MY FAMILY,
and it destroyed me to lose them.
For all the courageous Marines past and present.
Keep up the good fight
for Freedom is worth fighting for.
HM1 Steven Byars
"E" Co., 2/1 1965-
All His Men
Hello from Kosovo! Finally got settled in and we are
operational. Our departing task force is in the process of
exiting and very happy to get out of here. Lots of things going
on NOT making the news. I can fill you in later.
Reading this, I wanted to tell you about my experience at
Landstuhl. I was there for only three days and I had to return
to Hohenfels because of medical coverage. Long story but we take
care of the troops.
When I was at LRMC, I was in the Emergency Department. I was on
duty the day the Marines arrived from Iraq. These Marines were
the survivors of the IED attack following their awards ceremony.
They think it was an inside job because they were in a secure
area. Anyway, when the bus arrives with the incoming wounded, we
would go out and load them on stretchers, wheelchairs, etc. and
bring them into Intensive Care. They were less than 24 hours
from the attack and had received buddy care and BAS treatment,
that kind of stuff. Their wounds were extensive and fresh. One
Marine, a non-com, young, MAYBE 22 years, had lost his right arm
just below the elbow and still had a field dressing covering it.
He was supervising the unloading of his troops. HIS troops, I
know you understand. He would not go into the hospital until he
knew all his men were taken care of. When I walked up to him, he
turned in my direction and snapped a solid salute at me, with
half an arm. I told him, "Son, you don't have to do that now."
He responded to me, with his troops in sight, "Yes Sir, I do!'
That's leadership!
Robert Lefler, Maj. AN
EMT OIC
Submitted by: Judge Gary L. Lumpkin
U.S. Marines Birthplace Memorial, Tun Tavern
7 January 2006
Dear fellow Marines:
This letter is to inform you and your group about the U.S.
Marines Birthplace Memorial. We are going to build in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania near the original location of Tun
Tavern which is in Penn's Landing, by the Delaware River. As you
know Tun Tavern is the original and official birthplace of the
USMC, 10 November 1775.
Included in this letter is our web site address for you to
review and pass on to the other members of your group. We are
hoping to get Marines like you from all over the world to get
involved, help, and donate to the Memorial. Please pass this
letter on to other Marines and add our web page link to yours.
Please contact me through the web site anytime with your
comments, questions and ideas. Thank you.
www.USMarinesBirthplace.com
Semper Fi,
Michael L. Emerson
Memorial Originator and Project Manager
CAC /CAP UNIT
SEMPER Fi DALE, CAC /CAP UNIT
There was very few of us I was in one of the first unit's they
came out with, we had to wear a little blue badge on our chest
that said we were pricks (cac in Vietnamese) they finally
changed it to cap unit I was with Cap lima 5 67-68 we were
south of chu lai by the Mei Lai villages, we were finally all
split up because there was a high price on all our heads i was a
cpl. an our corpsman carried a 60 (finally transferred to the
seals) i would like to get back in touch with some of the people
who was put out for bait 13 marines an a corpsman in a
controlled village or by it.
cpl patrick owens
cap lima 5
65-68
i joined in 65 to 69
PRT-PFT
Sgt. Grit,
I just came upon several mentions of the PFT in one of your
August newsletters. (As you can see, I am "way behind" in
reading my newsletters. That comes from being a high school
English teacher in Texas. I'm taking advantage of the
Christmas/New Year holidays to catch up.) Anyway, it appears
from the different recollections that there must have been a
variety of PFT's. Actually, I believe some people are confusing
two different physical tests taken back in the 1960's and -70's.
The Physical Readiness Test (PRT) was run in full combat gear
and consisted of: (1) step-ups (with a one-minute time limit);
(2) 20-foot knotted rope climb; (3) from the prone position, get
up and run 40 yards to pick up and carry back another marine in
a fireman's carry, taking your M-14 with you; (4) 100-yard "fire
and maneuver", beginning with a 25-yard low crawl, then get up
and run 75 yards, hitting the deck and assuming the firing
position three times along the way, and jumping an 8-foot ditch
at the end of the course; (5) three-mile "forced march" with a
time limit.
The Physical Fitness Test was sometimes run in shorts and
sneakers, other times run in utilities. During my "thirteen
years for pay purposes" in our Corps, the requirements changed,
but generally consisted of pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups and a
three-mile run. By the time I did my last PFT in '75, we were
required to do more than the minimum in at least one of the
events, or we failed the entire test.
I signed aboard as a PLC candidate in '63, took my two six-weeks
summer training sessions during July-August of that year and in
'65, then reported to The Basic School as a brand new "butter
bar" in Basic Class 4-66 (Foxtrot Company) in March 1966 after
graduating from college. I took several PFT's and PRT's: at
Quantico (OCS and TBS), and then later, at my last active duty
station (H&S Bn, FMFLant in Norfolk, VA), from January 1968 to
June, 1969, not to mention six years as a reservist with the
Corpus Christi, TX. unit (two recon companies--Charlie and Delta
4th Recon, combined and redesignated as Charlie 1/23 around '73)
from '69 to '75.
However, I feel that I successfully completed the only "Physical
Fitness/Readiness Test" that mattered to me by returning from a
tour in Vietnam with all parts intact and only the holes that
God made. Half of my tour was as artillery forward observer for
Lima 3/7. (Usually the first call after "Corpsman up!" was
"Art'y up!") My parent unit from December '66 until August '67
was India Battery 3/11. I was transferred to 3rd 8-Inch
Howitzers for the last four-and-a-half months of my tour.
Tom Downey
Once a captain, USMCR; always a Marine
'63-'76; Vietnam Dec '66 - Dec '67
1st.8 inch Howitzer Battery (Viet Nam) Reunion
Sgt.Grit and Staff,
Please post the following reunion ;
1st.8 inch Howitzer Battery (Viet Nam) Reunion
July 8th. and 9th. 2006
Bob and Cheryl Biggs house
6711 Nathaniel Dr.
Shreve , Ohio. 44676
Contact :Bob Biggs:(330) 567-2152
Greg Ladesich (949) 249-3525
GLadesich @ aol.com
Thank you and Semper Fi,
Greg Ladesich
Never Gets Mentioned
Somehow there's one D.I. who never gets mentioned nor praised.
Yet, he deserves the highest praise and acknowledgement. Given
only a few hours a day for twelve weeks, he is responsible for
converting a bunch of soft, pudgy, waxed-floor loving swabbies
in to something the Marine Corps can abide, something that can
survive the Corps. Field Medical Service School, a batch of
wise-assed young Corpsman, and a poor Marine. Ripped from the
heart of his Corps and forced to work with a bunch of primadona
sailors, these men are never really thanked for their efforts.
Well, Sgt. Bermudes, I hope you see this, and hear the depth of
my "THANK YOU!!!". If it hadn't been for you, I would never had
made it.
Thanks,
Steve Byars, HM1/USN
Field Medical Service School, 1964-65
Cleanliness Of My Urine
Sgt Grit
Happy New Year to all of you Marines, Corpsmen, and other Sailors
in the Corps (gummers mates and RP's). Special thanks from one
of the "protected" to all the warriors currently on Active Duty.
I DO sleep better at night knowing you are out there willing and
ready to do violence on my behalf.
I want to thank the Marines who have sent in letters lauding
their "Doc's" and the letters of support from the Marines to the
Doc's who didn't face combat.
For those HM's who didn't serve with the FMF---combat or no, you
missed out on the experience of a lifetime. It didn't always
feel like it then, in my day there was no FMF badge, and the
ribbon had just been introduced before my discharge. But I
never felt like I needed it. My reward was the gratitude of my
Marines. I still hear from a few of them, and I am in the
process of looking a few others up.
Marines in my BN didn't necessarily accept you immediately. In
my time (83-84) you had to show you "knew your stuff" before the
Marines would warm up to you much. But once you showed your
talents, the respect and friendship is a special feeling, one
you won't find serving the Navy in any other capacity.
I had orders to a ship in Charleston. After my CO and I
disagreed on the cleanliness of my urine, he called DC,
cancelled my orders and had the detailer send me to FMF, with
instructions for me to be put into the infantry---"to teach me a
lesson" in his words.
Going from a frocked E-6 to probably the senior HM3 in the Navy
at age 24 (7.5 years active) wasn't easy--from Division to Reg.
to BN Chief, the Navy Hierarchy reminded me that I was
"overweight, and a drug abuser". Once I was detailed to B 1/2,
all that evaporated. My 1st Shirt and Co GySgt (also my platoon
Sgt) and my 2nd Lt. got me in an office and told me they had
read my record, and knew that I would do fine. 6 months and 68
pounds lighter later, I agreed with them.
My "lesson" turned out to be the most significant experience of
my life. Spending time with my Marines taught me the ideals the
Corps holds dear, and changed my outlook on my life and my
Country.
I think I can speak for all the "Docs" who had the honor to work
with the Corps when I say I was proud to serve. Drop into a
USMC recruiting station sometime and tell them you were with the
Corps. I assure you of a seat, some coffee and some good sea
stories.
6 years after my discharge another 1/2 Doc helped get me hired
as a Deputy Sheriff for Norfolk, Va where I served for 6 years
until my wife Retired USN. My shift LT was a retired 1st Shirt,
and the Major was a retired Sgt Major--They just told me to
remember what I had learned in the Corps and I would do fine.
And again, I Did!!!
May God continue to bless the Corps, and our Marines
Hank Kaczmarek B Co 1/2
Corpsman of Marines.
2nd ROK Brigade
Just after Christmas, 1966, I volunteered to go to the 2nd ROK
Brigade, (Korean Marines), to teach them how to use some of our
equipment. (You remember, the army got the stuff first and then
we got it and then we sent our old stuff to our allies.) So, on
Jan 1, 1966, I and two other guys from Chu Lai trucked down to
the ROK brigade HQ. We were quartered with the ANGLICO's while
there. We were supposed to be there for 2 weeks and ended up
staying for 3 months. I have several interesting stories but
will stay with just a couple.
Very first day we got there the Americans in the compound (only
a couple dozen with about 600 Koreans) were all nervous. It
turns out the Korean Brigadier had taken out his pistol and
threatened to shoot the US Navy officer present because the air
strikes were too close to his men. I did not see this, but one
of the ANGLICO's told me later that everyone had taken their
safeties off and were worried about a shootout at the OK corral.
The next day I was getting ready to get into the chow line
(Kimchee and rice, breakfast, lunch and dinner) when I saw a ROK
master sgt walk up behind a guy in the chow line. All this guy
had done was giggle at something someone else said. That Msgt
proceeded to beat this man with his swagger stick. When the ROK
corpsman came the poor guy on the ground was a bloody mess. No
one else twitched a muscle in the chow line after that. On the
other hand, I did not have to worry, I went to the front all
the time. And here is why:
The second night that I was with the Koreans I helped make apple
turnovers. I wish I were better with names and wish I could
remember the bakers name. We called him Frank, short for
Frankenstein because he had these lines in his face that made it
look like he had a face transplant. He was one of the guys who
had volunteered to show the ROKs how to use the equipment we
were sending to them. Frank was by far the best field baker I
ever saw. He could make stuff that melted in your mouth. And of
course I wanted as much as I could get because eating the
Kimchee and rice was not my favorite thing. So that night we
made 600 apple turnovers, one for each of the men in the
compound. The Korean general got word of it and sent a dozen ROK
MP's to snatch 200 of them. Frank and I were livid but there was
not much we could do about it. The next day though, Frank and I
were called to the generals hut where he handed us two ROK camo
outfits. Franks' had colonel insignia on the collar and mine had
lieutenants. Almost everyone in the camp had to salute Frank
from that time on. I got my share of salutes also. And at the
end of the two week period, and we were supposed to go back to
Chu Lai, the general said not a chance. So we stayed for three
months. A number of interesting things happened during that
stay. Will save for another time.
Steve Eslin, USMCR
Pvt to 1st Lt, 1966-1978 (with 4 years out for college)
Hangs On The Wall
Sgt. Grit.
I rarely read the notes in your E-mails, skimming them at most.
Noticed one, the boot from PI and the "pogey bait." I was a DI
at MCRD, with Then Staff Sergeant Clinton A. Puckett in 1950,
later to become Sergeant Major of The Marine Corps. Now dead,
his picture hangs on the wall to my right. Was with him when he
got the Navy Cross in Korea my FIRST tour there....
Puckett went to Korea, I went to SF, later in 1951 to 1st
Engineer Btn., Korea. Read another on "Chesty's last regimental
command." I was there also, the story of the "new" Mickey mouse
cold weather boots WAS true, I got frostbite wearing them, no
one passed the word.
Chesty saved my bacon at Camp Pendleton, Cousin of General
George S. Patton, Chesty loved his men, we went to Korea
together also, I one of his Platoon Sgts. Bless him.
Semper Fi:
J.C. Lettow
Pen Pal Dad
On Oct 20, 2005 I was reading my Sgt Grit's American Courage
Newsletter #108, when I found a letter from a very determined
young lady named April Cheek. (You can read her letter at the
link , it's about the 10th letter in the newsletter).
Anyhow, I was genuinely touched by her determination and I
wanted to let her know that, so I decided to write her. I only
knew her first and last name from the newspaper, so I looked up
the female recruit schedule and found that female recruits
arriving Oct 10th would be in Papa Company. I sent my letter of
support and promised her I would be her 'pen pal dad'.....
Read the rest of this story.....
On The Other Side
...HEY HEY HEY!!! Sgt.Grit.....
well, Here I am once again, on the other side of things!..YOu
may or may not remember me but I wrote back sometime ago saying
that I was a young woman aspiring to become a United States
Marine....well, I DID IT! My name is April Cheek....I graduated
boot camp at MCRD Parris Island on January6,2006.....WHAT an
AWESOME Feeling to know that I now belong to an elite
brotherhood, and that I am One of the Fewer the Prouder..Female
Marines! ....I just want to say a very quick thank you to all of
those who helped me stay motivated throughout training, and to
those who allowed me not to give up on myself! ......
OOORAH!, Semper Fi~ Pvt April R Cheek..USMC
Least Of Your Troubles
Tim McMahon:
You inquired about SSgt F. J. Moser. I was on Parris Island Sept
- Nov. 65- Pl Plt. 286. My Senior DI was also SSgt. F. J. Moser
assisted by Sgt D. W. Jarrell and Sgt. Carroll Eggbert. Sgt.
Eggbert received his own Platoon and left 286. He was replaced
by a short wiry red haired Corporal. I cannot remember his
name. When SSgt. Moser walked you knew the land under that shoe
was his! Plt.. 286 was composed of 6 or 7 Regular Marine
Recruits, rest of us were 6 month Air Wing Reserves from Boston,
New York City and Minnesota. In a short period of time SSgt.
Moser and his assistants had us in "his program" 286 was the
high scoring Plt. on the Rifle range and the Honor Platoon at
Graduation. SSgt. Moser was the no nonsense leader - the most
feared words were, when we were out, and he would put his face
close to yours - with his black eyes looking through you -
saying in a even tone "See me when we get back"! You knew the
least of your troubles were the 100 bend and thrusts and/or
pushups back in the squad bay. Sgt. Jarrell was the enforcer no
one messed around when he was in charge. The Corporal - I will
remember his name as soon as I send this - was squared away and
tough but he would smile and crack jokes once in a while.
Looking back it appears that SSgt. Moser and Sgt. Jarrell would
push us to the edge, then SSgt. Moser would allow the Corporal
to lighten our load a bit. It was never easy . I do not know if
that was the plan for all training on Parris Island at that time
or SSgt. Moser's personnel method, but it worked. By the end of
training they had us squared away. They worked together and made
us all Marines.
A Marine I know, who was one of the last Embassy Guards in
Saigon, told me SSgt. Moser was in Marine Intelligence during
Viet Nam. Mike had run into him over there but did not have any
details.
I was assigned to Hmm 766, NAS Twin Cities from Mar. 65 until
the Squadron was transferred to Detroit in 1970.I believe HMM
766 was the last Squadron in the Marine Corps to fly the H-34
Helicopter
Semper Fi!
Sgt. Chan Zuber, HMM 766
I Can't Stop
BACK in 1954, Stationed at 8TH & I Marine barracks on the
Silent Drill Team, we were called to protect President
Eisenhower for his weekend at the camp with his wife Mamie.
A sergeant took two of us in and old Ford station wagon to check
out a bridge on the route to Camp David. It was a small bridge
and we got out of the vehicle to check be sure the bridge was
safe. The Marine I was with told me that he really had to pee
and he proceeded to do his duty over the bridge. I had been to
Camp David once before, and told him to hurry because I knew
that the Secret Service really drove fast in the Mercury's they
used.
Well as he was doing his duty, I looked up and noticed the
Secret Service were closing in on us. I hollered to my buddy,
"HERE THEY COME!" He replied, "I CAN'T STOP!" We were standing
side by side and not knowing what to do I fell back on my Marine
instinct, faced the road and came to the position of presented
arms. I was laughing so hard that tears running down my checks,
and here he is peeing away and he still could not stop. I was at
present-arms and he was at short-arms.
I thought we were going to jail as soon as we were picked-up and
taken back to the barracks. Nothing was ever said about the
incident but my buddy and I have never forgotten it.
Semper Fi,
Bob Turner
1952-55
Different Walk About Them
Hey, Grit..been reading this newsletter for a number of years.
Love every issue..thanks for what you are doing and the forum
you provide.
My unit was in Iraq for OIF II-2. We were there for Christmas
2004...Here's a letter our Company CO sent to us this year..now
that the shootin' and bombin' are just memories..Here are his
words..
"In ones military career, there are those few moments that embed
in memory far deeper than most others. They are the ones you
tell in a smoky bar to those around you while cupping a favored
drink.
On the 25th of December, 2004....I woke as I normally did, to
the sounds of my room mates banging and moving around as they
readied themselves for the day. I stood, grabbed my pants, shirt
and boots, put them on and looked around a moment. In the hall
way outside my door I could hear people talking, directives and
commands announced along with the sounds of bags being drug down
the hall. I looked out my door to see the SgtMaj and Bn CO. Both
had their "war gear" on. With a different walk about them, I
caught sight of them as they hurriedly moved & turned the corner
of the hallway and made their way down the stairs. The Sgt Major
was carrying a box I believe.
Anyway, I withdrew back inside my room to continue the process
of readying myself for the days missions and activities. My room
had a balcony and the door to it was open. It was a nasty, wet &
cold day but not the worse we had see by then. I heard the
slamming of doors and engines starting along with the sounds of
men yelling commands or information. This caught my attention so
I walked outside onto the balcony to see what was going on.
I looked down towards the ground below me to fix my eyes on
the SgtMaj and LtCol just as they entered their vehicle. Other
vehicles were in line with them and young men stood ready on top
of those vehicles. Floors and balcony's below me, other young
men leaned out to yell words of encouragement or parting
messages. Then Santa Claus with a M-16 rifle came walking
around the corner towards the vehicles.
Yes, I know it was Santa cause he had a red stocking cap with
little white dingle berry on it, a red coat with white fur
lining, black belt, red pants and boots...though I believe the
boots were tan in color. He had a big, big sack over his
shoulder (which I assumed held goodies for the kids). However,
strapped to Santa was a three-point sling connected to a M16A2
black military assault rifle.
Santa went off towards a vehicle, pushed his sack of goodies
into that vehicle, with some minor difficulty, then he jumped
into his vehicle and disappeared behind the door as it closed.
On queue, the line of vehicles drove away into the distant
landscape, over a ridge and out of sight.
In a world thousands of miles from home, a world of wet, cold
misery, Santa came to Iraq to take care of the troops. We
required everyone in Iraq to have a weapon with them at all
times. This so applied for Santa as well.
I never saw Santa again that day with his M-16. I probably
never will again, but I'll never forget that sight, that good
memory of the "Santa Claws Patrol."
Merry Christmas everyone."
SSgt Z..
The Good Life
About 25 years ago, I saw a painting that touched a place in me
that I thought I had sufficiently protected. It was at the
Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. I don't remember the name
of the artist, but I will always remember his work. The painting
was a depiction of a cowboy, rough cut, sunburned, grizzled, a
man with the bark still on him, clad in a yellow rain poncho and
an old dirty cowboy hat. The rain poured down as he sat to eat a
hard-earned meal. As he bent his head down to take the first
bite, the rain water which had pooled on the brim of his hat
funneled down into his tin plate of beans. The work was titled
"The Good Life".
I knew what the artist meant as soon as I saw the title. I
identified with the old cowboy, and knew him immediately. I
didn't have to know his name, or where he was from, or his
politics, or anything else about him to know that he understands
about The Good Life.
I have met the spirit of this cowboy many times, many places.
The circumstances were different, the clothes were different,
the names were different, but the eyes... The eyes were the
same. The guys who understand The Good Life come in all shapes,
sizes, colors, and ages. But their eyes... Their eyes tell the
story.
Their eyes reflect the cold miserable rain and the fetid, sticky
mud. They tell about the oppressive heat and the dust that
sticks to their sweat. Their eyes speak about the flies and
mosquitoes and leeches and hookworms and malaria. They describe
the taste of dirty well water and iodine tablets and green Kool-
Aid.
Their eyes tell about cold C-rations and hot Carling's Black
Label beer. They tell about the nights - the nights when it was
so dark. The nights when their imaginations tried to sneak up on
them. The nights when reality exploded all around them. The
nights when they were the Hunter and the Hunted.
But their eyes also reflect the other side of The Good Life.
Their eyes prove that they have been tested and that they passed
the test. They have a confidence, a self-assuredness, a
knowledge that they can handle anything that comes up. They have
been through the fire and came out with a sharp edge.
And these men also have the ability to recognize other men who
know The Good Life. They have the same sense of humor that other
people just don't get. They share the memory of a maniac in a
Smokey Bear who taught them the basics of The Good Life. They
share the memory of Brothers lost, and of Brothers found. They
share the nightmares and the laughter. They share the tears of
crippling sorrow, and the tears of utter joy, and the tears of
spine-tingling pride.
There is no greater honor than to sit in the rain and share a
plate of beans with a group of men who understand The Good Life.
Semper Fidelis
L/cpl Smith, M.D.
CAP 4-3-2 , CAP 2-2-1 , 70
We don't live in freedom. Freedom lives in us.
When Young Pups See
Sgt. Grit:
A few of the items that I received in my last order from your PX
need mentioning. By the way I am totally impressed with the
order to receive time.
Marine Corps cowboy hat: Had to have one to add to my cowboy
hats. The rest of them will now take second row. A really great
cover.
Bagpipe music for USMC ceremonies: Needs a warning label - "Do
not play for the first time while driving or piloting a
vehicle" During parts of it the goose bumps and mood had me
wanting to go Mach 1+. Other parts caused eye problems that
caused slowing down to wipe particles out of the eyes. Now when
one of these idiots pull up alongside of me wanting to share
their "music" with all within a mile. I crank up "Amazing
Grace". What an arrangement of this classic.
Training "pineapple": Amazing when young pups see it sitting on
my bar and exclaim "My God, is that a real hand grenade? (I do
not bother to educate them on the purpose of the blue paint on
the spoon")
Your newsletter has made Thursday my favorite day of the week.
Carry on.
Semper Fi,
Chris Madsen
Captain of Marines , '60 and early 70's
When He Told Me He
Sgt. Grit
I am reading the Newsletter #114 and am just thinking of someone
I met recently. I was at a football game with my grandsons and
had on my 1st Mar. Div. cap and the coat I decorated with items
from your store. A man I had never met came up and asked about
my years of service. We started talking and I discovered he had
joined the Navy after high school and ended up a Corpsman with
1st. Mar. Div. FMF and was sent to Beirut after the bombing of
the Embassy there. He served 8 or so years with the Marines and
a Corpsman and then was discharged. He latter tried to reenlist,
but couldn't for some reason, so he joined the Army as a Medic.
After his tour was up there he got into civilian life, which
worked for him, but he said he was missing something. He has
just rejoined the army Reserves and has volunteered for Iraq. He
will be leaving soon.
Anyway, when he told me he was a corpsman, I said SEMPER-FI
Brother and he just couldn't believe I would consider him a
Marine since he wasn't in combat. I explained to him that ANY
person, and ESPECIALLY a corpsman who served with the Marines
WAS, IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE A MARINE in my book.
This happened about the time you had your special on the Beirut
Marine T-Shirt, so I bought him one. When I presented it to him
he unfolded it and with moisture from the sprinklers in his eye
said "I just can't believe you would do this for a Navy guy".
Well once again I explained to him he was more than just a navy
guy, but would remain a member of the Corps for the rest of his
life.
So if anyone of you "Army Dawgs" are ever treated by "DOC"
Meshlin, please know you are being administered to by one of the
BEST MEDIC'S this country could ever provide.
Thanks for listening.
v
Will Perdue (USMC) Delta & Foxtrot 2-11 (66-68)
He Was Right
The United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island,
South Carolina was a very unpleasant place to spend the summer
in the 1950's. Drill Instructors were somewhat more physical in
their manner of correcting malfunctioning recruits than they are
in the more modern Marine Corps. Nevertheless, by the time I
reached the rifle range (4th week of training if my memory
serves) I was fairly certain that I would live through boot
camp. Before that, none of were sure we would ever walk off that
island. While sitting on a shooting box waiting for my relay to
be called to the line at 500 yards, my M1 Garand (serial #
1959500) between my knees, I was approached by my Senior DI. In
a voice that was not too far removed from that of the sound of
gravel being crunched underfoot, he asked me if I planned to
stay in the Corps. I replied in the negative. My plan was to
serve one hitch and---in my mind---the sooner it was over the
better. He looked down range for a few moments, then turned to
me and said something that was the truest thing I have ever been
told. "Private Flynn, " he said, "You will be a Marine until the
day you die."
I ain't dead yet and he was right.
Semper Fi
Billy Flynn
Corporal of Marines, 1955-59, Kilo/3-6-2
Short Rounds
MasterGunnery Sgt Jones, Chestys body guard in Korea and aid in
the states and friend died the 15 Jan 06.
Sgt. Grit,
I saw this in my local paper yesterday, all proceeds from the
wine go to a great cause, the maker is a Marine. Don't know if
the wine is any good, but you have to like what they are doing.
Put your mouse on Firestone Winery then go to wines, then click
on Jarhead Red.
http://www.shopfirestone.com/store/index.html
Semper Fi,
James Pearson
Just want to echo the thoughts of Cpl. Joe Blanck about the
Christmas 1957 visit to Okinawa by the Bob Hope Show. It was
really really appreciated by those of us living there. I have a
8 x 10 Glossy of Jayne Mansfield taken close up by a Buddy in
Photo and Repo. C. Gibbemeyer, Sgt.
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I want to inform you that James J. Conner 111
Has passed away on Dec.2,2005. It is with great sadness that I
give this news. He was a very loving husband for 43 years. He
was also a very remarkable man.
Sincerely, His wife Rita Conner
Passing hello
to alla youse, young and olde. More than 50 yeers ago since I've
been there and done that. Looking back, still one of the greater
accomplishments in my life. I wish every 17 yeer old kid would
see it that way. Semper Fi.
al chin 1366801
Back Alley Bridge Rules.
http://www.grunt.com/scuttlebutt/corps-stories/vietnam/backalley.asp
Honor, Courage, Commitment
Semper Fi
Do or Die
Semper fi
Welcome home, Job Well Done.
Sgt Grit
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