Sgt Grit Newsletter - March 16, 2006

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Red Afghan with Flag Raising and Semper Fi - 35% off!

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I saw General Pace on "Meet the Press" today. He is a brilliant and brave man, and he made Tim Russert (host of the program) look like a complete fool. The Marines can be very proud to have a great leader like General Peter Pace during these difficult times.
-- Anson Rohr.

New Chesty Shirts - Only Through March 26!

Remember one of the greatest fighting Marines ever with this special "Good Night Chesty" t-shirt, long-sleeved t-shirt, sweatshirt and hooded-sweatshirt. Only available to order through March 26, 2006.

Marine Corps Covers on Sale

All these Marine Corps Covers (or ball caps for the uninitiated') are 20% off for just a short time.

1998 Harley Davidson Softail Custom

Marine themed custom motorcycle - one of a kind! This Marine Corps themed, 1998 Harley Davidson Softail Custom will be a unique way to show your pride, and have others wishing they were the owners. From the snarling Marine Corps bulldog with campaign cover airbrushed on the gas tanks to the artful images of the flag raising at Iwo Jima, this bike will attract military and civilian admirers.

3rd Annual GriTogether - Coming Up May 13, 2006

Free food, prizes, tattoo contest and more at this year's GriTogether. We hope to see you there!

Pappy

Dear Grit:
This has been brewing in me since I read about UW's decisions regarding Pappy Boyington, particularly UW not wanting to produce a student/alumnus like him.

Many years ago, early 1980's, when my daughter was 4 years old and wanted a slumber party for her birthday. We had a total of 6 kids, both boys and girls.

Had an early morning trip to an air show in our small town planned, so I explained to them who Pappy was, even though they had seen the TV series, because I wanted to make sure they understood what a real hero he was.

So, 0600, 6 kids with gear in tow we started our short trip to the airport.. They wanted their pictures taken with "a real hero" so they kept asking if had the camera.

After we settled in at the spot they chose, put our folding chairs up, we started off to the vendors canopies and tents to find Pappy. In route we ran into a college friend, who got so excited about seeing Pappy in the flesh. We had no problem finding his canopy where he was hawking books and giving autographs. What an unassuming figure he was. There was a long line of men waiting, and our little group. The men started telling us to go ahead of them. Eventually we ended up at the front of the line facing Pappy. Pappy lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw all these little fans. He began conversing with these kids. He looked at me and asked, "Are all these yours?" I responded, that "One was mine all the time but the other 5 were only mine for the weekend."

Pappy's graciousness and genuine give and take conversation made a huge difference in all those kids lives. One went to Annapolis, and became a Marine officer and two enlisted in the Marine corps. They all still have that autograph, and their pictures with him.

As we were returning to our seats, my daughter said, "I am going to marry a Marine when I grow up!"

My friend whined, "I thought he would be good-looking like the guy on TV!" Apparently she was disappointed seeing the REAL Pappy.

My four year old daughter, responded with, "Pappy is way better-looking in person because he is a REAL MARINE. What wrong with you? And he is a REAL HERO Too! Not a actor! Marines are better than other people!"

Of course, my daughter married a Marine.

So, can anyone tell me what is wrong with a man who will stop selling books and spend 30 minutes with 6 kids, asking and answering questions, and inspiring young people to do their best?

Being that we as a nation have a short collective memory, I am not surprised at UW's Student Senates' misguided opinions. Too bad those children do not understand sacrifices made so they can make uninformed and just plain stupid statements.

Maybe I am a bit prejudiced because I grew up in a Marine family, and can trace my families' service back to 1779. Heroes are so real and we see them everyday in or out of uniform. Thank God for Pappy and the good Marines and their families who make sacrifices for us all.

Thanks for letting me spout off,
An aging Patriot

Wouldn't Change A Thing

Sgt Grit,

Through out my time spent in the corps I only did two deployments one was a West Pac in 2002 when I was aboard the USS Denver, my unit was 3rd AABN 1st MARDIV Echo Company 2nd Plt attached to BLT 3/1. We did a lot of training on that deployment but it ended up badly in the end when one of our Marines was killed on Falacha Island near Kuwait, regardless of what anyone one person says I believe he was the first casualty of Operation Enduring Freedom, we returned home about a month after his death to Camp Pendleton and spent two months back in Conus until February 2nd of 2003 when again my unit was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, since we had already been acclimatized from you previous deployment to the middle east, we went straight into training mode when we got there sharpening our skills and keep ourselves in excellent shape. In the Early Morning hours of the 19th of March we were quickly awoken and told get your crap we are heading north. I was a Cpl at the time and the Vehicle Commander of an AAVP7A1, unfortunately there weren't enough RAMRS Vehicles around we were stuck with an older model, well my plt loaded up the company of Grunts (Crunchies as we called them) Golf Company 2/5, I hade 1st Plt Sgt SSGT Sikes riding in one of the hatches and my Driver LCpl Brian Hildebrandt as my driver. On the March 20th we crossed into Iraq unfortunately soon after crossing and about 50 miles into theatre my water pump belt broke because my water pump had seized well regardless to say we had no spare parts to fix it so my vehicle was left with a small squad of grunts any my vehicle crew behind and waited for the maint log train to catch up with us. we were towed to the next objective while trying to fix the water pump. well we caught up and continued on with my amtrack plt on a few missions and a number of fire fights. But nothing could have prepared me for what was to happen next On April 12 of 2003 we set out on a recon mission to search for bridge crossing for the treck north. we were 15 clicks north of Baghdad on the dyaliah river near Tamiryah it was mid morning and my vehicle and my section leaders vehicle were instructed to cross a pontoon bridge and hold off traffic so that the other vehicles in my section could turn around. I was on the left side of the bridge and of course GySgt Svenson and his crew were on the right. Suddenly everything went really quiet, everyone disappeared and I got the call saying keep an eye out things are going to get rough. Fire came from my right flank, GySgt Svenson was trying to get down into his turret but ended up pulling his 9MM pistol and fired a number of rounds at the closing enemy. I positioned my turret to provide cover fire for the other vehicle I had only gotten off a few burst from the 50 cal when my vehicle was struck by 2 rpgs on going into the drivers area and one penetrating into the turret where it impacted sending shrapnel into my legs removing me left calf and scattering metal into the rest of both my legs from the hip down. I was medivacted after about 45 minutes to camp Chesty which is south of Baghdad, then to camp viper, from there to Landstuhl Germany, and finally to Bethesda Maryland in total I spent 4 1/2 months being operated on and waiting to get home. I am not out of the Marines but I still carry very deep feelings for my friends and everyone else that is still serving. I know that I wouldn't change a thing that has happened to me, not one thing. I believe that what we did was right and no one can change my mind. I don't care to much about politics although I do follow it as much as I can, I know that what I see on television isn't all that is happening and that media people prey on stories that will draw attention away from the brave fighting men and women who proudly wear our colors. Semper Fi Marines

Sgt Chad M. Taylor
USMC 1999-2004

MB, Heaven

Sgt. Grit:

When I read about Sgt. Sasiadek in your 2 March newsletter, it brought back a memory. A number of years ago, "Leatherneck" magazine had an article about a retired Marine name Birdger F. Westergarrd (not sure of the spelling) living in California and reported as being one of the oldest living Marines. The story fascinated me and I was able to track down an address for "Birdger the Aged" as I believe he was called. What a delight it would have been to be able to sit down with his and hear his sea stories. Anyway, I was able to correspond with him and sent him my copy of "Leatherneck". Shortly afterwards I learned that he had gotten orders to MB, Heaven and is now, no doubt, NCOIC. What a treasure these older Marines are and anyone who can spend time with them must come away with a little more pride in our Corps. The ones I've had the honor to know stand a little straighter with close-cropped hair and polished shoes and have that drill field growl that will still make you drop your hands to your seams, elbows slightly bent and chin tucked in. I thank God every night for our Marine Corps and shudder at the thought of what this world would be like without the men and women who have earned the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.

R Bell
Mustang Captain, USMCR
1966 - 1972

Marine Thing

Recently I was visiting Naples, Florida with my wife and her cousins. We were just walking down the main street when this to it. She asked me if I would like to take part in a ceremony honoring Vietnam Vets? I said sure but I was in right before Vietnam 58 -62. She said that was okay and asked if I ever folded a flag before and I said I did. So she takes me over to these six or seven guys and introduces me to them, some of them Army and of course some Marines. While I'm shaking hands with some of them, two big arms wrap themselves around me and this fella says you will never guess in a 100 years who this is and he was right. His name was Tom Curran who I grew up with, he went into the Marines in Feb of 58 I went in in August of 58. We hadn't seen each other in 43 years. Some tears were shed and we went and did the flag ceremony. It was a wonderful reunion and of course my wife says to her cousins, (it's a Marine thing) I've gotten used to it over the 39 years we've been together. She is right we never stop being Marines and I'm so proud of the fact that I can say to this day I'm still a Marine. Semper fi to all who serve and served. God bless us! Our heart has always been in the right place.

David A Ravanesi Cpl
(Parris Island 8/58 ) VMF (AW) 115, Atsugi Japan 60- 61

With Sgt. Mike

The cartoon was actually called "With Sgt. Mike", and Sledge was Mike's erstwhile left hand man. I saved several, and the copyright is 1969 by Publishers-Hall Syndicate. I believe, that Sgt. Mike was a real USMC Sgt, who drew the cartoon based on his own USMC and VN experiences. The cartoons only show Sgt. Mike as the artist with no last name given. My favorite was the one where Mike is trying to get past an MP who is guarding a door with three stars on it. Mike has one arm tied behind his back, the MP has one hand on Mike's chest, and caption is the MP saying "I don't care how you think yer haven't fight th' war! Th' general don't see nobody!". I don't remember when the Times stopped publishing the cartoons, but it was about the time Mike would have left the Corps and moved on to other pursuits.

Semper Fi
Tom Gafford
MSGT. Thomas A. Gafford USMC (Ret.)
1946140/0811/0812/0369 RVN 68-69

Reunion

The fmr members of Marine Platoon # 1059 graduates of Sept 1966 MCRD are planning a reunion in the near future.

Please contact Gene Spanos at Watchcmdr1 @ sbcglobal .net or call 708/369-3606.

Semper Fi
Gene Spanos
Sgt. USMC 66/71
Park Ridge, ILL

Mike Company 3/7 Reunion

Mike Company 3/7 is having a reunion in August for all
Marines and Corpsman 65-70 in League City Texas.
Contact Ray "ski" Wodynski at 281-474-7433.

Saltiest Marine

Sgt Grit,
I like to think back on my unfortunately short TOD. I was medically discharged after injuring both of my knees, which left me with just under 18 months in the Corps. After having been out for almost 11 years, I think back about how salty I thought I was back then, and I came across some humorous (at least, to me) stories that go to show how a it can take a Marine to square away the Army. The first thing that comes to mind was when I was at Fort Knox, Kentucky for my MOS, which was 1812 (Basic Tank Crewman). I remember going to the chow hall one weekend, and I happened to come across a couple of Marines, in PT gear, getting their buts reamed out by a full bird Army Colonel for not saluting him. Thinking myself the saltiest Marine in the world (as a LCPL no less), I approached the Colonel, and asked if I could be of any assistance. The Colonel wanted me to go back to the barracks and return with the DNCO, because the Marines (both PFC's), did not salute him. At that point, I simply said, "But Sir, Marines don't salute in PT gear, or civilian attire like the Army does." At that point, the Army Colonel became redder in the face (if it was even possible) and said "DISMISSED". So we then left.

The next story I remember was after I had been out for a few years. I had gotten out from Fort Knox, and had stayed in the area because I had met my wife. At this time I was working for a moving company, and we were moving the new CG for the United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) into his office on Fort Knox. As soon as I saw him, I thought to myself, " I know he's going to ask me to join." Within ten minutes, he asked me why myself and another mover were not in the Army. The other mover mumbled something, then the CG looked at me. At that point, I drew up myself, full of Marine pride and said " Because I was already in the Marines, Sir, and I don't want to lower my standards." Needless to say, the CG didn't talk to me the rest of the time.

Semper Fi, and God Bless all my brother and sister Marines,
former LCPL Delk
1993 - 1995

Blatant Commercial Capitalist Plug

Sgt Grit,

BZ to you and your crew.

I had a problem logging in the other morning after I had been shopping. For some reason my password wouldn't work. So I called the toll free number for assistance. At first I talked to "Kristy" who attempted to help me but could not, so she requested assistance from her supervisor "Laurie". She attempted to duplicate the problem and change the password to another one, which also did not work. Needless to say there was frustration. Laurie stated they would check out the problem and email me with an answer by the end of the day. Lindsay O. had an email waiting for me when I got home from work, with the solution. In the meantime "Kristy" took my order and kept apologizing for the error that couldn't be cleared up right away.

The point of this is to congratulate your team; "Kristy" super personality, spirit and can do attitude, Laurie on her efforts to solve the problem in a timely manner (a mild mannered voice in the background) and Lindsay for solving the problem. Customer service is almost a long lost art, but your team displayed it at its finest and it is great to know that "Customer Service" is alive and well in Oklahoma, powered by Marine technology. Keep up the great work and congratulations to the team.
Semper Fi

William Williams
1960-1970 USMC
1967-1969 Phu Bai RVN
Are we Old Corps yet?

3/11 Reunion, Chu Lai 65-67

hey grits, the 11th marines are having a reunion in washington dc sept 8-9-10 2006. look- up info at ma_reitano @ msn .com. hope to see you there.

i was with 3/11 whiskey btry (4 duces) mortars.

The Point Of This

In the summer of '69 I attended the Marine Corps Summer Camp at PISC. Platoon 3399. Holly wood Marines they called us, because the 3rd. BN Barracks at the time were the only ones brink and Air Conditioned. I will never forget my Drill Instructors, especially my SDI, GySgt Bruce E. Boltze.

Gunny Boltze was satan himself. Mean, hard, tough and breathed fire with every breath. He drove us hard and never let up. Typical of all Marine Drill Instructors. For many years following my 4 1/2 years in The Corps, I reflected on the tough lessons that I learned from that man. In 1997, I, like many as we age, started becoming nostalgic and decided to try and find my former Drill Instructors. I had no luck with Sgt. R.K. Beeman or SSgt. Gutterman. I still sent out many feelers with no luck. One morning I was surprised with a reply from a man who told me that his father was GySgt. Boltze and he gave me his mother's email address. I contacted her, and for many months we shared many emails. To my sadness, GySgt, now CWO3, Bruce Boltze was an observer on an OV-10 Bronco and was shot down in 1972 in the South China Sea. His widow spent many years getting him declared KIA. He finally got his name on The Wall, I have personally rubbed the name and it shares a place of honor in my office. Through her writings, I found out that Gunny Boltze was on his 3rd tour in 'Nam when he died. He had been awarded many honors including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and others that I have forgotten. From all accounts he was a "Marine's Marine". She was quite proud of him. Even sent me clippings from their hometown newspaper where he was recognized.

The point of this is that if you ever feel the desire to look up old Marine friends, do it NOW.

Buddy Search

Don't wait till it is too late. I still have feelers out for others, like SSgt Norman Lundquits and Cpl. David Pollens and others. maybe someday I will get lucky again. You should too,

Jim Wolter Sgt.
USMC 1969-1974

A Marine is a Marine

Hi Sgt Grit,
I'm a proud Marine from WWII , I contacted one Lady Marine, in regard to The slang BAM that's, a no no, Beautiful American Marine is Ok, the ladies are Marines, No nick names.. Of course some wise guys think its funny . best thing to do is laugh ..it off A Marine is a Marine forever. Semper Fi
Cpl United States Marine Corps Women Reserve WWII

Reunion Of The Champ Marines

The 2006 Reunion of the Champ Marines (Marines who served aboard the USS Lake Champlain CV-39/CVA-39/CVS-39, either as MarDet, Marine Air Wing personnel, flag staff, or in transit) will be held in Asheville, NC, 25-29 June, at the Ramada River Ridge Hotel.

For information contact H. Wells "Red" French by phone, (941) 697-1870, or by email, Wellsholm @ aol .com (insert Champ Marines Reunion in Subject space.

Thanks . . .Semper Fi

3rd 8in How Btry (SP) FMF Pac Reunion

September 15th - 16th - 17th, 2006
( Friday - Saturday - Sunday )

Holiday Inn Express
2120 S. Arlington Heights Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 593-9400

Reunion Info

For details Contact - Paul D. Smigowski (Sgt Ski)
51760 Seeburg Dr.
Calumet, MI 49913-9321
(906) 296-0204
Smigp @ up .net

More "Sas"

Memories of "Sas" (Legend of San Diego) Major E. G. Darlington USMC Ret.

I remember him as an old timer when I first came in contact with him in 1948. At the time I was in Guard Company whose Barracks was just bayside from the Depot Headquarters. He was living in a room on the lower floor of the HQ's and did maintenance and upkeep on the HQ. He had a duck that roomed with him and followed him where ever he went. The duck was white and a devoted subject of Sas. Sas was a retired Marine and was affable and kind to us boots who came across him. I remember him very well and hope that he is resting well in Rosecrans National Cemetery which is his just due.

Semper Fidelis, Earl Darlington, Major, USMC Ret.

1st Battalion 4th Marines Association Reunion

August 2 - 6, 2006, Albuquerque, NM
Contact: Johnny Holquin (505) 233-4959
or email YSPE1021 @ cs .com

Then A Few Men

Sgt. Grit,

My name is Paul McCrory, I am currently in DEP and will be shipping to MCRD San Diego in June to begin training, and I had something very interesting happen to me the other day when I was picking up a few things at the store and I thought Id drop you a line to share it with you.

I was waiting in line at the register minding my own business when a guy in front of me started calling me about every vulgar word under the sun, I was completely confused until I realized I was wearing my poolee shirt. I asked him what his problem with me was and he stated that I was stupid for joining any branch much less the Marine Corps, and that the war in Iraq was pointless and was just an excuse for the U.S. and Coalition forces to have "Live Target Practice" on perfectly innocent people. I simply answered that it was his opinion and he had the right to express it, I also told him that he was welcome for people like myself volunteering to protect his freedoms, which did little more than get him going again. Then a few men from another line walked over and addressed him and asked what his problem was and informed him that they were Marines and had returned from Iraq and didn't appreciate him being so rude. He made some comment about me not being in yet to which the Marines answered and I quote: "Sir, this young man before you has decided to join the Marine Corps and that's all we need for him to be family, its more than you have done with your life I'm sure" Needless to say I was surprised, and the man shut up and left the store. My father was in the Corps in Viet Nam, and my brother served in the Marines for four years, so I am extremely proud to carry on the family legacy and am deeply grateful for all the past, present, and future members of the Marine Corps, and the other services for that matter, for what they have done and will continue to do to uphold our countries values and way of life. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Semper Fi!
Paul McCrory

The Second Time

grit,

just a short note about picking up someone else's tab. multiple times when I was on active duty I found my tab to be paid for at the end of dinner etc. twice it was paid for by a former navy "doc" once in concord ca. when this "doc" picked up the bill for 6 of us in blues at the black angus restaurant. it must have been a large bill as we all had ate well and been drinking for several hours. the second time was while I was home on leave, myself and a female friend were in a bar drinking. we were approached by a man who asked if I was a Marine, I replied that I was, he then introduced himself as a Viet Nam "doc" and paid for our evening prior to and after introductions. neither of these "docs" wanted more from us than some chat and to tell us thank you. I appreciated every time someone paid my bill whether they made themselves known to me or not, but these two incidents just proved that the "docs" that took care of us in the field, still want to take care of us years later. my oldest son graduated boot camp in san diego last fall. on the flight home (American Airlines) all the uniformed personnel were given extra food and thanked for there service by the airline. my son is now in 29 stumps 3/4 .here he will truly be trained in the valley of the shadow of death. his life has now come full circle in 18 yrs.

Cpl Mac
1/4 wpns 81's

Seems Different

Semper Fi and good day!
Just saw this week's newsletter and noticed the use of 'Fox' Company and 'Easy' Company. When did the Corps stop using Foxtrot and Echo? Are 'Able' and 'Dog' also used now? Seems different than my era, '67-'71 and Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, etc, etc. Thanks!

Semper Fi!
Herman Bishop
Sgt., USMC, 1967-1971
Adams, Massachusetts

Full Of Hope

Please be careful about not broadcasting specific unit and future deployment information. Our enemies read these news letters too. Operational security is all of our responsibility.

That being said, I want to thank all of you fine Marines (and their families) for serving your country. There is much negative talk about the current generation and worry about the future of our nation. It is my experience, however, that America is in good hands with these youngsters. As a recent retiree and OIF veteran (among others), I am full of hope. The young NCO's, the small unit leaders that are making life and death decisions every day, are really stepping up to the plate. They want the authority, they accept the responsibility, they lead by example with integrity, and they are not afraid. Thank God for the Marine Corps and for those who proudly serve.

MSgt Humphrey
USMC (Ret.)

Heavy Heart

It is with a heavy heart that I report that LCpl Matthew R. Barnes, while serving with 2/6 in Iraq was killed in combat when his Humvee was crashed into with a car loaded with explosives. LCpl Barnes grew up and enlisted in the Corps in West Monroe, Louisiana. LCpl Barnes was a true warrior and was proud to serve his God, Country and Corps.

I had received an email from him on the morning of 2/14/06 (Valentines Day). His emails always started with OOORAH as the subject. I answered his email immediately only to find out later that day that he had been killed in action.

Lance Corporal Barnes received a Hero's burial in his home town with full honors.

As a Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant (63-83, Nam 65-66, recalled to active duty in Feb90 for Desert Storm) I am so very proud of today's Marines like LCpl Barnes, the finest of days gone by are well represented by today's MARINES. The Esprit d' Corps still runs through all who wear the Marine Uniform.

Also a member of Gideon's International, I am proud to say that over 200 Bibles were donated in LCpl Barnes Honor/Memory. Placed in a Hotel/Motel somewhere in the traffic lanes of life, these Bibles have the potential of touching over 400,000 lives, so LCpl Barnes testimony as a Christian Warrior will continue for many years to come.

Sgt Grit, as a fellow Marine of your era, I just want to thank you for your forum for Marines to speak. I use and wear many items from your catalog and look forward to your newsletters (I stop all activity until each one is read to the end).

Semper Fi, GySgt Donald R. Price, USMC Retired

Courtesy Incoming Mortar Fire

Camp LeJeune (2nd Mar. Div) - 1949 - cleaning my BAR - lost it on forward slope of a hill March 2, 1951 courtesy incoming mortar fire. Went over the wall at Inchon Sept. 15, 1950 ... served under Lewis "Chesty" Puller at Hagaru at the reservoir. This aside: just prior to the Inchon landing my fire team leader Cpl Boyer, who had served under Puller in WW2, gathered us one evening in the cafeteria of the ship - says "Well children, it goes this way, the 7th got Litzenberg, the 5th got Murray ... and we got Puller." Noticing the puzzled looks, he tossed in " Puller will enter with a death wish, and will take as many of us with him that he can." At the makeshift airstrip at Hagaru the man would stand in clear view of the nearby hills and scan the area ... maybe not a death wish but surely the fearless warrior he is portrayed as.
George Elsasser - 1949-52 - discharged a buck sergeant.

Not Mere Words

Dear Sgt Grit.

I want to thank you for this forum. I was on active duty from 1972-80. It is good to know that our beloved Marine Corps is in such capable hands today. These young men and women are doing well at up holding our spirit, traditions and love of Corps. Twenty seven years ago on Nov. 10, 1979 I married a young pretty WM who now is a retired 1stSgt. Between my dad, myself and my wife we have nearly 50 years of service to our Marine Corps. I am honored each time I read these wonderful letters from our young brothers and sisters. To say "once a Marine always a Marine" are not mere words. They are from the heart. Semper Fi and a salute to all of you.

Dan Brown
Ssgt

Great Book

Sgt. Grit: Great Book lineup. I can highly recommend Strong Men Armed ; One Bullet Away ; Generation Kill and Shooter. These are all very good reading even for us pre-Nam guys. GySgt Coughlin's book is outstanding as is Nate Fick's. His outfit is part of Evan Wright's book, also very enlightening. Makes "Jarhead" seem more like Jacka$s. Anyway good books, keep it up!

Semper Fi
Dwaine Goodwin
1955382 1960-1964

It's Brevity

As you know there is no such a phenomena as an ex-marine. We've dropped the "W" from, "Women Marines" and though I smile to myself at the old term,(Bams) I never used it except with the in-crowd because of it's brevity, and it made for smiles around, but they were smiles of pride in spite of the attempts to appear macho in front of each other :-)) . I see the term Marine veteran slowly becoming respectable, probably because it's easier, for civilians, and other service-men and women to understand. I, like the multitudes before me, earned the title" Marine ",and I'm just as proud as if it were doctor, lawyer--or take your pick--just don't call me late for dinner ! I enjoy your news-letter, keep up the good work. I grew up in Chicago, joined the reserves (2d ANGLICO), had cold weather-training at Pickerel Meadows. The reason I've found time to bend your (patient) ear is that I have recently found out that I have pneumonia, and as such confined to quarters! I'm presently living in Atlanta GA ,and I've got pneumonia! Go figure. Semper FI, Mack Thank you, and all the wonderful servicemen/women especially the few(er), the proud(est), the MARINES !

Thank you for serving
And God bless us all
Alfred W Williams of Atlanta,GA.

But Only One

I have been meaning to write for quite awhile now but never seem to be able to do it. Being an old Marine, I have always advertised with pride that I was and still am a United States Marine. I continually run into other Marines whom I always greet with a Semper Fi. My wife has resigned to the fact that she is a wife of a proud Marine. One day I was at my sons High School band concert that happened to be near Memorial day. The band teacher turned to the audience and asked that all current and former military to please stand up and state which branch they served. There was about 15 in attendance with several from the Army(doggies), several from the Navy(squids), and a couple of zoomies, but only one Marine, me. When asked about this after the concert I told them that not every could be a Marine. It takes a special person to carry that title... Marine. Another time while I was active, I was at a friend of my Wife's wedding in my dress greens and out of no where the band announced the wedding party that a Marine was in the house and then play the Marine Hymn. I swear I felt the buttons on my blouse pop as my chest swelled with pride. People can't understand the pride I carry in my heart for the Corps. May god watch over our brothers and sisters in harms way. May the come home safe to their families and may the mission they are tasked to complete be a success and not let these war protesters and weak knee politicians make a mockery of what they are there for. Semper Fi

Jim Wheeler
Cpl 77-81 10th Marines

Plain Olive Drab

Sgt. Grit. I served USMC june64-june70..combat RVN apr66- may67...at that time, 'old corps' marines were marines that had herringbone utilities and the old thick wool winter dress 'A'uniforms...some WWII some Korea...my series and platoon 350 San Diego '64 was last series to qualify at Camp Matthews (with m-14's)...and force march back to MCRD. We were first series to have new 'slick tropical wool' dress A uniforms and plain olive drab utilities (even in 'Nam we didn't have jungle utes until '67 along with our jungle boots.) While on leave I went to Glenview Naval Air Station to hit the PX for cigs ..at $1.00 carton.. and the enlisted pogues were saluting me because my uniform looked like the officer dress winter A!)...questions is, am I now 'old corps'? thank you Semper Fi Sgt. Robert Sanders

Short Rounds

I realize that many changes have been made since I was in the Corps. However, there is one that I can't seem to find a replacement for. What has the Corps. replaced the "M-1 Thumb" with? My Drill Instructor told us that every Marine has to get at least one during his tour of duty. I got mine while in Korea 53-54. I shall never forget that moment.
Sgt. Bruce Harrison "52-55"

Since 10 November 1775, the Marines have redefined and expanded the definition of insanity.
Who wants to live forever?
WM. C. GAU III
CPL. USMC, 70 - 75

I found pictures of my outfit and a name of a friend on your web sight. We last saw each other in Aug. 1965. We went to nam together and when I called him it was great. now I'm planning to go see him in April 2006 in Md. I think that would make a good story. Thanks Grit Semper Fi Kenny McCauley (sgt mac)

Appreciation from an Army guy that made a couple of trips to Korea in the 50's. We don't have a Sgt Grit, so I do enjoy reading your mail that a special friend of mine that is a Marine, sends it to me. I am 74 and spent 9 years in the military, I wanted to be a marine, but do to the fact I was born legally blind in one eye, I couldn't BS my way in, but I did the army. All my uncles served during WW2 and I was determined to serve my country also. I was 10 when WW2 started and was well aware of what the Marines were fighting and dying for.

Sleep well America, my Marine has your back!

Failure Is Not An Option!