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OOHRAH!
This is my husband in boot camp. The picture speaks a thousand words of why I am proud of my Marine. :)
Ruth Pankey
I received this email from my sister a while ago. I thought you
would appreciate it.
Sgt.Foye LAAM 1966-70
Hey to my brother the Marine - I must tell you a story that just
happened to me. I was in Shannon airport on May 21st, early
afternoon, waiting for a flight to U.S. As often happens in
Shannon a U.S. Troop Transport plane came in - full of Marines
this time - and off they came. I have seen U.S. Troops there
so often - it is the refueling spot on their trips in and out
of Kuwait. I have been there and seen those young men walk up
to the bar and order a pint and have seen men - U.S. and other
citizens, and women, too, walk over and say - No U.S. solder
pays for a drink here - there are enough of us in this airport
to buy them a pint - and they do. I have rarely seen a soldier
remove money from his pocket. As they get off the plane and
walk in and it happens all the time - the entire waiting room
area in the airport stands up and claps. The first time I saw
it I melted in tears as I clapped - and I have melted again each
time.
Those young men whether coming in from Iraq or wherever
or going to Iraq are always moved and sincerely appreciative of
the support. As I was sitting there watching them I noticed
several of them going up to the Eircom (the Irish version of Ma
Bell) boxes trying to make calls home to the states and I sat
there with our Irish phone with about 25 Euro still left on it
- and so I walked over and handed it to the young Marine and
said - here - call your momma. He looked stunned and then
thanked me and did call his momma. He finished and I checked
the time left on the phone - 23 Euro - I said, just take it and
pass it to your friends til it runs out. Jim and I were sitting
there in tears - but knew that those 25 Euro were well worth the
price to think someone's momma or wife would hear from her son
again. Another man asked what I was doing and Jim told him
and he was an Irish citizen and he whipped out his cell and
handed it to another Marine. By the time our phone ran out of
Euro there were about 15 phones being passed around.
As wewere boarding our flight for the states another troop
transport was unloading and they were Air Force men. They,
too, got the standing ovation and someone started handing them
their cell phones. It was just a very emotional experience
for us and for everyone there. It made me proud, once again,
to be an American to see the reaction of the U. S. Citizens, the
Irish and the many other nationalities there in the airport.
I think the press downplays the support, love and loyalty that
we all feel toward our military.
Becky Kent
Sgt. Grit,
Have some very exciting news. My son, Sgt. Gregory
Clark, has been at Quantico MCB since Nov 2004 and has been with
HMX-1 during that time. His terminal leave starts 4 Aug 2008 and
since he is separating from the Marine Corps and leaving HMX-1
he and quite a few other service members have the privilege of
going to the White House and having a picture taken with
President Bush - in the Oval Office no less. The Marines
lovingly call it the Grip-n-Grin. Each service member is
permitted to invite 1 family member to join them - I GOT TO
GO!
Yep! June 30 the Marines from HMX-1 loaded into a cool
looking bus (had graphics on the side that read America, your
troops support you - United States Marine Corps; how cool is
that) and took the trip up to Washington, D.C. and to the White
House - it was the old "hurry up and wait" all over again. We
were told what we could NOT say to the President and where to
stand and so on. Its been a week and I'm still trying to process
the whole event. It took all of less than 5 minutes once we
were standing next to him. I have never had the privilege of
meeting a President so I didn't know quite what to expect. The
thing that caught my attention was how he commanded your
attention even before you were meeting with him and when you
were standing next to him he called you by your first name and
spoke very comfortably with you. My son had met him before and
kept telling me he was very friendly and now I know what he
meant but still it seemed so surreal. What a privilege to meet
such a great president and have a picture to prove it. I haven't
shared this with many people because I don't think they will
believe me...but I know my Marine family will.
SEMPER FI,
Proud Marine Mom of Sgt. Gregory Clark, Quantico MCB,
HMX-1 - AVI
"National defense is one of the cardinal duties of a statesman."
John Adams
Sgt Grit;
Alexa Mudge's story was great and I know exactly what she is
talking about. It was my honor and privilege to thank a WWII -
Korea - VietNam Veteran for his service; I was humbled to be in
the presence of a true hero. I received my first (and most
remembered) Thank You from my Mother six years after I enlisted.
I think it's unfortunate for Alexa, and any other service
member, veteran, and family member to feel any hatred. In the
time since 9-11 I have experienced the opposite, and a Thank You
from a stranger still surprises me, especially the younger ones.
Alexa should sleep well at night knowing that her husband is
supported, and her job as a Marine wife is also supported. And
above all, I extend my thanks to LCpl Caleb Mudge and Alexa
Mudge for their service to this country. Semper Fi.
GYSGT Jeff Jennings, USMC 1990 - 2001
"Let the American youth never forget, that they possess a noble
inheritance, bought by the toils, and sufferings, and blood of
their ancestors."
Joseph Story
Just read the latest newsletter & blew my stack! I refer to
the letter from Kim, who's friend encountered an idiot in a
parking lot. This a**hole saw her "support our troops" displayed
on her car, then spat near her feet and said "F--- You!" to this
Marine's wife.
I was immediately struck by the fact that this sorry-excuse-of-
a-man approached a woman to express his feelings about our
military protectors. I would bet large sums of money that he has
never (and would never) approach a man the same way.
Our grandson is currently serving and even though I'm an old
man, I certainly would have made the a**hole defend his
position; in one way or another (his choice).
He could have made a terrible mistake if he had not first made
sure no other man was nearby to witness the exchange; or if he
had confronted a female Marine or even my wife. The verbal
tirade could have blown both his eardrums or cleaning him up
after the physical carnage would have gagged a maggot. (She can
take care of herself quite well, thank you!)
Thanks for letting me blow off some steam!
Lee Castell LtCol, USAF, Ret
"From its humble beginnings, America grew to be the example of
freedom and opportunity that it is today. People around the
world suffering under the rule of dictators, despots and tyranny
look toward America for freedom. People yearning for a better
life seek our shores in hopes of the American dream.
Nevertheless, there are still those among us who believe America
is on its way down that America is merely a force of imperialism
and capitalistic greed. "
Pres. Ronald Reagan
This is what I am swimming in for the tri .. it's only 1/4 mile
but wet cammie pants are really freaking heavy. All geared up
for the run back home..
The run for the tri is only 3 miles,
this is what I am doing it in 'cept with boots (which I had to
take a little break from due to blisters ... but still ran the
1/2 mile there and back :) And, yes, I found a swimsuit with
blood stripes and, no, I haven't mastered that "Marine" face yet
(I tried in the last one but just can't get it )
.. but a few more days of running in these freakin BDU's in 90 degree weather
...and I may just get it
Save the date Aug 2nd 0730 Ft Desoto, St Petersburg, Fl (but
I will be finishing around 9:15 ish ).. and spread the word ..
I
am trying to round up as many Marines, Past, Present and Future
as I can to come out, represent and provide some moto for that
last 3 miles in 20 pounds of gear.
Please spread the word to any
recruiters, Marines and former Marines who you might know =
Thanks . I will have put in over 100 hours of training for this,
gone through countless blisters and left quite a bunch of puke
on the sand training for this bad boy... To honor our Marines
(past and present), all of their sacrifices and all that
You/they stand for ... to raise awareness and.. hopefully a
little bit of money.
I will be doing the 1/4 mile swim in cammies, the 10 mile bike
ride in either a 30 pound ruck or an MTV (if I can find one )and
my 12 pound ruck & boots and, the final 3 mile run in BDU's,
boots, helmet & 12 pound ruck.
Compared to what our Heroes
endure every day, this is really nothing but it's all this 40
year old civilian pansy can manage in between sending out 60 -
80 boxes a month to our heroes forward deployed
Semper Fi
Dianne Villano
Support Our Marines, Inc
www.supportourmarinesinc.org
"Years and years of history books have taught us that America was
shaped by the great deeds of great men and women. It was not.
America was shaped by the great deeds of ordinary men and women.
America always has been better than its government, that its
people have always been more decent than their presidents, and
that the strength and greatness of this nation lies in them, the
men and women who are not great and who never will be. "
Roger Simon
The recent airing of the first episode of HBO's 'Generation Kill'
has generated numerous inquiries regarding Marine Corps support of
the series. The Marine Corps DID NOT provide any official support
to the filmmakers. The series is based on the book by the same
title by Evan Wright, a former Rolling Stone magazine reporter who
was embedded with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion at the start of
Operation Iraqi Freedom. While there are certainly aspects of the
film that are accurate, it is at its heart a commercial production.
It's raw and has elements that are very much out of synch with the
core values our nation rightly expects of its Marines. Viewed as a
whole, in my estimation, it does not accurately portray the honor
and professionalism of our Corps of Marines.
Semper Fidelis,
Major David Romley
Director, Community Relations
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps
3000 Pentagon Rm 4A532
Washington, DC 20350-3000
Winning Isn't News
By INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Monday,
July 07, 2008 4:20 PM PT
Iraq: What would happen if the U.S. won a war but the media
didn't tell the American public? Apparently, we have to rely on
a British newspaper for the news that we've defeated the last
remnants of al-Qaida in Iraq.
---------------------------------------------------------------
London's Sunday Times called it "the culmination of one of the
most spectacular victories of the war on terror." A terrorist
force that once numbered more than 12,000, with strongholds in
the west and central regions of Iraq, has over two years been
reduced to a mere 1,200 fighters, backed against the wall in the
northern city of Mosul.
The destruction of al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) is one of the most
unlikely and unforeseen events in the long history of American
warfare. We can thank President Bush's surge strategy, in which
he bucked both Republican and Democratic leaders in Washington
by increasing our forces there instead of surrendering.
We can also thank the leadership of the new general he placed in
charge there, David Petraeus, who may be the foremost expert in
the world on counter-insurgency warfare. And we can thank those
serving in our military in Iraq who engaged local Iraqi tribal
leaders and convinced them America was their friend and AQI
their enemy.
Al-Qaida's loss of the hearts and minds of ordinary Iraqis began
in Anbar Province, which had been written off as a basket case,
and spread out from there.
Now, in Operation Lion's Roar the Iraqi army and the U.S. 3rd
Armored Cavalry Regiment is destroying the fraction of
terrorists who are left. More than 1,000 AQI operatives have
already been apprehended.
Sunday Times reporter Marie Colvin, traveling with Iraqi forces
in Mosul, found little AQI presence even in bullet-ridden
residential areas that were once insurgency strongholds, and
reported that the terrorists have lost control of its Mosul
urban base, with what is left of the organization having fled
south into the countryside.
Meanwhile, the State Department reports that Iraqi Prime
Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government has achieved
"satisfactory" progress on 15 of the 18 political benchmarks - a
big change for the better from a year ago.
Things are going so well that Maliki has even for the first time
floated the idea of a timetable for withdrawal of American
forces. He did so while visiting the United Arab Emirates, which
over the weekend announced that it was forgiving almost $7
billion of debt owed by Baghdad - an impressive vote of
confidence from a fellow Arab state in the future of a free
Iraq.
But where are the headlines and the front-page stories about all
this good news? As the Media Research Center pointed out last
week, "the CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News and CNN's Anderson
Cooper 360 were silent Tuesday night about the benchmarks" that
signaled political progress.
The war in Iraq has been turned around 180 degrees both
militarily and politically because the president stuck to his
guns. Yet apart from IBD, Fox News Channel and parts of the
foreign press, the media don't seem to consider this historic
event a big story.
"Those who would trade our freedom for the soup kitchen of the
welfare state have told us that they have a utopian solution of
peace without victory. They call their policy ‘accommodation.'
And they say if we only avoid any direct confrontation with the
enemy, he will forget his evil ways and learn to love us. All
who oppose them are indicted as warmongers. They say we offer
simple answers to complex problems. Well, perhaps there is a
simple answer-not an easy one, but a simple one-if you and I
have the courage to tell our elected officials that we want our
national policy based upon what we know in our hearts is morally
right...
[E]very lesson in history tells us that the greater
risk lies in appeasement, and this is the specter our well-
meaning friends refuse to face."
Ronald Reagan
Sgt. Grit,
Is this where you e-mail stories? Well anyways, I'll
start by saying that I absolutely love your newsletter. It is
what gets me through the stress of long nights and not knowing
where my Marines are. I am a good friend to several Marines. I
consider them my family, my heart, and my inspiration. They are
indeed the best men that I know, they are Marines.
I met most of the Marines that I care for so much at high
school. They were two years older than me, but going to a small
school, everyone becomes friends. Before they left for basic
they fashionably sported their Marine Corps shirts, one claiming
that waiting for basic training was like waiting for Christmas.
While these young men were in basic training, I wrote them a
letter for every single day that they were away from home.
The very day that they came home, I took one of them to my high
school homecoming which happened to be an anchors away theme.
They told me that bringing a Marine was a little over board.
Anyways, to get to the point. I love these young men more than
anything in the world. They are more strong minded and have the
biggest hearts than anyone I know.
They have inspired me.
I have always known that I wanted to serve my country. It was
just the question of what branch I would join. After seeing the
change in these young men, there is only one choice. I will be
in the United States Marine Corps.
When I sat my parents down and told them my decision they cried.
Then they screamed. Then they just refused to talk to me. Now I
hear why not the Navy, Air force, or Army? Why the Marine Corps?
My response was why? Why Navy, Air force, or Army? I WILL be a
Marine.
Then they went through a cycle where they wanted to kill my
recruiter... they are quite crazy...But you can't blame them,
not only am I their daughter, I am their only child.
They say that the Corps is no place for a young lady. The men
will be mean to me. I'm not tough enough. I'll hate it. I'll be
miserable.
I say I'll be a Marine.
A Marine once said, " The army, airforce, and navy do what we
do. We just do it better."
God Bless Every Marine Out there.
Old, Current, and Soon to be.
You are all amazing.
A Marines best friend, little sister, granddaughter.
A Soon To Be Young Lady Marine!
Recently I took my son to visit a couple of colleges in
California. While waiting for my return flight at LAX I was
wandering around the gate area, I had on my VietNam Veteran hat
with EGA (naturally) which came from Sgt. Grit. I was
approached by a young man. He extended his hand to shake mine
and said, "I just wanted to thank you. I am active duty army
and appreciate what you VietNam Vets did and say that because of
the way you guys were treated, we are treated a lot better.
Thank you."
I thanked him and told him that was a lot better reception than
I had received the last time I was at LAX when coming home from
the Nam. Maybe our treatment did help the servicemen and women
today. I also thanked him for his service and told him to be
proud.
Art Proper
Sgt.
"We live in an age of science and of abounding accumulation of
material things. These did not create our Declaration. Our
Declaration created them. The things of the spirit come first.
Unless we cling to that, all our material prosperity,
overwhelming though it may appear, will turn to a barren sceptre
in our grasp. If we are to maintain the great heritage which has
been bequeathed to us, we must be like-minded as the fathers who
created it."
Calvin Coolidge
"I was that which others did not want to be, I went where others
feared to go and did what others failed to do, I asked nothing
from those that gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the
thought of eternal loneliness should I fail, I have cried,
pained and hoped; but most of all I have lived times others
would say are best forgotten. At least every day I can be proud
of what I was and will ALWAYS be...A United States Marine!"
Once a Marine, Always a Marine
To the letter by Frank D. Briceno.
Don't put down any member of a HONOR GUARD for they are out
there doing a great job. I'm a member of a honor guard and very
proud of it. each member feel that we are doing what is right
for the decease vet. you should put on a uniform then you could
be proud of yourself and the ones standing there with you. I had
the honor to serve with the Marines and now the honor to serve
with USMCL HONOR GUARD. We do at least two funerals a week.
HM3 J. TIMMS and a Marine at heart .
"How could a readiness for war in time of peace be safely
prohibited, unless we could prohibit, in like manner, the
preparations and establishments of every hostile nation?"
James Madison
This is in regard to Kim Hempe's letter...my husband is also in
Habbaynia and I have stickers and magnets all over the back of
my vehicles supporting him and all of our troops. I have NEVER
had anyone say anything negative to me. (As a matter of fact,
I've gotten out of a few speeding tickets because of them! My
heart felt thanks to the Illinois AND Indiana State Police!) My
suggestion would be to check your state's laws regarding
carrying a concealed weapon! If your state won't let
you...move to my state! I'm pretty sure it's legal to at least
wound someone who spits at you because you're patriotic! If it
isn't legal...it should be! At the very least, take a self
defense course. I'm pretty sure any good cop is going to agree
that that guy deserved the a$s whoopin that you gave him!
Karen S. Smith
Proud wife of GySgt Smith
True heroes are those who are able to do what needs to be done
when it needs to be done regardless of the circumstances.
Dear SGT Grit,
My boyfriend is currently deployed to Africa. They have been
through a lot while being there, with the passing of a Marine on
Easter, to the war that has broke out in the southern part of
Djibouti. I want to thank all the Marines who are there. They
have done so much for this country and I wish that the people in
this century would treat these guys just as they treated the
guys in WWII! It breaks my heart to hear the awful things that
are said about our military these days. I know a lot of the guys
volunteer to go overseas to protect the people who bad mouth
them. I just want to thank every man and every woman who has
ever been overseas!
Proud Girlfriend of CPL Massey 8th PSC Briana
"It's one thing to fight a war and lose it. It's quite another
to willingly surrender without a struggle."
Cal Thomas
Outstanding website about Iraq.
http://www.michaelyon-online.com/
A Path Slowly Down
Our Story about Vascular Dementia
CHAPTER ONE
THE SALUTE
JULY, The Year 2005
We stand transfixed as Captain Melvin C. Dodson, USMC, Ret.
struggles to rise. This is slow motion up close and personal.
Eventually his slight, wasted frame becomes as erect as
possible. Deliberately but with much effort, his right hand
inches its way up to that Marine Corps officer's dress cap,
meticulously positioned on the beautiful white hair of his now
balding head. Those long, handsome fingers linger at the brim,
as though savoring every second.
Then comes the capstone-the snappy release. The crowd breaks
into applause. Captain Dodson has just participated in what is
perhaps his last 'moment in the sun.' It is a stirring
'goodbye' to his admirers, medical personnel and residents of
Pebblebrook Convalescent Center.
He has just been presented a prize in the wheelchair decorating
contest for the Fourth of July celebration parade. We have
'marched' up and down and around the halls of his final
residence with flag waving. The 'crowd' claps, yells and
cheers. It is a good celebration to commemorate an almost 85-
year walk/march/shuffle/roll down the path of life.
Early this particular morning, I hurry into Pebblebrook
Convalescent Home where my husband resides. It is preparation
day. The halls are cheerfully decorated for the big occasion.
The parade will start at 1:30 PM. Everyone is involved. Anyone
who can get out of bed is either a participant or a spectator.
I burst into Mel's room explaining that we must hurry to the
dining room where the wheelchairs are being decorated. This is
not just a parade; there will be prizes given for the best
decorated wheelchair!
I asked him earlier if he wanted to be involved in this parade.
'I have to be,' he explains. 'I have been voted in as the
president of the Residents' Council. I'll be in the lead.'
Well, that settles that.
Down the hall and around the corner we speed. As we burst into
the room, we see several wheelchairs lined up. Crepe paper is
everywhere. Since Mel has his own private decorator (me), we are
all set. The atmosphere is festive. Joyfully we decorate the
'president's' chair with red, white and blue crepe paper,
balloon and flags. After lunch, I will bring his white Marine
Corps cap and a bright red sweat shirt decorated with stars,
flags, and a U.S.A. eagle perched in the middle. If Mel is going
to lead, he needs to look the part.
Susan-the animated, caring and very able Activities Director-
greets us. She has the exceptional talent of making each
resident feel important. I asked her if Mel has understood
correctly-that as president he is to be in the lead. No. Mel
has misunderstood. Yes, he would be first, but first behind the
king and queen of the festivities. Of course! Everyone has to
make way for the king and queen. So Captain Dodson will be
third in the parade.
As it turns out, the queen didn't want to be in the parade. I
guess kingly powers had no power over the queen! Therefore,
Captain Melvin C. Dodson and his consort (his wife) would be
second in line. That's good. Almost as good as first!
When I return in the afternoon, I'm not concerned about running
a little late. We have already decorated his chair for the big
event. I bring his cap, and the festively decorated shirt; all
I have to do is put them on him. Running into his room, I find
him sitting in his undecorated wheelchair. He has stripped off
the crepe paper, ripped the balloon from the handle and let it
soar to the ceiling. He is in the throes of a lengthy narration
to his new tech. She is even sitting down-like an audience.
(He probably ordered her to do so.) I warn her not to believe
most of what he tells her. Who knows what he has said! I hope
not the 'second date story' about when I supposedly invited him
into my apartment to stay all night with me! (Not!)
'Why did you tear all the decorations off your chair, Mel? We've
got to be in the parade in fifteen minutes.' It's not a question
so much as an irritable reprimand. Jodi, have you forgotten
the man has a memory problem? He probably thought the parade was
over and he was doing what he does best-cleaning up and
organizing.
He is not happy with my interruption of his memoirs; he isn't
through telling his story. I start pulling the shirt over his
head while he continues to hold his audience of one captive.
The cap is placed carefully on his head. He promptly readjusts
it, and we head down the hall on a run. Fortunately, I have
time to quickly throw on some crepe paper, managing only a very
simplified decorating job. I push him out into the hall where
the king (without his queen) and the vice-president are waiting
in line. The activities director hands him a flag and we are
set!
Jodi Dodson
"If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation and temperance, of
patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety and true
republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honour of the
Supreme Being and the welfare of the commonwealth; if men
possessed of these other excellent qualities are chosen to fill
the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will
rest on a solid and permanent foundation. "
Samuel Adams
Dear Brethren and Sisters of the Armed services,
As I sit here on this July 3rd making plans for tomorrow, the
family and friends, all the celebrations, I am forced to
contemplate the vast enormity of what we are celebrating. This
great nation is not defended by a hired army, nor by serfs and
slaves. It is defended by ordinary citizens. Men and women who
walk away from their homes, family and friends, to give the life
and liberties that we enjoy. I can scarcely comprehend what many
generations of Americans have gone through for me, and my
family. To all those men and women who have sacrificed on my
behalf I give you my deepest gratitude. To all those who
sacrifice now in defense of liberty and justice I offer my
prayers and thanks. I do not believe there is any greater honor
than to stand in the defense of those things one holds dear.. I
am privileged to stand among those great heroes of yesterday,
today and tomorrow. I am honored to be called brother among you.
Thank you and always remember how precious this gift we call
home is.
God speed and God bless,
Sgt. Robert D. Wickham
USMC 2000-2005
This letter is to Bill Leverance JR,
After reading the letter that you wrote in about your father and
your day in Washington DC I was touched. The best part was the
picture of your father as a young man in action. Like you I am
also the son of a Marine, my father tried signing up when the
war started but was too young he did get in at the end of the
war and stayed in until the Korean war started. They held him a
extra year because of it and he said he was mad as h&ll he
wanted to get out and start a family. But just like most kids of
vets from that time I knew my father like the fact that he was a
Marine, he would tell my brother and I all the different stories
of being on board ship and the Marines would have to wash their
cloths over the side in their duffle bags because they didn't
have enough fresh water on board to do the navy and Marines
both. the stories of thumbing it home from Parris Island back to
Philly, and a little coffee shop or diner in dc where any guy in
a uniform could get a ride. Let me get back to your letter, the
picture of your father and all the other men who served in WWII, when I look at these men who were little kids very young men 17, 18 some may have even been younger sneaking in because they
wanted to do the right thing at that time, just so brave, to
look at those men now over 80 years old, most of them gone, I
worked with some men who landed at that same island your father
did and just like you said they really didn't talk about it
much. If I ask they would tell me stories or just about the
whole thing and how much are country has changed since then.
they all still hate jap cars and don't no why any American that
was alive then would buy one, and how the country has sold out
the younger generations. But I am glad that I was old enough to
know these men and what great Americans they are. Being born in
1960 I can still remember that anything this country did was the
best and got better every year, that picture of your father is
something you should be so proud of, I am proud of it and he is
not related to me. I am glad your father got to go to WASHINGTON
DC and be honored for what he and a great generation of men and
women did for this country I wish every kid leaving high school
would get the chance to talk to men like your father, maybe they
would turn out just a little bit better American for doing so.
this is the first time that I ever wrote in to anything that is
how much your story and that picture meant to me. I am sorry
your father has passed this country was a better place because
of him I am sure you are very proud. I am sorry if my letter
wandered all over the place but that's where my emotions went
after reading your letter thank you
signed
just a MARINES kid
Improvise, adapt, overcome!
http://www.heraldleaderphoto.Com:80/2008/05/31/
I am the daughter of a retired Marine & a Proud Parris Island
Recruit Mom. I'd just like to thank all who share their stories
in the Sgt. Grit Newsletter for their service & sacrifice. I
send many of the stories & pictures to my recruit for
inspiration, and sometimes a laugh. My recruit is in awe that
he is currently walking "on the sacred ground that my
grandfather walked on as a recruit then a DI 47 years ago"
S. Barringer
Sgt. Grit,
I would like to ask your readers to pray for our car show on
July 27th. All proceeds are going toward care packages for our
deployed troops.
Had my son not joined the Marines and then talked his best
friend into joining, this project would have never been started.
You see, my son's best friend went to Iraq last March, having
his address, of course I wanted to mail him care packages from
his "2nd Mom". Then, a prominent politician came across the TV
saying we had lost the war. That got me fired up. My troops
needed to know most of the people back home do NOT feel that
way. My place of business began being a drop site for those in
the community that wanted to send items in care packages to our
troops. We began in April 2007 and to date we have sent more
than 125 care packages to local military persons while they are
deployed. Names and addresses are phoned in, e-mailed and even
dropped off. We have gone from that one Marine to more than 28
local heroes who have been deployed! Some have come back
stateside and others have taken their place on the list,
however, our community has NEVER let the box in my lobby go
empty!
Now that my son is in Iraq, I have had the opportunity to send
to a couple people in his division that are not locals, but are
my son's brothers. I have been blessed with a HUGE Marine
Family that I connect to daily on the internet. I have been
blessed by my community. God has truly blessed this Marine Mom
by giving her a job to help keep her sanity while her son is
playing in the sandbox.
My son will not be stateside for his 22nd birthday, but weekend
after next, my community will be celebrating him and many others
that are sacrificing their family time for their country. God
Bless my country, God Bless my Corps, God Bless my Military.
Semper Fi
Rhonda Elliott
Proud Marine Mom
LCpl Kristopher Hill- deployed
2nd Mom to
LCpl Shane Miller
"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too
much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it."
Thomas Jefferson
Hello, my name is Kelly Venne, I live in Florida and work a
refund desk for Costco. I deal with the public on a full time
basis and my job is based on Customer Service. The reason that I
am telling this is because I happened to find this website by
looking in Google.
My Dad is a Vietnam Veteran and for many
years it was never discussed in the family about his time there
or even about him being a Marine. After 9-11 and the Iraq war
had been going on for about 2 years it seemed that on very rare
occasions we would talk about Vietnam-actually he would talk and
I would listen-not saying a word because I knew that this was a
big deal for him to share this with me.
For his birthday 1 year
I decided that I wanted to get him a Marine hat and started
looking online for a hat that fit my specifications. I ordered
the 1 that I wanted and was thrilled with it when it arrived.
Since that first hat-I have ordered several things from here and
have always been very happy with the quality-the price and the
prompt service. By the way-my Dad loved that 1st hat so much
that he wore it out-I ordered him the exact same hat and had his
name put on it this time-this is 1 of his favorite hats.
Because
of the positive response from him about the Marine things that I
had been getting for him-my twin sister and I decided to create
a Marine Scrapbook for him. For almost a year the entire family
(including his 2 grandsons Hunter-8 and Terry -6)was in cahoots
gathering pictures and whatever we could find to be able to make
this for him because this was our Father's Day gift to him. I
found that you also have scrapbook stuff on your site and
ordered several things which came in time for us to use them
because we finished it 2 days before we were to give it to him.
He was floored! He couldn't believe 1-that we pulled this off
without him knowing anything about it and 2-that we all did this
for him.
I also ordered a flask for him for his birthday which
happens to fall a week after Father's Day. A beautiful flask and
had it engraved-it turned out great. I had it shipped to my
sister's because they live closer to my parents and they would
just give it to him. My Dad told me that when he opened it-the
lid wouldn't screw on. Not only did a new flask come-in perfect
working order-but also a junior Mini Marine hat. The oldest
grandson is wearing that.
I am writing this letter for 2
reasons. 1 to compliment you on great customer service and
wonderful products-I have enjoyed shopping here and have told
other people about the website. In fact a gentleman that I work
with is a retired Navy man-and he has been in your newsletter
before because him and I have discussed it.
The other reason
that I am writing this letter is I feel that because of the
things that I have gotten for my Dad here it has somehow opened
up a whole new dimension for him and our whole family. He and I
have had intense conversations about the reception that the
Vietnam vets got when they came home-and how it was worse for
those vets than any other war. He has had perfect strangers walk
up and shake his hand, hug him, tell him thank you for his
service. He's had conversations with other vets in the grocery
store. When he tells me these stories it always makes me weepy
and I told him it was because before nobody knew that he was a
Marine. He just told me a couple of weeks ago that he would
never again wear any other kind of hat-than a Marine hat. So
from the bottom of my heart-thank you because this all started
because I was looking for a hat.
Great job,
Kelly J. Venne
Sgt. Grit,
Attached is a photo of my young great nephew A. J.
Dressed in tropics and along with my wife dressed as a BAM (
ugh.... sorry Mindy, I guess I should have said Women's
Reservist). I also dressed in my tropics at my former rank of
GySgt., all went to a World War II re-enactment and encampment
last fall. A. J.'s father Sgt. Joey Hoffer, has served 4
years in the Corps and has done 2 tours in Iraq. Joey was
honorably discharged in May of 2007. He landed a job as a
prison guard at a state penitentiary and eventually wants to
become a Police Officer in one of our local Police Departments
near Reading, PA. Joey missed the Corps so much that he has
enlisted in the MC Reserve and still holds his rank of Sgt. A.
J. looks like another of America's finest in the making! OOO-
RAH! Needless to say A. J. was a big hit with all of the
Marines in the Pacific encampment, and also with the lady
spectators at the show. One thing though, I couldn't get him to
salute right handed. I guess he's going to be a south paw.
Semper Fi,
Former GySgt.
Monte L. Deamer
Sgt. Grit,
My wife kept pestering me to get to the barber.
Yesterday she said I was getting to look like a sailor. That did
it!
Semper Fi,
Jack Thomas Spencer
Fmr. Sgt. of Marines
"Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or
that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the
tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields
to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is
no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable
and uncontrollable events."
Sir Winston Churchill
I love the newsletters and catalogs that I get sent. Let me
first start off by saying I am not a military member, however a
military brat. I grew up on military bases for the first 16
years of my life, and now being 25 I am so thankful that I did.
I grew up with discipline, respect for my elders and a pride in
my country that will never be broken.
Both my parents are Marines. My father retired after 24.5 years
of service to this great Country as a Master Sergeant working
with the CH-46, and my mother 4 years. On several occasions I
have purchased things for not only my dad but Grandfather who
is also a retired Marine. I must say, what a better way to
thank them for not only their service but commitment to our
country. The smile on my dad's face when he gets something,
whether it be big or small makes me so happy, and for him of
course there are those times he misses the Corps but like the
saying goes "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." I wouldn't change
growing up a military brat for anything.
Thank you to all our service members for your service,
dedication and commitment.
Ashley Rebmann
Military Brat
Sgt Grit:
Someone wrote in your newsletter that in a recent
article about Sen. John McCain in Parade Magazine that soldiers,
sailors, airmen and Marines were mentioned and only Marine was
capitalized. No surprise here. Walter Anderson publisher of
Parade Magazine is a Marine. In his autobiography, "Meant To
Be," he acknowledges how the Marine Corps changed his live. A
very good read.
S/F
Joe Lisi
NYC
"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the
freedom of thought which they seldom use."
Soren Kierkegaard
I perceive I have a problem...
I was in the Corps from 1968- 1974 with my time in the 'Nam.
I'm quite a bit older now and have learned much and find I still
have much more to learn.
But seems most every place I go, there is always someone that
wants to challenge me!
I'm just the average sized white male, 5'10 185 # and now a
slight paunch that just won't fade away.
I still walk the way the MARINES taught me to. Back straight,
shoulders straight (no slouching) Head high and look you right
in the eye.
I'm not timid, I say what I have to say.
I don't start fights, but have never backed away from one
presented to me.
I have an old ball style cap, getting tattered and worn and
sweat stained I wear everyday and everywhere. It' emblazoned
with "ONCE a MARINE ALWAYS a MARINE!"
So I sometimes wonder, is it me, my attitude, my presentation of
self, my air of confidence or perhaps it's the hat, that
advertises to everyone, here comes one of AMERICA'S best and
FINEST a UNITED STATES MARINE, That brings out all the
wannabee's that so far just didn't have what it took. So they
want to compensate for their shortcomings......
On second thought, I don't have a problem. I've been tested in
the past, I'll continue to be tested in the future. I'm here to
let AMERICA know, I will always still be standing holding the
line! I will accept your challenges!
You and me .... WE know "ONCE a MARINE ALWAYS a MARINE" , just
has a certain ring. As honorable as the other services are it
just doesn't work for them: once an airdale always an airdale
once a doggie always a doggie once a squid always a squid
See what I mean, just doesn't have that ring!
But whether we use MARINE, Jarhead, DEVILDOG, LEATHERNECK, or
TEUFELHUNDEN, It Always Has THAT RING! We're the best and we
know it, no conceit, just convinced!
SEMPER FI one and all
Sgt of Marines 68-74
Last year me and a small group of riders road our bikes from
Sacramento, Ca. to Washington, DC. to spread Patriotism across
our great nation and promote National Military Appreciation
Month. We participated in the Rolling Thunder parade in our
Nations Capitol. A camera crew followed us and filmed a
documentary that should be out in August. It was and probably
will remain one of the greatest experiences of my life. My
family has 3 generations of Marines me being in the middle with
my Father, his brothers, and my nephew being the rest. I had
always dreamed of owning a Harley and having it painted as a
tribute to my Fathers generation in Vietnam and to all our Vets.
The picture attached is a frame from the DVD coming out soon.
The front of my bike says it all. "Semper Fidelis", Always
Faithful to my Marine Corps and to all our Vets. It is pretty
obvious that the painting is to represent "The Wall". The names
are from KIA and MIA from California as well as a few of my
Fathers friends that he lost in Vietnam. You can see a trailer
of the documentary at WandaKproductions.com under Road to
Thunder. My goal, like so many others is to keep the memory
alive of our Fallen Heroes and using my bike as a moving tribute
has been a wonderful tool. Thank you for having your newsletter
as a way to heal, share, laugh, cry and so much more. When
people ask me why I am so Gung Ho and why Marines are so proud,
I simply tell them you can't and wouldn't understand unless you
earned your Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. Being a Marine is truly
embedded in your heart forever.
Semper Fi
"Scout"
Mike Perry
USMC / 2nd Bn 4th Mar
1996-2003
"Do not hit at all if it can be avoided, but never hit softly."
Theodore Roosevelt
Dear Sgt,
Our Daddy (as he always likes to be called) has passed
away and has now joined the ranks of other fellow Marines. He
was a Veteran of both World War II (Espiritu Santo, Munda,
Bougainville, Green Islands, Emirau Island, & PELELIU) and the
Korean campaigns. He got out of the Corps at the end of the
Korean campaign as a Gunnery Sergeant but still needed
excitement and camaraderie in his life so he became a Volunteer
Fire Fighter in his home town of Fort Washington, Pa. With all
the Battles he fought the last was the worse, Asbestosis. Daddy
has left an indelible mark on everyone he has ever met-even
those who never knew him. To some he is loving, funny, witty, or
daring -- to some he is the best son, brother, cousin, loved-
one, Father, Friend, Godfather, Marine, Fire Fighter or person
they have ever known. We realized that Daddy is not gone. We
just can't see him anymore. He let us know in so many ways that
he is still with us. That was the first miracle and there are
many more to come. We always knew how blessed we were to have
him and we still are blessed. Daddy was always here for everyone
in life and now he is our Guardian Angel forever.
Although it is so hard to say goodbye, we know that God's loving
arms were open wide to welcome Him home. We'll be seeing you,
our wonderfully loving Daddy and Pop-Pop. We Love you!
Although, we may not have you with us, all the Memories from his
Marine Corps life, his Fire Fighting life and Life in general
will be in our Hearts forever and ever!
The Daughters and Grand Children of
Marlin J. Miller,
1309 Hartranft Ave, Fort Washington, Pa 19034
Carol, Marilyn and Gail - Daughters
Christopher and Michele - Grandchildren
Sir / Ma'am;
I am a 22 year MSgt (USAF - E-7) whom has had the distinct
pleasure of serving alongside Marines on Okinawa (1st MAW III
MEF) and other duty locations worldwide. Today I was honored to
be alongside the toughest Marine I have yet to meet, LCpl Andrew
C Purchase, a medically retired Marine who for the first time
raced the largest 15K road race (9.3 mile) Boilermaker here in
Utica, NY today under his own power in a standard wheel chair,
in about 4 hours and 24 minutes. LCpl Purchase refused our
assistance and forged ahead despite the challenging terrain, his
physical limitations, the oppressive humidity and occasional
rain showers.
LCpl Purchase had run the race by foot last year, but was unable
to do so this year. LCpl Purchase made all of us extremely proud
of him (an Army recruiter, two Coast Guard recruiters, myself, a
Navy recruiter, Utica PD, Utica FD, EMS, and myriads of other
volunteers and public safety officials), and we all were very
humbled to have been allowed to walk alongside him as he aimed
for the finish line. Here's the article the Utica Observer
Dispatch wrote on him prior to race day.
WKTV News Channel 2 (NBC Affiliate) covered him
extensively as well today at the finish line; not yet posted but
www.wktv.com is their website.
LCpl Purchase performed this incredible feat today not for him,
but for all of those warriors who did not make it home, to
include Utica Police Officer Thomas Lindsey, a former Marine,
murdered in the line of duty two years ago. LCpl Purchase's
ultimate goal is to raise funds for a wounded warriors home here
in UpState New York. He was sponsored in large part by the
Ilion Marine Corps League.
Thought you would like to know.
Respectfully Submitted;
JOHN E. BOOTH, MSgt, NYANG
"Treating your adversary with respect is striking soft in
battle."
Samuel Johnson
You have never seen anything like this before and you won't see
the American flag wave like this again. Absolutely
fantastic!
Just wanted to drop a line and say that the Marine's make me
prouder every day of being an American. We recently had a young
Marine from our hometown come back to visit. She brought her
Marine husband with her. While at the courthouse in Ozark
County, taking care of business, they thwarted a prisoner's
escape. Please see the attached articles on these two great heroes! God Bless the United States Marines!
Sincerely,
Leigh Ann Myers
Proud mother of Cpl. James Myers Jr.
It can't always be someone else's son!
What have you done for your country today?
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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Sgt Grit Newsletter VS AmericanCourage Newsletter:
You receive both (alternating weeks)...so what's the difference?
In short...The AmericanCourage Newsletter has MORE family member
stories, "support the Corps" stories from Marines, and patriotic
quotes. It started after the events of Sept. 11, 2001 to give
supporters of the Marine Corps and American patriots a voice.
The Sgt Grit Newsletter is HARD CORPS Marine! If you are
interested in topics that delve into Marine Corps history, Corps
Stories, Boot Camp and other things that "only a Marine might
understand" - then be sure to read the Sgt Grit Newsletter
(every other week) - More about the newsletter
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