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AmericanCourage #210 01 OCT 2009
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Hi Sgt Grit,
This is to honor my son, a Staff Sgt. In the Marines. He died
this August of a heart attack at the age of 34. The Medical
Examiner said his heart was either damaged by the ambush or he
picked up a virus that settled in his heart and the V.A. Dropped
the ball, in treating him. He left a family, Wife and 3 boys
ages 3. 5, and 8. The following story is true, and all he got
for the action was a Purple Heart. I just read a story in the
Jacksonville newspaper of a Navy Submarine Officer that got a
bronze star for doing a good job running electronics that blocked
remote detonations of IED's. He didn't get blown up, shot at, or
pull injured from the line of fire, but he got a medal. (story continues below...)
SSgt A.W. Breen Ambushed
SSgt Breen was stationed in Afghanistan during 2007, at an
outpost with 2 other Marines and in charge of training about 50
Afghan troops and collecting intelligence.
During the spring of 07, they received information on a small
Taliban training camp. They set out to attack this training camp
in a convoy of 2 Humvees and several trucks. They had to travel
up into the mountains on some very rough and narrow roads. As
they got into the mountains, the road wound its way up the side
of a canyon. The road was way up a cliff, with a sheer drop off
on the left, and the cliff extended up and actually overhung the
road on the right side.
As they came to this one section of the road it made a big turn
to the left, making an open 'U' that they were on , and the
mountain across from them was a steep, sloping, bolder strewn
hill across from the road. S.Sgt. Breen radioed to the other
vehicles in his convoy that this was the perfect place for an
ambush, and if an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade ) came in, to hit
the gas, and don't stop for at least a mile. SSgt Breen was in
the turret of the 4th vehicle, a Humvee. He was manning an M-60
Machine Gun.
Once they were all in the 'U' , the Taliban ambush opened up on
them. An RPG hit the first truck, and two or three hit the last
vehicle, another Humvee. The Afghan troops all stopped and got
out of the trucks, and most of them just ran back down the road.
It turns out that they had been set-up by an Afghan member of the
Taliban, that had joined the Afghan army and was an officer. He
got sick the morning of their raid, and just couldn't make the
trip. He was later found out, and killed by the Afghan Army.
The ambush was one of the worst fights that year in Afghanistan.
There were over 200 Taliban fighters ambushing about 50 of SSgt
Breen's Afghan troops.
SSgt Breen started firing the M-60 Machine Gun, and was doing so
for a couple of minutes, suddenly it stopped working. Looking
down at it SSgt Breen saw that it had taken an armor piercing
round right in the action, making it useless. He tossed it aside
and reached down into the Humvee, and grabbed his SAW (A Hand
held Machine Gun) and started firing it. During this time
period, his Humvee was hit by at least three RPG's, and his
turret was taking lots of hits from the Taliban.
SSgt Breen was firing the SAW, when an armor piercing round hit
him in the chest, slamming him back against the turret of the
Humvee. His body armor ceramic plate stopped the bullet. SSgt
Breen kept firing his SAW, until it suddenly quit. It had taken
an armor piercing round directly in the bolt, making it useless.
SSgt Breen tossed it down, and drew his 9 MM service pistol and
was shooting it at the Taliban, when he was hit in the hand,
destroying the pistol, and knocking it out of his hand. The
armor piercing round had gone through his right hand.
Again, during this time, his Humvee was hit by another three or
four RPG's, wounding SSgt Breen in the face, neck, and arms with
shrapnel.
SSgt Breen jumped out into the line of fire and picked up one of
the Afghan troops big H&K machine gun, and was firing it single
handed with his left hand. He then, with his wounded right hand,
grabbed a wounded Afghan soldier, and dragged him back behind the
Humvee. SSgt Breen then went back out into the line of fire and
grabbed another wounded troop, and SSgt Breen was again hit in
the chest with another armor piercing round, and almost knocked
down, but again his body armor stopped the bullet.
SSgt Breen dragged three or four more wounded troops behind the
Humvee, and being a combat EMT, he administered first aid to all
of them, saving their lives.
At some point during this, SSgt Breen also got on the radio and
called in the Marine Cobra Helicopters that came in and saved
them.
We know of SSgt Breen's actions because a short time later they
captured a video tape from the Taliban. The Taliban Snipers get
paid for each enemy they kill, and a big bonus for killing a U.S.
Marine. The Sniper that was targeting SSgt Breen had a video
being shot for him during this battle. The person running the
video said something to the affect "He cannot be killed, he must
be a God. Turn your gun on the others, and don't waste your
bullets on him."
S.Sgt. Breen was medivacked to a field hospital, and then on
back to the USA.
S.Sgt. Breen's Captain later called him and told him that they
stopped counting at 70 entry holes where armor piercing rounds
had gone into the Turret, and that there were at least another 30
or 40 entry holes in the Turret alone. The Humvee was hit at
least 5 or 7 times by RPG's, and totally destroyed.
An Army Major who later saw the Taliban video said that "That
Marine should have been put in for a Silver Star Medal. H&ll,
that is the stuff they make movies about!"
A proud father
to Sgt grit, my name is reese cushman i come from a long line of
MARINE and other military family both male and female. i have two
kids my daughter being the oldest, my son is two yrs younger.
when he was 11 he asked me if i would be happy if he joined the
MARINES, this took place shortly after 9/11, his question didn't
stop there he then asked if i would be mad if he died in a war i
was 0311 in the 80s and a platoon ro. i like to think im a tough
guy but that day my son made me shed a few tears.
since then ive had two nephews enlist one is army the other is
air force I'm proud of both the one in the air force passed on
shortly after getting out. my grandfather tells me we have more
than a dozen and a half family in the MARINES starting before
9/11 and several after.
your newsletter really makes my week. im disabled and spend much
of my time in bed, i love the Corps old and new. the last thing i
got to say is let's not forget those men and women who tried but
didn't make it past boot camp or all the tests prior at least
they tried which is more than some do. sorry this letter is not
perfect im still learning to use a computer.
respectfully submitted,
CPL.Cushman KILO,CO 3/2.2nd MARDIV 1985 to 1989 Semper Fi
And I Quote...
"Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it,
derived from our Maker. ... Our obligations to our country never
cease but with our lives."
-John Adams
Yes, I am a contestant in the contest, but I must say that as I
looked at every single entry, each and every Mom looked as proud
of their Marine as I am. It's going to be extremely hard to have
just one winner. I believe all of us Marine Moms are winners!
Semper Fi.
DJ Kuehn
VPM of Cpl. Rick Kuehn
currently deployed to Afghanistan 5/09 to ??
Deployed to Iraq 2/08 thru 9/08
.....
Well said Marine Mom Kuehn...
now on to the winners!
1st Place (winner of $50 gift certificate)
Linda Price
2nd Place (winner of $25 gift certificate)
Kim Yamuni
3rd Place (winner of $15 gift certificate)
Rich Mather
See the winning and honorable mention photos
New Contest: Marine Corps Wedding Photos
We know there are some great pics out there, so send them in!
Photos MUST contain Marine Corps content
(examples: a Marine "theme" cake, the Bride and/or Groom in Uniform, USMC decorations)
Send entries to sgtgritcontest@grunt.com by October 11, 2009
More Details
Sgt. Grit,
My name is Glenn Russ. I'm a former active duty Marine. My wife
and I visited the National Museum of the Marine Corps September
11th. First, I must say the museum was outstanding! It is a
must go and see for all Marines! We went to Washington, D.C. the
following morning and approached the World War II memorial.
Apparently there had been a reunion of WWII veterans and they
were all around and inside the memorial. I walked up to a few of
them and shook their hand and thanked them for their service and
sacrifice. One in particular was in a wheel chair. After
thanking him the gentleman pushing his chair told me the veteran
was 100-years-old! I asked him where he served and he said he
was dropped into Normandy.
I gave him a hug and thanked him again. This time I noticed his
eyes were welling with tears. The man pushing his chair told me
thanks and that it meant so much to the vet for approaching him.
I began to feel myself get a little misty eyed and needed to
egress from the immediate area.
I have to say being surrounded by heroes everywhere was euphoric!
We cannot thank these brave men enough and sadly they are leaving
us at a cyclic rate these days.
I encourage everyone that meets
a vet, from any engagement, to give them a handshake and a
thanks. Judging by the look in their eyes it truly means the
world to them.
Semper Fi,
Sergeant Glenn Russ
USMC 94-98
P.S. Attached are photos of some of the heroes at the WWII
memorial and one of myself at the NMMC (wearing a shirt I
purchased from your outfit a while back).
Dear Veterans,
I have been thinking for some time now as how to best honor your
service, and I have finally come to the conclusion that this
letter, through this forum may be the best way how. I know that
through the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. and through
such celebrated movies as Saving Private Ryan, The Band of
Brothers, and The Code Talker, the veterans of World War II have
been honored and remembered as their numbers dwindle everyday;
but I have always realized that the Korean War vets have not been
honored properly or remembered for their service in the
"Forgotten War" despite your numbers are starting to decline day
by day.
When you usually read about the history of the civilized world,
they often talk about what if's: what if D-Day was a failure,
what if Japan was able to win the Battle of Midway, what if we
didn't win in the island hopping campaigns of Guadalcanal, Iwo
Jima, and Okinawa? Along with these questions, an afterthought
is usually accompanied by "Was all that sacrifice worth it?"
Fortunately, for the Korean War veterans, "what if" is not a
question, but an answer. That is because Korea went through a
split right before the Korean War where two parallel universe
developed and still co-exists through this day. In one universe,
a capitalistic, democratic Korea exists in the South. It is a
vibrant and strong country, which went from a virtual unknown to
the 15th strongest economy in the world and is home to such
household brand names as Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Kia. It went
from a colonial victim of Japan to a model of democracy, where
now the current U.N. Secretary General is a South Korean.
Compare that to its parallel universe to the North. North Korea
is an economic, political, and social despot. Its economy is
ranked around in the 90-100th with the likes of a civil war torn
African nation. The economy is in such shamble that its
population resorts to illegally crossing the border into China or
starving to death. North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-Il reportedly
lives in luxury, driving German cars and drinking French wine,
while oppressing its population and murdering any political
challengers. These is no freedom of speech or freedom of any
kind for that matter, as recently demonstrated by the detention
and eventual release of two American journalists. North Korea's
greatest claim of fame is their constant threat to its neighbors
with their nuclear weapons and missiles. They are shunned by
most of the world community as a rogue nation.
So, what if the U.S. and 15 other nations didn't intervene when
North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950? What if our
Marines were not successful in Inchon landing? What if we didn't
hold the line at the 38th parallel? The answer is simple. We
would see one united Korea, one that is ruled with an iron fist
by a demonic maniac, and its 72+ million population suffering
everyday under his totalitarian rule.
Back in 1950-53, I am sure that a thought has crossed your mind
as to whether your service and sacrifice in this unknown "Hermit
Kingdom" will ever be worth it. I am sure it is no more
different than what is going through the minds of our current
veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. But all you have to do is
compare the two parallel universe to see what differences you
have contributed to.
Thank you, Veterans, for your sacrifice. Here is one grateful
beneficiary who will not question, "what if".
former Korean citizen,
proud naturalized U.S. citizen,
and United Stated Marine from 1993 to 2001 Philip S. Lee
And I Quote...
"I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary,
too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious."
-Thomas Jefferson
I would like to say it was an honor to service my country from
1971 to 1977 in the Corps. I wanted to let Sgt Amy Sutherland
know that she is not a former Marine. She will always be a
Marine. Once you where given that tile no one can take it from
you. I served in the Marines during Viet Nam and after. I never
saw combat but did see a lot of the scars of war. As an Air
craft helicopter mechanic I saw the horrors of war in the faces
of many of men. I too believe Chesty is proud of the Men and
Women that volunteer to serve today. No one was drafted. They
came with the same spirit of all generations before them. I echo
the words of Mr. Ronald Reagan: "Some people live an entire
lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference in the world.
Marines don't have that problem." President Ronald Reagan, 1985.
So Keep up the great work and wear you Title with pride
SSGT William K Kowalczyk VMO2,HML 267,H&MS-15,HMT-301,
HMM-764,HMH-769,HMH-772,MWHS-1 USMC 1971-77
Good Morning Devil Dogs, I just wanted to share a picture of
my son now Lance Corporal Joe Torres From Tustin California.
My sister Retired NYPD Detective Yvette Torres A 911 Veteran and
survivor from the Bronx. Standing at the front gate of Parris
Island . We are proud to say that my son is the sixth member of
our Family to serve in the Marines. He is with The Thundering
Third at Camp Pendleton. Getting ready to go to Afghanistan. I
just want to say that we as country should be very thankful that
we still have brave young people to serve. Thank you so much for
your web site.
Semper Fi
SGT. Joe Torres
1975 - 1982
Eyes on the olive branch, but arrows at the ready!
And I Quote...
"What we still don't understand is why you Americans stopped the
bombing of Hanoi. You had us on the ropes. If you had pressed
us a little harder, just for another day or two, we were ready to
surrender! It was the same at the battles of TET. You defeated
us! We knew it, and we thought you knew it. But we were elated
to notice your media were definitely helping us. They were
causing more disruption in America than we could in the
battlefields. We were ready to surrender. You had won!"
-- General Giap, North Vietnam (memoirs)
Our son, Cpl. RJ Breen and his friend signed up with the Marines
while he was 17 and a Junior in High School in 2006. As a Mom -
I have to say I was not for this idea! They spent almost every
afternoon running with the recruiters from the local recruit
station here in O'Fallon, Missouri. He graduated high school one
semester early and left for boot camp in January 2007. He
completed boot camp in April and came home for his high school
graduation in May and walked proudly in his dress blues. As a
Mom- I have to say it was one of my proudest moments!
Our son has always been a bright light in our lives and the
Marines made him brighter, stronger and more mature. I now LOVE
the Marine Corps family!
Since then, he has been on a MEU last year for 7 months to the
mid-east. He returned in April of this year, married his high
school sweetheart in July and left in August for Iraq. He is an
aviation mechanic and his Mom and Dad and Wife could not be
prouder of this young man. We want to thank the Marine Corps
family and thank you to all the Marines past and present who have
served our country proudly!
Proud Marine Parents,
Ron and Tammy Breen
I have just met a Marine who served during Vietnam and joined the
Fire Department in New York thereafter. His name is Lee Ielpi. He
had two sons that both joined the FDNY, one of which was killed
in the attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11. Mr. Ielpi was
on duty when they found the remains of his son and went to the
site to help carry his son out of the wreckage. He subsequently
founded and runs the Tribute WTC Visitor Center less than a block
from the World trade site, to help remember, educate, and honor
those that were killed not only on Sept 11th, but the WTC bombing
in the 1990's. He is a special individual and definitely one that
people should know.
Bryan Sargent
Sgt. Grit
This was the second year of the Children's Miracle Network car and
motorcycle show and chili cook-off here in Cheyenne.
Primarily sponsored by Walmart.
Three Marines garnered first, second and third place in two
categories.
Ron Fox got first place for his trike, pic included
choo choo (me) got second place for the custom paint on his 2006
electraglide
I haven't recieved the third guys name etc yet.
But here is some pics of the bike:
And I Quote...
Who are the next knaves? Those that converse with them.
--Alexander Pope, 1688-1744
My Father was in the Marine Corps during WWII and he, like a lot
of our WWII Veterans, passed away awhile back. As with them all,
he is gone but not forgotten!
I grew up with him telling me stories of his time in the Corps,
both bad and good. My Father was stationed at Camp Tarawa on the
Big Island of Hawaii and he talked of this place often.
I had the Honor Guard at my Father's funeral and only those that
have been in this situation can understand the pride that I felt
for my Father that day. All those old stories and the good times
that he shared with me (about his hitch) came rushing back to me.
He used to try and teach me cadence with his old .22 rifle and me
with my Trusty BB Gun, which I remember like it was yesterday.
I still have his .22 rifle hanging on my wall and above it, his
Flag Case. The Flag Case leads me to the purpose of this letter
today.
I wanted to dress his Flag Case up a little bit so I got to
thinking about any medals or awards that he might have coming to
him. I have never dealt with the Government (I'm a civilian) but
I have heard of all the Red-Tape that a person has to deal with.
It was actually very simple to get his replacement medals and I
got to thinking that there may be others out there, just like me.
Didn't want to get into all that Red-Tape and confusion that
comes along with a simple request of our Government. Trust me, if
I can do it, then anyone can.
I had no idea on where to start my search so I made contact with
Sgt. Grit because I get their magazine. Kristy Fomin (Customer
Services Supervisor) was so much help to
me and she got me started.
First off, I was confused about his DD-214 and I could not find
it in any of his papers.
*The confusion on the DD-214 is this. A lot of people living
today as well as the majority of discharged veterans don't
realize that the DD-214 didn't come in existence until 1946 with
all the armed services being combined into the Department of
Defense. Before that all the information in the current DD-214
was on the back of the veterans discharge certificate!
The Army and Air Force records were destroyed in a fire quite a
few years ago. The Army and Air Force are still to this day
trying to get all their records re-constructed. The Navy and
Marine Corps records were stored separately and are still intact
in Saint Louis.
*All this information was provided by: Jim Browne * USMC
1950-1954 *Camp Tarawa Detachment #1255 *Marine Corps League
*Community Affairs Officer *Charter (past) Commandant 2006-2008
Thank you Jim Browne for all your time and patients with my
stupid questions. I couldn't of done all this without you.
Once I figured out the confusion about the DD-214, the rest was
very easy. All I had to do was to go to this website:
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html and
everything just fell into place.
I just answered the simple questions that they asked of me and
then I had to print out a signature card, which had to be mailed
in. I got all his medals in about two months or so.
My Father's Records were looked up and they sent me the medals
that he had coming to him. I didn't even know which ones that
they might be but they did all that work for me so I did get the
proper ones.
I must say that my Father's Flag Case really looks good but
either way, with or without the medals added to it, it still
fills me with pride that my Father was a part of what made this
Country so great!
I sincerely hope that this information may be of some use to
others out there. May God Bless the men and women that are still
out there in harms way. May you all return home safely.
Respectfully
Michael Hogue
A Proud Son of a Marine
Thanks Again to:
Kristy Fomin
Jim Browne
And I Quote...
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public
office.
--Aesop, c. 550B.C.
Marines,
Lt General L.B. 'Chesty' Puller was interviewed after his
retirement by the late filmmaker John Ford. During this taped
interview, Ford asked Lt. General Puller about the very high
casualty rates Puller's combat units suffered. The general went
on to say his units had sustained 57% enlisted and 72% officer
casualties. He went on to say these high numbers were not
because of poor leadership on his part but that it proved his
officers were doing their duty.
Fifty seven percent enlisted? Seventy two percent officers?
Imagine anything like that taking place today. There is a
tremendous amount of information concerning the efforts and
sacrifices of the people from our past that seems to be getting
left out of today's history lessons. Is this part of the dumbing
down of America' so often talked about? Is it just a sign of the
times?
The world today is a much different place than it was then and it
seems that the tremendous struggle the 'Greatest Generation' went
through, what all they accomplished, what they sacrificed for us,
is being allowed to be degraded into something less and
downplayed as no longer relevant. I hear this from WWII and
Korean War Veterans almost every time I go to the local VAMC for
treatment. I am one that still listens to their tales and stands
in awe every time I talk with one.
Always will.
As far as I am concerned, they have no equal.
SF,
Tony Glass aka 'Idiot'
USMC (w/ questionable peacetime service)
1974-78
Remember Saigon and the Mayaguez
Chris is from Darin, Connecticut. He Joined the Blue Angels in
Sept 2008...he has accumulated over 2400 flight hours, and 350
carrier arrested landings...a TOP GUN fighter Pilot...I thought
Chris was a Top Guy ! he gave me a personal inspection of the
planes and hanger..a coin, autographed Picture, and Got all 6
Blue Angles to sign my NCO book....It was very interesting,
exciting, and I was lucky because the world only sees these guys
in the air, and I was able to walk in a very secure, and
restricted area. to inspect the Planes and equipment ...Chris is
one of 2 Marine Blue Angel Pilots...
Semper Fidelis !
Dean Douglas Smith
And I Quote...
"Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance,
and the gospel of envy."
--Winston Churchill
Sgt. Grit,
I was in Hawaii last week on vacation. I witnessed true Marine
ingenuity at work. A few Marines took cardboard duct tape and
trash bags and in roughly 30 minutes constructed this make shift
boat. It truly was amazing. I unfortunately did not get their
names or unit. I suppose they were stationed in Honolulu. This is
a small lagoon in the Hilton Hawaiian Village Honolulu. I thought
you might like it for your e-news.
Thanks
Sgt. Scott Parsons
US Army - Veteran
Guadalcanal:
In 1942 the best military equipment and supplies were going to
the Atlantic Theater. This was the armament and equipment the 1st
Marine Division carried ashore in the invasion of Guadalcanal.
- 1903 bolt-action, single shot Springfield rifles
- Leggins from World War I
- Cartridge belts from World War I
- Browning machine guns from World War I
- Mortars from World War I
- Ammunition that had been in storage since World War I
The invasion of Guadalcanal was the first attempt by the U.S. to
retake an island in the Pacific. Eleven thousand Marines held s
small strip of beach and a landing strip against massive Japanese
assaults for two months before reinforcements arrived. The
Japanese poured 50,000 men and tons of armament onto the island
but could not dislodge the Marines.
Other than the Japanese, the Marines' worst enemy on Guadalcanal
was malaria. Quinine was unavailable. On any given day, 2,000
Marines could be on sick call.
The battle for Guadalcanal lasted six months, until the Japanese
withdrew in February 1943. Casualties for Marine and Army
personnel were 1.490 dead and 4,804 wounded. More than 25,000
Japanese were killed--many of them in banzai charges.
And I Quote...
"Shame on the men who can court exemption from present trouble
and expense at the price of their own posterity's liberty!"
--Samuel Adams
Hi Sgt. Grit,
Here are some pictures Taken on an Honor Flight of WWI I
Veterans. I was a Guardian for the WWI I Vet. in the first
picture. I had to be at the County building at 0230 Saturday
morning and we got back to the County building at 2215 that
night, very tiring but lots of good feeling in the chest.
SSgt William R. Moore
USMC Retired
There was a photo of a rectangular Eagle, Globe and Anchor with a
question about the history of it. I found a Wikipedia page that
offers a complete history of the EGA and the changes in the
design, etc. If it was easy for a 69-year-old to find, it surely
is for anyone. I'm a former "Swabbie," and surely one of the
USMC's greatest fans. Love the stories -- this edition had some
beauties about boot camp.
My neighbor and friend, Mike, who served in the USMC, was a
chopper pilot in 'Nam. Boy, does he have some stories. His co-
pilot and best friend was a guy he called Friendly. Dynamic Duo
Black and White team, who "terrorized the Cong," as he put it.
To answer the question "Who is with Chesty?" Oh, I did pick
Chesty out -- second from the left - before even enlarging the
photo. Squared away!
I can tell you that my first Marine friend is with Chesty. He
died way too young (early 50s). Mustang Elton James Keeley, USMC,
one of the very first LCPLs, stationed at U.S. Naval Training
Center, Bainbridge, MD 1959. I was in radio school there. He had
an honorable career and was promoted to Lt.Col in the early
1980s. He may have been promoted to Colonel before he retired,
not sure.
I last met with him at LAX in 1985 on his way to Headquarters
Marine Corps as an advisor. He made the Marine Corps proud, as
any Marine does, only as a lifer, the Corps was all to him. I
know he's with Chesty guarding the Gates of Heaven.
I still choke up when I recall him tutoring me in the Marine
Corps ways, and his lineage that went back to General (ahem,
Army) William Tecumseh Sherman. If I had married him when he
asked me, I would not have served four years active duty in the
Navy. Stuff happens. We were better at being friends than lovers
(and I was a nice girl, so we didn't). Just another (true) Sea
Story from an old Swabbie journalist.
Semper Fi, SIR! And God bless.
Margaret J.(Janie) McAlister-Wheeler
And I Quote...
"Unless a man has trained himself for his chance, the chance will
only make him ridiculous."
--William Matthews, 1942-1997
I want to agree with Mr. Brawner that the Marines of today are
just as tough and in some instances even tougher than yesteryear
Marines. As in Nam they don't know who the enemy is, because
they don't wear uniforms to distinguish them from civilians. They
have to make very quick decisions on when to fire and when not
lest they hit an innocent person.
I have no Marine at the present time, but I have some dogface
military in Afghanistan and I am as proud of him as I am of any
youth who puts on a uniform to serve his country. If there is
anyone who thinks they had it tougher in the past should get the
head out of their a-- and drop to a knee and say thank-you to the
boys in uniform. War is a horrid thing and whenever you served
it was tough but the Marines the world over take it in stride and
do the job.
Bill Axium
Cpl (E4)
1958-62
Sgt Grit
Thought you might be interested in seeing who is on guard duty
24/7 at our house. They do a tremendous job.
Semper Fi,
Wally Pfeifer
USMC 1948-1950
Yard Guard Statutes
And I Quote...
Beware the tyranny of the minority.
--Latin Proverb
Unfortunately, I missed Sgt. Tony Glass' letter and am not sure
exactly what he referred to in his letter. However, I did have
the opportunity to Read Mr. Brawner's Letter. I think I can
surmise what Sgt Glass had to say...
In year 2000 (Prior to 9/11) Myself and a good friend, Lt.Col.
M. Jacobs USMC, Ret., Took a trip to Quantico Marine base just to
get away for a while. He served in Force Recon 1970 in Vietnam,
and I served the same areas as he but in 1969-70 as a L/Corp
assigned to Bat. Recon. We are both 100% Disabled and retired
from the Corps. He is a regular retiree and I was given Special
retirement by then Commandant Leonard F. Chapman. (Chapter 61).
We often discuss the differences in our training and the type of
environment that we served in. It seems that we served in two
different Marine Corps in the small space of time. But I digress.
While at Quantico we pulled over to watch a small platoon of
Marines during drill practice. We both watched and I swear that
we both had a tear in our eye while witnessing what we both
thought was a disgrace to the Corps. There was no apparent pride
in their performance. They were sloppy, out of uniform, and
obviously out of shape. As proud retired Marines, we were
dismayed to see what had happened to our beloved Corps.
Especially evidenced at Quantico. Due to physical restraints we
have not been able to return since.
However, I am told by other former Marines that This was no
longer the case. Our Marine Corps. Forces have returned to their
former Esprit De Corp, and have shaped up. From what I have been
reading about our Marines in the current Wars I must admit that
it must be true. They appear to be no less courageous and combat
ready then we were. I have to side with Mr. Brawner, CWO-3 USMC
Ret. that our current Marines are a force to be dealt with. Even
under the restraint of "Rules of Engagement", they perform with
excellence.
George F. Biello, Jr USMC Retired
'Fear Is The Mind Killer'
Micro Air Vehicles (Video)...it's like "Buck Rogers" all over again!
And I Quote...
"I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more
convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the
affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the Ground
without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise
without his Aid?"
--Benjamin Franklin
Response to Sgt Mike Barnett
Dear Mike,
As a former FMF Corpsman serving with the Third Marines 'Nam
67-68. I offer my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family in
the tragic loss of Ben .No words can describe the loss of a
loved one.
I had read your brother's name in our local newspaper and rank
"petty officer" I knew he was the Corpsman with the platoon. We
served our Marines well and did the best we could while answering
the call. He honored our country serving and sacrificing his
life. He will never be forgotten.
I had the privilege of attending the Funeral in at Arlington for
a fellow Corpsman whose remains were identified and brought home
2005. I met the family and seen the effects of their loss
personally
As I stood there I remembered what an honor it was to serve as a
FMF Combat Corpsman.
Semper Fidelis Frank Morelli
Sgt,
I had the pleasure to attend my new nephew's graduation from PI
on 04Sep2009 platoon 1061. He is my new nephew because I married
his Aunt in July. It was a thrill to see these young men and
women enter into our illustrious Corps. When they asked for the
Marines that were present to stand and be honored I felt an
emotional surge that can only be felt by those of us that have
served in the Corps. Congratulations to PFC Robert Sushinski,
well done.
On another note, I would like everyone to pray for the safety of
my lifelong friend Fr. Joe Coffey. Joe and I have been friends
since 3rd grade. He just shipped out to Afghanistan 09Sep09 to be
a chaplain for our fellow Marines in harm's way. Joe, if you read
this, you are in my thoughts daily. Semper Fi.
Regards,
Manuel Zaldivar
Corporal of the Marines
'79 - '83
And I Quote...
"Victory will never be found by taking the line of least
resistance."
--Winston Churchill
Re; John Robinson letter in American Courage #209
First to LCpl Robinson : SEMPER FI
Second to John Robinson : I was POed after reading your letter so
I let a little time pass & I still felt the same! I find what you
had to say insulting not only to me, but to your own son & to
"all" (your words) who serve or have served! You DARE to call
"all" of us afraid!?? I'd like to see you on the street & show
you just how "afraid" I am! I noticed you omitted your own prior
service. It makes me suspect perhaps you didn't have the
"courage" to serve!?!
While I will (and have) defend your right to have & to express
your opinion, it is my opinion that this forum dedicated to honor
& remembrance is NOT an appropriate place for you to spout off
about "our" Second Amendment rights & leads me to my opinion that
your head is so far up your a** that you can't pull it out - and
don't get me wrong, because I DO believe in these rights accorded
by our Constitution.
---
To Kendal Schacher USMC 1983-1988 : Most - if not all - who call
themselves "former Marine" or even "ex Marine" actually carry the
title "Marine" just as proudly as you (including myself) but
these terms have been used for some time by many to simply
signify a "Marine no longer on active duty" & certainly are not
meant to offend or dishonor.
---
To LCpl G Hill & to J. T. Marvel 78-83 : Try to think of these
actions as honoring their loved ones & all of us who have earned
the title "United States Marine" & let us not forget that we
served to defend their right to express themselves --- no matter
how inappropriate, misinformed, ignorant, or even "stupid" we
think it might be.
---
To those Marines presently serving : We are PROUD of you!
To all "former" "ex" & plain old "Marines" past & present :
OOO-RAH & SEMPER FI
Arthur D. Houchins
SSgt of Marines 73-80
P.S. - Thanks Sgt Grit for both newsletters & my opportunity to
"spout off". Keep up the good work.
Dear SGT Grit
I sit here 4 hours away from going to boot camp. I would like to
thank your company for showing me the brotherhood that I will
soon be entering. I will do my best and won't let the Marines
that came before me down
Semper Fi
Recruit Cunningham
Note: That would be your stories, not my company. Outstanding
work Marines.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
Please unsubscribe my husband (NamVet) from the newsletter as he
passed away on Sept. 8th, 2009. Thank you He was so proud of the
Marines. He loved each and every one of you.
He went into the hospital for surgery for an aneurysm and he
started bleeding and they couldn't stop it.
We are heartbroken.
Mrs. Harvey S.
And I Quote...
"The refusal of King George III to allow the colonies to operate
an honest money system, which freed the ordinary man from the
clutches of the money manipulators was probably the prime cause
of the revolution."
--Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father
Momi was not happy at all!
Monday, September 21, 2009, at 1400, my son Ryan, and seventeen
other young Americans left Raleigh, North Carolina's MEPS Station
for Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island South Carolina.
Cheryl & I were the only parents to literally stay and see these
fine young Americans off. As I exited the bus, my departing
words to them were - "The best of luck to you ALL. You get out
there and fvcking EARN it!" Momi & I got in the van & left and
saw many waiving hands & smiling faces as we drove by the bus. I
could not have been prouder of them all.
2300 last night momi answers the phone for Ryan's, prerecorded
static sounding, 3 second "I have arrived" phone call. She was
not prepared for the shock of this call at all. She said she had
never heard Ryan speak in the tone that he did & the amount of
noise in the background was almost overwhelming to what he was
saying. When Momi hung up the phone she was not happy at all
(tears, tears, tears)! All I could do was laugh & find much
relief in her saying that his newly acquired tone was not the
standard smarta$s, nor one that denoted fear or tears. (As a
side note - I hope that Ryan got his little dysfunctional punk
a$s pushed, shoved and thrown from one end of Receiving Barracks
to the other! Hearing anything less from him and I will be very
disappointed.) I tried my best to comfort her from my own
experiences, but as many of you know, the chaos of Receiving
Barracks at MCRD San Diego, and MCRD Parris Island cannot be
explained to someone who has not been through it them self.
Honestly, I don't think she slept at all last night, nor will she
get any real sleep for the next three months.
Semper Fi
JJ Chervinko
Cpl USMC
Very proud father of newly arrived Recruit Chervinko, 2nd
Battalion, Hotel Company, MCRD Parris Island.
I ordered one of your custom coins some time back. I did not know
it would be used for other reasons. I am a UT Police Officer in
the Dallas area. Last week I backed up another officer who was
having a bit of a problem with a mouthy subject that had several
outstanding warrants. When I arrived the subject decided to start
in on me. My partner stepped in and told him he need to read
something before he tried to get in my face just because I was
older than he was. I'm 68, still at it and still as mean.
I reached in my pocket and handed the subject my coin. He looked
at the EGA side and said, "So!" I told him to turn it over. I
noticed the wind going out of his sails as he read, "I am not the
dog you want to mess with. United States Marine Devil dog". He
had an "OH S***t" look on his face when he handed back my coin. I
simply said, "Parris Island, Viet-Nam". Enough said.
After the subject was arrested and put in the squad car for
transport my partner stated he needed to get a coin like mine. I
told him he could if he had put in the time, the sweat, he could
do the walk and shovel the s***t like the Marines. He was sorry
he had been in the Army. I told him not to worry, Marines take
care of family and I would go through a door with him.
John Halpin
2/9 Viet-Nam
1966-1968
And I Quote...
"There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and
pursue it steadily."
--George Washington
Had a desire for some good 'ol fashioned SOS and found you
through Google. Thanks!
I am a former Marine, SSGT, that served from 1965-1974 and got
out when they civilianized my MOS. Never served in Viet Nam
because of an early assignment to NSA and then went to the air
wing. 3 years later I went in the USAF and retired as a SMSGT.
My dad however is a retired SGTMAJ., Wilbert Schmick, that served
WWII, Korea and 2 tours in Viet Nam. He is 84 now and still "The
SGTMAJ"!
Semper Fi
Jerry Schmick
Marine Corps SOS Recipes
One More SOS Recipe
Sgt. Grit,
Your last newsletter began with the words:
A good moral character is the first essential in a man.
That being said. Terri Vorrheis wrote: Tony Glass a Marine Sgt.
Is an "Idiot"
Don't you think that's a bit strong?
Idiot? Possibly if you knew him better. yes he has an opinion.
Sometimes I don't agree with him.
Perhaps if you knew of his disabilities, you just might think a
bit different. Like me, he would love to volunteer for such
things as you mentioned. However standing or walking for even
short periods of time is very painful. Due to service connected
disabilities!
To the other Marine that stated that Glass was in the Corps
during a peaceful time. All Marines are number one Rifleman,
grunts, then as with Sgt Glass case he worked with a ton of
radioactive materials when he did serve. I truly believe this is
the major problem in this country today. People name calling and
criticizing when they just don't know who their talking about!
In short Terri Vorrheis, you didn't show much character when you
refer to any Marine as an "Idiot" I take offense! Back off, were
all entitled to our opinions, which I maintain can be said
without name calling! God Bless your Marine
Semper Fi R.V. Casto CPL. 1964-70
And I Quote...
"Civilization is the progress toward a society of privacy. The
savage's whole existence is public, ruled by the laws of his
tribe. Civilization is the process of setting man free from men."
--Ayn Rand
Sgt. Grit:
I can't tell you thank you enough for your weekly newsletter. It
reminds me of the stories my grandfathers, uncles, and cousins
tell and told me all Marines with a few Army and Navy guys thrown
in. My dad was in Air Force during the Korean War and received a
appointment to go to OCS and my grandmother took him out under
the Sullivan's act. My dad told me he did not talk to her for
about a year. He told me if I ever decided to go into the
service be an officer.
After high school I had a good job had everything I wanted or
needed but something as it seemed was still lacking in my life.
At 22 I went down to the local recruiting station talked to the
recruiter and made the biggest decision in my life I wanted to be
a Marine this was a decision I made as a patriot and as an
American. I like the fine examples as Americans my Marine
relatives and friends set for me. I tested a 95 on the ASVAB
and was told yes you can become an officer.
On the way back from the recruiter an Idiot who was not paying
attention to red light ran it and hit me. There went my dreams
of the Corps but later went on to serve 27 years in law
enforcement, but it never seemed the same, I wear my cousins
Officer Eagle Globe and Anchor on my ball hat but can't say that
I am a Former Marine only in my heart I feel I am a Marine. I
have much respect for the Corps and all those who serve in it.
It used really get to me when I had to arrest a former Marine I
would really lay into him. But we are all human yes even the
Marines, especially now God watch over country and the Corps
Semper Fi Mac in California
And I Quote...
"Fortune favors the brave."
--Virgil (70 BC - 19 BC), Aeneid
Sgt. Grit,
I haven't written in a while as my son completed active duty in
2005, and completes his 8 yr. contract in October. But he is
clearly a Marine for Life as I am a Marine Dad for Life. I had
an opportunity recently to attend one of the three performances of
Spirit of America by the US Army here in Columbus accompanying
WWII Veterans of the Third Armored. When the Service Medley was
played, my wife and I quickly stood proudly for the Marines.
I do not lose an opportunity to thank an active or veteran
warrior of any branch for their service. I have just completed
cataract surgery on both of my eyes and was at my doctor's office
last week, and they were running behind.
Devil Dogs are easy to spot, particularly when they are in their
gear, and I sat down and noted the t-shirt, cap and pins of the
gentlemen sitting across from me in the waiting room. I paused,
reflected and then stood and reached my hand out and thanked him
for his service and told him my son was 3/7 and in Iraq 2003 and
2004.
There was some silence and I saw history in his eyes. I knew his
era. Vietnam and it showed. We spoke softly for a number of
minutes -- who cares how many. I showed him my son's picture and
that each person under his command walked off the plane at tour's
end into the arms of their family but that he lost friends. He
looked off into the distance and I saw much in his gaze.
"Thirteen of us went there together. Only three of us returned."
No hug that any of us can give a Marine will ever make up for the
their loss of a buddy. But keep giving Marines those hugs.
Dr. Dennis Benson
Proud father of Sgt. Kris Benson
Worthington, OH
Sgt. Grit,
Got a couple things on my mind I wanted to share with you and the
rest. Flattery first, love both of the newsletters, since I am a
Marine myself and have a stepson currently serving. (Just back
from the sandbox! Ooooh-Raaah!).
Now the meat and potatoes.
I am fortunate enough to work with several veterans from all
branches of service. Great bunch of people. One of the people I
work with, I recently learned, spent time in Leavenworth for
being a conscientious objector during Viet Nam. Now don't go
tactical just yet. I have a level of respect for this man having
the integrity to stand up and take his lumps instead of running
across a border. Here's the dilemma.
The Traveling Wall recently came to our area. There was an
article in the paper that talked about The Wall and the names and
where and when it was available for viewing. Accompanying the
article was a picture of Mr. CO taking a rubbing of a name on The
Wall, stating that so-and-so takes a rubbing of the name of his
best friend who served in the USMC during the Viet Nam conflict.
I know The Wall is a very therapeutic and healing thing for
people and vets to visit. It should be. The problem I have is
that this man thinks his best friend's life was wasted. It was
not!
Whether his friend was drafted or volunteered, does not matter.
He attended the same basic training that my son and I attended.
He earned the right to wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, just
like we did. He paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend against
all enemies, foreign and domestic.
I would like to tell this man that his friend did NOT die in
vain! He and EVERY Marine that went before, serves to inspire
those that come after. We want these men that went before us to
be proud of US and our service! It is a sense that is instilled
in us in boot camp. We call it Espirit de Corps. The Spirit of
The Corps!
It's part of the deal. You sign up, make it through boot, earn
the right. All any of us really wants is for the ones that went
before to be proud, and the ones who come after to be inspired.
As always, Semper Fi!
Lcpl. Walsh, Kevin P.
Echo, 2/3 1982-1986
And I Quote...
"Let bravery be thy choice, but not bravado."
--Menander (342 BC - 292 BC)
I Will Not Forget Coin
All Gave Some...Some Gave All
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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