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AmericanCourage #213 12 NOV 2009
Print | ONLINE CATALOG
Sgt. Grit,
Good evening from Erie Pa...We just wanted to send you a picture
of our 3 yr. Devil Pup...and future Marine.
He's a hard charger and doesn't play games... just ask our Day
care provider! ha... ha... ha... feel free to post this
picture...
Semper Fi!
Cpl. R. Domster
8th, 9th Motors
91-95
Veteran's Day is about YOU.
Thanks for your service. Thanks for your sacrifice.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
Sgt Grit,
I have been a Grunt for 22 1/2 years and you are right it is one
Corps. Tell the Grandfather who wrote in to tell his
grandson it's not his fault and not to feel guilty. I lost
several good men in Fallujah and it hurts, it will always hurt,
but it's not his fault.
Semper Fidelis
Master Sergeant Brockmann
July 14 1987 - December 31, 2009
Videos:
Commandant's Birthday Message (MFR Website)
234th Marine Corps Birthday Tribute (GoDaddy.com)
And I Quote...
"It is only when you are able to do things that other people
don't approve that you are free."
--Thomas Sowell
Sgt. Grunt,
A couple of years after serving in Vietnam and returning to this
wonderful country of ours, I saw a quote in "Leatherneck
Magazine" that I have never forgotten and never will. I don't
remember who the author of the quote was but it said...
"When man becomes so civilized that he will no longer fight, he
will be enslaved by those who can fight" This has always been
true and will always be true.
Just a few years ago at a Marine Corps League meeting we had the
honor of having as our speaker that night a Marine who had
recently retired from the Corps. He told us that with all the
talk of Old Corps and New Corps, we had nothing to worry about.
He said that the Marines of today were more intelligent, better
trained and better equipped than ever before.
I salute all persons who have served our country and especially
the men and women who are protecting us today. God bless
America!
Semper Fi,
Andy Aldredge
Cpl. Amgrunt, Vietnam
Note:
I agree. You should see the outstanding, magnificent Marines
that daily come into my shop.
Humble, hard chargers, fit, polite, smart. Impressive!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
I have read several submissions on the subject, "Old Corps vs.
New Corps," and I have to say it is rather ironic to read these,
as the old salts of yesteryear frequently assume the Corps was
better when they were in, was harder and tougher, and the
training superior.
Here's the irony: Many of the former Marines in the "Old Corps"
joined 20, 25, 30 years ago in the Seventies, Eighties, and
maybe not quite in the Nineties - yet. I enlisted in 1978 and
went to beloved MCRD in September of that year. Well, guess
what I learned upon arriving and the next couple years
following? I was in the "New Corps," and the "old salts" who
joined in the late Fifties and early Sixties were the "Old
Corps" when the Corps was better, harder, tougher, and superior!
Do you think it might have been possible that when they joined
in the Fifties, they, too, were "New Corps" to the Marines of
WWII?
It is somewhat mythological, in a sense, that no matter when you
join, you automatically are in the "New Corps," but that somehow
20 or 30 years later you mysteriously morph into the "Old
Corps." If nothing else, it certainly bodes well for nostalgia!
During the month of August of this year, I and my family had the
privilege of being invited guests of Sergeant Major Brian
Jackson, the Depot and the Western Recruiting Region Sergeant
Major. We arrived on the depot at San Diego on 11 Aug 2009 and
were warmly greeted by the Sergeant Major who introduced us to
Staff Sergeant Daniel Rodriguez, Chief Drill Instructor of
Receiving Company, a Marine at least 6-foot 1 or greater, rock
hard, piercing eyes, yet of a quiet demeanor. (The Marine Corps
does such an awesome job teaching one how to carry themselves.)
I had previously asked the sergeant major if we could take a
brief tour of the depot for the benefit of my children, five
girls and a son, though only four of the girls could make it.
SgtMaj Jackson and SSgt Rodriguez met us dressed in crisp desert
cammies and campaign covers. The Sergeant Major presented my
son with a medallion memento and explained that pressing duties
called so the Staff Sergeant would give us a tour of the depot
and training areas.
My expectation was simple. We would hop into our vehicle, drive
around the depot, and point out areas of significance. That
wasn't to happen. Sergeant Major Jackson saw to it that all
areas of the depot be made available to us beginning with the
Marine museum. SSgt Rodriguez took us on an eight-passenger
golf cart to the museum, showed us the Hummers used for Marine
Corps public relations, drill instructor's training area,
recruiter's training area, to receiving barracks, the yellow
footprints of today and years gone by, into the recruit's PX,
the barracks, confidence course, bayonet fighting, rappelling,
the whole nine yards. As we drove and walked around the
"restricted areas," I felt strangely odd, as if we were on
ground we should not tread.
When we entered into the swim qualification building, Marines
looked at us like, "What the &*#$," as seven civilians strode
in. The gunny in charge bolted out of his hut staring at me
like I was from another planet. I bellowed down the corridor,
"Staff Sergeant Rodriguez, I think the gunny here is wondering
why civilians are walking into his tank." The gunny responded,
"Yeah, you might say I'm thinking something like that!" The
senior drill instructor cleared our way, and into the tank room
we went, just in time to see recruits on the platform, dressed
in full camouflage fatigues, ALICE packs (that's what we used to
call them, have no idea what they are today), boots, helmet, and
mock M-16 rifles jumping into the tank and qualifying. Let me
say this: In 1978, I swim qualified, but we did not do it with
packs, helmet, and rifle. We did it in cammies and boots. So
to a certain extent, these "New Corps" recruits were receiving
better and harder training than we "Old Corps" Marines did.
The point of my letter is this: We watched these recruits walk
their way down slide-of-life ropes, fall into the net or pool,
climb telephone pole apparatus and cross over, one recruit stuck
at the top and being coaxed to get his swinging you know what
over the top and down. As we cruised in our golf right through
the center of bayonet training, a recruit did not even
acknowledge our presence as he turned and thrust his bayonet
inches from our cart yelling at the top of his lungs, "KILL!"
Fifty percent of the training I observed I did not receive in my
old Corps days, or at least not on the level I was observing.
As we walked through Receiving, we watched raw recruits who had
arrived the night before being herded down the corridor; we
witnessed recruits in "the pit" being thrashed. If you have
been in the Corps, you know what the pit is! At one point I
asked SSgt Rodriguez if they still call the recruits "maggots."
His response: "I will neither confirm nor deny." Spoken like a
true Marine!
The tour was awesome. My kids were very impressed, and I think
I could rightly say a bit awe struck. My son was presented with
an Essential Subjects and Guidebook. He has read both, and all
of my children received dog tags that SSgt Rodriguez had made
for us while at Receiving. SSgt Rodriguez explained each and
every aspect of Marine Corps boot camp to us. Many aspects of
training today are more refined and equally as difficult, if not
more so. Today's recruit also experiences the "Crucible," which
is sort of a rite of passage for recruits becoming Marines. The
Crucible did not exist in 1978.
I left MCRD San Diego that day feeling extremely confident that
the Marines of today are receiving no less training than their
forefathers. Someone once said, "Old Corps, New Corps, it's all
Marine Corps." I agree wholeheartedly. I was looking hard that
day to see if I could find any area of boot camp that was less
than what it should be or once was. I didn't find it!
So...that said, should we once and for all end the age-old
controversy of Old Corps vs. New Corps? Heck no! It makes for
fantastic stories of yore and holds today's recruit accountable
to the standards that of days bygone. We can rest assured,
though, that today's New Corps Marine is every bit as sharpened
and hardened as their "Old Corps" ancestors.
Semper Fi,
Greg Rasmussen,
SSGT USMC (former)
1978 - 1987
P.s. I have attached three photos, one of my children and SSgt
Rodriguez in front of the Hummer; one of my kids on the "Old
Corps" yellow footprints (sorry about those salutes); and one of
my family and I at the flag pole.
And I Quote...
"But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can
never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever."
--John Adams
Sgt Grit,
Two things, first in reference to Old vs. New Corps; about a
hundred years ago (or so it seems) I asked my GYSGT what the
difference was between the "Old" and "New" Corps. With wisdom
only a Gunny would have he replied, "Old Corps is someone who
joined one day before you did".
Second to the gentleman concerned about his Grandson, I used to
talk to some of the local schools when they studied Viet Nam in
their history books. One day a young lady asked if I wasn't
bothered all the time about all the friends I lost because I was
over there. I told her that yes, I think about them quite
often, but equally, I also think about all the friends I have
now that I would never have met if I had not been over there.
Keep up the good work
Howard Spaulding
USMC 1967-1971
As the father of a Marine Gunnery Sgt... and one of the few and
proud myself, I was taken aback by R's letter. An expression of
concern is heartwarming but the interjection of moral relativism
is disgusting.
The only purposed served is for R to express his views and go
through the same arguments spewed by the unthinking who state
that the events of 9-11 were brought on by previous behaviors of
prior generations.
Having met many Marines through my son, I know that they are
aware of their family obligations and would like nothing more to
be home to wrangle kids while their wife ( or husband ) makes a
home for the whole clan. These individuals know however that
scene can only be created by the sacrifice of their collective
service to Duty, Honor, and Corps.
R has never known the fellowship of mutual hardship or success
and never will unless he opens his eyes to the qualities of
Michael and his comrades.
To Mother P, never lose heart. You have raised an outstanding
son.
Hopefully R will see the light, and perhaps learn some history.
Particularly the part about who helped earn the right for him to
have his opinion. And will learn the wisdom to at the
appropriate time keep them to himself.
Earl A. Stanley MD.
Inactive Sergeant USMC
And I Quote...
"Casualties: many, Percentage of dead: not known, Combat
efficiency: we are winning."
--Colonel David M. Shoup, USMC, MOH, (later Commandant) Tarawa,
21 November 1943.
Member has unsubscribed.
The following member has unsubscribed: from all lists.
They were logged on the Opt Out List for all lists.
IP: xxxxxxxxxx
Date: 10/31/2009
Reason: My Marine just completed his mission here on Earth.
First Name: Vickie
Note:
Style, elegance, brevity, class.
Sgt Grit
I truly enjoy reading your newsletter, and wanted to pass on
some thanks. I am the grandson of a First Division Marine,
Staff Sergeant Robert (Pete) Nelson, who served his country
proudly during WW2. While I unfortunately did not follow in his
footsteps, I do my best to honor him and all Marines in my line
of work. It's amazing how seeing your Grandfathers Silver Star
on the wall every day will do that! Whenever I think I am
having a bad day, I just think of all the bad days he had on
Guadalcanal!
You see, I am a professional drummer in a rock and roll band.
Thanks to the brave Marines out there, I am able to do that for
a living. My drums currently sport about 10 different Corps
stickers, given to me by Marines from all across the country.
Maybe the fact that my entire wardrobe consists of Grunt.com
shirts has something to do with it! My favorite one has to be
one that says, "Marines: We are in the azs kicking business,
and business is good." With that being said, our stage backdrop
is an American Flag, measuring 30 feet wide by 20 feet tall.
Basically, in true Marine spirit, I like to let everyone know
where I stand. There isn't a night that goes by when we don't
give our thanks to the Men and Women who serve. Every time I
see a Marine in the crowd (and you guys are easy to spot, by the
way. Mainly because everyone gives you space) I make sure and
shake their hand and tell them thanks.
While that is a very small gesture on my part, each and every
Marine I have ever met seems to be taken back a bit. Apparently
that doesn't happen enough. I guess not enough Americans realize
the role you guys play in this world, and that's a shame. Well
I do, and I am grateful for each and every one of you, both
young and old. Thank you for all you do at Grunt.com, and keep
up the good work! Maybe you guys can make me a shirt that says,"
Still kicking my own azs for not joining the Corps 23 years
ago."
With the Greatest Respect and Thanks,
Chris Eddins
Lake View, Alabama
And I Quote...
"Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine Corps will pay most of
your share."
--Ned Dolan
Don, here's a suggestion for your readers that are "seasoned"
Marines like me. For my birthday, Fathers' Day and Christmas, I
tell family to "Adopt a Marine" versus buying me stuff. I'm
pushing 74; so I have pretty much everything I need.
By so doing, they're helping a younger Marine "brother" and I
have the satisfaction of knowing that, in my way, I've also have
helped.
Christmas is just around the corner and my hope is that this
note will prompt other old pharts to consider this suggestion.
Semper Fi,
Bob Rader #1405534
6 of us from a small town in Ok, (Miami) joined in 1953, went to
SD for boot and after graduation were split and I lost contact
with all of them except my cousin, Ben...
Served 2 years on USS Wisconsin and recently "found" a shipmate
who was my closest friend, that's after 53 years, also found one
of the original 6 shortly after. There is a tie between former
Jarheads. I still communicate with several from the big boat and
though i haven't seen them in years they remain brothers...
There are only 4 left of the 6. On the boat I saw lots of the
world, much more than I would have, had I not joined...
Don't know OohRah, all we had was Semper Fi and gung ho...I wear
a red uss wisc hat that says usmc and former crew member, The
main reason is because I always meet from 3 to 6 old guys with a
semper fi, Is very heartwarming for a 74 year old...
Thanks for newsletter and all the work you do...
Sgt D. Wackerly
1953-1956
And I Quote...
"We fight not for glory, nor for riches, nor for honour, but
only and alone for Freedom, which no good man lays down but with
his life."
--Declaration of Arbroath, Scotland, 1320
My son, James LCpl. James Yeager is with the 2/2 replacing the
2/8 at Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He left today, Oct, 28,
2009. He is only 19 years old and our only son. To tell you how
proud of him, you will never know.
I ask that each and every one of you please keep him in his
prayers. He was stationed out of Camp Lejeune 0331, Machine
Gunner, probably the worst job you could ever have. He was a
bit anxious today as I talked to him but he is going over there
to do his job, something he has always wanted to do since he was
a little boy.
I asked him to find Osama Bin Laden and to bring his sorry azs
home and his lousy broken up dialysis machine. I am and ER
nurse and you can only drag that sh-t around with you for so
long before you tire out.
Sorry for the profanity. I really am a lady but angry about the
whole world situation.
Pray for my son, as I know you will.
As my son tells me, He who sheds blood with me shall forever be
my brother..
Lauren Yeager, the proudest mother of a Marine.
Note:
Sounds more like a Marine Gunny than a Mom. Get some.....
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
My fiance LCpl Josh Fisher is currently in Afghanistan, so I've
been trying to find different ways to stay busy and with this
time of season, fall and Halloween I went on a search for a USMC
pumpkin pattern. Alas I found none. So I got creative and made
my own and it turned out better than I could have ever expected.
I just wanted to share those pictures with everyone.
Thank you sgt grit for all you do!
Proud Marine Fiance missin' him all day every day until he
returns.
Sabrina Billings
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Re: American Courage #211 (15 Oct 09)
For P (the mother of the Marine Corps Sgt. returning to
Afghanistan for a 3rd tour!)
First - Godspeed & Semper Fi to your brave Marine from a Marine
brother. I (as well as most others in this country) am proud of
him.
Second - Thank you for raising a brave man who has the COURAGE
to recognize & accept the challenge to defend his family &
country in these trying times. Evidently, the e-mailing
boyfriend of your oldest daughter was NOT raised with the
benefit of a mother of your obvious wisdom. Is your daughter
aware of that e-mail?! There was no mention of marriage or
fiance? Does this 42 year old "man" lack the courage to marry
the mother of his child as well as the other lack of courage so
obviously displayed in his e-mail?!? Is your daughter fully
aware of this "man's" evident pacifism, ignorance, & even
cowardice?!? ... Perhaps marriage is NOT a good choice!
May God watch over you & your Marine!
Arthur D. Houchins
SSgt of Marines 73 - 80
P.S. - the Voltaire quote from Sgt. Grit should have followed
your letter : "Madness is to hold an erroneous perception and
argue perfectly from it."
Thanks Sgt. Grit for the opportunity to respond & "sound off".
And I Quote...
"In the end more than they wanted freedom, they wanted security.
When the Athenians finally wanted not to give to society but for
society to give to them, when the freedom they wished for was
freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free."
--Edward Gibbon
Hey Grit,
Regarding "Letter to Michael"
If a Marine can speak for another:
The tears rolling down the cheeks of my family are for the pride
they have in their Marine, not some regret.
I am, indeed, an important part of the family... The part that
perpetuates the remainder.
It is not about the military, but about the country; and I have
pledged my life for them.
If I squeeze the trigger on another family man, It's because he
was about to squeeze his trigger on me. The legality of it all
is on the shoulders of our politicians, whom we trust to fight
the just fight, and whom we have elected, not me. Some things
are worth dying for, and if you don't realize that, you haven't
lived, merely survived, while I have lived.
I am absolutely sure of where my choice is coming from. I am
willing to die to protect my sister, and you.
To quote you "It takes a bigger man to stand up and recognize
that his past decisions may have been wrong and admit to it",
perhaps it is your timid decisions which were wrong. Perhaps
your ego is leading you into the sewer.
I won't contact you ... you are a coward and unworthy of
fathering my nephew/niece.
Kindest regards and love to my sister...
"There is a time for all things, a time to preach and a time to
pray, but those times have passed away. There is a time to
fight, and that time has now come."
--Peter Muhlenberg, 1776
Peter Muhlenberg said this however I just wanted to give credit
where credit was due and point out that he (Peter Muhlenberg)
was actually para-phrasing scripture. I just wanted to put the
passage that he was para-phrasing because it is so much more
powerful.
Ecclesiastes 3 (King James Version)
1To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose
under the heaven:
2A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a
time to pluck up that which is planted; 3A time to kill, and a
time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4A
time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time
to dance; 5A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather
stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from
embracing; 6A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep,
and a time to cast away; 7A time to rend, and a time to sew; a
time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8A time to love,
and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of
men to be exercised in it.
11He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath
set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the
work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
CPL Porfirio Perez 0612
4th Recon BN, H&S Co, COMM Plt.
1998-2004
And I Quote...
"Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of
celestial fire called conscience."
--George Washington
HI attached photo of my best Oppo Tug Wilson (in wheelchair) we
met up after 44yrs, unfortunately Tug had a massive stroke. My
wife and I drove 300 miles to see him and his wife. We spent 4
days out of 7 days of our holiday, clearing out his garden my
wife replanting shrubs etc for them and I bought 2 gallons of
fence paint and everything that stood still was painted, brings
back memories of Boot camp. Royal Marines style.
They were so pleased and said you are supposed to be on a weeks
vacation not doing stuff for us, this is where we Marines differ
from other services we look after our own. It was a pleasure to
help my buddy out as I have known him since 1957 in Boot camp
and was appreciated. The saying go's "Once a Marine, always a
Marine.
You take care Marine
Regards aye
Rod
Royal Marines Commando
1957-68
PER MARE PER TERRAM
PS: In 1960 whilst serving with 40 Commando Royal Marines in
Malta I befriended a US Marine named Jack LaBreque who was in
Malta with I think the 6th Fleet, do you know what, we are still
in touch after 47 yrs!
I joined the Marines at age 17 in May 1958 and out in May 1963.
My last duty station was Marine Barracks 8th & I St's.
Washington, DC.
I'm writing to tell you that we have a Weanling pacing colt
named Sgt. Grit. He will go into training next fall and begin
his racing career the following year. We will keep you informed
of his progress and hope he provides you with lots of free
advertisement and us with lots of money. In the past we had a
colt named Major Dad and one named Fi. Both were really good
race horses and stakes winners.
Cpl. Thomas Shehan
Member Marine Corps League
Detachment 1150
Cadiz, Ky
And I Quote...
"I have only two men out of my company and 20 out of some other
company. We need support, but it is almost suicide to try to get
it here as we are swept by machine gun fire and a constant
barrage is on us. I have no one on my left and only a few on my
right. I will hold."
--1st. Lt. Clifton B. Cates, Navy Cross, 2 Distinguished Service
Crosses, (later Commandant), USMC, July 19, 1918 commanding 96
Company, 6th Marines, near the French town of Soissons.
Sgt,
I see many people getting and showing off their tattoos.
Many are true works of art.
Many display them openly to show they were in the Marines and
still are a Marine.
so I thought, I would send you some photos of my tattoos!
But then I remembered, I don't have a tattoo. Most likely never
will.
I have a couple local watering holes I go to and of course the
grocery stores and such.
I usually am wearing a cover with MARINE on it or the EGA, and
not very large print.
Whenever I walk into one of the watering holes and a friend or
acquaintance is there, They always greet me rather loudly, "Hey,
Jarhead". Because they KNOW I am one.
Strangers in the place normally turn to see whom they are
talking about and who I am.
And then sometimes there is the subdued whisper back and forth,
who is he and why the name.
Eventually a friend ends up answering, He is a Marine, and we
use the term Jarhead, Because he is our friend.
I have never been offended by them doing it. They always have a
tone of admiration and respect in their voice., They were all
army or navy, and they know what our accomplishments on and off
the battlefield are, that we are first to come in and last to
leave. That of all the services we are the smallest in number
and that we have never backed down. That the bended Knee has
never been and never will be a United States Marine tradition!
I've found over the years, that I don't need a tattoo down my
arm, around my neck or across my back proclaiming I am a Marine.
Most people figure it out by the way I present myself, walk and
talk, and of course by some apparel I may be wearing.
My favorite is a black utility cover (three pointed front), with
a small EGA on it (have to be close to make it out).
I have nothing against Tattoos or those that get them.
I'm just saying you don't need one to prove to yourself or
others that you are a Marine.
Your day to day actions, should speak loud enough.
I'm not trying to toot my own horn here, I'm just saying.
Semper Fi to all my fellow "jarheads" past, present and future!
Choo Choo
Sgt of Marines (NLA)
68-74 should of stayed longer
RVN 70-71
HML267(anytime anywhere),VMO2(angry two),HML367(Scarface)...more
I sincerely hope this helps you and other Marines searching for
some answers, and perhaps some degree of closer, if possible.
Did a lot of searching to get this information. This young lady,
Amy Mondt, is very helpful by the way. There is a book out
called, "Into the DMZ, A Battle History of Operation Hickory,
May 1967, Vietnam" by Mark A. Cauble.
Sgt. Grit you can go to yahoo or Google, and the book can be
found and read. These where my guys, who I will always be so
proud of to my last. It is in a strange way comforting that Fox
Co, and the others are at least on record. The Best Always,
Semper Fi, James Bandy.
From: Mondt, Amy K
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 12:49 PM
To: 'james_bandy@att.net'
Subject: RE: Vietnam operations
Mr. Bandy,
We have a complete set of command chronologies (monthly summary
reports) for the 2nd 26th Marines from August of 1966 through
the end of your tour. These documents are available online in
our Virtual Vietnam Archive. I will post the directions for
finding them below.
Visit http://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/virtualarchive/
Select "Search the Virtual Archive" (top center text or bottom
button left menu) Click on the Advanced Search link (red text)
Enter 2d Bn 26th Marines as Keywords in the Keyword Field Enter
01/01/1966 and 02/29/1968 as dates in the Date Fields Click on
Start Search (top button left menu) It should return 19 items.
Click on Display Search Results (second button left menu)
The next screen has links to the materials online. You can
click on the PDF icon to read, print or download the material
from your computer at home.
I also found some 26th Marine association pages that might be of
interest to you. The links are below.
http://www.26thmarines.org/gallery/gallery.html - has photos
from fox company 2/26th Marines http://www.26thmarines.com/ -
26th Marines association. This association has an annual
reunion and other benefits. If you are trying to locate friends
from your unit you can contact them to see if they can help you
out.
If you need more information about your unit you can request
records from two other archives. The first is the Marine Corps
History Division http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/HD/Home_Page.htm you
can ask them if they have more of the command chronologies to
fill in the ones we do not have from your tour. Other useful
reports you might be interested in would be: after action report
- a report that describes a specific battle, operational report
- a report that covers a specific operation (operation rolling
thunder or operation MacArthur etc), morning reports or unit
rosters. Here is a page that describes what a morning report
and roster is
www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/morning-reports-and-unit-rosters.html
If the Marine Corps History Division does not have the documents
you are looking for, you can request the documents from the
National Archives www.archives.gov. The National Archive is the
official repository of the US government and military and has
copies of all of the reports that survived from the war. You
can also request a copy of your personal service record from the
National Archive
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html. The
National Archive can take several months to answer a request so
if you ask them for materials be aware that there is a wait.
I hope this information helps you out. If I can be of any
further help, please let me know.
Amy
Amy K Mondt, CA
Assistant Archivist
The Vietnam Archive
Texas Tech University
Special Collections Library, Room 108
Lubbock, Texas 79409-1041
Phone: 806-742-9010
Fax: 806-742-0496
E-mail: amy.k.mondt @ ttu.edu
Web: http://www.vietnam.ttu.edu
And I Quote...
"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of
the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power
than by violent and sudden usurpations."
--James Madison
To the pacifist:
"For those who fought for it, freedom has a taste the protected
will never know"
To the troubled Marine:
We're trained to fight and if necessary die. You served with
honor and like you, this Marine lives with survivor guilt. I
repeat lives with survivor guilt. I am proud of you for your
"Honorable Marine Corps Service", for some ones' life, you made
a difference, as did those who are now at HEAVEN'S GATE.
OohRah, SEMPER FI, Marine
Sarge/ Viet Nam 72-73
E.P. Anthony
Sgt. Grit,
I greatly enjoy receiving your outstanding newsletter. I will
bypass all other e-mail communications giving preference to
yours. I come from a long line of Marines and mark attaining the
EGA as the acme of my life. I am truly inspired by the tales of
Marines, past and present, and have nothing but the utmost
respect for all persons that answer this great county's call.
I tried to re-up three times since 9/11, but the dreaded west
nile virus, age and other maladies preclude me from serving
again. I work with a retired Army E-8, and both of us would
proudly answer the call again if we were permitted.
I feel that it is unfortunate that the events and stories
related in your newsletter are not in a syndicated newspaper.
The vast majority of Americans are ignorant to the sacrifices
and contributions made by past and present generations of
servicemen and women. It is a shame that only politically
correct history is taught in the public schools and in the
alleged institutions of higher learning.
I thank you for the job you are doing keeping our country's
finest individuals in the spotlight. It is a tragedy that our
civilian leadership does not have the integrity of our military
ranks.
Thank you for letting me vent.
G.K. "Bo" Pelton
Cpl of the Marines
1st Marine Division
Currently unassigned
Sgt. Grit,
The Old and New Marines. I know I've never walked in the shoes
of a Marine. I'm the youngest brother of five bothers. I had
three brothers in the Armed Services with Fifty- Three years of
Service. My brother Jerry served in the Army at Arlington, with
the Old Guard. I've seen the Changing of the Guard, what an
honor.
My brother Richard served also in the Army. Eight years full
time, twelve as a reservist. He served in North Carolina, Fort
Bragg. He spent time in Iraq.
My brother Jeff was a Marine. He spent six years first training
in the Army. Training at Fort Benning and Fort Bragg. He trained
with the Army Rangers and Green Berets. He didn't believe the
Army could give him what he was looking for. He quit the Army
and became a Marine. My brother Jeff was a Gunnery Sergeant with
the 1/5 at Camp Pendleton. He was killed in Iraq 4-10-2003 at
the age of 37. He was part of the initial march into Baghdad. He
went with his Platoon even though his Humvee had no armor
plating. He was carry essential, water, ammo, and other supplies
that he knew would be needed. He had the choice not to go, but
did anyway. He was killed in a fire fight. To be part of a team.
Going into battle thinking of others and before yourself, that's
a Marine. New or Old.
My brother Richard and his Reserve Platoon left shortly after my
brother Jeff's funeral. He also was told he didn't have to go,
but went anyway knowing the men he served with would need him.
They had a dedication for my brother at Camp Pendleton when the
1/5 got back from Iraq. What a great group of people. The honor
they showed my brother and my family I'll never forget.
I believe the old and new both serve with great honor.
God bless all of you, and Thank you.
Robert Bohr brother of Gunnery Sergeant Jeffrey E. Bohr
And I Quote...
"When an opponent declares, 'I will not come over to your side,'
I calmly say, 'Your child belongs to us already...what are you?
You will pass on. Your descendants however now stand in the new
camp. In a short time they will know nothing else but this new
community.'."
--Adolf Hitler, 1933
I joined the Marine Corps in July of 1966. My platoon, 3033 was
attached to Disneyland 3rd Battalion, Parris Island.
I believe in the summer, if the outside air temperature was
above 90 degrees, that any exercise was not permitted. Somehow
our platoon of 110 recruits were doing bends and thrusts on a
floor that reminded one of a swimming pool filled with sweat in
the month of July.
Our Drill Instructors would walk up and down the squad bay each
evening and talk us to sleep reminding us just who the enemy
was.
Our platoon was deemed Honor Platoon during the end of those
eight weeks.
Not bragging, but I did make PFC in the end, probably because I
always made it a point to be the first out of the rack each
morning.
Parris Island is an experience that will always remain in my
memory, even today as I reach the age of 65. Back then we were
always reminded of the old Corps.
Come from a proud family of Marines...my dad was a PFC and
fought in the battle for Okinawa, brother was post Korea, I
served from 1966-69, and my son (whom I am very proud of) is
currently a Captain flying choppers on his third deployment in
the Western Pacific (career Marine).
All these generations kicked azs, as future generations will
continue to uphold the tradition of the Corps.
Sgt F. Boksanske
Marine, mutt, and a miracle (News Story)
And I Quote...
"In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence
in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the
Constitution."
--Thomas Jefferson
Dear Sgt Grit,
My Father is 82 now.
Long before I came along he was a U.S Army Drill Instructor in
the late 1950's. He never talked about it until his later years.
He always was a man of few words.
In 1968 when I was 18, I wanted to enlist. My Dad talked me into
going to college instead. He was God to me. I took his advice.
Who I am today is a direct result of my "D.I. Dad."
Whenever I see a serviceman in uniform I take a moment to walk
up and say "thanks for what you do!"
Never a vet but always a patriot!
--
Ron Bortmas, Chandler AZ
I am a warrior!...(song on YouTube)
Yes, I think that is too bad...to my mind a career Marine
officer of high rank should fashion himself after "Chesty" or
Vandergrift. Put the Corps first and career second...too many
shoot off their mouths when they should shut up. There is some
Marine Captain I have heard of that is advocating we cut and run
in Afghanistan and not send in more troops! He claims it is not
winable...this is the Vietnam mentality...Haven't we learned
from the mistakes made during that war?...Dithering politicians
not listening to solid military commander's advice, but instead
putting their sh*t lackeys in place who would not stand up to
them and wanted a political career after their service... As far
as Afghanistan, I say win it or get the h&ll out! No more
Vietnams!
R.
And I Quote...
"If we would have a stable society, we must have dangerous Old
Men."
"The good youths are guided and disciplined by Old Men."
--Grim Beorn
"Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they want a war let it
begin here."
--Captain John Parker
Just to add to the P responses,
and I quote my commander and chief at the time...
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be
fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same, or
one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and
our children's children what it was once like in the United
States where men were free."
--Ronald Reagan
C. Perez
LCpl USMC
1982- 1986
I recently attended my grandson Marine Corps graduation on 18
August at San Diego, Calif. This event was very special to me
because it brought me fond memories of the time I too, had gone
to MCRD for my Marine boot training. I could not believe how
much the base had changed since I was there over 40 years ago.
With me was my wife and my son who also a Marine SSgt. and my
grandson's Dad, a SSgt Marine recruiter in Calif.
As we sat on the reviewing stands I was very much impress with
the Marine band and the entertainment they provided to the
crowd. I saw many old retire Marine Veterans in attendance and
was proud to stand with them. There was Seven platoons that
graduated that day. We got to spend some time at family day with
our grandson the day before and actually talk to the Marine
drill instructors. I shook their hands and thank them for making
my grandson a Marine and told them to keep up the great work. I
was impress with the ceremony and feel that every Marine
veteran should go see this graduation ceremony if you are able.
It a very moving experience for me since the training I had
received help me reach the goals not only in the Marine Corps
but in my field of work. I soon will be retiring with 44 years
of federal service working for Air Force/Army aviation depot.
Sgt. Joe Herrera
Crew Chief
1st Air Wing
2nd Air Wing
3rd Air Wing
KC-130F Squadron
Vietnam Veteran
And I Quote...
"There! His Majesty can now read my name without glasses. And he
can double the reward on my head."
--John Hancock
"A republic, if you can keep it."
--Benjamin Franklin
It's a great cause...Get some
Toys For Tots today...we'll handle the logistics.
God Bless America!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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