As promised here is the write up of our Recruiters Appreciation Day in Bismarck. Thanks for helping us make it a success. I wasn't able to tag the photos but here they are in order. SSgt Steve Woodke (unassigned) and Sgt Adam Miller RSS Bismarck; 2nd photo various Marines and a token Army guy interspersed. 3rd photo- RSS Bismarck Sgt Gilbertson, Sgt Miller and RSS Minot Sgt Goggans modeling their Sgt Grit rank shirts. Sgt Miller had to leave for an appointment. 4th photo Sgt Randy Lehmann (unaasigned) Grill Instructor and finally RSS Bismarck SNCOIC SSgt John Dupnik with his SSgt rank shirt.
On 23 April, we held our 2nd Annual Recruiters Appreciation Day in Bismarck ND. It was hosted by several “unassigned” Marines in the area. They provided beverages, beans, grilled burgers, chips and cookies for the recruiters, especially Marine recruiters in the area.
The reason for this Appreciation Day is to recognize their efforts and thank them for their service. Most recruiters assigned to Bismarck are away from their family of origin or in other words away from an area they grew up in. Secondly, they are away from their “military families”. There are no Marine reserve units in Bismarck and the closest major military base is Minot AFB in Minot ND, about 2 hours away. So in essence, the Marines are orphans in this land locked city. Oh yes, we fed the other branches as well since they are Americans, but this is a Marine dominated effort and celebration.
We grilled out for everyone. The Army snubbed us, the Navy was also nowhere to be found but the Air Force showed up. All the Marine recruiters were in attendance. RSS Bismarck recruiters NCOIC SSgt Dupnik, Sgt Miller, Sgt Gilbertson and Sgt Goggans were in attendance. Also in attendance were some local Marines who probably haven’t been assigned since Chesty was around. They stopped in to wish the recruiters well and swap some stories. We even had an Army Chopper pilot show up. He had worked with the Marines in Viet Nam in Chu Lai area flying them into the bush and out.
Sgt Grit, in their support of our Marines, provided some rank t-shirts for our recruiters, some baseball covers and an apron for the Grill Sgt. The recruiters really appreciated the cook out, the company and the shirts. A grand time was had by all. Thanks again to all involved and a special thanks to Sgt Grit and their staff for their support.