Sgt,
Here's a couple things. No rant this time. I was in the LRS (logistics readiness squadron—-vehicle maintenance) shop today. I was waiting around for service and I noticed something. Us (USMC) vs THEM (AIR FORCE) I read a report (again) the other day about HMLA 367 Scarface in Marble Mountain Vietnam (my squadron) as how in a COMBAT zone at one time they had 100% AIR CRAFT up and flying. That's US. We strive to attain 100 percent efficiency in everything we do.
So today while at work on the Air Force Base (stateside), I see my front end loader needs Hydraulic fluid. Our shop is out, I see on the board it was ordered TWO WEEKS AGO. Well I presume it was actually ordered. So I drive the unit down to LRS, the maintenance shop. They have ONE barrel on a dolley with ONE pump and ONE gun and this is a very large shop. It won't pump oil out. The E-7 just bitches he isn't ready for this sh*t. Gives up after a 1/2 hour and says to come back later. So two hours later I come back. NO one knows where he is at, or if the pump has been looked at and then they confess it has been down for two weeks!! So I am looking at certificates on the wall describing goal for vehicle availability for the ENTIRE wing and the squadron. THEIR GOAL IS ONLY 90% availabilty. HUH??? They aren't even trying for 100% If this had been my shop (military or civilian) heads would of rolled. I suggested we use the overhead hoist, lift the barrel out of the container dolley. Put a manual valve on it. Lay it over, pour oil into a can and pour it into the loader tank. IMPROVISE, ADAPT, OVERCOME you know. Oh HECK no that WAS work and they weren't going to do it! So no wonder they don't accomplish much. Dang I really miss the CORP after all these years! we GOT SH*T DONE!
On a side note. Thursday was our 3rd parade for Frontier Days (tomorrow is last and I WILL be in it). Anyway, I was moving along curb greeting people (kids, adults and SENIORS), thanking them for coming out to watch, thanking for their prior service, asking if they were having a good time, joking with them, etc just having a good time myself and running way behind! But just like the opera. The opera isn't over till the fat lady sings. Well this parade isn't over until I reach the end!! Well these two kids(about 8 yrs old) had small cheap digital cameras. Grandma was with them, but I didn't know that. They BOTH wanted a picture of me. Sure why not……. Last night I celebrated my 60th birthday a day early with a neighbor friend. I have known him 10 years or so. But last night was first night I met his wife. Go figure!! She knew me right off from the parade (well I was still in my blues). Turns out she was the Grandma of the two kids. She said they couldn't stop talking about the MARINE that stopped and talked to them and posed for THEM.
So any way here is a very close up of the picture he took. I also was grabbed by a 80+yr old lady and did a short western dance with her right on the street. Said she hadn't danced with a MARINE in over 50 years! She bent me over in a dip and kissed me! Must be the uniform, you think! Another lady wearing a sash, Miss Rodeo something or other was from Missouri or Arkansas, Wanted a picture also, So you bet I posed with her too! I would venture I meet and greet more people in one parade than in an entire year. Not to mention the thank you's I get for greeting them and saying hi. Making them feel important and wanted. And they are. What fun is a parade if no one is on the sides watching???? The fringe benefits (kisses and hugs) ain't bad either! Tuesday a kid asked for autograph I gave him one! He asked again Thursday, he pulled the book out, and low and behold it was the one I gave him Tuesday. But he still wanted another! So all you Marines that aren't getting out and doing parades and other events, You're missing out on a h*ll of a lot of fun!! These parades and events are just another way of serving. So come on get out there and join in and show everybody how we live up to our motto
THE FEW THE PROUD THE MARINES
Semper Fi
choo choo
Sgt of Marines (nla)
1968 -1974
RVN and other interesting points 70-71