Author: SgtGrit

Finally Got My Retirement Gift

I knew that I wanted an Eagle and the MGySgt Chevron. I got the idea for the banners from an old t-shirt I got from Sgt Grit, and the anchor was the final piece that pulled it all together. When it was being drawn up, my biggest concern was that the Eagle look AGGRESSIVE!!! I think he nailed it! Mike Derobertis, MGySgt, USMC (Ret.) read more

1865 Marine Emblem Buckle

I just read my Sgt. Grit email and saw the story on the hardcharger who had just got an 1865 Marine emblem buckle. A friend of mine gifted me with the exact same buckle from the same company and unfortunately found out later that it isn't a Marine buckle. It is a U.S. Revenue Cutter Service buckle. Don't really know what that is but it looks too much like something a Marine would wear and so it's staying with me. read more

American By Birth, Marine By Choice and Saved By Grace

Submitting a tat I waited more than long enough to get for myself. My own design. Was in from ’74 to ’96. One of the youngest in ‘Nam (as a comm/intel/crypto Marine). 2542/Comm Center Man. Wasn’t really ‘there’ (covert stuff). Anyway, had the pleasure of serving as General Al Gray’s Comm Chief during Gulf War I at HQMC under President Bush in ’90 (that doesn’t mean much except to another Marine). Closed the oldest Marine post (Marine Barracks Philadelphia) at the Navy Ship Yard in ’94 then moved the MWSS to the Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Willow Grove to finally retire as a MSgt (made MSgt in 20 years) in ’96. Finally got the tat last August with the design help of my family (upper left shoulder). American by birth, Marine by choice and Saved by Grace. MSgt Montney, USMC, ’74 – ’96 read more

Sgt Grit Newsletter Coming to an Inbox Near You

Since your discharge, have you lost contact with a few of the Marines you served with? Have you ever wondered what life was like in the Corps during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam? Have you served during a war era and have a few stories of your own to tell? Let Sgt Grit put your stories and images in front of over 379,000 subscribers with the weekly Sgt Grit Newsletter. The newsletter contains stories of peacetime and war, humor and sadness, and images that you won't find anywhere else.   You can sign up to receive the Sgt Grit Newsletter at Grunt.com. On the home page you just have to submit a working email address and you can start receiving our weekly delivery straight to your inbox this week. Plus, just for signing up you will receive $5 off of your next $25 order from Sgt Grit.    There are also special offers that you will gain access to that are only available to our Newsletter Subscribers. So what are you waiting for, sign up to start receiving and enjoying the Sgt Grit Newsletter today!   Want to have your story put in the Sgt Grit Newsletter? Just email your story and images to info[at]grunt.com.

Camp Hauge

Was on the rock from April '61 to April '62 with as short time in the Philippines, Hong Kong and the East China Sea. B/1/12 105mm Howitizers.  It's amazing how unusual things can happen I far-a-way places.  My second month at Camp Hauge, I ran into an old high school friend that I hadn't seen in about 3 years and about a month later came across one of my D. I.'s.  The DI was a completely different person away from boot camp.  You would have thought that we were lifelong friends. read more

“Momma BAM”, Chesty, and Me

My Mother was a WWII "BAM", that's Beautiful American Marine as she always said.  She and my Father both served in ABG-2 overhauling F4Us.  I served '73-'77.  Took her to 8th & I to fullfill a bucket-list wish and we had to good fortune to run into Chesty and his escort.  Once in a lifetime photo opportunity.  Semper Fi, Mom. read more