The Ka-Bar (1219C2 MK-II Knife, Fighting and Utility) was designed and first issued during the early portion of WWII. The MK-II was manufactured by several cutlery companies which in addition to Ka-Bar (Union Cutlery Co.) included Camillus Cutlery, Pal Cutlery and Case to name a few. Regardless of the brand name, they became consistently referred to as the "Ka-Bar" (similar to Kleenex).
Author: SgtGrit
Blues
Just because I'm not big on Blues doesn't mean I'm not big on the Corps. I have a Marine Corps emblem on my car, various Marine covers, a desert cammie utility jacket and a boonie hat, among other things.
I even have a Marine Corps Zippo and coffee cups so don't think I'm not proud of being a Marine. H-ll, I even got our new grandson a rubber ducky in Dress Blues for his bath from Sgt. Grit. He tries to bite the head off, just like a real Marine.
Semper Fi #1
I would like to add a few words about the Dress Blues issue that has been discussed in the last few newsletters.
I belong to a group called Semper Fi #1. We are committed to rendering military honors for veterans and their families at Riverside National Cemetery here in Riverside, Ca. We have approximately 60+ members and have done thousands of services in our 16 years of existence. We are at the cemetery 3 times a month and do about 20-25 services each month.
Prosthetic Artwork
After reading this story: "Marine comes in for brace and wants to know if he can have T-Shirt art work put on the brace." I wanted to share this.
I asked the guys at The James A. Haley VA Hospital Prosthetic Dept. in Tampa, FL., if they could take my black T-Shirt with The Marine Corps Emblem and The "Walking Dead" 1st BN. 9th Marines logo, and put it on my new left leg. I was in Vietnam in early '69 with the 1/9.
Sgt Grit Presence at 2014 Marine West Camp Pendleton Expo
Sgt Grit was recently represented by Kristy Fomin, Sgt Grit's Chief Operating Officer, at the 2014 Marine West Camp Pendleton Expo. Marine West showcases the latest technology and prototypes aimed at preparing today's Marines for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. From the latest advancements in combat gear to educational opportunities, this expo is geared to help all Marines succeed on the battlefield and in the classroom.
gun case
hey brother,that makes two of us.i would like to have one also.if you would consider making another and if you would pick up all that you need i would be more than happy to send a check plus extra for making it.please let me know.thanks and SEMPER FI
Young 18 yr Old Marine At American Legion Post
The year was 1972, I was asked by a friend of mine to go with him to his brother's house in a small town called Hermosa Beach in northern California. Didn't really want to go at the time. He was a re-enlistee. A Viet nam Vet we called him the old man because he was 32yrs old. It was a hot August day then. I thought I would have a good time that day and get away for a while. I remember he had something that he had to do so I went to the American Legion Post. I was sitting there talking to the other Vets at the bar, they let me drink because they knew I was on Active Duty, so they let me drink there. I remenber an old soldier asked me so you are in the service and I replied yes sir, he asked me what branch, I replied being a Marine with pride "yes sir I am a Marine. We started talking and then things started changing. There was an older woman who looked over at me and said yea big bad ass Marine your damn war doesn't mean a thing. Our war meant something. You guys kill women and children real bad ass aren't you. I remenber telling her, "lady no one wants to go to war and kill another human being. I am only doing as my country asks of me just like your country asked of you during World War II. Things went on like this for awhile, I don't remenber everything I said to her but I do remember the bar tender looking at me and saying John take it easy on her. I looked at the bar tender and said how can you let her talk to me like this, in a place like this. Not one Vet in the whole place ever came to my defense. I am turning into an old man now and I ponder over that day so many years ago. The young Vets nowadays are given the respect they deserve not like the Vets of Viet nam who served or didn't serve. Thank God things have changed. I just started going to the Memorial Day parades, and as I stand there I look over the horizon and I see over 58,000 soldiers looking back at me and waving some with tears in their eyes. Others cheering and saying thanks for remembering us. I walk away with a tear or two in my eyes wondering what those guys might of become in their lives had they lived. I hear them telling me to thank our young men and women in service to our country. I always make it a point to shake the hands of our service men and women, and to the fellas over the horizon a wink comes and says a job well done. Thank God for the USMC. A former Sgt 2/5, 1st Marine Division and GOD BLESS AMERICA.
“Pig”
Finally found a picture of my best little buddy, "Pig"
Classroom Art
Sgt. Grit,
I always enjoy the weekly newsletter and especially the pictures from long ago. I teach US History to 11th graders and thought that you folks might want to see my classroom bulkhead. I use a projector to outline what I want and paint in the rest the best I can. It is a work in progress and I want it to be a tribute to the best of the American Spirit.
Proud of My Dad
So proud of my Dad I tattooed his dog tag, the years he was in Vietnam, and Semper Fidelis.