Author: SgtGrit

Disappearing work

I think the hardest thing that breaks my heart is not finding my Graduation book or anything like platoon picture for PI, 2ndDiv, FMF, 3rd Bat, platoon 339 of the 336 series for 1961.  I got there July of 1961 and can't recall exact grad date.   Head DI was SSgt Rushing, others being SGTs Fox, Philips and Long. Rushing you couldn't miss for he looked like Clard Gable but my family was the only ones that never came and he found me sitting in the barracks alone. His words were hard but they were kind.  I told him I was going to get my GED and then go to OCS as I had qualified for.  His reply was that I'd make a good Marine.  But why can't I find anything on Platoon 339.  My ex chucked my book AND my discharge Certificate.  I broke my back in four places and they said I wouldn't qualify for any duty so I was Honorably discharged and sent home on inactive reserve.  We are a family of three generation Marines.  Can you or anyone tell me where to look and if Rushing is still with us? read more

Freelancing PFC

While a young PFC stationed at Marine Detachment Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico, in 1980, I received a letter from my younger brother who was at MCRD SD. I was shocked, and over joyed, as I did not know he was joining Our Beloved Corps. Needless to say, over the next couple of months he received many letters from me with all sorts of nasty comments on the envelopes about DI’s in general. He came out of Boot Camp one stronger Marine thanks to me. read more

Platoon 1066 Reunion

Dear Kristy,

The Marines of 1969, MCRD San Diego, Platoon 1066 met in Branson, MO once again for our fifth annual reunion on 30 May 2013. We were joined by our two Drill Instructors, SSGT Eddie Alley and GYSGT Tony Gatling. The highlight of our four days together was the wedding of DI Gatling and his bride, Cloureen. At the wedding banquet on Saturday night all of the great items so generously donated by SGT GRIT were distributed to the attendees. read more