Author: SgtGrit

A Big Step

A Big Step

The last couple of months I have been getting a set of dress blues together for my husband for the Traveling Vietnam Wall that came to Portland, Oregon over Memorial Day weekend. I have to say a big thank you to SGT Grit in helping me do this. But the real story here is a Disabled Veteran made his first trip to the wall, and it was a tear jerker for all involved. Dearl has always told me that he would never go see the wall and I never pushed the issue. But thanks to a fellow marine, Dearl not only went to see the wall he was also one of the Honor Guards that were there. I have aways been proud of my husband, and more so now. Because this was a big step for him and his fellow veterans. I hope that anyone that has a chance to see the Wall do so. There was a gentleman that was there. He didn’t go near the wall, but stayed on the hill. But he was there. And I know that took a lot for him to do that. Inclosed is a picture of my granddaughter Shana and my husband Dearl. I think he cleaned up rather nice myself. We were there through most of the week. And I have to say that it was a life changing experience. Love and Best Wishes Veterans and Families. Robin Taylor. Proud wife of a Marine. read more

Looking for old friends

Looking for old friends

Over the years I have attempted to locate old comrades from Viet Nam with little luck. Maybe they don’t recognize the name well here’s an old photo (Photo #1) to go along with it. My name is Richard Alajajian, nick name given me in Viet Nam was “AJ” and it has stuck all these years. I was with H&Sco, 3Bn/26Marines from Feb 69 to Feb 70. Of course I don’t look the same now (photo #2) as I did then but who does. To jog memories I was at An Hoa, Hill 55, RC BaNa, Red Beach and a few others that escape the memory at this time. I also stayed on to retire in 1990. So if anyone out there recognizes the photo or name email me at aj127@adelphia.net. Hope to hear from someone soon. read more

How Times Have Changed

How Times Have Changed

Until this past Veterans day I could not emotionally address the wall or entertain any thoughts of looking at images even on the news. During the past year or so GOD has given me strength and courage to go to the traveling WALL that was on display here in Jacksonville Fla. I secured a set of Dress Blues and thanks to the Marines stationed in Kings Bay and the 4/4 Amphibian Battalion here in Jacksonville and wore them to the wall. My emotions were as I expected them to be and I can?t tell you how long I knelt and cried in front of Panel-62. I remember coming back to the US in late 1968 standing outside the San Francisco Airport waiting for a flight back to Atlanta when I had eggs, tomatoes, and various other fluids and objects thrown at me all the while being taunted by ?Baby Killer?, ?War Monger,? and other things. read more

Gratitude

Gratitude

Sgt. Grit,
Just received my first order; God willing it won’t be my last. Thank you and your staff for the great service. So many stories to tell but I know you get lots of emails. Maybe I should write a book. I think the statute of limitations has run out on at least some of the adventures in which I was involved.
I’m enclosing a photo from Chu Lai, of me, taken in 1969..
Sincerely and always Semper Fi!
Peter Swanson, USMC service 1966-1970, VietNam vet, Sgt. (e-5) of Marines. read more

Remember 1STSGT Tandy Wells

Remember 1STSGT Tandy Wells

Sgt. Grit,

A google search of First Sergeant Tandy Wells brought me to your site and the posting last week by Ken Bell (1st Sgt. USMC Ret. 1965-1985) in which he cited his friend Tandy Wells as one of the heroes who was KIA at Beirut. I hope that Ken Bell and any others that knew 1SGT Wells get to see this. Wells was a L/Cpl on June 15, 1968 serving with Mike Co. 3/4 Third Marine Division. It was on that day that my brother L/Cpl. Richard B. Murphy of Norwood, Mass. was KIA. A flag that my brother carried with him was returned with his effects. It had been signed by Tandy Wells and 20 others. Needless to say it is a cherished item to us. read more