Category: Blog

Sgt Grit Newsletter October 5 , 2011

 

 

My Marine husband and I were stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1989-1993. We had no children of our own, but I did some babysitting, and would frequent the base library to check out books to enjoy with the young children. I'm not sure how they do it now, but back then I had to give my husband's last four to check out books. If they became overdue, he would be notified by his sergeant and I'd make sure to return the books ASAP.

One afternoon in company formation during announcements, my husband was surprised to hear his name called. “LCPL Reed”, First Sergeant called. “Yes, First Sergeant”, my husband answered. “You have a library book overdue, “Don't Cry Big Bird”. Get it back to the library immediately!” Embarrassingly, my husband eeked out a “yes, First Sergeant”. Nobody could hold back and the snickers began. Even First Sergeant cracked a smile.

After formation broke, what seemed like all of Charlie Company had something smart to say. I got an earful when he came home, and made sure never to have a book back late to the library again!

Mrs. Kristine Reed,
Proud wife of Marine LCPL Frank Reed
Persian Gulf War veteran

 

M42 Light Tank

Sgt Grit,

Lot of talk about the ONTOS lately but I would like to hear about the M42 Light Tank. Joined the reserve while in high school and even made PFC before going to boot camp in 1958. Went to two summer camps at 29 Palms while in the M 42 outfit and was even a tank commander the second year. I loved that anti aircraft unit and was shocked to find out that it had been discontinued while I was serving on my six month active duty. read more

Wearing Purple Heart in Fraud Is a Criminal Act

SAN FRANCISCO (CN) – A man who accidentally shot himself in the thigh in the 1990s, and then said his injury was a Vietnam War wound to get the Purple Heart and $180,000 in disability benefits, does not have a valid constitutional challenge to the Stolen Valor Act, the 9th Circuit ruled.
     David Perelman pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud in Nevada when the government learned that his thigh wound was self-inflicted and not the result of a shrapnel injury allegedly sustained decades earlier in Vietnam during Perelman's brief tour as a cargo specialist. Prosecutors said Perelman wore the prestigious medal to a national convention of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Las Vegas.
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Death from below: 2nd LAAD practices what they preach

 

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.  — For the last decade Marines have fought against terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan with battles primarily fought on the ground. So why do squads continue to carry the PL-87 Stinger missile and other anti-aircraft weapons with them during convoys?

 

Marines are known for being prepared for the worst, and that includes the possibility of battling enemy aircraft.

 The Marines of 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion continued to sustain skills that support their primary mission and that proactive posture by conducting a live Stinger missile shoot at Onslow Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 17. read more