As a former Marine Sergeant (circa 1972-1976) I was of course thrilled that my oldest boy Kurt chose to do a hitch in the Corps. Curently a Lance Corporal, Kurt found himself in Afghanistan over the recent Father's Day. He makes phone calls when he can but as you might expect, I had little expectation of a timely card or letter on Father's Day. He missed it by one day and sent an E-Mail apologizing for missing the day itself. I opened the attached photo and was floored. It turned out to be what I personally consider one of the best pictures ever taken and a perfect Father's Day card for any ol' Jarhead.
I have sent it to everyone, made it my wallpaper on my computer and it's the last thing I see each night when I power down. I thought it was well worth letting everyone see, so attached is what I consider one of the best Father's Day card a Marine father ever got.
Former Sergeant Kevin Kjornes.
PS. Wish him luck on a safe return because he doesn't need skill, the Corps gave him all of that he'll need.
Category: Afghanistan
My son in the Stan!!
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I just wanted to share a picture of my son who is currently serving our great country in Afghanistan with the 1/12 Alpha Battery. I also wanted to thank all those who have served this country in defending our freedom. Thank you all. Semper Fi. Respectfully, Bill Johnson Oviedo, FLChristmas in Afghanistan
Well I e-mailed my brother the pic of just the m16 tree on christmas and him and his buddies liked it so much they built one themselves.
The Sgt Grit USMC Flag which traveled to Helmaud Province and back
On Super Bowl Sunday, 2010 the Combat Engineers from Knoxville, Tennesse met the Iron Horse Marines RC in Palm Springs, California. When the engineers deployed to Afghanistan that April, they were escorted to March AFB by the club and took with them the USMC flag which was purchased from Sgt Grit. This picture is at 0300 after being escorted back to 29 Palms MCAGCC in the middle of a night in November by the same Iron Horse Marines. The flag was signed by all the members of their platoon in honor of the men they revered – Corporal Kristopher Daniel Greer and Gunny Holley – both whom lost their lives as a result of IED wounds and did not return with them. The flag has been placed in a permanent place of honor for them, their families, and the Combat Engineers serving with them attached to the 3/1 Thundering Third. These Marines were all highly decorated because of their actions.
Respectively submitted, former USMC Sergeant, Longshot, Palm Springs, California
Marine and his daughter
This is my son Sgt. William Beckes and 1 of his daughters. It was taken on the day he deployed for Afghanistan 8/24/2010 from Oahu Hawaii Marine Base.
2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, April-October 2008
Just so happened to be checking out your site, when I saw the Marine Corps story section. Naturally, I looked through the Afghanistan section, since it's where I fought when I was in. I noticed Lcpl Wilson's parents had posted a picture of him, and I figured I would share not only his story, but the story of all of our fallen.
A Salute
I just want to take the time to "Salute " All of you modern day Marines now serving in Afghanistan !
Semper Fi… You're doing a Great job
Remember This : Once a Marine ,Always a Marine .
And a Devil Dog for "Eternity"
Jim Amos in Afghanistan For Christmas
General Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, in Afghanistan for Christmas visiting the Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, First Marine Division. The troops really appreciated the time he spent with them as you can see.
PFC Jack D. Ferguson
PFC Jack D. Ferguson
National Cemetery Houston, TX
Christmas Morning, 2008
He was home on leave and wanted to remember those who had fallen protecting America
He is now LCpl and serving in Afghanistan.
L/Cpl James B. Wolter Jr.
My youngest son L/Cpl James B. Wolter Jr. is serving with 2nd LAR in Afghanstan. I sent him my American Flag thinking that he would keep it safe in his gear. I wanted him to have it as a daily reminder of just what they were fighting for. Little did I know that he would honor his old man in such a way. See, I carried this flag through my 4 years as a MARINE also. Do we need a better recruiting poster? I have this picture as my computer wallpaper, as my home screen on my Blackberry, frames at work and another at home. People now run and hide as I pull out my Blackberry uttering the famous words, " Have I shown You my Sons Picture?" Proud Papa??? You think?