Category: Birthday

I was a Marine from 65-69 active duty including Vietnam (66-67) and active reserves 76-78. I eventually became a United Methodist Pastor and endorsed to serve as an Army Chaplain.  I was commissioned a 1stLt and promoted to Capt in 1985 and assigned to Ft Lee, Virginia.  I was assigned as Chaplain to an Army battalion and as the Main Post Chapel pastor.  The Marine  detatchment (500 Marines) heard of my background and ask if I would serve as their chaplain and I said yes. I did pt with them and did my best to serve them attending most of their functions. When Gen Gray became Commandant, the detatchment invited him to their birthday ball and he concented.  Since I was their Chaplain and Chaplain of the Main Post Chaplain, I was invited to a cocktail party with he and several Army general officers and colonels.  I was the lowest ranking officer there.  I remember thinking: damn, I was a corporal in the Corps and here I am hobnobbing with CMC and several three and four star generals who were trying to make me feel comfortable.  The commander of the Marine detatchment requested that they be allowed to dress me in a Marine officer's uniform but the Army Post Commander, a two star declined. However, I was seated with Gen Gray and all of those Army generals and one other special guest. I was seated beside a Marine Medal of Honor winner who had served in WWII and Korea.  Wow, what an honor.  In my wildest dreams I would never have imagined this honor. Theodore D. Higby  read more