Sgt Grit is a place where Marines can come and meet other Marines, share tattoos and stories, keep up with Marine Corps news, or shop for USMC gear.
What is a Hero?
I would like to take a minute of your time, and just throw in my two-cents in here concerning an issue on one of the other groups here.
I spent twenty-years of my life serving the United States Marine Corps, (1974-1994); there has been nothing in my life of 58 years that can come close to even matching that day on the Parade Deck of MCRD San Diego on a November day in 1974, when I earned the title Marine!
I had the distinct honor of attending the 'commitment' services for MGySgt Hosea on 11 October 2013 at the National Cemetery, Beaufort, SC. Although he passed away in Garden Grove, CA, back in June and had a full honors ceremony there he requested that he be moved to Beaufort where an infant daughter was interred in 1961. Nate, as a MSgt E-7, was my NCOIC in Base Electronics at Quantico in the late 50's when I was a Corporal (E-3). He was my 'boss', a mentor, an excellent example, and my friend. He died at age 85 and was a proud Montford Point Marine. He will surely be missed.
On 14 September I was asked to speak at a local VFW event where 6 former POW's were brought to their Post in Fair Oaks, CA, to be honored. They were from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam and ranged in age from 64 to 89 years of age, and all were just as spry as they could be! Two of the 6 also happened to have been MARINES.
I was stationed at Camp McTercus from March 1970 to March 1974. I worked for Special Services at Tin Can just below Camp Courtney. The NCOIC of Special Services was Top Walker. Walker liked to volunteer me for special assignments ranging from civilian payroll clerk, brig detail, NCOIC of the warehouse, etc., besides my regular job of Col. Wilson L. Cooks' driver.
I was a Field Radio Operator with 1/8 (May – Oct '83). As I have read in many of the postings, just about everyone has some good and bad memories. Same goes for me. I was a pretty quiet guy, kept to myself, read books, drew a lot of pictures, and just kind of took it all in. I did my job, never really spent a lot of time goofing off and basically tried to just stay in one piece. When I returned home and recovered from my injuries, I ended up getting out of the Corps and basically just put it all behind me to try and get back into civilian life.
Was commuting from CA, (2004) and still working whilst building the retirement home… got to Nashville every couple weeks to check on progress, make decisions (colors, etc.), all the things involved with the general contractor… got on the internet one night with the laptop at the motel, was sure I had changed my airline reservation by one day… got to the airport, went to check in, and the CSR advised that my res was for the day before, and the plane was full, and basically, I was scr-wed… (feeder airline for United). The Station Manager happened by, must've noted my cover, wanted to know what the problem was? A few keyboard clicks later, he had created a seat on a full flight for me… and told me he was never a Marine, but was a Master Guns' dependent… and pointing to the flag hung in the ticket gallery, said "that flag's up there because of guys like my Dad and you… have a nice flight!" True story… I hope some poor travelling salesman didn't get bumped… but wasn't going to ask…
By your leave Sgt Grit…
Pittsburgh (PA) trolley, around early spring of 1950. I was 8yrs young then. Read the nose of the trolley.
Does anyone remember the Laundry Trucks (Lejeune) in the mid-60's. Trying to recall prices, like a set of utilities, a buck an' quarter ($1.25).
Looking through your closeout items I was glad to see a couple of bumper stickers from my era. The Cold War (1955 – 1959). Thank you.
I was p-ssed when I:
1. Got demoted from Sgt to Cpl (rate change structure).
2. Didn't receive a Fire Watch ribbon (National Defense).
3. Can't join the American Legion (on my own merit).
