Category: Iraq

Proud Mother of a US Marine

My son Stephen has been in the Marine Corp for just over 1 year. He is now deployed in Iraq at Camp Al Asad. Better known as Camp Cupcake. Our whole family is so very proud of him. He is in motor transport and goes on convoys most everyday. He will be returning home to Camp LeJune the first part of March of 2009 where his family will be waiting for him. He signed up to serve his country at the age of 17 before his senior year at high school. He was proud to become a US Marine. He did his bootcamp training at Parris Island, South Carolina where we all went to see him for his graduation on November 30, 2007. That will be a day we will never forget. Here is a picture of my son in his vehicle getting ready for a transport convoy in Iraq. read more

My Fiance

Hello Grunt,
I’ve attached a picture of my fiance, LCpl Justin Roy. It was taken recently in Iraq and I think that it embodies the strength and courage necessary to be a United States Marine. Justin will be in Iraq until April of 2009, and we will have an official Marine Corps wedding one year from today on November 14. Thank you so much for your monthly newsletter. It is nice to read everyone else’s touching stories and words of inspiration. I cannot express how proud I am of my Marine. I would like to thank the Marine Corps League for inviting all of the deployed Marines’ girls to the Marine Corps Ball in Lafayette, Louisiana. We all appreciate the gesture and will represent our men proudly tomorrow night. God bless our deployed Marines, and Happy Birthday to the Corps! read more

From A Proud Father

I just wanted to say how proud I am of our Marines all around the world. My son is in the Corps, 2nd Bn, 9 Mar, G co., currently stationed in Iraq. Over the past 1 1/2 years I have watched my snot-nosed brat turn into a disciplined, well trained, respectful MAN that I once again can be proud of. The Corps has transformed Him into a man that any person can recognize as a United States Marine, even without the uniform. I am amazed at the people who show respect and gratitude when he walks into the room, they say it’s the way he carries himself, that confident walk that comes with the knowledge that you are the best there is, that you are a United States Marine. I’m attaching a photo of him in one of those rare quiet moments. His rifle is close at hand, ever vigilant, ever watchful, always prepared to respond. read more

The McKenzie Brothers

Dear Sgt. Grit,
My husband and I read your articles regularly and love the stories. We are fairly new Marine parents. Our oldest son graduated PI in March of 2007 and has just returned from his first tour in Iraq. His younger brother graduated PI in October of 2007 and has recently left for his first tour in Iraq. By Divine Providence my youngest son’s battalion was sent to relieve his brother’s battalion coming home. They were able to spend a few days together in Iraq before they went their separate ways. Here is a picture of the two of them. LCpl. Dennis McKenzie, II and his big brother Cpl. William McKenzie. Thanks for all your wonderful and inspirational stories. And to all the Marines who are reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service, past, present and future, to this great Country. read more

New Game

Here’s a new game; “Guess the FOB” 2MEU should guess this one.

Ans FOB Dwyer

Corporal Aaron Allen, USMC A Company, 1st Battalion 4th Marine Regiment

Corporal Aaron Allen, USMC, A Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division has returned home.

God Bless his family and all those who serve in harms way.

Thanks to Myrl Wallace for forwarding the above photo.

Semper Fidelis
Dale Turner, Adjutant
FMDA-LA read more

One Mind, Any Weapon

Sgt. Grit,
Just wanted to submit a picture of my son, LCPL Wemhoner in Iraq. He is home safe now and we are very proud of his courage and commitment as well as those that serve and have served.
Found the picture to be amusing. Love the newsletter. read more

Euphrates River Yacht Club

Sgt Grit,
I was going through my photos from OIF 2 and found one that I had taken and wanted to share with your readers and any potential former members that had the honor to be a part of Small Craft Company, 2MARDIV. The picture was taken at Al Taqqadum in the Anbar Province and had roughly 60 men to patrol approximately 75% of the Euphrates. read more

God Bless America Quilts in Baghdad

Dear Sgt Grit

God Bless America Quilts in Baghdad
I hope you can share the info below and attached photo with other military and their families.
After touring the United States, 42 quilts from the God Bless America exhibit are on display at The Stables, Camp Striker, Baghdad, Iraq now through February. These 22″ quilts were made by men and women all over the US, to represent various patriotic themes. Profits from exhibit rentals go to make quilts for wounded soldiers. To see photos of all the quilts – go here read more

Thanks from Iraq

Right back at you and yours Don!

Over the years, you’ve sent orders to me, free, to both Iraq and Gitmo.

Just as, if not more importantly, the MANY Marines I’ve come to know, or become reacquainted with, were met though your site! read more