Many of you know I bleed Garnet and Gold, but before I became a rabid FSU fan I was and still am a very patriotic person. As an Army brat I was taught from the get go just what it meant to be an American, and just what our servicemen went thru to make sure all our US citizens could live free. Then in the 60s, Vietnam happened and not only did my Daddy go to Vietnam (twice, got a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for saving his whole group of men he was in charge of), but friends I went to HS with and many other young men including my U.S. Marine Corps husband.
Category: Marine Families
Family Day At MCRD San Diego
In picture 1, stands three sons who are all Marines, with Jim being the oldest. He is standing on the left. Next is Fred, standing behind Mary Ann, was 19 when he enlisted. Then there is Steve, whom Mom and Dad had to sign for him to enlist due to him being 17 at the time. Steve served in Iraq.
Young Marine
My dad, brother, and husband all served in the Marine Corps. My oldest son plans on joining, and by the looks of this so does our 18-month old son Lex. Here he is at our computer desk with the Sgt. Grit catalog deciding what he wants us to buy! Everyone in our family loves your catalog!
Home Again
It'd been 7 months since I'd seen my fiance. Now, seeing the faint lights in the distance, and wondering if it was them! I had a million butterflies all doing summersaults in my stomach. It was 3 in the morning when their buses drove up, led by tons of motorcycles reving their engines in celebration and to sound to the families that they had arrived! You cant imagine the joy and nerves until you've been there,"my man is home, my man is home"… is all you feel. I was alone with the crowd of strangers, all of us each looking for our loved one.The beating of my chest was going faster now even more than the day I first met Eric as I looked for him among the throngs of people in the darkness. It was like I was holding my breath. Inside me felt somewhat frantic, but on the outside I was calmy looking, walking, and peering through the dark and past the hats that shielded so many faces. I walked one way and turned around fearing he was getting off the bus behind me, so I'd stop and wait and search each face from a distance… I swear I was holding my breath until I saw him. I prayed, "help me find him, help me find him, God." He saw me first, he had been blocked about 20 to 30 people away from me. When I saw him, it was like adrenaline… after all this time I was seeing him again in the flesh. God had brought him home to me! I was not dreaming. Eric, pushed/manuevered his way past dudes and got to me. He found me. We hugged so tightly and again it is the most surreal and amazing experience to be holding my guy again, and feel his chest against me. A lady from the USO snagged this photo of us as soon as he got me. No one needs to be seen, but him. He is my hero, my best friend, and now my husband. I got to wait for him and don't you forget he waited just as long for me! My birthday is tomorrow and the only thing I wish is that I could've been there for his last year… but thats the sacrifice the other half makes. He is selfless and kind, and also tough as nails when he wants to be. But, he is perfect, and I am so glad to have him home again. Thanks for the best birthday and making my wish come true and coming home to me. I love you eternally.
Recruiter’s Day
On 3 May 2013, Bismarck, ND area Marines held their 3rd Annual Recruiter's Day. This was coincidental with Military Appreciation Month. This was started three years ago to show some support for the recruiters. As most recruiters are not stationed near their home of record much less a Marine installation of any sort. So they are really stuck somewhere between Stick and Stump. The closest military installation is Minot Air Force Base. Once again, this was a Marine instituted, hosted, and dominated event.
The Second Game
My daughter, her boyfriend, and I were attending the Angels vs. White Sox game on 18 May at Anaheim Stadium. Of course it was Armed Forces Day and they went all out. All five of the services were well represented and you could feel the emotion in the stadium. They saluted the current members and had all former members remain standing and recognized us as well.
G.I. Joe
'Joe retired in 1988 as Master Sgt. (E8) from the U.S. Army having served eleven years. He also was a retired Master Sgt. (E8) in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served for twenty two years. He received a Purple Heart along with numerous other medals and fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.'
Study Abroad Program
This past weekend my son came home from a seven month "study abroad program" hosted by the University of Afghanistan – Helmand Campus. During his course of study he & his fellow fraternity brothers got to visit all the satellite campuses the Marine Corps has to offer for their area of operation, in addition to many of the local cities & towns. To my understanding, think this experience has earned him enough credits for a unique dual degree in International Relations & Route Clearance, with a minor in Muslim Studies.
1st Sgt Rick Blish
Another Marine entered Heaven yesterday, 4/30/2013. 1st Sgt Rick Blish (ret) was called upon to serve in another way. I will miss my "dad" very much, but know his suffering is over. He's back in his Blues looking as good as ever. I know he would NOT want me upset or crying, but laughing and being the Marine he knows I am. OOOHHH RRAAHHH Pop. Semper Fi. I'll see you again!
Little Devil Pup
This little Devil Pup, Nicholas, stopped for a photo-op while his mom, Traci Brown-Guthrie was shopping in the Sgt Grit showroom. Nicholas' father is Sgt Dwain Guthrie who served with 1st Force Recon.
Nicholas is modeling our U.S. Marines Digital Woodland Kids 3-piece short set.