Category: Marine Families

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are men recorded in the book of Daniel, Chapters 1–3, Who faced the fiery furnace.

This story is about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Reese. Three brothers, born in Wales and immigrated to the U.S. They too faced a firey furnace, known as the American Civil War. Abednego is my Great-Great Grandfather. Abednego and Shadrach enlisted in the Union Army and served honorably. Meshach is a United States Marine, called to a Higher Duty Station in 1871. His service was brief, about 10 months. Attached are some documents found in the National Archives in Washington D.C. read more

Looking At Daddy’s Stuff

This is my 4 year old daughter Lilly. Lilly picked up our latest edition of Sgt Grit today. As she was looking through the magazine she said "look daddy stuff". You see my little Lilly never got the chance to meet her Marine Daddy. He deployed 2 weeks before she was born. On April 1st our Hero Sgt Frank World was KIA in Afghanistan. Our daughter Lilly was only 3 months old… our son was just 3. Just thought I would share with you a cute photo of a Gold Star child looking through Sgt Grit… or as my daughter says looking at daddy stuff. read more

4 Generations of Military Service

Originally posted on CNN site by my cousin Carolann Sharpe   

I wish to honor my son and husband for their uncommon and remarkable serves to our country. My son, Joseph Charles Sharpe recently graduated from Parris Island USMC Basic Training 3rd Batt. Kilo Company and has begun his career as a fourth generation Marine. Four generations ago, Joe's Great Grandfather was at Parris Island in KIlo Comp. His grandfather Charles Sharpe served as a US Marine. Joe's Father, My husband of 24 years, John M Sharpe, served in Desert Storm with 1st Tank Batt. 1st Marine Div and has served in Maryland National Guard and is currently a Staff Sgt in the Maryland Air National Guard as well as a Homeland Security Policeman. John has been away from his family for 3 to 8 months every year since 2007, including two 8 month deployments to Afghanistan. Joe's mom and three younger brothers could not be prouder of their father and brother's contribution to our country. Family friend Staff Sgt David Cook came to the Graduation to celebrate Joseph's accomplishment. I am so proud of my husband, my son and all the members of our family and friends that continue to selflessly give their all to the military. read more

Marine Dress Blues

I would just like to weigh in on the dress blues conversation currently going on. If it was not for dress blues, I may have never joined our beloved Corps. You see, when I was a young lad of 17 my Dad took me to see the recruiters as I was interested in military service. The first recruiter he took me to was the Navy. We went in and discussed things a while and I took a preliminary ASVAB test in the office. I did well on the test and so the recruiter started telling me about the nuclear submarine program. He was pushing it hard. Being 6'1" I had no desire to be cooped up inside of a submarine underwater for months at a time. Incidentally, I have met a number of submariners in my life since that time and I have the greatest of respect for them. One of my regrets in life is that I probably never will be able to bust up through the polar ice cap and walk up at the North pole like most of them end up doing. That has to be one of the coolest things to do. read more

Being The Oldest Marine

I served from June of 1956 through September 1959. I had the distinct pleasure of serving directly for Commandant General Randolph McCall Pate. My office was directly across from the Commandant's and four doors down from the first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Wilbur Bestwick. I have an album that contains many pictures, letters, and Christmas cards from Generals, Colonels, etc. What a duty for a Corporal! I would have reenlisted and been a career Marine, but unfortunately my wife and I had a son that the good Lord decided to take home two days after his birth 28 days before my discharge date. read more

It Was The Dress Blues

In response to Mike Benfield's statement that Dress Blues are too ostentatious, I guess to some that may be true. Personally, I've always thought Blues are snazzier than any uniform in existence, even when you see Army and Navy personnel in their dress uni's with a chest full of medals they got for things like cleaning the head, completing a course in Underwater Basket-weaving, etc. Dress Greens look good, as does any uniform a Marine wears because they are always squared away. But, if you show anyone in the world a picture of a U.S. Marine in Greens or Cammies, chances are they'll think it's a Dogface. If you show them an individual wearing Dress Blues, they know it's a United States Marine. It is the one uniform that sets us apart from armies all over the world. read more

Still Wounded

My brother Ernie and I served in Vietnam as Grunts in 1966-67.  Ernie served in the Dong Ha area while I was in the Cam Lo area when we were able to get together.  Both of us were wounded several times but survived.  We also had another brother Bill that served in 1968-69 as a "Man in the Door" out of Marble Mountain. read more

3rd Generation Marine

On November 27, 2013 we journeyed to Parris Island, SC, to see Private J. R. Allen graduate from boot camp and become the 3rd generation Marine in our family. Needless to say, the dad and grandpa had their chests sticking out and strutting. The attached photo is a portrait that we had made (I don't think that I will be around for the 4th generation) in our customized GRIT gear. Thanks to your staff for their valuable assistance and advice in ordering the shirts. In the photo from left: read more