Marine brothers at the War Memorial

Marine brothers at the War Memorial

Marine brothers at the War Memorial

Here is a photo that was taken of a few of my club brothers & myself. The picture was taken on December 14, 2006 at the War Memorial. We were at Arlington National Cemetary the help lay wreaths for the wreath project. I can identify everyone in the picture but do not have the name of the person that took the picture. It was an individual that happened to be there and asked if he could take the photo. Thanks. read more

RE-UPPING

RE-UPPING

SSgt Dague and his wife

As most of you know, my marine recently re-upped, quite to a shocked mother’s mind and heart. In a telephone call from my marine, SSGT. currently serving his 4th tour in Iraq, he and I further discussed his choice. I am VERY PROUD to say that my son is a very wise man who had taken a good long look at the prices of things today, the current status of employment/or lack thereof, the benefits available to himself, his wife, and his one year old son. These things, discussed btn husband and wife, led to their decision. read more

Passing of a WWII Marine

Passing of a WWII Marine

Marine Sgt from World War II Brothers Rockenstire Dear Sgt. Grit,
This is the second letter to you. I wrote about my two sons serving in the Marine Corps at the same time this past summer. Well one is out and my youngest is at Camp Lejeune. We were able to visit with him in January but it was a bittersweet visit. His grandfather, my father, passed away on January 25, the same morning my son, Johnny returned from his MEU. He was on the USS Gunston Hall. His brother Jerry contacted the Red Cross and they were able to get the message to the proper authority. He was allowed a ten day emergency leave. My father was a Sgt. in the Marine Corps during WWII. I miss my dad very much, but I do know he was so proud that his grandsons became Marines and I am too. They were both in uniform at his funeral and I couldn’t have been more proud. read more

Pics of my son

Pics of my son

Sgt Aldridge at Elementary School Sgt Aldridge at Elementary School Sgt Aldridge and his surfboard Sgt Aldridge Bus arrives

My son, Sgt. Matthew Aldridge returned home from Iraq in April of 2007. I flew to Twentynine Palms, CA to be there when he arrived. The first picture is of the bus bringing our soldiers to the field to meet their families. I sent this pic to you because you can see our soldiers in the bus and the reflection of their loved ones in the bus windows. Next photo is my son calling home after his arrival. Next pic, he is in San Diego on Pacific Beach. He wanted me to see the ocean, so we spent 3 days there. It was wonderful. (San Diego apparently is more receptive to Marines than “pink” Berkley, the people there were friendly). Last two photos were when he arrived back home in Indiana. He visited my nephews school. The children and staff at Mackey Elementary were so excited to meet a “real soldier”. I just wanted to brag a little. Thank you for you publications and newsletters. read more

Marines Won’t Separate Family – Even If It Means Not Seeing Theirs

Marines Won’t Separate Family – Even If It Means Not Seeing Theirs

Mr. and Mrs. Merrin kiss

My son, Pvt Christopher Merrin got married on St. Patrick’s Day, 2007 and joined the Marines that same October. He is currently waiting to begin his MOS training at Camp Lejeune. He was given a few days leave this week (Spring Break 2008) and his intention was to surprise his wife for their first anniversary.?Everyone knew that he was coming home ? except his wife! read more

Master Gunnery Sgt. Billy K. Nelson

Master Gunnery Sgt. Billy K. Nelson

Sgt. Grit,
Thanks for a great newsletter that often brings a tear to this former Marine. It’s been almost a year since we buried my father in-law, Master Gunnery Sgt. Billy K. Nelson 1943-1973. He joined the Marine Corps when he was only 17 and was a combat veteran in WWII, The Korean War and Vietnam. read more

Raymond Pursell

Raymond Pursell

Sgt. Grit,
My dad, Raymond Pursell, was in the Pacific Theatre in WWII. His service time was 1943 to 1946. The group picture of his platoon says 380th Platoon, San Diego, 1943 (Boot Camp). From there he went to radio school and then on to Camp Pendleton where he joined the 2nd Separate Engineer’s Battalion, and via the VAC- 5th Amphibious Corps, went to Iwo Jima in February of 1945. I am including a picture of him. read more

Grandpa and Grandson

Grandpa and Grandson

Grandpa and grandson working on a bike Grandpa and grandson working on a bike Grandpa and grandson with a bike

Used bike $20.00..
Parts and misc $20.00..
Happiest grandson in the world…..PRICELESS

My son in currently serving in Iraq with the 3/5 India Co. 2nd platoon. His nephew has great hero worship for him. He decorated everything in the Marine Corps colors, emblem, songs etc. My husband served in Desert Storm as a Combat Engineers for the US Army. Two people couldn’t be prouder. Grandpa and grandson day produced this great bike. Look at the great pictures! read more