This is submitted a little late for last year, but in anticipation of this year's Cycling for the Corps. This event was the brainchild of Cpl Dung Nguyen (unassigned). This is a benefit bike race that benefits local wounded Marines and Sailors in the Bismarck-Mandan, ND area.
Category: Other USMC
Adopted Her Into The Corps
Sgt Grit,
Enclosed is a picture of a stroke victim who lives in Chandler, AZ, and is 34 yrs old. I met her one day on one of my many walks in the neighborhood. She saw me wearing one of your t-shirts and asked me to purchase one for her. She wears it when she takes her physical therapy. It's been a motivational tool for her and her therapist. I thought I would pass this on to let you know your product is being put to good use. I adopted her into the Corps!
No Longer Green
Here is a photo of my Scarf which was green in 1966, the year that I join Marine Corps, this item was part of uniforms issued to us at MCRD, I never wore it while I was in the Marine Corps. But, just as Sgt Reeder stated… it was (rayon or ??). This item was a pain in the wazoo during a Junk on the Bunk inspection because it tended to literally crawl off the display. It is 11"x 48". As you can see it is no longer green after 40 plus years and a few washings, I must say that it has come in handy on cold mornings when riding my motorcycle.
Old French Resort BaNa
In your 27 March newsletter, Jim Mackin provided a great report on the old French resort at BaNa which 1st Recon (and 1st MarDiv) used as a radio relay site. I thought you and your readers might be interested in a couple of pictures of the resort as it was in about 1968. It was a great radio relay site and an informal in-country 'R&R' site for war-weary Recon teams.
She Also Noticed The Attitude
Sgt. Grit story on Summer Dress Uniforms, Green Field Scarf and Best Duty Station.
Like many other Marines, I start off my Thursday mornings reading your Sgt. Grit Newsletter. And I want to express my appreciation and thank you for providing such a great service! I know that editing the Sgt. Grit Newsletter takes a tremendous amount of time and a whole bunch of love. Thanks for Loving our Corps and fellow Marines!
1953 Dodge M37
This is a frame-off restoration of my 1953 Dodge M37 that took 2-1/2 years. All components of the vehicle have been restored and overhauled to new Mil Spec or better condition. All old paint and trust was removed down to bare metal and repainted. The hard top was removed and converted to the current soft top now in place. In addition specific depot installed items found on USMC vehicles were fabricated and installed. With the exception of some welding and the machine work on the engine, all work was done in my garage. Just shows what a stubborn old Marine and some wrenches can do.
Motivated Sgt Grit Customer
This is what a Sgt Grit customer looks like… POW bracelet, watch, t-shirt, cover and a cane. Outstanding Marine! The pictured Marine is Marine Vietnam Veteran Gary Pogue, Sgt. '72-'78, Motor T.
Semper Fi!
Kristy
Get the USMC Cover and POW Bracelet that Sgt Pogue is wearing at:
Cool Kids And Salty
The green field scarf was part of our uniform issue at MCRD San Diego in the summer of 1962. We were never instructed on what to wear it with, how to wear it or when to wear it. I remember it being kind of silky. Is that my Alzheimer's starting to kick in? Still had it until several years ago or maybe I still do. I recall being shocked that we were required to pay for our sea bag issue and our bucket issue. Sure put a hole in my meager paycheck.
Authorized To Wear A Mustache
Graduating Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego in 1961 we were issued Khaki's, Summer Tropical and the Winter Green uniforms. Summer Tropicals were the favorites back then, but we often wore the Khaki's. Floating around the South China Sea in the Spring of 1964 in 2/9, we had to make ourselves presentable for Liberty, in the Khaki Uniform. Keeping them presentable with only a sea bag to stow our gear was a problem, but we did survive. We got into Hong Kong on several occasions and one of our destinations was the top of Victoria Peak for lunch and drinks. I had made Corporal the previous fall, just after JFK was killed, and was now "authorized" to wear a mustache… haven't shaved it in the intervening 50 years.
Blue And White Dress
The last word re: Blue and white dress blue covers – The white is/was summer, the blue was winter. A number of uniforms are no longer available: (Officer) Dress whites, mess dress are two. Now in place of the dress whites (see attached for my wedding picture with my mother) the dress blue blouse is worn with white trousers for summer.