Category: Other USMC
Benefit for LCpl Matt Bradford
Benefit for LCpl Matt Bradford
I would like to extend an open invitation to all the Marines in the Nashville TN area. My son, LCpl Matt Bradford, is being honored with a benefit on the 16th of January at the Batter’s Box Bar. A very special friend has written a song for him called My Friend Matt and it tells his story. He was injured in Iraq on 18 January 2007. He lost both legs and his vision. His right hand was damaged, but his spirit was not touched. I know that he would like for all to come and enjoy drinks as his Alive Day 2 is approaching.
Veterans of the Day
Veterans of the Day
Dear Sgt Grit…
Just wanted to share a picture of GSgt George Lanes and Sgt Rick Holton USMC both Vietnam Vets…We participated in the Flag ceremony at Disney World on 12 December 2008…It was indeed an honor and a pleasure as we marched in a parade and were given a Certificate and a Disney pin…that can only be earned as Vet of the Day…(not available for sale)
Due to My MOS
Due to My MOS
I was not one of the most loved in the Corps due to my MOS, (5811, Military Police). However, that start served me well as I went on to serve over 20 years with the U. S. Border Patrol, protecting my country on an entirely different front.
My dad dug this clipping up from somewhere. The photo was taken in June of 1973.
Father and Son
Father and Son
Dear Sgt.Grit,
I served in the MARINE’S from 1975-1979 at EL-TORO with MARINE AIR CONTROL GROUP 38 then with the 3rd MARINE DIVISION.This is is about how proud I’am of my son Justin who is a CPL. in the MARINE’S who is serving overseas in the GULF REGION on the U.S.S. Iwo Jima.We both went in at 17 right out of High School and I wanted to attach both our pictures from boot camp.You must remember that there is and age difference of 31 years but when I saw his picture I had to find mine and do a double take.What I saw was myself and I just could not belive the likeness. I know this will not be important to others but I wanted to share it with you at Sgt. Grit.
Honorary Member Induction article and photo
Honorary Member Induction article and photo
The Columbus Ohio Marine Corps League Detachment has made Gilles Lagin, a citizen of France, an Honorary Member of their unit. He has been mailed a framed copy of the League Certificate so recognizing him. Marine Lagin was recognized earlier in 2008 by becoming only the second non-US citizen to be named an Honorary United States Marine. This took place through action of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, as part of a commemorative ceremony held at Belleau Wood. The Commandant took that action in recognition of Lagin’s lifelong devotion to preservation of the memory of the bravery and sacrifices of the Marines at Belleau Wood during WWI, and for his creation of a museum in France honoring the WWI Marine Corps. The Belleau Wood Detachment members thought it only proper to induct Lagin as a member, and wish all Marines to be aware of Gilles Lagin’s contributions to the Corps.
What Chesty meant to me
What Chesty meant to me
Sgt. Grit,
I’m not old enough to have met the general personally (being only 40 years old) but, did have an experience I want to pass along. Several years ago I joined the National Guard after a 15 year break in service. I attended AIT at Ft. Eustis, Va, and it was while I was there, that I was traveling with a friend that lived in that area. While in the car I noticed a menu from a restaurant that had an address of Puller Parkway. I asked my friend about it and he said that the Pullers had lived in that area and Chesty was buried not to far away. I, very excitedly asked if he could show me and of we went. We arrived at a church out in the middle of nowhere and I walked up to the cemetery. There was nothing special about the marker except the small American and Marine Corps flags at the head. I stood there for a moment and heard the echoes of “Good Night Chesty, wherever you might be” from that squadbay at Parris Island. I felt the tears well up inside as I stood there in the presence of why I had joined the Corps so many years ago. I took the time to take a few pictures for posterity, saluted and about faced. This is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.
The Navy on Parade
Memorial Day Small Town USA 2008
Memorial Day Small Town USA 2008
It always gives me a real sense of pride to go to the local Memorial Day parade. Here in Boonsboro Maryland.
I have enclosed 2 pictures of the color guard and the 21 gun salute formation. As for me, well my health wont permit me to participate any longer. But I am still good with it all, that is until the dual Buglers played Taps.
Grandson’s Graduation
Grandson’s Graduation
I have been reading your news letter for quite some time now, and I thoroughly enjoy each and every story I read in your news letter. I wanted to write and tell you about our grandson that is now a Marine. We are very proud of our Marine, he is the second generation of Marines. Our grandson graduated boot camp on Feb. 8th of 2008, and is currently in Pensacola Florida, training for intelligence. My husband is a Marine, he served in Vietnam from 1967-1968. I have several family members that have served in the military. My father was in the army, served in WWII, two uncles served in the air force and both made a career out of it, my husband was in the Marines, served in the Vietnam war, one brother served in the army in the Vietnam war, and another brother served in the army, my son served in the army, my daughter in law served in the army, and now my grandson is serving in the Marines. I am a true patriot, and proud of each and every man and woman that serves our country so that we may live as free as we do. Here is a picture of my two generations of Marines, on our grandsons graduation day. Thanks St. Grit, for all the joy you bring with this newsletter to so many people