Category: Marine Corps Stories

Sgt.Grit,

Just read the article about Captain Holmes: The Legend  in the November 20, 2013 newsletter written by Sgt. Philip Drugge 1957-1968. It was a very fasinating  story about a great Marine. However in the article Sgt. Drugge wrote that he was a reservist serving his six month active duty. I am writing to point out that I also was a reservist who served six months of active duty and seven and one half years of active reserve duty (1956-1964). I have recently have been made aware that I CANNOT be considered a VETERAN. The Marine Corps League has accepted me into their ranks without any problem. In fact, I recently have been elected as Jr. Vice Commandant of my detachment with less than one year of membership. At the same time of my joining the Marine Corps League I attempted to make arrangements to be buried in my local Veterans Cemetary, but was informed that I COULD NOT be buried there because I am not considered a Veteran. My intent was to have my ashes put into urn which holds my wife's ashes and we buried together. At this time there is no hope for me, but I do have my local congressman looking into getting a waiver. I am writting in hopes that other Reserve Marines, who were never activated , reading this might check out their situation. I have been informed that six months of active duty I had is considered "training" and to be called a Veteran one would have to assigned to another regular unit for an at least an additional 180 days. Check this out for yourselves Marines.     read more