Dr. Pepper contest Vote for Cpl. Kelsey D.

www.drpepper.com/oneofakind/the_next_one/home   vote for Kelsey D. click on the link above. you are allowed one vote per day.    go to Kelsey's webpage and read her blog for further instructions.  www.kelseydesantis.com     Pass this on let's see if we can get everyone we know voting, let's move Kelsey into the number one position this is for are veterans.                                  No cell phones this must be done on a computer. read more

1st Radio Battalion Reunion

Hey Sgt Grit,

We had our 2013 USMC 1st Radio Battalion Reunion in Jacksonville, Florida, this past May… the economy stifled a bunch of our West Coast and Midwestern guys from joining us, but we gained a few more East Coasters, and a great time was had by all… former Sgt Lee Ahr and Linda Reinhart once again led the group by organizing this annual get-together, and their plans were excellent again. read more

My Houtch

Sergeant Grit,

I am an old Nam Vet myself. I retired after 30 years as a Master Sergeant. I have purchased so many items from you over the past few years. My wife is used to seeing a package about twice a week from you. I have attached just a few of the flicks of my Houtch and my front Hatch. I know you will appreciate my taste in decorating my quarters. The flicks are a little fuzzy as my hands aren't as steady as they used to be when I shot Expert with the M14. One flick is my Rack another shows flicks of General Amos and SMMC Barrett. These were autographed along with their challenge coins. The other shows the large metal Emblem and Chevrons that you provided. The last one shows Gunnery Sergeant Ermey shouting out orders for PT. All your gear has made this old Marine Happy. read more

Declaration of Desertion

Dear Sgt. Grit,

Saw the story about the lad who was arrested for "being AWOL at Sea…" Marines can and do fall between the cracks.

I had graduated from MCRD in August of 1968, but a paperwork snarl kept me at Graduate Casual for three months instead of going onto ITR immediately. First thing the following morning a Corporal approached me at 3rd Bn. HQ and advised me that I was on the morningreport as UA… read more

5 Lous

Grit,

Attached is a picture of the 1/1 81's forward observer radio operatort re-couping at Phu Bai after TET. The world famous 5 Lou's, from left to right:

Mark Anderson – AKA "Big Lou" – Chicago.
Bruce Coe – AKA "Lou" – Elmirya, NY (Deceased).
Ron Meyers – AKA "Little Lou", AKA "Superman".
Bill Guntor – AKA "Medium Lou", AKA "The Derilict" – Central Mass.
Tom Waltz – AKA "Squog", AKA "Lou" – NH. read more

Disappearing work

I think the hardest thing that breaks my heart is not finding my Graduation book or anything like platoon picture for PI, 2ndDiv, FMF, 3rd Bat, platoon 339 of the 336 series for 1961.  I got there July of 1961 and can't recall exact grad date.   Head DI was SSgt Rushing, others being SGTs Fox, Philips and Long. Rushing you couldn't miss for he looked like Clard Gable but my family was the only ones that never came and he found me sitting in the barracks alone. His words were hard but they were kind.  I told him I was going to get my GED and then go to OCS as I had qualified for.  His reply was that I'd make a good Marine.  But why can't I find anything on Platoon 339.  My ex chucked my book AND my discharge Certificate.  I broke my back in four places and they said I wouldn't qualify for any duty so I was Honorably discharged and sent home on inactive reserve.  We are a family of three generation Marines.  Can you or anyone tell me where to look and if Rushing is still with us? read more

Platoon 1066 Reunion

Dear Kristy,

The Marines of 1969, MCRD San Diego, Platoon 1066 met in Branson, MO once again for our fifth annual reunion on 30 May 2013. We were joined by our two Drill Instructors, SSGT Eddie Alley and GYSGT Tony Gatling. The highlight of our four days together was the wedding of DI Gatling and his bride, Cloureen. At the wedding banquet on Saturday night all of the great items so generously donated by SGT GRIT were distributed to the attendees. read more