Category: Marine Corps Stories

Like Big Brother

Aiden Pettit, little brother of grand nephew Cpl. Kevin Pettit, worships his big brother.  So, when Kevin was married late in July, Aiden dressed in dress blues, to serve as ring bearer for Kevin's marriage to Paige.  Originally, the seamstress who tailored Aiden's uniform was just looking for the correct material, but a local recruiter came through by furnishing a WM blouse +.  Aiden is wearing a duplicate of Kevin's blouse, even to matching ribbons and marksmanship medals.  Kevin and Paige are stationed at Miramar.   Bob Rader God Bless America and the U.S. Marine Corps

Sept. 11 Story

Sgt. Grit,   I am writing this on September 12, 2011, I have notice that there was hardly any mention of the plane hitting the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 at least locally in the Tampa area. So I thought I would share a couple of pics and a story from that day. I was stationed at Henderson Hall, HQBN,  HQMC while undergoing rehab after back surgery at Bethesda. They those of us with laminated light duty chits working at the base gym. I had just watched the planes hit the towers and went out for a smoke when I saw the plane fly over and hit the Pentagon. It was unreal to see we helped in setting up a triage area which I don’t think was actually used. After that was done we were given our m16 with no ammo of course and posted around base. The next day maybe next couple of days’ time was blending together, I was sent down to the Pentagon to help wherever I could it amazed me all the groups that had come out to help salvation army, outback steakhouse mc Donald’s and many others were helping feed amongst other things. Anyway to what I was actually writing about in the pictures I attached you will see in the midst of all the destruction there was Marine Corps Colors standing tall untouched by the damage. There was a Marine Major who arranged for the crane to lift someone up to get it and then it was brought to the Commandant if I remember correctly. It was really emotional for those marine that were there to see this standing tall.     Thomas Hunter   Cpl USMC RET

Parris Island Graduation 9-2-2011

Here are some pics of my Great-niece, Teresa Rocha, graduating on "The Island", September 3, 2011. Please feel free to use any. She is from Tomball, TX. Went in at 18, about 3 days after High School. My sister, (her Grandmother), and  I drove Down from Tulsa to watch.   A lot different than when I  I graduated, in San Diego. There were 8 Platoons. 6 men and 2 women. More DI's than you could shake a stick at! LOL. Enjoyed shooting the breeze with some of them, including  series 1st Sgt. Found out "Sir, yes sir", is no longer used. "We don't use the sir sandwich anymore", a Gunny DI told me. It's now, "Aye,sir". And, they are Recruits, not Privates. And, while walking around the base, you could hear in the distance, a recruit or platoon, "aye, sir".     Thursday, 9-1-11, was visitors day and Friday, 9-2-11, was graduation. It was suggested to be at the gate by 0530. At about dawn, the platoons did a motivational run around the Parade Deck and on one of the streets. All singing a different cadence. About a mile and a half, I was told. After showers and getting dressed, they assemble in a large building. We were up in some bleachers.After some ceremonial stuff, they are dismissed until 1500.What a sight! I can't tell you the number of times I had a lump in my throat. (Both days).   Graduation was at 0930, Friday. But, we had the opportunity to attend Colors at Headquarters. Oh, my! After the Marine Hymn, I mentioned to a Colonel next to me, that after 40+ years, I still get goose bumps when I hear that tune. He said he was there every Friday, and he still gets goose bumps everytime, also.   Semper Fi, JJ Moss 1969-72 Echo 2/9 & Bravo 1/8

What is this?

            All hands,

  Col Sheldon Bathurst came up with an ID on the Item. 
It is an attachment that is used o Horse Saddles , more that likely rom the Mounted 
Color Guard at  Camp Pendelton……
S/F
GG

 

 

Dear Miss Castro,

I found your name and email from looking at the Marine Corps Museum web site.  Someone I know sent me these pictures of an old Marine Corps item the gent bought from a free market.  I wonder if you would be kind enough to tell me what it is and where it came from.
Please see attached photos.
Thank you for your time and assistant, Miss Castro.
Quang
Quang Nguyen

Creative Director/Founder
Caddis Advertising, LLC
928-775-5384 Office

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What the Recuiter Never Told You

Sgt. Grit,   I came across this while surfing the web and thought you and our Marine Corps brothers would enjoy it.   It's an excerpt from a guide for civilians considering the military titled:   What the Recruiter Never Told You   Part 1 – – Deciding Which Military Service to Join

By , About.com Guide

Here's the link: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/joiningup/a/recruiter1_2.htm

Semper FI,

John Harrell
Sgt. USMC 1964-1969
RVN 1969

Marine1964to1969@hotmal.com