Sgt,
Here's a couple things. No rant this time. I was in the LRS (logistics readiness squadron—-vehicle maintenance) shop today. I was waiting around for service and I noticed something. Us (USMC) vs THEM (AIR FORCE) I read a report (again) the other day about HMLA 367 Scarface in Marble Mountain Vietnam (my squadron) as how in a COMBAT zone at one time they had 100% AIR CRAFT up and flying. That's US. We strive to attain 100 percent efficiency in everything we do.
Category: Marine Corps Stories
Marine Memorial
My family and I were on a cross country vacation in June of this year. The trip included a visit with my brothers outside Buffalo, New York. It was at this time that a wake for a 21 year old fallen Marine was highly publicized in the Tonawanda News paper. The Marine was from North Tonawanda, New York. As a Marine veteran circa 1960-64, I had the feeling that I had to pay my respects to this Marine. The parking lot was lined with outriders standing at parade rest with American flags held at their positions. The Tonawanda police were there and opened the door to the funeral home as I entered. I paid my respects and said a prayer before the casket. I then turned to the Marine's mother and step father to convey my condolences. I mentioned to them that I was on vacation from Washington state and just had to be here for them. The mom hugged me and thanked me for being there.
Toys For Tots Golf Outing
Sgt Grit
I thought I'd send you a picture of some of the ladies from Hooters Of Rockford, IL who helped raise money for T4T on 24 July. This year marked the 7th consecutive year our friends at Hooters have lent a hand in the quest to make a brighter Christmas for those less fortunate.
Corporal Kenny
Sgt Grit – I have been looking at my dress greens hanging in my closet for many years now and it just doesn’t seem right. They are there because they mean too much to me but no one, and rarely myself will ever see them. I tried them on recently and apparently they used some weird material (51 years ago) because the uniform has really shrunk! I can’t even get the coat on over my shoulders and I’d have to use bungee cords to fasten the front if I did get it on. I’m certain the muscle in my body didn’t expand THAT much! I recently saw a thing on TV showing a very kind person that made teddy bears from military uniforms. My sister-in-law (Deb) is a schoolteacher (elementary grades) and an expert with a sewing machine. After very little begging and pleading, she offered to make a teddy bear for me, which I have labeled “Corporal Kenny.” Rather than make the teddy bear from the uniform, she made the teddy bear from suede leather because it somewhat resembled fur. Then she cut the uniform down to size to fit the teddy bear. While reducing the size of the uniform, she was careful to retain the original shoulder patches and belt. The belt and hat both still have my original name stamp on the inside. I’ve attached some pictures to show the final product. One picture is with me so you can get an idea of the size of the teddy bear (not me). Others shows a closer look the bear, the detail on the arm and pocket, and the dress shoes and shoe laces. The only problem now is finding just the right spot in the house to display Corporal Kenny, and it will be out in the open because I think it is really neat. Deb said it was labor intensive but she would be maybe willing to make a few more if somebody else wanted one. She is not looking for a career on the sewing machine however and it would be on her schedule. You can email me if interested. Maybe this would be an opportunity for somebody else that has experience with making teddy bears to jump in here to offer their services. I just know that I’m very pleased with Corporal Kenny and glad to see my uniform come back to life.
Supreme Commander
Austin Fowler, son of Cpl. Trampis Fowler, comes in the store a couple of times a month. The whole office loves this kid. While I was out of the office at my 11th Marines Comm Plt reunion he took control of my office.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
LCPL Vito E. Pistone IV
Vito E Pistone IV, Born Oct.22,1981, passed away on July 10,2010, as a result of an all-terrain vehicle accident. He was a born leader. Vito was a loving husband and an amazing father. He was a great friend and an even better brother. Vito was an inspiration to all who met him. He was always there to carry the weight and gave you a smile when you needed it the most. He was a man of strong morals and applications, an example for everything you could have hoped to be.
CFD Toys 4 Tots
Sgt
Well another Cheyenne Frontier days has come and gone.
Saturday was our last parade. I Know there are a heck of a lot more Marines in town as I talked to 20 plus on the sidelines!
Choo Choo
Sgt of Marines (nla)
1968-1974 (still serving?)
RVN 70-71
Pacific Front magazine cover
Sgt Grit,
Enclosed are a few copies of other Pacific Front magazines from 1945. Also, I found some Japanese pages from a book, looks like someone carried them for some time.
Semper Fi
PFC Robert Tannahill
Remembering a Marine
I noticed this in the local newspaper the other day We miss and remember the all. God Bless them all.
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
Lt. Presely Obannon
Sgt. Grit
While driving through Franfort Kentucky i saw a historical marker that said Daniel Boones grave is there in the local cemetary so i stopped to see it,it also had union and confederate grave sites. While looking through the area i spotted the sign with the Marine Corps emblem and walked over to see who was buried there and saw the grave site of Lt. Presley Obannon and have enclosed two photos i took that day. I am passing them on to you so all the Marines that receive your letter will know where it is at and if they should be traveling through Frankfort to stop and see for themselves.