Sgt Grit is a place where Marines can come and meet other Marines, share tattoos and stories, keep up with Marine Corps news, or shop for USMC gear.
Sgt. Grit,
Recently picked up a group of past Platoon group photos and this one from 1972 was in the mix. Any former members of this Platoon might find it interesting as they all signed the back of the copy that I have.
Semper Fi
Michael Hagins
Turlock, CA
Proud Father of PO3 "Doc Hagins" 1st Marine Division
I am writing in regards to a momentous event that occurred this past weekend (11-14 June 2009).
In 1969, an honor platoon graduated from "A" Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD, San Diego. Platoon 1066 Drill Instructors were, SSgt. Guadalupe Gonzalez, Senior Drill Instructor, SSgt. Ed E. Alley, and Sgt. Anthony Leon Gatling. The Honor Man was Private (awarded PFC) Steven Wills. Although awarded the "Honor Platoon" streamer for their guidon, members of this platoon has exemplafied the meaning of honor thoughout their military and civilian careers. One member, Ken Fielder, has been awarded 5 Purple Hearts and the bronze star. Of all the members of this platoon that saw duty in Viet Nam, not one failed to return. This, in itself, is unheard of. The Senior Drill Instructor, SSgt. Gonzalez, however, feeling the call to serve again, returned to Viet Nam, where he was fataly wounded by a booby trap.
Attached is a picture that some of your readers may be in if they've made it to thier 80's. Platoon 354,San Diego,1943. One of the Marines is Pvt.Robert Roth,my dad. I graduated from Platoon 366, 20 years later in 1963…SEMPER FI!
Sgt.Ron Roth
63-74
I was a Hollywood Marine so this does not mean that much to me…but you PI Marines may feel a bit different.
In response to Sgt.'s Frank Huff & Steve Krupa posts about a DI Sgt. Thornton at MCRD San Diego. There apparently was more that one DI named Thornton, as I was there June 23, 1973, Plt. 1070 and my Senior DI, was a SSgt. Johnny Thornton. While it's possible he was a Sgt. in 71, I don't know that, but here's a pic of him from my boot camp annual.
Sgt. Grit:
My husband, our son and I visited southern California for our vacation this summer. While there, my husband wanted to take us to MCRD San Diego so we could see where he did his basic training 25 years ago. He has not been on that base since. We picked June 19, a day when there would be a graduation of new Marines. My husband joked when we entered the base that he was starting to sweat and feel nervous! I have to say, having never been to a Marine Corps boot camp graduation, it was an awesome ceremony to witness. (I have attached some photos of that day and a picture of my Marine.) We didn’t know anyone there, we didn’t have any loved ones graduating that day. We just wanted to take some time and cheer on the outstanding accomplishment of the graduates. They all looked so perfect and handsome in their uniforms. We are so proud of them and so thankful for them. My husband certainly knows what they have accomplished, and it will be a part of who they are for the rest of their lives. I was mingling around with some of the graduates in the gift shop after the ceremony and they are so polite and such gentlemen, always saying thank you, excuse me and yes ma’am. To all Marines, thank you for your service.
Sgt. Grit
All Arizona Platoon #354's Sgt. J.P. Coen, JDI, in the letters from Robert Adams, Robert Eisenreich, and Charles Hightower in the Newsletters from the summer of 2007 about the movie, "The D.I." bring a knowing grin. Some time amidst the blows of basic training Sgt. Coen made an offer, "When you're a Marine I'll give you a chance to flight me."
My oldest son Mark A. Yenichek II
Graduated 6-26-09 FROM Parris Island.
It rained the day of graduation so it took place in the all weather facility, couldn't get very good pics. Here are pics of the Motivational run and family day.
My # 2 son was so inspired by the Marine experience he enlisted the following week. He will leave for Parriss Island in October.
I enjoyed reading your email. The post about the family that visited Southern Cal in January made me smile. My son graduated boot camp on Jan. 16th of this year and looking at the pictures made me remember that day! 🙂 We are SO proud of him! He is at his first duty station presently and is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in just a few months. Thanks so much for posting stories about past and present Marines. They're all a part of this forever family we've been thrown into by our son and we are SO proud! 🙂 (My husband, father and older son were all in the Navy, so this is a change for us!)
Pvt Garrison, a third generation Marine. He graduated boot camp July 10th 2009. The first generations are Grandfathers (mom) Jessie Perry 47-51 and J.W. Garrison 56-59. I am the second generation Garrison Paul 79-91.
Your Brother and Bond Servant of Jesus Christ Paul Garrison
