Category: Marine Corps Stories

MCRD San Diego

Dear Sgt Grit:

After nearly 24 years I was honored to be able to make a return visit to the MCRD in San Diego this past March while in California on business. The emotions it stirred in me were quite unexpected. I was accompanied by my sales Manager who is not a Veteran but said that he too felt very special that day for being able to share this experience with me. Long dormant memories flooded back and it felt as though it were only yesterday, and I could still hear the melodic cadence calls of SSgt Lewis echoing across that hallowed ground. Of all my life experiences I can think of no other that has so profoundly stirred my course through life. From my days with Platoon 2042 at the depot to my times with Bravo Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, nothing in my life short of raising my son has had more impact on who and what I am. read more

2nd Battalion Barracks

Sgt Grit:

Re: Mike Kunkel, Cpl 0331, 81-85 comment about musty smell and current state of 2nd Battalion Barracks.

The smell is not peculiar to just Parris Island. I go to NC/SC annually for vacation and that same smell permeates the air near the wetland areas. As far as the barracks go…I visited the Island in late December, 2003 and took the pictures I've attached. The old wooden barracks were being dismantled back in 80's when I visited then. The brick barracks shown in the picture were of 2nd Battalion. read more

Parris Island Plt 47

This is my boot camp picture at Parris Island, Plt. 47, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. I am in the 2nd Row from top, next to the last in that row. Plt. 47 started in April 1947 and graduated in June 1947. Our DI's were SSgt. Albring (KIA Korea), SGT. Paul Schmid and Pvt. Jensen. I would then spend almost 23 years in the Corps, achieving rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) and in 1966 was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. Two tours of recruiting duty (NY/NJ [50-52] & Owensboro, KY [55-59]. As a SSgt. & TSgt. I served with ATA Plt., , Wpns. Co., 1st Bn., 5th Marines; H&SCo., 1st Bn., 5th Marines and Hq. Bn., 1st Marine Division in Korea (52-53). Also was a 2ndLt. and 1stLt. in Vietnam (66-67) as Asst. Div. Adj./Awards Officer of the 3rd Marine Division. The roster of my fellow boot camp Marines is included. read more

Before and After

Hello Sgt Grit,
I have been driving past your store for almost a year and been wanting to stop by and see what you were all about. Well today, Christmas eve, my wife and I made the plunge and I can only tell you that you are doing an outstanding job Marine!!! We spent about 30 minutes looking around and visiting with Rowdy, that great looking bulldog of yours. I was able to break away some funny money from my wif and bought some goodies. read more

Platoon 4007

Sgt Grit,
Incredible website that could have only been created by a Marine! One of my platoon members, Cpl Martinez, female Marine, left an email and a photo for you. We were proud members of Platoon 4007 in 1996. We were only the second class to have to pass the crucible to graduate. Never, in my life, have I been so proud, as the day we humped to the Iwo Jima Memorial on a rainy morning. Thank you for what you do, and I'm enclosing a Marine picture, and a photo of what I do now. Ooo Rah Devil Dogs! read more