Category: Marine Corps Stories

A Heck of a Marine: In memory of PFC Daniel B. McClenney, USMC

I’m an Air Force veteran but enjoy reading the newsletter. I have a strong respect for Marines as my nephew was one. He fell in battle in Afghanistan on June 24th, 2004. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and his devotion and sacrifice for his fellow Marines. The military is indeed a band of brothers, regardless of service affiliation. The chain is strongest at local squadron/company levels but then encompasses each subunit, the service division, and finally the military as a whole. I’ve stood with my Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marine brethren as we protected Memorials in Washington DC as part of Gathering of Eagles and Eagles Up. Those that do not know the resolve of the military brotherhood and hope to spread their venomous hatred for the military through their recent actions in Berkeley, California and at a recruiting center in Washington DC, will be met toe-to-toe and eye-to-eye wherever they gather. I look forward to meeting many of you brothers in the future at pro-troop rallies. I am Mustng959 or Mustang, listed with www.freerepublic.com www.eaglesup.us as well as on the Air Force-Together We Served web site and the Charlie Daniels message board web site so give me a shout. read more

Marine brothers at the War Memorial

Here is a photo that was taken of a few of my club brothers & myself. The picture was taken on December 14, 2006 at the War Memorial. We were at Arlington National Cemetary the help lay wreaths for the wreath project. I can identify everyone in the picture but do not have the name of the person that took the picture. It was an individual that happened to be there and asked if he could take the photo. Thanks. read more

RE-UPPING

As most of you know, my marine recently re-upped, quite to a shocked mother’s mind and heart. In a telephone call from my marine, SSGT. currently serving his 4th tour in Iraq, he and I further discussed his choice. I am VERY PROUD to say that my son is a very wise man who had taken a good long look at the prices of things today, the current status of employment/or lack thereof, the benefits available to himself, his wife, and his one year old son. These things, discussed btn husband and wife, led to their decision. read more

Passing of a WWII Marine

Dear Sgt. Grit,
This is the second letter to you. I wrote about my two sons serving in the Marine Corps at the same time this past summer. Well one is out and my youngest is at Camp Lejeune. We were able to visit with him in January but it was a bittersweet visit. His grandfather, my father, passed away on January 25, the same morning my son, Johnny returned from his MEU. He was on the USS Gunston Hall. His brother Jerry contacted the Red Cross and they were able to get the message to the proper authority. He was allowed a ten day emergency leave. My father was a Sgt. in the Marine Corps during WWII. I miss my dad very much, but I do know he was so proud that his grandsons became Marines and I am too. They were both in uniform at his funeral and I couldn’t have been more proud. read more

In Memory

Here is a little appreciation to the crew of MAG 39 whether abroad or in the states. i know this will be late but i hope everyone has a safe Easter weekend.

charles harris in memory of my son CPL JOSHUA HARRIS (best man at his brothers wedding) read more

Pics of my son

My son, Sgt. Matthew Aldridge returned home from Iraq in April of 2007. I flew to Twentynine Palms, CA to be there when he arrived. The first picture is of the bus bringing our soldiers to the field to meet their families. I sent this pic to you because you can see our soldiers in the bus and the reflection of their loved ones in the bus windows. Next photo is my son calling home after his arrival. Next pic, he is in San Diego on Pacific Beach. He wanted me to see the ocean, so we spent 3 days there. It was wonderful. (San Diego apparently is more receptive to Marines than “pink” Berkley, the people there were friendly). Last two photos were when he arrived back home in Indiana. He visited my nephews school. The children and staff at Mackey Elementary were so excited to meet a “real soldier”. I just wanted to brag a little. Thank you for you publications and newsletters. read more

Marines Won’t Separate Family – Even If It Means Not Seeing Theirs

My son, Pvt Christopher Merrin got married on St. Patrick’s Day, 2007 and joined the Marines that same October. He is currently waiting to begin his MOS training at Camp Lejeune. He was given a few days leave this week (Spring Break 2008) and his intention was to surprise his wife for their first anniversary.?Everyone knew that he was coming home ? except his wife! read more

Marine Article

Good After noon,
Attached is an article from Stars and Stripes to give everyone who isn’t a former Marine an ideal who we are.

Semper Fi

Master Gunnery Sgt. Billy K. Nelson

Sgt. Grit,
Thanks for a great newsletter that often brings a tear to this former Marine. It’s been almost a year since we buried my father in-law, Master Gunnery Sgt. Billy K. Nelson 1943-1973. He joined the Marine Corps when he was only 17 and was a combat veteran in WWII, The Korean War and Vietnam. read more

Raymond Pursell

Sgt. Grit,
My dad, Raymond Pursell, was in the Pacific Theatre in WWII. His service time was 1943 to 1946. The group picture of his platoon says 380th Platoon, San Diego, 1943 (Boot Camp). From there he went to radio school and then on to Camp Pendleton where he joined the 2nd Separate Engineer’s Battalion, and via the VAC- 5th Amphibious Corps, went to Iwo Jima in February of 1945. I am including a picture of him. read more