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.
Hi Don,
I wanted to share a photo with you. Dr. Kinders is the UCO Vice President for Public Relations, as well as the advisor for Central Veterans, and just received his Doctor of Education degree. He was very happy with the name plaque we got from your company. Thank you to your staff for customizing it for us!
It is called: The Warrior Song I stumbled upon this searching for some songs for my lady to play on a internet radio station that she helps host. (She has found that she is very good at it, and quite funny!), for all of Our Troops and their Families. I gave a listen and EVERY Hair on my body was at Attention!! Thought you might give a listen, and see if you agree, and maybe share with our Brothers and Sisters.
My trip was short and sweet. I recently revisited "our" old alma mater – the University of MCRD, San Diego campus. I graduated there just over 59 years ago. Coincidentally, I was there on a Thursday, the day before graduation. I guess a lot of the guys got time off to visit with those who came to their graduation.
Reading some of the funny boot camp stories reminds me of the night our DI SSgt. DeSisto yelled, "Out of the head!". The reply, "Out of the head, aye-aye sir!".
We all come racing through that hatch like ants to a picnic. I was near the end with one hand holding a towel around my waist and the other holding my shaving kit. When my wet shower shoes hit the concrete on the quarter deck my ankles went to the sky and my back to the floor right in front of the DI. He went from his usual scowl to a full on, burst out laugh. He immediately turned and walked into the duty hut slamming the door behind him. You could hear him in there just busting a gut laughing. I can't help but smile thinking about it 35 years later.
In remembrance of our fellow Marines who have proceeded us by higher orders, the Marines of Echo Company, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, and Alpha Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines calibrated our 50th anniversary of our landing at Da Nang, Vietnam, on 7 July 1965.
Thought you and your Marines would be interested in knowing, that Ms. Meriwether Ball, a distant cousin of Lt. General Lewis "Chesty" Puller, wrote a new book on her investigation into his strong past, the personal side. The title is; "Puller Chronicles; Volume 1, Second Edition".
Just like most Marines, I honor all Marines, especially those who served during WW2 and Korea. Recently I had the honor of meeting a Marine from the Battle of Iwo Jima, Pfc. Robert Hensley, 3rd Marine Division. As a Garland Deputy Marshal, I get the chance to meet many citizens during the week. On one occasion 3 months ago I observed a senior citizen entering the lobby of the building I am assigned to. As he got closer, walking slowly with the aid of his cane, I noticed that he was wearing a cover with the Marine Corps Emblem. So I gave him a strong "Semper Fi Marine" greeting! He stopped, straighten up and looked over at me and with a slight smile on his face he returned the greeting! And as almost all Marines do, I asked when he served and what unit he served with. He responded proudly that he is a WW2 Marine and served with the 3rd Marine Division at Iwo Jima. So he stopped next to my desk and we discussed our experiences in the Corps. As you can guess, my part of the conversion was brief and his was a bit longer and more interesting!
After I graduated high school I spent the summer in unrepentant sloth. Graduation parties, bonfires on the beach, and the consumption of alcohol led to many late nights and even later mornings. I hadn't gotten a job nor had I registered for college. Why would any 18 year old when he was having so much fun, right?
Let me start this story by saying, I know each of these warriors well. I consider both to be great friends. Pictured is Cpl Greg Coats and SSgt Codi Tanksley. I could write a book on these two Marines, but I will keep my observation short this time. Both of these Marines were in the store at the same time this past week. These Marines both served during the Iraq War and served heroically at that. I made sure that these two met when they were in. I felt the need to bring these brothers together.
Reading all the stories of our dress blues I've got one that I would like to share. After I returned from VN, at the end of 1966, I was stationed in Norfolk and was on light duty, after having knee surgery at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, when our Top asked me if I had a set of blues. Having been in the "Corps" long enough to know better than answer right of way. I asked "why"?
