The USMC Tradition Continues

Lieutenant Col. Jason L. Nickerl, Deputy Director of Recruiting, Western Recruiting Region, was honored at his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 20. His retirement was bittersweet because as he leaves the Corps, he watched his son graduate recruit training and fill his footsteps. read more

The Flag Pole

Semper Fi to my brother and sister United States Marines!

I served from July 1986 – July 1990 and my oldest son served from October 2011 – October 2015. We both went through MCRDSD; at some point I will share some stories! I have received the Sgt. Grit newsletter for several years now but this is the first time I have submitted a letter. read more

1st Radio Battalion Vietnam Reunion

At one time, these ‘young’ Marines were all members of 1st Radio Battalion, most served in either Kaneohe Bay or Vietnam or both.

We just finished our 2016 1st Radio Battalion Reunion in San Diego, and a great time was had by all. Of course, we visited MCRD San Diego. read more

WWII Heroes

Article By
Jim Holland
Rapid City Journal

Like so many young men returning from military service in World War II, Loyd Brandt just tried to pick up and move on and leave memories of the war behind.

“You just started living a new life, raising a family. You were too busy to dwell on the war,” said Brandt, of Rapid City, who celebrated his 90th birthday a week ago. read more

Beirut, Circa March 1983

Here are three more photos from Beirut, circa March 1983. As is typical with my photos there is a story with each of them. The top two pictures are of a dog that we rescued and one of my buddies, the late Narvel Don Hessen, while we were digging out one of our machine gun bunkers up at the American University. Did I get that correct MSgt. Chuck Outman – can I call it a bunker or is it a gun emplacement? read more