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.
Your gifts plus my purchases for door prizes helped to make our Mini Reunion in Allen, TX very memorable. I made a display of your gifts, sign and catalogs. I hope the Marines who took home your catalogs will make a purchase.
We marked the 50th Anniversary of our participation in the Kennedy Funeral Detail.
Here is a picture of the oldest and youngest Marine at the 30th Annual Tom Grosvenor USMC Birthday Toys For Tots Breakfast in Fox Lake, IL at the VFW. The WWII Marine is 92 and the young Marine is 22.
Well Sgt Grit, I have spent several Christmases away from home starting 1959, however, for my time spent in the Corps, that was my home and I enjoyed, Japan, Okinawa, Laos, Vietnam during the Christmas seasons, and I had 6 of them overseas on the Pacific Rim. Christmas overseas meant, USO shows with top artist at the time, Good meals in the Mess Hall cooked by Marines and lots of suds. (beer, booze) and great friends.
I only went home on Christmas leave one time during my enlistment. It was 50 years ago in 1963. I was stationed at MCRD San Diego, attending Basic Electronics School. Since the course just happened to end just before Christmas and Radar Fundamentals class didn't start until right after 1 Jan 1964, we were given leave over the Christmas holiday.
The organization that I belong to, National Image, Inc., honors civilian and military men and women on active duty who have excelled in community service at our Military Awards banquet on a yearly basis. This year our conference was held in Baltimore, Maryland. The call went out to the Department of Defense to submit personnel to receive this award. I have been in contact with my platoon commander since the late 80's even though we had served in the Republic of Vietnam in 1966-67. I knew that he had been involved in community service in Philadelphia where he resides and asked him to meet me just to say hello and talk about our experiences. It was a complete surprise for him!
This is a picture of my son Brian at the recent USMC 238th Birthday Ball. He is stationed at Camp Pendleton.
Is this a good looking Marine or what?
Mattman
Upon arrival to my destination, May 1968, 3rd Recon Bn, Quang Tri Province, I found the battalion still in tents on the ground. Food wasn't great, but we did have warm food. Below are before and after photos of our chow halls. By the way, serving with 3rd Recon was a great honor for me and I've been proud to be a part of such an outstanding Marine Bn.
November 10, 2013 is 238th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. Traditionally Marines gather on this day to celebrate the birth of their Corps. The baker at Uncle Bill's Dining Facility, (Mess Hall for you Old Corps types) FOB Spin Boldak, Afghanistan made a cake in honor of the occasion.
I just finished reading some of the stories in your newsletter. They brought back many memories of my tour in Vietnam. I was in country in 1969-1970, Da Nang with VMA 225, A6 Intruder Squadron. I served as a member of the ordnance crew. It was hard work but a great bunch of guys, and lots of good memories. Here is a picture of the crew if you wish to share. I am the one 4th from the left.
