Category: Proud to be a Marine

Lost and Found Plt 1229

Sgt. Grit:

I would like to know if there are any other Marines from Platoon 1229 who might be interested in a reunion. The roster photo lists each member and what state they were from or what state I think they were. I would appreciate it if everyone could take a gander at the photo and roster to see if they recognize anyone. If you do and know there whereabouts please let me know. read more

Guarding the Gates of Heaven

For my son, Marine SSgt Joseph Fankhauser (EOD tech)
KIA 4-22-2012

By Mary Wyscarver

She remembers as a boy, tanks and guns were his toys,
In her mind she always knew, he'd be among the chosen few.

Joined the Marines right out of school, tried to live by the golden
rule, Four times in Iraq on foreign land, two more tours in Afghanistan. read more

Intended To Be Funny

I enlisted in the Marine Corps for four years the week I turned 18, in 1965. I served in Okinawa, Phu Bai, 29 Palms, and at the Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Seattle, Washington, where I was part of an Officer Selection Office (OSO) team. I was honorably discharged as a Sergeant, went to college, was a computer programmer, went to law school, and have practiced law for 32 years. The Marine Corps gave me discipline and determination, and I am proud to be a Marine. read more

Guadalcanal Heroes

I read with interest Gunny Rousseau's letter on "Guadalcanal Heroes". Not everyone has forgotten about Guadalcanal. Not many of them (all heroes in my opinion) are left. Had the Marines failed there, the results of WWII would have been significantly different. Guadalcanal does not get the attention of campaigns like Iwo, but it was a victory of greater historical significance. read more

My Heart Is With Them

The brothers memories are alive and well in my home and on my ranger. On a daily basis I salute them all… especially the ones we left behind who are still waiting to come home like they were promised. I was a peace time Marine, but my heart is with them. Salute to all who served and are serving… read more

Upper Berth

Sgt. Grunt,

When I went on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC, out of Jacksonville, Florida. (All in one day). I could not resist having my picture taken at our USMC Memorial Statue (since I am an IWO JIMA survivor) and paying tribute with a salute. I also have a miniature of said statue on a shelf above my desk at home. Once a Marine, always a Marine. On another subject which has taken up space in your newsletter lately is my being sent to USMCRD San Diego, despite the fact that I enlisted in New York City which of course is definitely east of the Mississippi. read more

A Bit Faded

Sgt. Mike Alu, Platoon 2048, PISC

I believe SSgt. F.X. Muldowney is the Drill Instructor at the left in your platoon portrait. Senior Drill Instructors wore the garrison belt instead of the cartridge belt. Check it out, he was my Senior D.I., Platoon 2003, probably just before picking up your platoon. I was the platoon artist and given the task of painting Guantanamo Bay as seen from the sky. I guess Moe, as other Drill Instructors called him, was pleased with the painting, since I wasn't supplied anything to work with except a sheet, Q-Tips, mud, yellow Magic Markers, etc. It's a bit faded, but to the left it reads, First In The Air, On Land And Sea. I always regretted not doing a better job, but I had to improvise with what I could dig up. Note the trophies on the stacked rifles and streamers on the guidon. SSgt. Muldowney wouldn't have it any other way, but to be the BEST in the series. read more