Category: Vietnam

A Big Step

The last couple of months I have been getting a set of dress blues together for my husband for the Traveling Vietnam Wall that came to Portland, Oregon over Memorial Day weekend. I have to say a big thank you to SGT Grit in helping me do this. But the real story here is a Disabled Veteran made his first trip to the wall, and it was a tear jerker for all involved. Dearl has always told me that he would never go see the wall and I never pushed the issue. But thanks to a fellow marine, Dearl not only went to see the wall he was also one of the Honor Guards that were there. I have aways been proud of my husband, and more so now. Because this was a big step for him and his fellow veterans. I hope that anyone that has a chance to see the Wall do so. There was a gentleman that was there. He didn’t go near the wall, but stayed on the hill. But he was there. And I know that took a lot for him to do that. Inclosed is a picture of my granddaughter Shana and my husband Dearl. I think he cleaned up rather nice myself. We were there through most of the week. And I have to say that it was a life changing experience. Love and Best Wishes Veterans and Families. Robin Taylor. Proud wife of a Marine. read more

Alpha One Four

Alpha 1/4 had their 2006 Reunion in Oklahoma City. They came by the store to shop and invited me to their main banquet.

Outstanding Marines and well organized event. Touching, memorable ceremony after dinner.

Welcome Home!
Semper fi
Sgt Grit read more

A Sincere Thank You

Dear Sgt. Grit,

I had the incredible honor of helping in planning the first ever Vietnam-Era Reunion for the 3rd BN, 11th Marines this past September in Arlington, VA. I have enclosed a few pictures from the event for your enjoyment. Many of these men had not seen each other in over 35 years, for some it had been 40. We had our own private hospitality suite and as men and their families started to arrive, I knew right away that we were going to have a very fun, successful and powerful weekend. To be in the company of their brothers again, to tell tales and remember whens with those who truly understood what it meant to be in their Vietnam, was obviously the most significant aspect of their weekend together. I wish there were some way to express in words what was written on their faces as they reunited with old friends, the looks in their eyes, these will be memories forever etched in my mind. I mean no disrespect to any other Marines, past or present when I say that there is no finer group of Marines than the men of the 3/11. Each and every one of them are not just fine men, but fine human beings and I consider myself blessed to have been in their company. You having been a Cannoncocker yourself, know full well what I mean. It is true what your bumper sticker says, “Artillery brings dignity to what would otherwise be just a brawl”. Dignity was most definitely what was in the air the entire reunion weekend. read more

“Post Conflict” – Wonderful Events

On 2 July 1959 I stood on the yellow footprints of MCRD San Diego.
In 1971, I was at Marine Air Control Squadron – 4, First Marine Air Wing (Fwd), Monkey Mountain, Danang, South Vietnam. “Back In The World” (Lancaster CA) the Antelope Valley GI Supporters was sending Care Packages to a bunch of us in ‘Nam. I got a lot of them…….maybe because my Big Sis’ was part of the AVGIS folks. read more

Dublin City

Sgt. Grit,

I recently connected with a buddy I served with in Vietnam 40 years ago. He sent me a photo of one of our recon teams ? ?Dublin City?.
I thought our comrades might like to take a look.
Picture at Company C, 1st Recon Bn, near Phu Bai RVN. read more

Dublin City

Dear Sgt. Grit,

In response to the letter written by Jack Redmond, a member of the Les Brown Band, I would like to offer my appreciation to him and all of the others who came to Vietnam to support the troops. I have included a picture of all the members of the 1967 Bob Hope USO Christmas show in Chu Lai RVN. Can you point out where you are in this picture? From left to right, Bob Crosby, Raquel Welch, Barbara McNair, Bob Hope, Miss Peru, (I don?t remember the name of the lady standing next to her) and Les Brown. The unique thing about these shows is that Bob Hope?s staff always made it a point to find out something about each base or its commanders to make a joke about it. In our case, I remember him making a joke about ?Chu Lai steak? which of course was roast beef. On a personal note Mr. Redmond, I salute you and all of the others who sacrificed their time to make us laugh, to remind us just how beautiful our American women are and in the midst of combat, giving us hope and a much needed boost to our morale. Thank you again. read more

Island of Vieques

Dear Sgt Grit,
After recently placing an order with your company, I began thinking about my tour in the Marine Corps – 1959-’63. Most of the arms & weapons in your catalog are of current use. My weapon of choice was the BAR and, to me, was one of the few hand held weapons with controllable firepower. read more

11th Engineers – Vietnam 68′

Hello Fellow Marines!
We are seeking the Marines( 11th Engineers-vietnam 68′)
that you see in the photo.
Aside from Fankie Noe ( with the bluper -M79)
and myself ( sitting on the edge of the truck – sqd ldr)
we would appreciate your help.
Thanks
Gene Spanos
USMC 66-71 Sgt
watchcmdr1 @ sbcglobal.net read more

Frank’s Story

Dear Sgt. Grit, I am a former resident of Long Island having grew up in Patchogue and until two years ago, resided in Shirley with my wife and children. My wife and I relocated with our family in 2005 to East Tennessee. I am a Class of 1976 graduate of Patchogue-Medford High School and a retired New York City Police Detective. I am also a U.S. Army veteran and am currently serving in Iraq with the U.S. Department of State, Division of Narcotics and Law Enforcement. read more

“Won A Heart … Won A Mind”

Hi Sarge,
A few months ago my eldest son, Greg, was going through the family archive of photographs and came up with enclosed. It was taken on Christmas day (1968) near the DMZ & outside a little Village called Cam Lo. My younger son, Tim, recently got it into my computer. Though it was snapped 39 years ago (And also about 39 lbs. ago), I thought you might get a kick out of seeing some of the guys (During their USMChay-day.) that yourself and your fine News-Letter have helped over the years. And like myself, remain grateful. read more