Sgt. Grit,
My Grandmother, SGT. Patricia Shay, served in WWII helping to process the Marines coming back to Alameda, CA from the Pacific Theatre. I remember as a young boy seeing her Marine Corps pictures displayed proudly showing her in uniform. This ended up being my introduction to the Marine Corps. She grilled me with my studies so that I could graduate and fufill my commitment to enlist and become a Marine. She attended my graduation from MCRD San Diego (Hollywood), and has been there when I needed her to be. There have been two outstanding gifts that were presented to my Granny, first was the Flag from Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan flown on DEC. 7th 2011 sent by my Brother-In-Law, Maj. Kevin Bicking, (A Mustang, from SGT. through OCS and made it to Major in just over 20, Currently Retired) and second, the Award of the Two Medals… The American Campaign and WWII Victory medals that she had not received when she was in the service. These two small acts have moved my family and my Grandmother specifically with comraderie that is the Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis to all of our Veterans… old and new, and by the way Granny is 93 and will be 94 this year and is still as tough as nails.