This picture shows me receiving the “Outstanding Member” of my platoon award during Boot Camp graduation ceremonies at Parris Island in late November 1961. As you can see I was wearing a “P-ss Cutter” instead of a barracks cap and that was because clothing issue was out of my size. You might wonder how someone wearing a Rifle Marksman badge managed to win the award. Well, let me tell you.
Desert Utilities Still Fit
I read with amusement Mike Kunkel’s letter and photo (20 Apr) of him trying on his service uniform. Seems that is a common fate for most of us as we add on the mileage.
On the 25th anniversary of the First Gulf War, I thought I would see if my desert utilities still fit. I was so skinny then
Pirate Hunting Fleet In 1823
Earlier this month while vacationing in Key West, FL and wearing my new ‘Semper Fi Fund’ shirt my wife and I came upon the Truman Annex and Naval Air Station. The plaque on the wall to my right reads:
SEMPER FIDELIS
October 1, 1977
The first United States Marines arrived in Key West with Commodore David Porter’s Pirate Hunting Fleet in 1823.
Proud Of My Two Marines
I am writing to tell you how much I enjoy your products and reading the old stories from Marines. My dad was a Marine and sadly passed away three years ago. I really miss him.
SSGT Johnny Nelson proudly served in the Marine Corps, graduating from MCRDPI Platoon 528 in 1951. He served in the Korean War as a crew chief on a Sikorsky helicopter.
The Difference Of The Uniforms
Here are a couple pictures of a friend of mine’s father taken in 1948. He passed away on Easter Sunday April 23, 1986. His name was Richard Leroy Rankin Sr. After the war he went on to Graduate and married my friend’s mother. I know today he stands proud as he helps Guard the Gates of Heaven,
Retired, Not Out!
New 3/25/2016. Never enough Corps ink.
Why The USMC & 3/25/69
Flashback Friday & to 3/25/69.
WHY I DIDN’T FOLLOW MY FRIENDS OFF TO COLLEGE AND ENLISTED IN THE USMC.
It’s the third week of June 1968 and I have been out of High School now for 2 weeks. Cruising west Toledo on this beautiful day ( more Later ) my mind is thinking of all the paper work and if it’s in order for me to start Toledo University this coming year and the career path I wish to choose when the news comes on the radio addressing the Vietnam War. Up to this point in life I owe everyone, my Mother, My Father, you get the idea again I am only 18 yrs old. I had or wanted for nothing, drove new cars ate at the best places in town wearing Botany 500 suits of which I had plenty in the closet. It hit me at that moment that it’s time for me to pay back for this great life of mine. My Father paid back in WWII as a Merchant Marine fighting the Germans then enlisting in the Navy and going to the pacific to fight the Japanese. Ok then I’m on Monroe st in West Toledo and am heading east to enlist in the Marine Corps.
Semper Fi Brothers
Cpl W.G. Moodie 68-72
Camp Matthews and Little & Big Agony
Regarding Bob Lonn’s mention of Big and Little Agony at Camp Matthews. You mention running up and down them. In 1957 (Plt 243) we had to “Duck-Walk” them in the July heat and dust. That was with steel helmets on and our Garand M-1’s behind our neck. It was brutal, but every one made it. I also have to mention that we had two (2) JDI’s. I swear when we started out with them they had a pact going for the entire 13 week boot camp. For the first half one of the JDI’s played good cop while the other played bad cop. The second half of boot they switched. This was a real blow to all of us as we were just getting to like the “Good Cop” JDI. However, this we all survived too…!
Ride Across America For The City Of Refuge Veterans Center Inc
Watching my parents spend their last days here on Maui has been very satisfying, at times very stressful, and in the end extremely painful. I am thankful for the time I spent with them and am truly humbled to be their son. When my father, who was also a Marine Corps veteran, was still alive, I promised him I’d start a new veterans treatment facility providing medical and psychiatric counseling services. I was working on this project when my mother suddenly became ill and passed away too. Settling their estate, getting thru their most treasured possessions has been a priority and has left me feeling drained and completely lost. The only thing that remains is a promise to bring their ashes back to Cape Cod, Massachusetts where they raised their six sons. To honor my father, and all veterans past and present, I’ve decided to bring my parents on their final motorcycle ride across America to help raise funds for my non-profit veterans organization known as the City of Refuge Veterans Center Inc. I encourage any veterans out there that are bikers to join me on a ride across America, and to raise funds to build a one of a kind treatment center for veterans located on the island of Maui. I am seeking financial sponsors to help make this trip possible. If you’d like to become a trip sponsor, contact Capt. Keith Lambert directly at 1-808-344-4604 or email me at keith@cityofrefugemaui.org.